Set in a wealthy Italian monastery in the 14th century, the novel follows a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths within the monastery. As they navigate the labyrinthine library and decipher cryptic manuscripts, they uncover a complex plot involving forbidden books, secret societies, and the Inquisition. The novel is a blend of historical fiction, mystery, and philosophical exploration, delving into themes of truth, knowledge, and the power of the written word.

Set in a small Italian village during the scorching summer of 1978, this novel tells the story of a 9-year-old boy who discovers a horrific crime being hidden by the adults in his community. The boy, while exploring an abandoned farmhouse, stumbles upon a young boy being held captive in a hole. As he tries to help the captive boy, he is forced to face the moral complexities of his world and the terrifying realization that his own father might be involved in this cruel act. The story is a poignant exploration of innocence, friendship and the loss thereof, and the harsh realities of adulthood.

The novel is a poignant exploration of love and perseverance set against the backdrop of World War I. It follows a young Frenchwoman who refuses to accept the official story that her fiancé has died on the battlefield. Despite being told he was executed for self-mutilation to escape military service, along with four other condemned soldiers, she embarks on a relentless quest to discover the truth. Her journey reveals a tangled web of deceit, cover-ups, and unexpected alliances, as she holds onto hope that her beloved is still alive. Through her unwavering determination, the narrative delves into the horrors of war and the enduring power of love.

The book is a dark and complex thriller set in the near future, where a series of gruesome murders has gripped Europe. The narrative follows a troubled detective with a cybernetically enhanced brain as he tracks a serial killer whose crimes are linked to a sinister biotechnology corporation. As the investigation deepens, the detective uncovers a web of conspiracy that challenges the boundaries of human nature and technology, leading to a chilling exploration of the roots of evil and the potential horrors of a post-human world.

Set against the backdrop of World War I in a small French town, the novel delves into the cold and somber atmosphere of a community living in the shadow of conflict. The story revolves around the mysterious death of a young girl, whose body is found by the river, and the subsequent investigation that unfolds years later. The narrative, rich with melancholy and introspection, is told through the eyes of a policeman who becomes obsessed with the case. As he delves deeper into the town's secrets and the grey souls of its inhabitants, the lines between victim and perpetrator blur, revealing the complex nature of guilt and the human psyche amidst the pervasive despair of war.

The book is a gripping thriller that takes the reader on a dark journey through the depths of human depravity and the complexities of justice. It follows a French journalist who becomes entangled in a web of murder and mysticism as he investigates a series of gruesome killings that span from Asia to Europe. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a mysterious woman with a tragic past and uncovers a sinister plot that challenges his own moral boundaries. The narrative weaves together elements of crime, suspense, and psychological drama, leading to a chilling exploration of evil and the thin line that separates guilt from innocence.

In this gripping installment of a celebrated mystery series set in Venice, the protagonist, a thoughtful and diligent detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines a brutal attack on a famous opera singer with a sinister burglary at a local museum. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, navigating the atmospheric and flood-prone streets of Venice, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and long-buried secrets. With the city's unique and treacherous acqua alta (high water) providing both a backdrop and a clue, the detective must use all his skills and local knowledge to solve the case before the rising waters erase all traces of the perpetrator's crimes.

In "August Heat," readers are plunged into the sweltering Sicilian summer, where Inspector Montalbano finds himself grappling with a particularly perplexing case amidst the oppressive heat. The story unfolds as Montalbano seeks refuge in a beach house to escape the scorching temperatures, only to stumble upon a perplexing mystery involving a murdered girl and a labyrinthine villa that hides more than just family secrets. As he delves deeper, the inspector must navigate a complex web of deceit, passion, and betrayal, testing his detective skills to their limits. This installment of the beloved series combines a gripping mystery with the rich, evocative setting of Sicily, showcasing the inspector's sharp wit and the local flavors of the island.

"Friends in High Places" is a mystery novel that follows the protagonist, a Venetian detective, as he investigates a case involving the suspicious death of a government official. The detective's inquiry leads him into a tangled web of corruption, real estate fraud, and high society connections in Venice. As he delves deeper, he must navigate the perilous waters of political influence and ethical dilemmas, relying on a few trustworthy allies in a city where appearances often hide darker truths. The novel combines a compelling detective story with a rich portrayal of Venetian life and politics.