"Candide" is a satirical novel that follows the adventures of a young man, Candide, who is living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise and being indoctrinated with Leibnizian optimism by his mentor. When he is expelled from the paradise for kissing a baron's daughter, he embarks on a journey around the world, witnessing the horrors of war, natural disasters, and human cruelty. Throughout his journey, Candide maintains his optimistic philosophy, despite the constant hardships he faces, ultimately concluding that one must cultivate their own garden, a metaphor for taking control of one's own destiny.

"Consuelo" is a historical novel set in the 18th century that follows the life of a young and talented Venetian singer of the same name. Born into poverty, Consuelo rises through the ranks of the opera world, thanks to her extraordinary voice and the mentorship of a mysterious maestro. Her journey is not just one of artistic growth but also of personal discovery and moral development, as she navigates the complexities of love, society, and political unrest. Throughout the novel, she encounters a variety of characters, from nobility to revolutionaries, which shape her understanding of justice, equality, and the role of art in society. The book is a rich tapestry of adventure, romance, and philosophical musings on the nature of art and the artist's place in the world.

"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.