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From one of the 20th century's most prolific writers of suspense comes a tale of romance, deceit, and above all, revenge. 

Looking out over his estate, there is nothing the Marquis of Mandeleys can see that he does not own—that is, everything besides one cottage, about a hundred yards from his home. The small property belongs to Richard Vont, and has been in his family for generations—and he has no intention of leaving. 

But all that is about to change when the Marquis becomes enamored with Vont's only daughter, whisking her away to England. Bolstered by the Marquis's financial support, Marcia becomes a novelist, leaving her father alone to wallow in his bitterness. Vont has never been one to give up without a fight, though, and has devised a plan to expose and ruin the "wicked" Marquis forever.

Henry James's satire, offering a commentary on the early women's rights movement, pits a conservative lawyer and his feminist cousin against one another, with the heart of a young suffragette standing between them. 

Basil Ransom is a charming, albeit stubborn, Mississippi lawyer who has come to live with his cousin Olive in Boston. But the pair will test each other like never before, with opposite political views. Basil is a steadfast conservative, while Olive is radically progressive. 

Whether to annoy his cousin or to have a story to tell, Basil decides to accompany Olive to a women's emancipation rally, only to meet and fall in love with a young suffragette, Miss Verena Tarrant. He quickly works to sway her beliefs, without realizing that Olive herself has been dispensing her teachings on Miss Verena as her protege. Who will win over the woman's heart and mind?

Largely considered to be Henry James' funniest novel, The Bostonians was first serialized in The Century Magazine from 1885 through 1886, and then published as a book in 1886. The book is of its time, embodying a post–Civil War America, and as such offers insights on political matters, particularly feminism and the changing social role of women.

What was once considered one of the most scandalous books in history, Fanny Hill explores a young woman's journey of pleasure. 

Orphaned at 15, Fanny Hill moves to London to provide for herself. She finds work as a maid, but soon is sought out by a madam, who hopes to sell Fanny's virginity. At first, she is fearful of men, but she quickly learns of the enjoyment to be had in sex.

Written in first person, the novel follows Fanny's rise through the social ranks and the encounters she has along the way. 

Initially banned in 1749 upon publication for obscenity, the novel became impossible to find for centuries. Even the author, John Cleland, and his publisher, Ralph Griffiths, were arrested, charged with "corrupting the King's subjects." But now, the story of a young woman's exploration of physical pleasures has come to be viewed as a classic. 

Charles Dickens' final and unfinished novel has continued to puzzle readers for generations.

Centering on Edwin Drood, a young man who has promised his heart to the ravishing Rosa Bud, the story has enticed readers for its open-ended mystery since its initial publication in 1870. Although Edwin plans to marry Rosa, she attracts other suitors, namely, Edwin's uncle Jasper. On the night before Christmas, Edwin receives a mysterious message, and in the morning, he is gone without a trace. It is clear something is afoot, but the suspects are numerous and will make solving this puzzle a doozie.