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The narrative explores the impact of Oscar Wilde's imprisonment for homosexuality on his family, particularly his wife Constance and their two sons. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Victorian England and World War I, the story delves into themes of societal norms, personal sacrifice, and the struggle for acceptance. It highlights the resilience of Wilde's family as they navigate the challenges and stigma associated with his legacy.
A brilliantly-wrought, witty, and sensitive historical novel, by a critically acclaimed and bestselling author, depicting a naïve, career-girl version of Jackie Kennedy as we've never seen her before, and her iconic marriage-in-the- making to an elusive John F. Kennedy, narrated by Jack's best friend and fixer, Lem Billings.
"A miracle; an exquisite story exquisitely told ... If you love Jane Austen, or Hamilton, or fiction--of any era--that transports and transforms in equal measure, look no further."--A.J. Finn, bestselling author of The Woman in the Window. From the prizewinning author of Mr. Timothy and The Pale Blue Eye comes Courting Mr. Lincoln, the page-turning and surprising story of a young Abraham Lincoln and the two people who loved him best: a young, marriageable Mary Todd and Lincoln's best friend, Joshua Speed. When sparky and independent Mary Todd arrives in Springfield, Illinois, in the 1840s to live with her sister, who is determined to find Mary a husband, she is astonished to find herself drawn to an awkward, melancholic lawyer with a gift for oratory. The two share ambition, an obsession with politics--and a need to be suitably married off. Always at Lincoln's side, however, is the charming Joshua Speed, a shopkeeper who became his mentor in society, loyal friend, roommate--and possible lover. Told in alternating chapters from the points of view of Todd and Speed, this witty, psychologically astute, and brilliantly plotted novel follows the threesome during Todd and Lincoln's tumultuous courtship, with all the suspense and delight of the best Jane Austen novels. Historians have long speculated that Lincoln and Speed had a romantic relationship, and here Bayard explores that forbidden possibility with deep empathy. Rich with both period detail and contemporary insight, Courting Mr. Lincoln offers smart storytelling at the highest level."
Amelia, recently orphaned and responsible for her younger siblings and their family gas station, faces a looming threat from Harley Blevins, a local fuel magnate intent on monopolizing the market. To protect her family from foster care, she devises a plan to find a father figure quickly. When a hobo unexpectedly arrives, Amelia seizes the chance to create a façade. The story explores her determination and resourcefulness as she navigates challenges to keep her family together until she can secure their future.
Set against the backdrop of the 1914 Amazon expedition led by Teddy and Kermit Roosevelt, this novel reimagines their adventure with a blend of historical detail and imaginative storytelling. It explores the challenges and dangers faced by the Roosevelts in the uncharted wilderness, highlighting themes of ambition, survival, and the complex relationship between father and son. Acclaimed author Louis Bayard weaves a gripping narrative that brings to life the perils of exploration and the allure of the unknown.
Set in 1818 Paris, the story follows Vidocq, a formidable figure in law enforcement known for his expertise in disguise and surveillance. As the head of a newly established plainclothes police force, he relentlessly pursues dangerous criminals. His latest challenge involves unraveling the mystery surrounding the young dauphin Louis-Charles, the son of Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVI, adding a historical intrigue to his thrilling investigations.
An ancient mystery and a lost letter intertwine to reveal a captivating web of intrigue that stretches over four centuries. The narrative explores themes of timeless love and the secrets of the past, as characters navigate the complexities of history and personal connections. The story promises to engage readers with its rich historical context and emotional depth, inviting them to uncover the layers of mystery alongside the protagonists.
Political intrigue and family redemption are central themes in this gripping narrative. The story revolves around Eugène François Vidocq, a legendary investigator known for his complex character and tumultuous past. As the plot unfolds, it reveals a tapestry of treachery, cover-ups, and conspiracies, showcasing Bayard's skill in blending historical detail with compelling storytelling. The novel promises an engaging exploration of both personal and political conflicts, highlighting Vidocq's impact on the world around him.
From the critically acclaimed author of Mr. Timothy comes an ingenious tale of murder and revenge, featuring a retired New York City detective and a young cadet named Edgar Allan Poe. At West Point Academy in 1830, the calm of an October evening is shattered by the discovery of a young cadet's body swinging from a rope just off the parade grounds. An apparent suicide is not unheard of in a harsh regimen like West Point's, but the next morning, an even greater horror comes to light. Someone has stolen into the room where the body lay and removed the heart. At a loss for answers and desperate to avoid any negative publicity, the Academy calls on the services of a local civilian, Augustus Landor, a former police detective who acquired some renown during his years in New York City before retiring to the Hudson Highlands for his health. Now a widower, and restless in his seclusion, Landor agrees to take on the case. As he questions the dead man's acquaintances, he finds an eager assistant in a moody, intriguing young cadet with a penchant for drink, two volumes of poetry to his name, and a murky past that changes from telling to telling. The cadet's name? Edgar Allan Poe. Impressed with Poe's astute powers of observation, Landor is convinced that the poet may prove useful—if he can stay sober long enough to put his keen reasoning skills to the task. Working in close contact, the two men—separated by years but alike in intelligence—develop a surprisingly deep rapport as their investigation takes them into a hidden world of secret societies, ritual sacrifices, and more bodies. Soon, however, the macabre murders and Landor's own buried secrets threaten to tear the two men and their newly formed friendship apart. A rich tapestry of fine prose and intricately detailed characters, The Pale Blue Eye transports readers into a labyrinth of the unknown that will leave them guessing until the very end.
Set in 1860s London, this Christmas story follows a grown-up Tiny Tim as he navigates the bustling markets and mysterious streets of the city. With unexpected twists and a deep emotional core, the narrative captures the spirit of Dickensian storytelling. The protagonist's adventures reveal the challenges and joys of life, showcasing resilience and hope against a backdrop of foggy London. This tale promises to engage readers with its rich atmosphere and heartfelt moments.