A #1 New York Times–bestselling author "maintains his obsession with surprise endings, producing a collection of fourteen cleverly twisting tales" ( Publishers Weekly). From the master storyteller comes a compelling collection of fourteen riveting tales of elaborate confidence tricks, political chicanery, immoral behavior, and dangerously illicit affairs, rendered with the breathtaking narrative twists that have become the Jeffrey Archer hallmark. Here are stories that will engross and astonish, peopled with a rich assortment of truly memorable characters: the intoxicating woman who appears to her lover only once every six years; the British diplomat who employs his rather creative—if not entirely ethical—financial talents for a greater good; the millionaire who declares himself bankrupt to test the love and loyalties of those closest to him. This is Jeffrey Archer at the top of his form, as he offers us unique fables for our time and civilization, each one shining a harsh yet hypnotic light on that fascinating, complex being called "human." Praise for Jeffrey Archer: "Cunning plots, silken style . . . Archer plays a cat-and-mouse game with the reader." — New York Times "Archer is a master entertainer." — Time "Archer plots with skill, and keeps you turning the pages." — Boston Globe "A storyteller in the class of Alexandre Dumas." — Washington Post "Archer has a gift for plot that can only be described as genius." — Daily Telegraph