Set against the rich backdrop of France, England, South America, and the Mediterranean, A.E.W. Mason's classic collection transports readers to exotic locales brimming with intrigue. From a chilling encounter in an old French manor to a mysterious splash in the night, Mason deftly weaves tales of romance, horror and suspense guaranteed to quicken the pulse. Vibrant scenery comes alive on the page while precarious drama unfolds. The stories culminate in two gripping scenes from World War I, offering a revealing look at infamous spy Mata Hari on the morning of her execution and a suspenseful maritime mission played out on the waves of the English Channel. Mason's magical storytelling invites readers into a world filled with drama, secrets and surprises waiting around every corner.