Nicholas Renton

Police constable Hamish Macbeth keeps the peace in the small Scottish town of Lochdubh in his own unique way.

Many a baffling mystery and outrageous scam lurk behind the closed doors of Lochdubh, and Hamish needs all his skill to keep the big boys from Inverness off his patch. If only his love life were as easy to solve, but that is another story.

"Detective Chief Inspector George Gently ... returns to the job six months after he and his sergeant, John Bacchus ... were gravely injured in the line of duty. Both officers appear to be on the mend, physically at least. ... At a time of changing attitudes and values in Britain, Gently and Bacchus are undergoing transitions of their own ... set in 1969"--Container.

Uncertain of her future but unwilling to sacrifice her freedom, Bathsheba rejects the proposal of Gabriel Oak only to become his employer. Still in love, Gabriel can only watch as Bathsheba flirts with her neighbor, Mr. Boldwood unleashing a passionate obsession within the reserved Boldwood. Both men forsake their hearts, however, upon the arrival of the dashing soldier Frank Troy. Despite being in love with another woman himself, Troy sees a challenge...

Sweet Molly Gibson was living life pleasantly when her widowed father decides that, for the good of his daughter, he must remarry. In comes Claire and Molly's life is turned upside down by the usually well meaning but off-the-mark Claire, who insists on things being done the proper way. Added to the stew is Claire's beautiful, educated daughter Cynthia, and the Hamleys, a well-to-do family headed by a squire who is not happy about the romantic interests...

Cranford: For spinsters Deborah Jenkyns, the arbiter of correctness in Cranford, and Matty, her demurring sister, the town is a hub of intrigue. A handsome new doctor, Frank Harrison, has arrived from London, a retired Army captain and his daughters have moved into a house opposite the sisters, and the preparations for Lady Ludlow's garden party are under way. Everyone -- from charming rogue Dr. Marshland to mean Mrs. Jamieson and her lap dog -- talks,...