Alexander the Great became king of Macedonia at the age of twenty. When he died, twelve years later, he ruled the biggest empire that the world had ever known. Many people died as he and his army fought their way east. But he became a hero to many others, and his achievements were extraordinary.
Detective Somerset has seven days before he can retire from work and escape from the city. Detective Mills is starting his first week on the job. This story is about seven days and seven shocking murders. The serial killer has one thing on his mind - seven deadly sins.
In 1673 young John Ridd meets a little girl called Lorna Doone. Seven years later they meet again, and fall in love. But the Doones are a family of robbers and murderers. One of them, Carver, killed John's father and now wants to marry Lorna. Can John save Lorna from her worst fears?
Aidan Dunne is an unhappy school teacher. Nora O'Donaghue returns to Ireland after twenty years in Sicily. Connie is rich but unhappy at home. Lou is a criminal. Fiona has no confidence. What brings these people together. An Italian evening class. And it changes their lives for ever.
Sherlock Holmes is a great detective. There are few cases that he cannot solve. In these three stories we meet a young woman who is terrified of a mysterious 'speckled band', a family who think five orange pips are a sign of death, and a banker who believes that his son is a thief. But are things really as they seem to be?