I bought this because I read anything by Ruth Rendell (AKA Barbara Vine), and it led me to some other good writers. The title of this collection tells you what fascinates her and dominates her work. She has a named detective series, but most of her novels and short stories explore the consequences of the decisions people make. Often they are violent and tragic, but she is not a "murder mystery" writer. Fine level of writing, and she is quite prolific, although I would be happy if she turned out one every month.