Sarah Worth ("S") is a conventional woman, the wife of a doctor, a good mother, a responsible citizen. But when she comes under the spell of a Hindu cult leader, she flees her safe suburban existence to become a pilgrim at his ashram in Arizona. The novel consists of letters from Sarah to her husband, her small daughter, her mother and brother, her dentist and her shrink. Updike's comic satire about a woman whose consciousness undergoes a radical change is loosely based on Hawthorne's THE SCARLET LETTER.

Sarah Worth ("S") is a conventional woman, the wife of a doctor, a good mother, a responsible citizen. But when she comes under the spell of a Hindu cult leader, she flees her safe suburban existence to become a pilgrim at his ashram in Arizona. The novel consists of letters from Sarah to her husband, her small daughter, her mother and brother, her dentist and her shrink. Updike's comic satire about a woman whose consciousness undergoes a radical change is loosely based on Hawthorne's THE SCARLET LETTER.

In the 19th mystery in this popular alphabetical series, private detective Kinsey Milhone attempts to discover the truth behind the disappearance of Violet Sullivan, who apparently abandoned her abusive husband and her little daughter, Daisy, 34 years ago. The now grown-up Daisy needs to know whether her mother really ran off or met a more sinister fate.

In the 19th mystery in this popular alphabetical series, private detective Kinsey Milhone attempts to discover the truth behind the disappearance of Violet Sullivan, who apparently abandoned her abusive husband and her little daughter, Daisy, 34 years ago. The now grown-up Daisy needs to know whether her mother really ran off or met a more sinister fate.

Mickey Sabbath, an aging, misanthropic puppeteer, embarks on a journey into his checkered past when his long-time mistress dies. His journey turns into succession of disasters. And while Sabbath wants to die, he still has too much life in him to succumb.