The Butcher Boy (1992) by Irish writer Patrick McCabe chronicles the descent of a neglected boy as he plunges deeper into madness and violence.

The short story "Walking Out" (1980) by David Quammen tells the gripping story of a father-son hunting trip that goes awry.

Gina Berriault's second novel, Conference of Victims (1962, 1985), describes the effects a man's suicide has on his closest family members.

Fyodor Dostoevsky's classic novel Crime and Punishment (1911) explores the psychological effects of murder.

Andre Dubus' short story "The Fat Girl" (1988) tells of a girl who withdraws from the world through food.

Women in Their Beds by Gina Berriault (1996) includes some of the author's finest works from her 40-year career as well as new short stories.

Flannery O'Connor's short story "Good Country People" (1955) tells about how the actions of a merciless man affects a farm family.