In this collection we have 19 very short stories, set all over Europe, that reflect the dark side of the Golden Twenties: gangs, a loss of the moral compass, greed and a high degree of callousness. The sexual content was shocking at the time and seems mild compared to modern offerings, but it made me uncomfortable because it is always about male dominance and often turns into violence. These people lie, cheat, steal and kill without remorse, they have no redeeming features and nearly always get away with their crimes. To this, add a writing style that is mediocre at best. ( )