M. E. Braddon 
Birds of Prey [EPUB ebook] 

Birds of Prey explores human nature, moral dilemmas, and the societal pressures that shape personal lives. The story follows a surgeon-dentist who, after relocating to London from a small provincial town, grapples with the failure of his practice and unresolved romantic disappointments. As he navigates his new life, he is confronted by the forces of respectability, class, and ambition, all while contending with complicated relationships. The novel begins by contrasting the character’s outward respectability with the inner turmoil that shapes his existence. A past flirtation with a woman, now married to another man, resurfaces, reigniting feelings of nostalgia and discontent. As the narrative unfolds, a mysterious illness plagues the man’s acquaintance, and through conversations with his family and staff, a sense of impending conflict and intrigue begins to emerge, creating an atmosphere of tension and mystery. The plot draws readers deeper into a world where hidden desires, rivalries, and secrets threaten to disrupt the lives of those involved.