The celebrated author of In Cold Blood returns to the short story in a collection which shows both continuity with Capote's past concerns and perspectives and new turns in style and approach.

Music for chameleons: Music for chameleons --Mr. Jones -- A lamp in a window -- Mojave -- Hospitality -- Dazzle. Handcarved coffins -- Conversational portraits: A day's work -- Hello, stranger -- Hidden gardens -- Derring-do -- Then it all came down -- A beautiful child -- Nocturnal turnings.