Dark secrets in a small Croatian town

When a British family buys a home in the Croatian town of Gost, handyman Duro makes their acquaintance and earns money fixing up the house — and their lives. Sixteen years ago, the town was a darker place, with the house inhabited by Duro’s first love, and Duro is forced to try to protect his new friends from its shadowy past. A stunning character-driven drama.

The Hired Man by Aminatta Forna, $29.