In The Sinner's Kiss, Clarke tells the story of betrayal, revenge in France and Morocco during the fin de siècle. Three women are drawn to the Lothario, Gabriel. Madame de Rosa desires him to be her instrument of revenge. Justine and Esmée, in contrast, desire him to escape the confines of society, a world where enemies prepare to strike like Madame de Rosa whose actions have dangerous, tragic consequences not only for her, but also for the other women. Their stories are woven into the fabric of nineteenth century conventions regarding female conduct, where those who desire pay a price.