Novels with a wide range of manipulative characters fighting each other, female and male?

[Skimpole]

I was thinking primarily about Historical Novels about nobilities where everyone lust for power and ambitious is the law but I accept any genre. Of course the characters must be fascinating in their own way with very different personalities and goals, their motivations not always clear (ambiguous characters are very good). If possible I wish a realistic, amoral setting and ending with some "good" characters "losing" and some of the "bad" getting away with their actions and living happily ever after.

These are just suggestion. I don't want to be demanding. I just tried to outline my preferences but if you have a suggestion that doesn't fit only somerequisities, feel free to answer. Thank you very much!