Mary Elizabeth Braddon Books

A 19th-century novel about a woman who, when confronted by treachery and deceit is forced to use all her ingenuity and courage to preserve her integrity.

When beautiful young Lucy Graham accepts the hand of Sir Michael Audley, her fortune and her future look secure. But Lady Audley's past is shrouded in mystery, and to Sir Michael's nephew Robert, she is not all that she seems. When his good friend George Talboys suddenly disappears, Robert is determined to find him, and to unearth the truth.

Exploring Victorian anxieties surrounding the domestic sphere, the narrative delves into themes of deception and identity. It draws parallels to the infamous Constance Kent case of 1860, which captivated the public's attention. The story intricately weaves suspense and societal commentary, highlighting the complexities of gender roles and moral dilemmas in a rapidly changing society.

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

Aurora Floyd (1862-3) and Braddon's earlier novel Lady Audley's Secret established her as one of the ruling triumvirate of the popular and notorious "sensation novelists." Like Lady Audley, Aurora is a beautiful young woman bigamously married and threatened with exposure by a blackmailer. In this, the only critical edition of a popular "sensation novel," P.D. Edward's introduction evaluates its leading place among "bigamy-novels" and Braddon's treatment of the power struggle between the sexes, as well as considering the similarities between the author and her heroine.

The beauty of the child-like Lady Audley would suggest that she has no secrets. Combining the elements of the detective novel, the psychological thriller and the romance of upper class life, this sensation novel uncovers the truth about the heroine in a plot involving bigamy, arson and murder

Set in the atmospheric backdrop of flickering candlelight, this collection features chilling stories from renowned Victorian writers such as Sheridan Le Fanu, Catherine Crowe, and Mary Elizabeth Braddon. Each tale captures the eerie essence of the era, showcasing the authors' mastery in crafting suspenseful narratives that delve into the supernatural and the uncanny. These haunting stories reflect the Victorian fascination with the mysterious and the macabre, inviting readers into a world of ghostly encounters and psychological intrigue.

With Lady Audley's Secret, Mary Elizabeth Braddon had established herself, alongside Wilkie Collins and Mrs Henry Wood, as one of the ruling triumvirate of `sensation novelists'. Aurora Floyd, following hot on its heels, achieved almost equal popularity and notoriety. P.D. Edwards's introduction evaluates the novel's leading place among `bigamy-novels' and Braddon's treatment of the power struggle between the sexes, as well as considering the similarities between the author and her heroine.

The narrative centers on Isabel Sleaford, a woman married to a devoted but dull physician. Her contentment is disrupted when she encounters a literary figure who matches her intellectual interests. As Isabel navigates the complexities of her emotions and desires, the story explores her journey toward maturity, paralleling the dramatic elements found in her beloved literature. First published in 1864, this reimagining of Madame Bovary employs a layered storytelling approach, blending themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery.