Lady Audley's Secret

A beautiful governess marries a wealthy baronet and becomes mistress of a grand country house. She seems to have everything: charm, admiration, security. But a friend's disappearance and a few small inconsistencies begin to trouble the baronet's nephew, Robert Audley. As he looks more closely, the perfect surface of Lady Audley's life starts to crack.

Lady Audley's Secret is one of the most famous sensation novels of the Victorian era. First published in 1862, it mixes domestic life with mystery, crime and scandal, and it asks uncomfortable questions about class, marriage, madness and what people will do to protect their place in society. The story moves from London to Essex, from a seaside grave to a remote inn, and keeps readers guessing until the final pages.

This edition is for anyone who enjoys classic detective fiction, Victorian novels, or a good psychological puzzle. It includes the complete text of the novel, a new introduction, a character guide, a summary of the story, notes on the main themes, a glossary of period words and phrases, and questions for discussion. Whether you are reading for pleasure, for a class or for a book club, this companion edition will help you get the most out of Mary Elizabeth Braddon's enduring bestseller.