Uncle Silas

Uncle Silas is a gothic mystery novel by Irish writer Sheridan Le Fanu, first published in 1864. The book is a first person narrative told from the point of view of a young girl, Maud Ruthyn, who lives with her wealthy, reclusive father, Austin Ruthyn. Through him and her cousin, she learns about her Uncle Silas, the black sheep of the family whom she has never met. After her father dies, his will states that she is to stay with her Uncle until she comes of age, and if she dies a minor, her father's estate will pass to Silas. Together with his boorish son and a sinister French governess, Silas plots to kill Maud and claim her fortune. Uncle Silas has 65 chapters plus a conclusion.