70 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
496
Novel • Fiction
England • 1860s
1862
Adult
14+ years
Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon follows Lucy Graham, a governess who marries Sir Michael Audley, moves to Audley Court, and charms everyone except her stepdaughter Alicia. Concurrently, George Talboys returns to England to find his wife Helen dead. His friend Robert Audley brings him to Audley Court, where he mysteriously disappears, leading Robert to investigate and uncover Lady Audley's hidden past.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Emotional
Melancholic
25,860 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon is lauded for its gripping narrative and rich character development, particularly the complex protagonist, Lady Audley. Reviewers praise its blend of mystery and Victorian melodrama. However, some critique the novel's pacing and occasional predictability. Overall, it's a compelling read, especially for fans of Gothic fiction.
Readers who enjoy sensation novels, Victorian literature, and intricate plots with themes of deception and social intrigue will appreciate Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. Fans of Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White and Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre are likely to find this novel engaging and satisfying.
25,860 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sir Michael Audley
A 56-year-old widower who marries Lucy Graham, infatuated by her youthful beauty, though he remains unaware of her past.
Alicia Audley
The hot-headed teenage daughter of Sir Michael Audley who is skeptical of her father's marriage to Lucy and has unrequited feelings for her cousin Robert.
Robert Audley
Sir Michael's nephew, initially an idle barrister, who becomes central to the unfolding plot as an unexpected amateur detective.
George Talboys
The son of a wealthy father who leaves England to seek his fortune in Australia, returning to find his life drastically changed.
Harcourt Talboys
George's stern and uncompassionate father who reacts harshly to George's marriage, setting key events into motion.
Clara Talboys
George's devoted sister, whose determination to find her brother wins the respect and affection of Robert Audley.
Mr. Maldon
Helen’s financially struggling father, a former sea captain, who plays a part in the complex family matters intertwined with Helen's life.
Mrs. Plowson
A woman involved in a critical conspiracy concerning Helen Talboys and her past, motivated by financial necessity.
George Talboys (Jr.)
The son of George, raised by his grandfather, who has yet to form a familial bond due to his limited interaction with his parents.
Luke and Phoebe Marks
Cousins and later spouses who use their knowledge of Lady Audley's secrets for personal gain, revealing the complexities of their characters.
496
Novel • Fiction
England • 1860s
1862
Adult
14+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.