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Lady Audley's Secret

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1862

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Book Brief

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Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Lady Audley's Secret

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1862
Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1860s

Publication Year

1862

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.9

25,860 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lady Audley's Secret?

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.

3.9

25,860 ratings

64%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Lady Audley/Lucy Graham/Helen Talboys

Born Helen Maldon, she grew up in poverty and later took on the name Lucy Graham, using her beauty to rise in social standing and marry Sir Michael Audley.

A 56-year-old widower who marries Lucy Graham, infatuated by her youthful beauty, though he remains unaware of her past.

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.

Sir Michael's nephew, initially an idle barrister, who becomes central to the unfolding plot as an unexpected amateur detective.

The son of a wealthy father who leaves England to seek his fortune in Australia, returning to find his life drastically changed.

George's stern and uncompassionate father who reacts harshly to George's marriage, setting key events into motion.

George's devoted sister, whose determination to find her brother wins the respect and affection of Robert Audley.

Helen’s financially struggling father, a former sea captain, who plays a part in the complex family matters intertwined with Helen's life.

A woman involved in a critical conspiracy concerning Helen Talboys and her past, motivated by financial necessity.

The son of George, raised by his grandfather, who has yet to form a familial bond due to his limited interaction with his parents.

Cousins and later spouses who use their knowledge of Lady Audley's secrets for personal gain, revealing the complexities of their characters.

Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1860s

Publication Year

1862

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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