Mary Elizabeth Braddon, journal editor and bestselling author of more than eighty novels during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, was a key figure in the Victorian literary scene. This volume brings together new essays from a variety of perspectives that illuminate both the richness of Braddon's oeuvre and the variety of critical approaches to it. Best known as the author of Lady Audley's Secret and Aurora Floyd, Braddon also wrote penny dreadfuls, realist novels, plays, short stories, reviews, and articles. The contributors move beyond her two most famous works and reflect a range of current issues and approaches, including gender, genre, imperialism, colonial reception, commodity culture, and publishing history. Contributors include Jennifer Carnell, Jeni Curtis, Pamela K. Gilbert, Lauren Goodlad, Aeron Haynie, Heidi Holder, Gail Turley Houston, Heidi H. Johnson, Toni Johnson-Woods, James R. Kincaid, Elizabeth Langland, Eve Lynch, Graham Law, Katherine Montweiler, Lillian Nayder, Lyn Pykett, and Tabitha Sparks, and Marlene Tromp.

Mary Elizabeth Braddon's novels, 'Lady Audley's Secret' and 'Aurora Floyd', exemplify the sensation fiction genre of the Victorian era with their thrilling plots and sensational twists. Braddon's adept use of melodrama and suspense keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the mysterious secrets and scandals of the characters. The novels are filled with complex, morally ambiguous characters and explore themes of deception, identity, and class struggle, making them timeless classics in the realm of gothic literature. Braddon's writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions and intricate plot developments that keep readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. The detailed settings and rich character development immerse readers in the world of the Victorian era, providing a glimpse into the societal norms and taboos of the time. Mary Elizabeth Braddon's personal experiences and her keen observations of the society around her are reflected in her novels, as she delves into the intricacies of human nature and social dynamics. Her background as a successful writer and editor in the Victorian era equipped her with the skills and insights necessary to craft compelling narratives that continue to captivate readers today. Fans of gothic literature and suspenseful storytelling will find Mary Elizabeth Braddon's 'Lady Audley's Secret' and 'Aurora Floyd' to be gripping and unforgettable reads that showcase her talent as a pioneering author in the sensation fiction genre of the 19th century.

This eBook edition has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. "Lady Audley's Secret " – As Sir Michael Audley celebrates his marriage to Lucy Graham, his nephew, the barrister Robert Audley, welcomes his old friend George Talboys back to England, after three years of gold prospecting in Australia. George finds out that his wife Helen has died and that his son is under the care of his father in law. After settling the matter of the boy's guardianship, the Robert and George set off to visit Sir Michael. While at the country manor Audley Court, Lady Audley avoids meeting George, and when the two seek an audience with the new Lady Audley, she makes many excuses to avoid their visit. Shortly thereafter, George disappears, much to Robert's consternation. Unwilling to believe that George has simply left without a notice, Robert begins to look into the circumstances around George's strange disappearance. His notes indicate the involvement of Lady Audley, much to his chagrin, and he slowly begins to collect evidence against her. "Aurora Floyd" forms a sequel to Lady Audley's Secret. It tells the story of Aurora Floyd, daughter of a marriage between a nobleman and an actress. As she grows into maturity, this head-strong, dangerous and seductive vixen becomes embroiled in mystery and scandal. The story includes such controversial events as bigamy, murder and elopement.