An important figure in the development of crime fiction, Mary Elizabeth Braddon (1835-1915) wrote more than 80 novels, numerous plays, poems, essays and short stories, and edited two magazines during her 55-year literary career. Her bestselling Lady Audley's Secret secured her reputation as a leading "sensation novelist." Though critics called her work immoral, Braddon's novels influenced the detective fiction of the late Victorian period. With entries on all her published writing, characters, relationships and influences, and themes and contexts, as well as numerous illustrations, a career chronology, and a chronological and alphabetical listing of all of her works, this companion to Braddon's mystery fiction is the definitive reference on this provocative but overlooked writer.

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.

The Complete Works of Mary Elizabeth Braddon is a collection of literature that showcases the diverse storytelling ability of the author. Mary Elizabeth Braddon's writing style often blends elements of sensationalism with social commentary, creating a unique narrative that captivates readers. Her works often explore themes of gender, class, and morality, placing her within the context of Victorian literature. The collection includes a wide range of novels, short stories, and plays that highlight Braddon's versatility as a writer. Each work is a testament to the author's ability to engage readers with compelling plots and dynamic characters. From thrilling mysteries to insightful social critiques, Braddon's complete works offer a comprehensive look at her literary contributions to the Victorian era. Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a prolific Victorian author whose works reflected the changing societal norms of the time. Born in 1835, Braddon's keen insight into human nature and her ability to craft engaging narratives set her apart as a significant figure in Victorian literature. Her personal experiences and observations of society likely influenced her writing, leading to the creation of works that resonate with readers even today. Fans of Victorian literature, female authors, and those interested in societal critiques will find The Complete Works of Mary Elizabeth Braddon to be a valuable addition to their reading list. Braddon's compelling storytelling and perceptive commentary make her works both entertaining and thought-provoking, making this collection a must-read for literature enthusiasts.

This carefully crafted ebook: "MARY ELIZABETH BRADDON – Ultimate Collection: Sensation Novels, Detective Mysteries, Victorian Romances & Supernatural Tales" is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: Introduction: My First Novel by M. E. Braddon Novels: The Trail of the Serpent Lady Audley's Secret Aurora Floyd The Captain of the Vulture John Marchmont's Legacy Eleanor's Victory Henry Dunbar The Doctor's Wife Birds of Prey Charlotte's Inheritance Run to Earth Fenton's Quest The Lovels of Arden A Strange World The Cloven Foot Vixen Mount Royal Phantom Fortune The Golden Calf Wyllard's Weird Mohawks All Along the River Gerard (The World, the Flesh, and the Devil) London Pride His Darling Sin The Infidel Beyond These Voices Short Stories: Ralph the Bailiff and Other Stories: Ralph the Bailiff Captain Thomas The Cold Embrace My Daughters The Mystery of Fernwood Samuel Lowgood's Revenge The Lawyer's Secret My First Happy Christmas Lost and Found Eveline's Visitant – A Ghost Story Found in the Muniment Chest How I Heard my Own Will Read Flower and Weed and Other Tales: Flower and Weed George Caulfield's Journey The Clown's Quest Dr. Carrick If She Be Not Fair to Me The Shadow in the Corner His Secret Thou Art the Man Milly Darrell Good Lady Ducayne At Chrighton Abbey Children's Book: The Christmas Hirelings

Sir John Penlyon is a long widowed old man who lives alone with no close family left, after he disowned his daughter for marrying beneath herself. He is spending Christmas with his friend Thomas Danby and his niece Adela who points out that Christmas is quite dull without children and Sir John, otherwise a grim old man, agrees. Hearing that, Danby takes on himself to hire some children in order to bring up the atmosphere in the old house and cheer up his friend. He finds and brings three siblings, sweet and endearing children, who do indeed enliven the holiday. The youngest of them, little girl named Moppet, in particular, charms Sir John and endears herself to him. However, after some time spent in Sir John's mention Moppet, falls dangerously ill and Sir John begins to regret opening his heart. Yet, it is the time of miracles and Sir John is about to make sure of it.