Summary: Lady Audley's Secret (Mary Elizabeth Braddon)

"Lady Audley's Secret" is a novel written by Mary Elizabeth Braddon, first published in 1862 as a serialized work in the magazine "Robin Goodfellow." It is considered one of the early examples of sensation fiction, a genre popular in the Victorian era that focused on sensational and scandalous elements to captivate readers.

The novel's plot revolves around the mysterious and beautiful Lady Audley, who has a dark secret that she goes to great lengths to protect. She marries Sir Michael Audley, a wealthy widower, and becomes the mistress of Audley Court, a grand estate. However, her past and her true identity remain shrouded in secrecy.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist, Robert Audley, a nephew of Sir Michael, becomes suspicious of Lady Audley's behavior and starts investigating her past. His investigation leads him to uncover a series of secrets and deceptions, and he becomes determined to uncover the truth about Lady Audley.

"Lady Audley's Secret" is known for its intricate plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and its exploration of themes such as identity, deception, and the constraints placed on women in the Victorian era. The novel was immensely popular in its time and has continued to be of interest to readers and scholars as a classic work of Victorian literature. It is often cited as an important example of sensation fiction and has been adapted into various stage and film productions over the years.