Lady Audley's Secret, by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

BOOK REVIEW 
[no spoilers]
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Lady Audley's Secret, by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MUST READ!
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Yes, even the Victorians appreciated a little suspense here and there. Lady Audley’s Secret was published in 1862 and appeared as a serial, which only added to the suspenseful nature of this novel, but it continues to stand the test of time. 
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Murder, mystery, infidelity, and more make this a fast, enjoyable read that will keep you on your toes, and caused quite a commotion during the Victorian era. 
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Robert Audley leads a comfortable life, traveling and relishing his position in life. While visiting family, Robert discovers that his uncle, who is a wealthy widow with a teenage daughter, has married a charming governess from town. Lucy Audley is beautiful, sweet, and more than a little mysterious. Robert turns detective when his friend, George, goes missing under mysterious circumstances. Determined to unearth the truth, Robert becomes somewhat obsessed with sussing out the secrets of those around him, including his uncle’s new mesmerizing bride.
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At the time, Lady Audley’s Secret was vastly successful but also scrutinized for its blatant immoral characters, shocking twists, and mention of insanity.

“You seem to have quite a taste for discussing these horrible subjects," she said, rather scornfully; "you ought to have been a detective police officer."
"I sometimes think I should have been a good one."
"Why?"
"Because I am patient.”

Now, Lady Audley’s Secret can hardly compete with the no-holds-barred content that makes up the suspense, thriller, and mystery genre, but the writing is also what makes this one of my all-time favorite suspense books. Braddon’s writing is descriptive, emotional, and captivating. This is the type of writing that fully immerses you in a story and its characters. 
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My favorite character: Lucy Audley, who is fiercely determined, selfish, and crafty. 
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Unexpected twists are what make good suspense, and there’s no shortage in Lady Audley’s Secret. The title intrigues you, the mystery pulls you in, and the characters grip you until the very end.
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Another favorite quote: “He forgot that love, which is a madness, and a scourge, and a fever, and a delusion, and a snare, is also a mystery, and very imperfectly understood by everyone except the individual sufferer who writhes under its tortures.” ― Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Lady Audley's Secret
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Click here to purchase Lady Audley's Secret, by Mary Elizabeth Braddon.

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