Braddon, M: Lady Audley's Secret

When widowed Sir Michael Audley from Audley Court sets eyes on a young, pretty governess he is taken in on the spot and almost immediately takes her home as his new bride. He is totally besotted and proud to present Lady Audley to his relatives - his daughter and his nephew Robert, who has come to see Audley Court. Robert is accompanied by his old friend George Talboy, who is mourning the sudden death of his beloved wife Helen shortly before his return from Australia. But shortly after their arrival at Audley Court George suddenly mysteriously disappears. There is no sign of him anywhere, nor can his body be found. Robert meticulously takes up a thorough search for his missing friend, leading him all over England to all the places George has ever visited - London, George's family home, his wife's burial place ...... but nowhere there is the slightest trace of George. But somehow Lady Audley's past seems to be connected to George, leading Robert to an unbelievable suspicion: Could it be that his uncle's new wife is a murderess? Robert simply has to get to the bottom of it all! Mary E. Braddon was a well known author in the Victorian age and she sure knew how to keep her readers interested from first page to last! Revealing more and more details on the male protagonist's search for truth, Braddon slowly but surely builds up incredible suspense, leading the reader along with Robert to numerous suspicions, to finally solve all problems with a surprise ending. Along with it Braddon also creates an unusual female protagonist who certainly is not a typical submissive 19th century wife who obediently follows her husbands orders but an almost modern woman who has a mind of her own and deviously tries to force her own way. Absolutely recommendable! (This comment refers to another edition of the book.)