Lady Audley's Secret

Lady Audley's Secret was written by the English author Mary Elizabeth Braddon. It was first published in serial form in 1862 before being released as a complete book. Braddon was one of the leading pioneers of the Victorian "sensation novel" genre.

The plot centers around Lucy Audley, who is revealed to be a bigamist responsible for the mysterious disappearance of her first husband. The novel follows her nephew-by-marriage, Robert Audley, as he investigates her past. The story famously challenges the Victorian ideals of the passive, domestic "angel in the house."

The novel caused a stir because its protagonist was a beautiful, blonde woman who was also a ruthless criminal, subverting the era's moral expectations. It dealt openly with taboo subjects like bigamy, madness, and female rebellion. Critics of the time heavily censured sensation novels for being improper and thrilling.

Yes, Mary Elizabeth Braddon's novel has been adapted for screen and stage several times. One notable adaptation is a 2000 British television film directed by Betsan Morris Evans, starring Neve McIntosh and Steven Mackintosh. The novel's dramatic twists have made it a consistent favorite for period-drama producers.