Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsInspired by a true life story, Lady Audley's Secret is the story of a woman's overwhelming ambition and passion for social success. When the first book came out in 1862, Victorian readers were shocked and outraged by its portrayal of aspects like bigamy, insanity, yearning for social status and the will to commit murder to achieve one's goals.
The novel belongs to a genre that became very popular during that era. Known as “sensation novels” they can probably be equated to today's pulp fiction. It was received with huge enthusiasm by readers and most critics of the day and the central theme of “accidental bigamy” was a popular one. But the author Mary Elizabeth Braddon took it to new heights, introducing several intriguing twists and turns to the plot. In fact the novel was so successful that it allowed the author to become financially independent for the rest of her life and its publisher to purchase a villa, which he christened Audley Lodge, with the profits gained from sales of this Victorian bestseller!
In the story, the young, enchanting, doll like Lucy Graham marries a wealthy old widower, Sir Michael Audley. Not much is known about Lucy by people in the village, except that she was till recently employed as a governess. The couple enjoys a pleasant life together, with every comfort and luxury. Things take a turn when Sir Michael's nephew and heir Robert Audley arrives with news of dear friend of his George Talboys. Talboys who had left England to seek his fortune gold prospecting in Australia is now suffering from a mental breakdown following the apparent death/disappearance of his wife whom he left behind.
When Robert and George arrive at Audley Court, they're warmly welcomed by the host, but of the hostess there is no sign. She completely avoids coming into Talboys' presence. Her behavior begins to intrigue Robert and raise his suspicions and he sets out to uncover the mystery. But the truth is far more devastating and disturbing than anybody could imagine.
Said to be based on events concerning the real life serial killer Constance Kent which had stunned the nation a few years ago, the book in fact explores many themes of Victorian morality, gender biases, stereotypes about the perfect mother and domestic goddesses who enriched the home and hearth with their innocence and purity.
The author Mary Braddon's own controversial personal life and her nonchalant attitude to prevailing morals also piqued readers' imaginations. For modern day readers, Lady Audley's Secret remains a gripping tale of the lust for power and wealth and of a woman's descent into the misery of her own creation.
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Episodes
02 – On Board the Argus
January 01, 2024 00:00 - 26 minutes - 11.4 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
03 – Hidden Relics
December 31, 2023 00:00 - 16 minutes - 6.68 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
04 – In the First Page of ‘The Times’
December 30, 2023 00:00 - 11 minutes - 4.77 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
05 – The Headstone at Ventnor
December 29, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 4.77 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
06 – Anywhere, Anywhere Out of the World
December 28, 2023 00:00 - 11 minutes - 4.77 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
08 – Before the Storm
December 26, 2023 00:00 - 24 minutes - 10.5 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
09 – After the Storm
December 25, 2023 00:00 - 14 minutes - 5.72 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
11 – The Mark Upon My Lady’s Wrist
December 23, 2023 00:00 - 11 minutes - 4.77 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
12 – Still Missing
December 22, 2023 00:00 - 10 minutes - 4.77 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
13 – Troubled Dreams
December 21, 2023 00:00 - 14 minutes - 6.68 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
14 – Phoebe’s Suitor
December 20, 2023 00:00 - 16 minutes - 7.63 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
16 – Robert Audley Gets His Conge
December 18, 2023 00:00 - 18 minutes - 7.63 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
17 – At the Castle Inn
December 17, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 4.77 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
18 – Robert Receives a Visitor Whom He Had Scarcely Expected
December 16, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 4.77 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
19 – The Writing in the Book
December 15, 2023 00:00 - 25 minutes - 11.4 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
21 – Little Georgey Leaves His Old Home
December 13, 2023 00:00 - 26 minutes - 11.4 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
22 – Coming to a Standstill
December 12, 2023 00:00 - 28 minutes - 12.4 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
24 – George’s Letters
December 10, 2023 00:00 - 15 minutes - 6.68 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
25 – Retrograde Investigation
December 09, 2023 00:00 - 31 minutes - 14.3 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
26 – So Far and No Farther
December 08, 2023 00:00 - 24 minutes - 10.5 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
27 – Beginning at the Other End
December 07, 2023 00:00 - 23 minutes - 10.5 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
28 – Hidden in the Grave
December 06, 2023 00:00 - 19 minutes - 8.58 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
29 – In the Lime-Walk
December 05, 2023 00:00 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
30 – Preparing the Ground
December 04, 2023 00:00 - 23 minutes - 10.5 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
31 – Phoebe’s Petition
December 03, 2023 00:00 - 28 minutes - 12.4 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
32 – The Red Light in the Sky
December 02, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 16.2 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
33 – The Bearer of the Tidings
December 01, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 13.4 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
34 – My Lady Tells the Truth
November 30, 2023 00:00 - 32 minutes - 14.3 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
35 – The Hush That Succeeds the Tempest
November 29, 2023 00:00 - 23 minutes - 10.5 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
36 – Doctor Mosgrave’s Advice
November 28, 2023 00:00 - 17 minutes - 7.63 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com
38 – Ghost-Haunted
November 26, 2023 00:00 - 58 minutes - 25.7 MBMore great books at LoyalBooks.com