Wyllard's Weird

By Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Book Overview

A midnight train thunders through the Cornish countryside, only to halt abruptly at the edge of a tragedy-one that will unsettle the peace of a secluded village and stir up secrets buried beneath generations. In the shadowed lanes and wind-battered cliffs of 19th-century England, a single, chilling question lingers: was the death that shattered this quiet community a suicide, or something far more sinister? As suspicion coils through the manor houses and moorlands, a relentless investigation begins, unravelling family secrets and exposing hidden identities with every turn. The brooding atmosphere and intricate plotting evoke the very best of Victorian detective fiction, drawing readers into a world where every whispered rumour and locked door might conceal a clue. This gothic mystery novel, penned by the celebrated mind behind Lady Audley's Secret, stands as a masterwork of historical suspense-its twisting narrative as enthralling today as when it first captivated Victorian literature enthusiasts. The story's rich tapestry of motives and betrayals captures the anxieties and fascinations of an era obsessed with reputation, inheritance, and the darkness lurking within the most respectable households. With its evocative depiction of the Cornish landscape and its deft exploration of justice and morality, the novel remains urgently relevant to modern readers who delight in the psychological depth and social intrigue of classic fiction. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, offering both casual readers and collectors a chance to experience a Braddon classic novel in its full glory. This edition is not just a reprint-it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously crafted for those who cherish the enduring power of Victorian storytelling and the timeless allure of mysteries that refuse to stay buried.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9373050583
• ISBN13: 9789373050584
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 388 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Early Mystery with Fast Pace--psychological explorations

Mary Braddon probably invented the detective novel, but her work didn't retain its popularity. Lady Audley's Secret has never been out of print, but this is just as dark. When a young woman is pitched from a train as it nears a small village in Cornwall, several locals are pulled into the murder investigation. One finds his moral ground and begins to reform. Another pursues the murderer, gradually finding out things he may have wished to ignore. Two women, one married and one single, follow their hearts and lay their own happiness on the altar of high romance. There is a wonderful set of parallels between the main characters and the love triangle set ten years in the past. Braddon touches on unconventionality in love, but there is nothing terribly revolutionary here. The novel moves at a fast pace, and keeps plot twists coming. I suppose that the theme is: how do we know the real character of those we love? At the beginning, nobody really does. By the end, there are no secrets left. If you like Wilkie Collins's stuff, try Braddon.

A too-long-lost treasue!

Totally fun, totally weird read-- highly recommended for fans of Gothic/Victorian novels, murder mysteries, or just a good thriller!