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Ann Radcliffe

Set in the late 1500s, this historical gothic novel is a tale of horror and psychological terror from Ann Radcliffe, one of the most influential writers of the genre.

Emily St. Aubert suffered the loss of her mother early in life and formed a tight bond with her father amidst their grief. Yet, when further tragedy strikes and her father also passes away, she’s placed into the care of her aunt. Her new guardian shows Emily little affection, and her marriage to an Italian brigand results in the small family moving to an eerie, crumbling castle. As seemingly supernatural events haunt the young girl’s life, she begins to unravel a long string of secrets and schemes.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1794, The Mysteries of Udolpho is Radcliffe’s most popular novel and is commonly referred to as the archetypal gothic novel. The captivating tale has influenced many well-known works, and is prominently featured in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (1817). This volume is not to be missed by fans of horror classics.

Fantasy and Horror Classics

Mothers of the Macabre

Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho

This gothic masterpiece is set against the backdrop of scenic Sicily in a hauntingly beautiful castle as young Julia battles to be free from her family's long line of betrayal and secrecy.

Follow the misfortunes of the noble House of Mazzini as young Julia fights for autonomy over her own life and navigates the dark secrets hidden in the family castle's walls. Through her masterful storytelling, Anne Radcliffe weaves a tapestry of suspense in a tale of familial betrayal, mysterious twists, and ethereal settings. This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. A Sicilian Romance showcases Radcliffe's prowess in the gothic genre, captivating readers with its blend of romance and terror.

Ann Radcliffe's A Sicilian Romance

Eliza Parsons

From the prolific English gothic horror novelist, The Castle of Wolfenbach is Eliza Parsons' masterpiece and an important early influence in the genre.

Follow the captivating journey of Matilda, a young and courageous heroine, as she runs from her abusive uncle and finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and peril. Finding refuge in an eerie castle haunted by a tragic past, Matilda's life takes a sinister turn. As she unravels the secrets concealed within the castle's walls, she uncovers chilling family secrets, forbidden romances, and encounters a malevolent presence that threatens her very existence.
 

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre.

Eliza Parsons' The Castle of Wolfenbach

Ellen Wood

An enthralling Victorian sensation novel where secrets, infidelity, and mistaken identities collide in a tale of passion.

Set in the sprawling English countryside, East Lynne follows the misfortunes of Lady Isabel Vane. Left penniless and homeless when her father dies, Isabel is left with no choice but to marry a lawyer, Archibald Carlyle, who buys her former home East Lynne. He’s a caring man, but when his sister moves in she seems set on making Isabel’s life miserable. A tangled web of misunderstandings and betrayal ensues as the novel explores the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of happiness.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1861, East Lynne was a Victorian bestseller and is known for its hilariously dramatic and tragic plot. A must-read for fans of gothic horror, Ellen Wood’s masterful work has had multiple stage and screen adaptations.

Ellen Wood's East Lynne

Charlotte Smith

In an exploration of the societal limitations for women regarding marriage and property in the eighteenth century, this gothic masterpiece is an early work of feminist fiction. 

Emmeline is orphaned and raised in a grand castle in the English countryside by her uncle, Lord Montreville. The legitimacy of Emmeline's birth cannot be proven and so she has no property to inherit and no social standing with which to find herself a husband and security. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of eighteenth-century England, she must unravel the secrets of her birth in a time of societal upheaval.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1788, this classic work of gothic fiction was Charlotte Smith's first novel. Against the backdrop of grand castles and lush landscapes, the volume delves into the complexities of class, gender, and the plight of the marginalised.

Charlotte Smith's Emmeline, or, The Orphan of the Castle

Marjorie Bowen

This haunting and unsettling tale delves into the life of little Elsie, a neglected and unwanted orphan, who exists beneath the shadow of her perpetual loneliness. 

Exploring themes of abandonment, neglect, and the resilience of the human spirit, Elsie’s Lonely Afternoon is a gothic horror tale laced with black humour. Elsie is a young orphan living in a grand house in Hampstead under the care of her bed bound grandmother. Forbidden to speak to the servants, the little girl is quite alone in life. 

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1933, Marjorie Bowen masterfully explores the the stark contrast between a child's innate need for love and care and the harsh reality of her isolated and uncaring environment.

Marjorie Bowen's Elsie’s Lonely Afternoon

Mary Wollstonecraft

This radical feminist work is an extraordinary gothic novel exploring themes of gender inequality, social injustice, and the indomitable spirit of a resilient woman.

Maria is a courageous and intelligent woman, imprisoned in an insane asylum by her own husband. She defies societal norms and challenges eighteenth-century England's oppressive systems that confine women. As she navigates the labyrinth of patriarchal society, Maria confronts the injustices and abuses that women endure.

Mary Wollstonecraft's powerful prose vividly depicts Maria's struggle for autonomy and explores complex social issues, offering a thought-provoking critique of gender roles. This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published posthumously in 1798, Maria, or, The Wrongs of Woman stands as an influential work of early feminist literature, advocating for women's rights with unwavering conviction.

Mary Wollstonecraft's Maria, or, The Wrongs of Woman

In a vivid tale of gothic horror and wartime terror, Charlotte Smith's evocative prose brings to life the haunting beauty of forbidden love against the backdrop of the French revolution.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. The Old Manor House presents the atmospheric world of the eighteenth-century countryside, where the past and present collide within the walls of an ancestral manor. A heartbreaking love story that pushes the boundaries of societal classes, this novel echoes the tragedy of the North American revolution while the French revolution blazes. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and emotive storytelling, this volume stands as a testament to Smith's enduring legacy as a masterful writer.

Charlotte Smith's The Old Manor House

Marie Corelli

Set in late nineteenth-century London, this Faustian novel is a masterful example of gothic horror fiction, analysing the depths of human desire and exploring the eternal battle between good and evil.

A disillusioned and penniless author, Geoffrey Tempest, receives three letters. The first is from a friend who has come into fortune and may be able to offer financial help. The second is from a solicitor informing him he's inherited a fortune from a relative. The third is from Lucio, a foreign aristocrat who guides Tempest in using his new wealth. Despite many warnings, Tempest is unable to see Lucio is an earthly incarnation of the Devil, and he's seduced into a world of opulent decadence. But as the allure of his newfound life intensifies, he soon discovers the true cost of his Faustian bargain. Caught in a moral quandary, he must confront his inner demons and decide whether pursuing worldly desires is worth the sacrifice of his soul.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1895, The Sorrows of Satan is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Marie Corelli's social commentary, portrayal of the supernatural, and examination of human nature's complexities make this gothic horror novel a timeless and engrossing read.

Marie Corelli's The Sorrows of Satan

Regina Maria Roche

In a captivating world of family secrets, forbidden love, and misfortune, Regina Maria Roche’s classic gothic horror novel is a testament to her masterfully atmospheric writing.

Young orphans Amanda and Oscar Fitzalan are cheated of their rightful inheritance and raised in the confines of an abbey. As they grow, they discover dark, treacherous secrets held within the walls of their home, and haunting events blur at the edge of their peaceful existence. 

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1796, The Children of the Abbey examines societal expectations and class division in an intricate tapestry of romance, the supernatural, and social commentary. Mentioned in both Jane Austen’s Emma (1815) and L. M. Montgomery’s Emily Climbs (1925), this compelling novel is a timelessly influential work of classic gothic romance.

Regina Maria Roche's The Children of the Abbey

Clara Reeve

In this enthralling gothic novel, Clara Reeve takes the foundation laid by Horace Walpole's The Castle of Otranto and crafts a unique narrative set against the backdrop of medieval England.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. Breathing new life into the gothic horror genre, The Old English Baron serves as a compelling rewrite of the influential classic, The Castle of Otranto (1764). First published in 1777, Clara Reeve's masterful storytelling pays homage to Walpole's, while infusing the narrative with realism and her own distinct vision. Through atmospheric settings, complex characters, and intricate plotlines, this volume stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gothic literature.

Clara Reeve's The Old English Baron

Caroline Lamb

This scandalous gothic horror novel is a thinly veiled portrayal of early nineteenth-century England’s members of high society, which ultimately destroyed the reputation of its author Lady Caroline Lamb.

Lamb disguises herself as the alluring and impulsive Lady Calantha, who’s married to the respectable Lord Avondale (William Lamb). Yet when the lady meets the seductive Lord Glenarvon, an unflattering depiction of Lord Byron, her life takes a tumultuous turn and they fall into a passionate and destructive relationship while trying to evade ruin.

Set during the Irish rebellion of 1798, Glenarvon was first published in 1816 to great commercial success. The sensation novel caused an intense stir amongst England’s high society, with even Queen Victoria requesting a copy. This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. Combining political unrest, emotional intensity, and vivid descriptions, this volume is not to be missed by fans of gothic literature.

Caroline Lamb's Glenarvon

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton’s haunting classic Ethan Frome is set in a small, isolated town in Massachusetts, exploring the depths of human emotion and the profound impact of choices made in the face of societal constraints.

The story revolves around the titular character, Ethan Frome, a worn-down and introverted farmer whose life is bound by duty and responsibility. Trapped in a loveless marriage with his sickly and bitter wife, Zeena, Ethan's life takes an unexpected turn when his cousin, Mattie Silver, arrives to help with household chores. As Mattie's presence breathes new life into Ethan's monotonous existence, a powerful attraction blossoms between them.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. Edith Wharton's masterful prose paints a vivid portrait of the harsh and unforgiving New England landscape, mirroring the emotional turmoil and restraints placed upon her characters. Ethan Frome is an essential read for fans of classic gothic horror.

Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome

Eleanor Sleath

A gripping novel of romance, suspense, and the supernatural, The Orphan of the Rhine follows young Julie de Rubine as she unravels the haunting secrets of her past.

Making a fateful promise to her dying mother, Julie resigns herself to marrying a Catholic man. Yet, as she enters the fashionable world of her aunt, her new guardian, she soon discovers that her life is not her own. Refusing multiple marriage proposals, Julie fights to control her own destiny and remain faithful to her mother’s wishes.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1798, The Orphan of the Rhine is referenced in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (1817) as an exemplary macabre novel. From gloomy castle chambers to picturesque ramparts, Eleanor Sleath weaves a tale of romance and sensibility in this classic gothic horror.

Eleanor Sleath's The Orphan of the Rhine

Various

A haunting collection of classic short stories crafted by the visionary minds of thirteen pioneering women.

Each tale in this carefully curated volume unveils the deliciously dark imaginations of classic literature's most beloved female authors. From Louisa May Alcott to Edith Nesbit to Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the gothic horror fiction of thirteen literary icons is featured in this macabre anthology. Unearth hidden horrors, psychological terrors, and evocative suspense in the chilling beauty of these writers' prose.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. These short stories have withstood the test of time, challenging societal norms and subverting expectations, and they continue to captivate today's reader with their enduring power to provoke horror.

The Midnight Inkwell: Sinister Short Stories by Classic Women Writers

A timeless gothic romance of mystery, danger, and suspense. This horror classic examines the tensions between hedonism and honour through Ann Radcliffe’s masterfully atmospheric prose.

First published in 1791, this captivating novel is set against the background of the isolated French countryside while the shadow of the country’s ongoing revolution looms. When virtuous Adeline is forced to seek refuge in the depths of the forest with Monsieur Pierre de la Motte, his wife, and his two servants, the group find themselves hiding in the ruins of an abandoned abbey. Soon, they suspect they might not be alone as storms shroud the sky and entangled tales of forbidden love and law evasion echo through the eerie halls.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. With its vivid descriptions, atmospheric settings, and compelling characters, The Romance of the Forest exemplifies why Radcliffe remains a prolific influence in the gothic genre.

Ann Radcliffe's The Romance of the Forest

This collection of chilling ghost stories delves into the human psyche, dissecting the character's minds and revelling in both psychological and literal horror.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. From the Pulitzer Prize winning author Edith Wharton, the short stories collected in this spine-tingling volume exemplify some of her most celebrated detective and horror fiction. Delving into the supernatural, and blurring the line between evil and insanity, Tales of Men and Ghosts is a haunting read. First published in 1910, this collection's elegant prose brings the timeless and atmospheric tales to life.

Edith Wharton's Tales of Men and Ghosts

Mrs. Gaskell

When a young nurse is sent to care for a child at a remote and isolated family estate in northern England, she soon becomes consumed by the family's dark and tragic history.

This classic ghost story is a masterful example of gothic literature with its vivid imagery and haunting atmosphere. As a young nurse attempts to raise a small child in an eerily lonely house, she begins to unravel the family's unsettling secrets. Every sound is a harbinger of doom as the nurse becomes convinced that a malevolent spirit is lurking in the child's ancestral home.
 

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. First published in 1852, Elizabeth Gaskell skilfully weaves together themes of family, identity, and the supernatural in this timeless horror classic. There's no escape from the haunting grip The Old Nurse's Story will have on your imagination.

Elizabeth Gaskell's The Old Nurse's Story

Showcasing the literary prowess of the Victorian era's women writers, this collection of short stories features haunting works of gothic horror in a celebration of the macabre.

Discover the spine-tingling tales crafted by these visionary women as they explore themes of madness, the occult, ghostly encounters, and the dark recesses of the human psyche. Featuring the work of Mary Shelley, Elizabeth Gaskell, Louisa May Alcott, and more, each story immerses the reader in a world of chilling gothic beauty. The pioneering women celebrated in this collection challenged patriarchal bounds and societal expectations in these tales of terror.

This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. Carefully curated, The Queens of Victorian Horror pays homage to the enduring legacy of these female authors, shedding light on their extraordinary contributions to gothic horror literature.

The Queens of Victorian Horror - Rare Tales of Terror from the Pens of Female Authors of the Victorian Period: Including an Introduction by H. P. Lovecraft

Mothers of the Macabre - The book series

Mothers of the Macabre - The book series

Mothers of the Macabre books in order