The Trail of the Serpent
Enriched edition. A Victorian Gothic Mystery of Deceit, Obsession, Vengeance, and Dark Secrets in 19th-Century EnglandBy Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Length16h 32m
About this audiobook
In 'The Trail of the Serpent,' Mary Elizabeth Braddon intricately weaves a tale of psychological depth and moral complexity, showcasing the Victorian fascination with crime and morality. This sensational novel combines elements of gothic horror, mystery, and social critique, encapsulated in Braddon's characteristic vivid prose and acute character studies. The narrative follows a series of tragic events tied to the enigmatic figure of a serpent, symbolizing deceit and corruption, as it explores themes of obsession, vengeance, and the darker aspects of human nature, reflecting the societal anxieties of her time. Mary Elizabeth Braddon, a prominent Victorian novelist and a pioneer of the sensation fiction genre, drew inspiration from her own experiences in publishing and the dramatic contexts of 19th-century London. Her background as a writer and editor, coupled with her exposure to the societal issues of her era, informed her nuanced portrayal of women and their struggles, often set against the backdrop of moral dilemmas and the complexities of personal relationships. Braddon's innovative work paved the way for future generations of writers, blending suspense with deep psychological insights. Readers interested in the intricacies of human emotions and the societal constructs of the Victorian period will find 'The Trail of the Serpent' particularly compelling. Braddon's masterful storytelling invites you to reflect on the nature of evil and the boundaries of morality, making this novel an essential read for anyone fascinated by psychological thrillers and historical literature.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreMystery and Thriller, Horror
Length16 hrs 32 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 13, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Trail of the Serpent
29Chapter IX A Marriage in High Life
2Book the First A Respectable Young Man
30Chapter X Animal Magnetism
3Chapter I The Good Schoolmaster
31Book the Fourth Napoleon the Great
4Chapter II Good for Nothing
32Chapter I The Boy from Slopperton
5Chapter III The Usher Washes His Hands
33Chapter II Mr. Augustus Darley and Mr. Joseph Peters Go Out Fishing
Show all chaptersShow less
6Chapter IV Richard Marwood Lights His Pipe
34Chapter III The Emperor Bids Adieu to Elba
7Chapter V The Healing Waters
35Chapter IV Joy and Happiness for Everybody
8Chapter VI Two Coroner’s Inquests
36Chapter V The Cherokees Take an Oath
9Chapter VII The Dumb Detective a Philanthropist
37Chapter VI Mr. Peters Relates How He Thought He had a Clue, and How He Lost It
10Chapter VIII Seven Letters on the Dirty Alphabet
38Book the Fifth The Dumb Detective
11Chapter IX “Mad, Gentlemen of the Jury”
39Chapter I The Count De Marolles at Home
12Book the Second A Clearance of All Scores
40Chapter II Mr. Peters Sees a Ghost
13Chapter I Blind Peter
41Chapter III The Cherokees Mark Their Man
14Chapter II Like and Unlike
42Chapter IV The Captain, the Chemist, and the Lascar
15Chapter III A Golden Secret
43Chapter V The New Milkman in Park Lane
16Chapter IV Jim Looks Over the Brink of the Terrible Gulf
44Chapter VI Signor Mosquetti Relates an Adventure
17Chapter V Midnight by the Slopperton Clocks
45Chapter VII The Golden Secret is Told, and the Golden Bowl is Broken
18Chapter VI The Quiet Figure on the Heath
46Chapter VIII One Step Further on the Right Track
19Chapter VII The Usher Resigns His Situation
47Chapter IX Captain Lansdown Overhears a Conversation Which Appears to Interest Him
20Book the Third A Holy Institution
48Book the Sixth On the Track
21Chapter I The Value of an Opera-Glass
49Chapter I Father and Son
22Chapter II Working in the Dark
50Chapter II Raymond De Marolles Shows Himself Better Than All Bow Street
23Chapter III The Wrong Footstep
51Chapter III The Left-Handed Smasher Makes His Mark
24Chapter IV Ocular Demonstration
52Chapter IV What They Find in the Room in Which the Murder was Committed
25Chapter V The King of Spades
53Chapter V Mr. Peters Decides on a Strange Step, and Arrests the Dead
26Chapter VI A Glass of Wine
54Chapter VI The End of the Dark Road
27Chapter VII The Last Act of Lucretia Borgia
55Chapter the Last Farewell to England
28Chapter VIII Bad Dreams and a Worse Waking
56My First Novel by M. E. Braddon
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