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
Rating★★★★ 3.6 (829)
Includes Goodreads, LibraryThing
GenreMystery and Thriller, Romance
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
2Book the First A Respectable Young Man
3Chapter I The Good Schoolmaster
4Chapter II Good for Nothing
5Chapter III The Usher Washes His Hands
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6Chapter IV Richard Marwood Lights His Pipe
7Chapter V The Healing Waters
8Chapter VI Two Coroner’s Inquests
9Chapter VII The Dumb Detective a Philanthropist
10Chapter VIII Seven Letters on the Dirty Alphabet
11Chapter IX “Mad, Gentlemen of the Jury”
12Book the Second A Clearance of All Scores
13Chapter I Blind Peter
14Chapter II Like and Unlike
15Chapter III A Golden Secret
16Chapter IV Jim Looks Over the Brink of the Terrible Gulf
17Chapter V Midnight by the Slopperton Clocks
18Chapter VI The Quiet Figure on the Heath
19Chapter VII The Usher Resigns His Situation
20Book the Third A Holy Institution
21Chapter I The Value of an Opera-Glass
22Chapter II Working in the Dark
23Chapter III The Wrong Footstep
24Chapter IV Ocular Demonstration
25Chapter V The King of Spades
26Chapter VI A Glass of Wine
27Chapter VII The Last Act of Lucretia Borgia
28Chapter VIII Bad Dreams and a Worse Waking
29Chapter IX A Marriage in High Life
30Chapter X Animal Magnetism
31Book the Fourth Napoleon the Great
32Chapter I The Boy from Slopperton
33Chapter II Mr. Augustus Darley and Mr. Joseph Peters Go Out Fishing
34Chapter III The Emperor Bids Adieu to Elba
35Chapter IV Joy and Happiness for Everybody
36Chapter V The Cherokees Take an Oath
37Chapter VI Mr. Peters Relates How He Thought He had a Clue, and How He Lost It
38Book the Fifth The Dumb Detective
39Chapter I The Count De Marolles at Home
40Chapter II Mr. Peters Sees a Ghost
41Chapter III The Cherokees Mark Their Man
42Chapter IV The Captain, the Chemist, and the Lascar
43Chapter V The New Milkman in Park Lane
44Chapter VI Signor Mosquetti Relates an Adventure
45Chapter VII The Golden Secret is Told, and the Golden Bowl is Broken
46Chapter VIII One Step Further on the Right Track
47Chapter IX Captain Lansdown Overhears a Conversation Which Appears to Interest Him
48Book the Sixth On the Track
49Chapter I Father and Son
50Chapter II Raymond De Marolles Shows Himself Better Than All Bow Street
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