
Contents
PREFACE.
NO NAME.
THE FIRST SCENE. COMBE-RAVEN, SOMERSETSHIRE.
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
At the break of day in 1846, the stately Combe‑Raven in Somerset awakens to the steady tick of a hall‑clock and the plaintive howl of a restless dog. The house, shrouded in quiet, hints at hidden lives in its upstairs chambers, each resident poised to step into the light of a new morning. This atmospheric opening sets a tone of measured suspense, inviting listeners to hear the subtle sounds that signal secrets about to surface.
The heart of the tale follows Magdalen, a woman caught in the timeless clash of virtue and vice. Through her flawed choices and inner turmoil, the narrative explores the human condition with a blend of seriousness and wry humor, offered by a cast of contrasting characters. The author’s careful foreshadowing promises a compelling puzzle, as early clues suggest how events will unfold.
Structured in a series of scenes, the story moves like a stage play, each act revealing new layers of intrigue. As the mystery deepens, listeners will be drawn into a Victorian world where light and darkness continually intertwine.
Language
en
Duration
~25 hours (1483K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by James Rusk and David Widger
Release date
2006-03-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1824–1889
A master of suspense and sensation fiction, this Victorian storyteller helped shape the modern mystery novel with unforgettable twists and sharply observed characters. Best known for The Woman in White and The Moonstone, he wrote stories that still feel lively, eerie, and surprisingly modern.
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