
A brooding, late‑Victorian London provides the backdrop for a sharp‑tongued clash between an aging aristocrat and his idealistic, orphaned nephew. The uncle, a world‑weary viscount, delights in cynical repartee and the trappings of old‑world privilege, while the young heir, fresh from the hardships of inheritance, clings to a fierce sense of independence and moral clarity. Their conversations, laced with biting humor and references to philosophy, set the tone for a story that wavers between satire and something darker lurking beneath the genteel façade.
As the nephew navigates the labyrinth of family expectations, secret societies, and whispered rumors of a mysterious “Lady of Darkness,” he begins to sense forces that threaten to upend his rational worldview. The novel weaves gothic intrigue with social commentary, exploring how ambition, superstition, and the weight of legacy can twist even the brightest minds. Listeners will be drawn into a world where wit and dread walk hand in hand, promising a compelling first act that questions the true cost of power and belief.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (649K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer
Release date
2021-10-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1854–1918
Best remembered for his eerie ghost stories and sensation novels, this prolific English writer published more than 40 books and helped shape popular late-Victorian and Edwardian fiction. His work ranges from supernatural tales to historical adventures, with a knack for atmosphere and suspense.
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