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Mary Elizabeth Braddon
A prolific English writer of the Victorian era, she led a very complex life (Wikipedia).
Lady Audley's Secret
When beautiful Lucy Graham becomes Lady Audley, her future looks secure. But her past is shrouded in mystery, and the disappearance of a young man sparks an investigation that will reveal her dark secret... This new edition explores the novel in the context of nineteenth-century sensation fiction and the lively debates it provoked.
The narrative draws inspiration from the high-profile Constance Kent murder case of 1860, which captivated the British public and influenced several writers of the era.
The novel has been adapted for the screen multiple times, including three silent films and a 2000 television production, as well as several stage versions.
Elements of the author's personal history are reflected in the text, specifically regarding the social stigma surrounding bigamy and the practice of confining women to asylums to manage family scandals.