Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a superstar of Victorian "sensation" fiction, and The Trail of the Serpent shows you exactly why. Published in 1860, it crackles with the energy of a writer who knew how to grip her readers and never let go.

The Story

The plot kicks off with a brutal murder in the foggy backstreets of London. The prime suspect is the charming but troubled Gaston de Lancy. Hunting him is Mr. Peters, a detective from the fictional town of Slopperton. Peters isn't your typical hero—he's deaf and mute, communicating through a brilliant and patient assistant named James. The chase becomes a tense cat-and-mouse game across England and France, as Peters pieces together a trail of deception, while Gaston's own troubled past and desperate actions make him more than just a simple villain.

Why You Should Read It

What blew me away was how fresh this 160-year-old novel feels. Braddon doesn't give us easy heroes and villains. Mr. Peters is a genius detective whose disability is portrayed as a unique strength, requiring keen observation. And Gaston? You'll find yourself caught between wanting him caught and understanding the tragic chain of events that led him astray. Braddon digs into psychology and social pressure long before it was common in popular fiction. The pacing is fantastic—short chapters, cliffhangers, and twists that genuinely surprise. It's a proper thriller that also makes you think.

Final Verdict

This book is a perfect pick for anyone who thinks classic novels are stuffy or slow. It's for readers who love a good, twisty mystery and complex characters that stay with you. If you enjoyed the dark wit of Wilkie Collins or the social insights of later writers, you'll find Braddon a brilliant and addictive precursor. The Trail of the Serpent is a hidden gem of Victorian fiction: smart, suspenseful, and utterly compelling.