The Mysteries of Udolpho, by Ann Radcliffe, elevated the Gothic romance genre to new heights, inspiring countless imitators.

This enthralling tale follows the story of orphan Emily St. Aubert, who is torn from the man she loves and confined within the medieval castle of her aunt's new husband, Montoni.

Inside the castle, she faces an unwanted suitor, Montoni's threats, and the wild imaginings and terrors that threaten to overwhelm her.

The novel is renowned for its portrayal of Emily's inner life, its thick atmosphere of fear, and a gripping plot that continues to thrill readers today.

Radcliffe's use of history, exotic settings, the supernatural, and poetry creates a rich tapestry of suspense and intrigue.