The Wyvern Mystery

by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

Book Overview

Le Fanu] succeeds in inspiring a mysterious terror better than any other writer. -- M. R. James.
A beautiful heroine marries the heir to a local estate -- but what sounds like a happy ending is just the beginning of a chilling and suspenseful thriller. Set in rural England of the 1820s, The Wyvern Mystery takes its title from ancient myth, in which a two-legged dragon called the wyvern signifies the truly sinister. Dark hints of the supernatural permeate this 1869 horror classic, which unfolds inside a haunted mansion, where a young bride is imperiled not only by family secrets from the past but also by evil machinations of the present.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (pronounced Leff-anew) was known as the Dark Prince by a wide circle of avid readers during his heyday in the late nineteenth century. The Victorian equivalent of Stephen King, Le Fanu created a compelling series of Gothic novels and ghost stories that Henry James characterized as the ideal reading in a country house for the hours after midnight.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486440729
• ISBN13: 9780486440729
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Good, but not Le Fanu's best

Unfortunately, I read Le Fanu's Uncle Silas before picking up The Wyvern Mystery. Although I enjoyed The Wyvern Mystery, I felt it was not as well written and plotted as Uncle Silas. At one point, you seem to reach the climax as 'the old soldier' becomes very nasty indeed; but then she all but disappears from the book. The ending was predictable - you could see it coming from a mile off. Overall, the book was entertaining, but I would recommend Uncle Silas over this story any day.

Good Introduction to Gothic Fiction

J. Sheridan LeFanu is not as difficult to get into as other Gothic fiction authors are. I would definitely recommend the 'Wyvern Mystery' to anyone looking at beginning to read Gothic fiction. I would recommend to anyone, however, as a very well-rounded book. The storyline takes many exciting twists and turns, though LeFanu's slow and detailed style may find little friendliness from modern readers. Those who appreciate detail will find his intricate portraits both refreshing and beautiful. Many times I found myself smiling at the believable and realistic depictions of emotion or character traits. LeFanu definitely shows that he is not an amatuer and demands attention from modern readers. He is widely unread, but his great talents at storytelling deserve attention. The 'mystery' of the Wyvern Mystery centers around a young couple's troubles due to elopement, financial problems, and the hero's dark past that comes back to haunt them both. All this and a happy ending. I implore you to resurrect this wonderful old mystery.

Must read Material for Gothic Mystery Fans

LeFanu's "Wyvern Mystery" is a classic example of a Gothic mystery. During the 1860's, Gothic mysteries and horror novels were popular. Although LeFanu is not as "up there " as such notable Gothic novelists as Bram Stroker or Mary Shelley, LeFanu creates a chilling and suspenseful thriller. The tale has the typical features one finds in Gothic novels- a beautiful heroine who is in danger, a mysterious family secret, a haunted mansion, prophetic dreams, appropriate dark atmosphere and as added bonus LeFanu created a "sub-human " character who has been damaged in her past and has now become a monster out for revenge. At time reminiscent of Jane Eyre, Wyvern mystery is a must have for mystery fans of the genre. PBS broadcasted a screen adaptation on their Mystery Series. Also I recommend all other LeFanu novels and also the Gothic mystery "Lady Audley's Secret ". Enjoy.