The Beetle
First published 2020 · 1 pages
On these lists: #10 Books like The Invisible Man · #6 Books like The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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About this book
The Beetle is a Victorian Gothic horror novel about a young Londoner who becomes entangled with a mysterious man and a creature that seems to threaten the woman he loves. It is read for its atmosphere, its mix of detective-style investigation with supernatural menace, and its place among late-nineteenth-century 'Egyptian' horror stories that followed Dracula's success.
A young Englishman in London becomes suspicious of a secretive neighbour and begins to watch him closely, and his interest turns into alarm when strange events start to surround the woman he cares for.
Summary written with AI from the book's details.
Will you like it?
Readers who like Victorian Gothic horror will find the novel's London setting, its suspicious neighbour and its slow build of dread engaging. It appeals to those who enjoy Dracula and the late-nineteenth-century fascination with ancient Egypt.
- victorian gothic
- secret surveillance
- imperial anxiety
- the unknown threat
- ancient curse
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Quick answers
- What age is The Beetle for?
- Adults.
- Is The Beetle a standalone?
- Yes, it stands on its own.
- Is The Beetle based on a true story?
- No, it's fiction.
- Does The Beetle have violence, sex or strong language?
- Yes: violence.
Written with AI from what's known about the book.
Reader's guide
Themesfear of the unknown, imperial anxiety, secrets and surveillance, the threat to women, ancient curses and revenge
fear of the unknown · imperial anxiety · secrets and surveillance · the threat to women · ancient curses and revenge
StyleThe novel is narrated in the first person in a brisk Victorian prose style, with short chapters and a steady build of suspense. Its sensational incidents are written in a plain, reportorial manner.
The novel is narrated in the first person in a brisk Victorian prose style, with short chapters and a steady build of suspense. Its sensational incidents are written in a plain, reportorial manner.
How it was writtenRichard Marsh was the pen name of Richard Bernard Heldmann (1857–1915), an English writer of popular fiction. The Beetle was first serialised in 1897 and published in book form that year, appearing in the wake of Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897). It is a 2020 reissue in the Open Library record.
Richard Marsh was the pen name of Richard Bernard Heldmann (1857–1915), an English writer of popular fiction. The Beetle was first serialised in 1897 and published in book form that year, appearing in the wake of Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897). It is a 2020 reissue in the Open Library record.
How it was receivedThe novel was a popular success when first published and sold well in its time. It is now read as an example of Victorian popular horror, often discussed alongside Dracula and the Egyptian-themed Gothic of the period.
The novel was a popular success when first published and sold well in its time. It is now read as an example of Victorian popular horror, often discussed alongside Dracula and the Egyptian-themed Gothic of the period.
Questions to discussHow does Marsh use the narrator's position as an observer to build suspense?
These may talk about the whole book.
- How does Marsh use the narrator's position as an observer to build suspense?
- In what ways does the novel reflect late-Victorian anxieties about empire and foreign influence?
- How does the portrayal of Marjorie Lindon shape the story's sense of danger?
- How does The Beetle compare with Dracula in its structure and its fears?
- What role does London itself play in the story's atmosphere?
Written with AI from what's known about the book.
More by Richard Marsh
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- GoddessGoddess2021
- BeetleBeetle2021
- Tom Ossington's GhostTom Ossington's Ghost2021
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