The Spectre Mother
Author: John Mitchell; Publication: 1800
This chapbook begins with a mysterious murder within Rovido castle and explores revenge, true love, and crime as the ghost of the slain woman visits several characters in the story.
Koenigsmark the Robber
Author: H.J Sarrett; Publication: 1803
In this chapbook set 1600’s Germany and featuring murder, magic, and maniacs, a knight and his lover may never be reunited while the town’s robbers are still on the loose.
The Magician
Author: Leitch Ritchie; Publication: 1846
A tale of magic, secrets, and betrayal, this novel features several romances that must overcome the divides created by religion and class, while trust is tested by foes with sinister motives.
Somerset Castle
Author: Unknown; Publication: 1804
Within the Somerset Castle and beyond, the realities of death and despair plague the forbidden love of a young couple, leading to both demise and prosperity.
Rose Sommerville
Author: Ellen T.; Publication: 1846
A tale of love, murder, and regret, this novel published by Edward Lloyd revolves around an innocent, beautiful girl marrying a man who has a very dark past.
Ravensdale
Author: Ellen T.; Publication: 1847
A tale of two sisters and intersecting love stories that cross societal boundaries, this book follows romances that ultimately lead to madness, disparity, and fatality.
The Black Forest
Author: Unknown; Publication: 1802
In this deceivingly short story—borrowed almost entirely from “The Cavern of Death” and with a complicated publication history—love, secrets, mystery, and murder abound.
Manfredi; or, The Mysterious Hermit
Author: Unknown; Publication: c. 1790s
A plagiarism of Sarah Lansdell’s “Manfredi, Baron St. Osmund,” this chapbook features romance, betrayal, and an Italian hermit who is more courageous and honorable than he seems.
The Three Ghosts of the Forest
Author: Unknown; Publication: 1803
In this authorless chapbook, jealousy, secrecy, kidnapping, and murder erupt as Orlando pursues romance with Isabella, Octavia, and Adela—three sisters.
