The Crime of Laura Sarelle

The Crime of Laura Sarelle takes place in a decaying Irish manor house, where the wealthy Sarelle family has lived for generations. The Gothic novel was published in 1940 by British author Marjorie Bowen under her pseudonym Joseph Shearing. The story centers on Laura Sarelle, a young woman who becomes entangled in the dark history and mysteries of her family estate. As she uncovers long-buried secrets about her ancestors, she must confront questions about fate, identity, and the power of the past over the present. The novel explores classic Gothic themes of inheritance, family curses, and the psychological weight of ancestral sins. Through its atmospheric setting and supernatural elements, it examines how the choices of previous generations can shape and haunt those who follow.

This Gothic mystery has limited reviews online. Most readers note its atmospheric Victorian setting and supernatural elements. Readers appreciated: - The slow-building suspense and psychological tension - Period details and descriptions of the English manor house - The complex character of Laura Sarelle - The dual timeline structure Common criticisms: - Pacing seen as too slow in the middle sections - Some plot points remain unresolved - Supporting characters lack depth - The ending disappointed some readers Review sources are limited: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (11 ratings) Amazon: No current reviews available Individual reader comments highlight the "haunting atmosphere" and "genuine chills," though one Goodreads review notes it "takes too long to get going." A LibraryThing reviewer praised the "vivid sense of dread" but found the conclusion "abrupt and unsatisfying." Note: This book appears to be out of print with relatively few accessible reviews online.

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🔍 Marjorie Bowen wrote under seven different pseudonyms throughout her career, with her real name being Gabrielle Margaret Vere Long. 🏰 The author was renowned for her historical fiction and Gothic romances, writing over 150 volumes under various names between 1906 and 1952. 🍀 While the book is set in Ireland, Marjorie Bowen actually lived most of her life in England, but was known for her detailed research and ability to capture the essence of different locations. 📚 Her Gothic works, including "The Crime of Laura Sarelle," were particularly influential on later horror writers, with Susan Hill citing Bowen as a major influence on "The Woman in Black." 🌟 Despite facing significant personal hardships, including poverty in her early life, Bowen became one of the bestselling authors of her time, with her first novel published when she was just 16 years old.