The Trail of the Serpent
What is The Trail of the Serpent about?
The Trail of the Serpent (1861) is M. E. Braddon’s first published novel, a crime story that established the narrative energy and plotting skill she would refine in her later sensation fiction. The novel follows multiple storylines involving murder, wrongful accusation, and detection, featuring a mute detective named Peters who uses his observational genius to unravel the truth. Though rougher than her later work, The Trail of the Serpent displays Braddon’s instinct for suspense and her sympathy for characters trapped by circumstance.
Main themes in The Trail of the Serpent
Crime fiction
In The Trail of the Serpent, crime fiction provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Wrongful accusation
Wrongful accusation emerges as a defining element in The Trail of the Serpent, shaping character development.
Detective story
The theme of detective story weaves through The Trail of the Serpent, adding depth to its narrative.
Victorian suspense
In The Trail of the Serpent, victorian suspense provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Why The Trail of the Serpent is still relevant today
As Braddon’s debut, The Trail of the Serpent shows the origins of one of Victorian literature’s most successful storytellers. Read it free online on TextStack.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Trail of the Serpent about?
Braddon’s debut novel follows multiple storylines of murder, wrongful accusation, and detection, featuring a mute detective named Peters who uses observation to solve crimes.
Where can I read The Trail of the Serpent online?
You can read The Trail of the Serpent by M. E. Braddon free online on TextStack.