The Tenants of Malory, Volume 1

"The Tenants of Malory, Volume 1" by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a gothic mystery set in the small Welsh town of Cardyllian and introduces the enigmatic tenants of the long-abandoned Malory estate, sparking intrigue among the townspeople. The story follows Mr. Cleve Verney, a charming member of the Verney family, and his growing captivation with a stunning young woman linked to Malory, amidst a whirl of town gossip and curious speculation about the tenants' strange behavior, who remain hidden within their estate. The narrative begins with Cleve's initial encounter with the mysterious girl during a church service, igniting his pursuit to uncover her secrets and those of her companions, hinting at interwoven themes of love, madness, and the burden of family history that hang over the characters.