Book excerpt: Showcasing the literary prowess of the Victorian era's women writers, this collection of short stories features haunting works of gothic horror in a celebration of the macabre. Discover the spine-tingling tales crafted by these visionary women as they explore themes of madness, the occult, ghostly encounters, and the dark recesses of the human psyche. Featuring the work of Mary Shelley, Elizabeth Gaskell, Louisa May Alcott, and more, each story immerses the reader in a world of chilling gothic beauty. The pioneering women celebrated in this collection challenged patriarchal bounds and societal expectations in these tales of terror. This volume is part of the Mothers of the Macabre series, celebrating the gothic horror masterpieces of pioneering women writers who played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the genre. Carefully curated, The Queens of Victorian Horror pays homage to the enduring legacy of these female authors, shedding light on their extraordinary contributions to gothic horror literature.