The Beetle

The Beetle is a book by Richard Marsh, first published in 1897. A sensation of late Victorian horror fiction, this Gothic thriller blends elements of mystery, supernatural terror, and psychological suspense in a tale that once rivalled Dracula in popularity. Marsh, a prolific British author known for his dark and imaginative storytelling, crafts a disturbing narrative that reflects fin-de-siècle anxieties about identity, power, and the unknown.

The story centres on a mysterious, shape-shifting figure from Egypt who exerts a sinister influence over British society. Through multiple narrators—including the ambitious politician Paul Lessingham and the impoverished clerk Robert Holt—the novel unfolds as a chilling account of obsession, revenge, and mind control. Themes of mesmerism, ancient curses, and imperial unease run throughout, creating a tense atmosphere that steadily intensifies as the creature’s motives become clearer.

Combining Gothic horror, occult fiction, and elements of crime and thriller genres, this classic Victorian novel explores fear of the foreign “other” and the fragility of rational modern society. Its shifting perspectives and mounting dread make it a compelling work of classic supernatural fiction. For readers interested in 19th-century horror novels, Gothic literature, and psychological thrillers, The Beetle remains a striking and unsettling read.