The Beetle: A Supernatural Thriller Novel

Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, the narrative follows a mysterious oriental figure who targets a British politician in London, using hypnosis and shape-shifting to create chaos. Told through multiple viewpoints, the story explores themes such as the New Woman, urban poverty, radical politics, and Britain's imperial pursuits, particularly in Egypt and Sudan. Richard Marsh's The Beetle gained immense popularity upon release, leading to adaptations in film and theater in the 1920s, cementing its status as a significant work of its time.