When her mother dies, Mary Yellan makes the grim journey across bleak Cornish moorland to Jamaica Inn, the home of her Aunt Patience and her husband, Joss Merlyn. On arriving at the gloomy, threatening inn, with the coachman's warning echoing in her mind, she finds her aunt a cowering shadow, and her uncle a hulking, vicious brute. Even more alarming, Jamaica Inn has no guests and is never open to the public. Mary finds herself powerless to help her aunt, and is drawn unwillingly into the misdeeds of Joss and his accomplices. Even more disturbing are her feelings for Jem, a man she dare not trust . . . Jamaica Inn is a dark and gripping gothic tale that will remind readers of two other great classics, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.
Daphne Du Maurier
Daphne du Maurier was a British author known for her compelling and atmospheric novels and short stories. Her most notable works include "Rebecca," "My Cousin Rachel," and "Jamaica Inn," which often feature elements of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. Du Maurier's writing style is characterized by its rich descriptions, complex characters, and ability to create a sense of tension and unease.
Du Maurier's impact on the literary genre of gothic fiction and psychological thrillers is significant, as she was able to blend elements of romance, suspense, and psychological depth in her works. "Rebecca," her most famous novel, is a classic of 20th-century literature and has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions. Overall, Du Maurier's contributions to literature continue to be celebrated for their enduring popularity and influence on modern storytelling.