"The Haunted Hotel" by Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins' "The Haunted Hotel" is a tale of mystery, gothic horror, and suspense. Set in 1860, the story follows the formidable Countess Narona who marries a wealthy young aristocrat in London. Shortly after their marriage, the couple travels to Venice where the husband dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving the countess a rich widow. As the plot unfolds, guests at a Venetian hotel years later are haunted by the ghost of the murder victim seeking revenge. Central characters include the eerie Countess Narona and Henry Westwick. The novel intertwines elements of the supernatural with a detective mystery, creating a chilling narrative that explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the supernatural.