Brilliant! This not so well known (at least to me) horror classic was published in 1897, the same year that Bram Stoker's Dracula was published. Surprisingly, considering how well known Dracula is to us, at its time, Richard Marsh's The Beetle was much more popular than Bram Stocker's book. Let me tell you that The Beetle is not for the faint at heart. Ghost stories are fairy-tales in comparison to The Beetle. Also, if you are offended easily by the notions and prejudices of different time periods, this might not be for you. Nevertheless, this is a brilliant story and writing that will keep you tied up as if on the rails of a roller coaster that you keep screaming terrified and yet, you keep going gladly for more.