This Victorian "sensation" novel by Mary Elizabeth Braddon has an introduction by P.D. Edwards evaluating the novel's leading place among "bigamy-novels" and Braddon's treatment of the power struggle between the sexes. Edwards also considers the similarities between the author and her heroine. With "Lady Audley's Secret", Mary Elizabeth Braddon had established herself, alongside Wilkie Collins and Mrs Henry Wood, as one of the ruling triumvirate of "sensation novelists". "Aurora Floyd", following hot on its heels, achieved almost equal popularity and notoriety.