Johnny Ludlow, Second Series (ePub)

Ellen Wood, better known as Mrs. Henry Wood, was a prolific English novelist in the Victorian era, whose literary output and tactical engagement with contemporary concerns afforded her an esteemed place in 19th-century literature. Born on January 17, 1814, in Worcestershire, she married Henry Wood in 1836, relocating to France for some years due to her husband's business commitments. Her pen name, Mrs. Henry Wood, became a brand associated with concern for social issues and fluid narrative driven by moralistic undercurrents, attracting a wide readership of the time.

Her body of work is considerable, with over 30 novels to her credit. Perhaps her most famous work is 'East Lynne' (1861), a tale of adultery and identity that epitomized the sensation novel genre. 'Johnny Ludlow, Second Series' is among the several collections of tales she penned under the pseudonym 'Johnny Ludlow,' which began appearing in The Argosy magazine, a periodical she purchased in 1867. This series reflects Mrs. Henry Wood's astute ability to create characters and narratives that explore themes of class, morality, and redemption, a characteristic feature of her literary style.

She was acclaimed for her narrative skill and adept at creating compelling mystery plots interwoven with domestic drama. Wood's works remained in print for many years posthumously, a testimony to her enduring popularity. She passed away on February 10, 1887, but her influence on the development of the sensation novel and her contributions to serialization in literature secured her a lasting legacy.