Definitely 'Dracula' with its iconic vampire figure. 'Frankenstein' is a classic in horror literature. It makes you think about the limits of science. Also, 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman can be considered a Victorian horror story. It shows the mental breakdown of the protagonist in a very disturbing way.
I would also say 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu. It was one of the early vampire stories and had a big impact on the development of vampire lore in Victorian horror. It features a female vampire, which was a bit different from the more common male vampire stories at the time. It has a very gothic and eerie atmosphere that is typical of Victorian horror novels.
Some well - known Victorian detective novels include 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It is often considered one of the first detective novels in the English language. Another is the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes, with his brilliant deductive reasoning, became an iconic detective figure. 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins is also a great example. It has a complex plot full of mystery and intrigue.
Victorian literature was generally quite conservative and did not openly produce what we would consider 'erotic novels' in the modern sense. However, works like 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde had some elements that were considered scandalous at the time. But it's important to note that this was not a pure 'erotic novel'.
Another great one from the list is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. This novel explores the duality of human nature, with the good - natured Dr. Jekyll transforming into the evil Mr. Hyde. It was very much in tune with the Victorian era's preoccupation with morality and the hidden sides of people.
Among the list of all Victorian novels, 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is highly influential. It has had a huge impact on the horror genre. It introduced the iconic character of Dracula and many of the tropes associated with vampires. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll is also influential. Its surreal and imaginative world has inspired countless works in literature, art, and film.
The use of complex characters was another feature. Characters were often multi - dimensional. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff is not simply a villain but a complex figure shaped by his experiences of love, rejection, and social inequality. Victorian novels in general had a rich tapestry of characters that added depth to the stories.
One of the most well - known Victorian novels with a strong sense of romance is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë. It tells the story of a young governess, Jane, and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester. Their love story is filled with passion, challenges, and a deep emotional connection. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which although written a bit earlier than the height of the Victorian era, still had a great influence. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is a classic example of a slow - burning, yet intense romance, with misunderstandings and character growth along the way.
One that comes to mind is 'Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood' which, although mainly about vampires, has elements related to werewolves. It was part of the Victorian penny dreadfuls and was very popular at the time. It's considered rare because it was serialized and not always easy to find in its complete form now. Also, there are some lesser - known works that were part of the Gothic literature of the Victorian era which may have had werewolf elements but have been somewhat forgotten over time. These works often delved into the dark and mysterious, with the werewolf representing the primal and feared aspects of human nature that Victorians were both fascinated and horrified by.
They often have a gloomy and spooky atmosphere. The settings are typically in old, decaying mansions or fog - covered streets. Characters may include mysterious villains, damsels in distress, and brave heroes. There's also a strong sense of the unknown and the supernatural, like ghosts, vampires, or other dark creatures.