The sudden disappearance of George Talboys triggers a desperate search that exposes the dark, hidden history of the seemingly angelic Lady Audley. Robert Audley, a barrister and friend to the missing man, begins to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, eventually focusing his suspicions on his uncle's new wife. The narrative follows Robert as he navigates the rigid social expectations of the Victorian upper class, while Lady Audley employs manipulation and deceit to protect her status and conceal her past. The story unfolds through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the contrast between outward appearances and internal moral decay.

Readers frequently highlight the novel's ability to maintain suspense through the slow unraveling of Lady Audley's complex web of lies. Discussion often centers on the characterization of the protagonist, who is frequently analyzed as a radical departure from the submissive female figures common in 19th-century literature. Critics often note the effectiveness of the author's prose in blending domestic realism with elements of the gothic thriller. Many readers appreciate the way the narrative challenges the reader's perception of morality and guilt within the Victorian social hierarchy. The book remains a subject of academic interest for its portrayal of female agency and the societal anxieties of the era.