Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
The Beetle, written in 1897 by British author Richard Marsh, is a classic gothic horror story set in Victorian London. The book follows the characters of Paul Lessingham, Robert Holt, Sydney Atherton, Marjorie Lindon and Augustus Champnell all having a different encounter with the Beetle, a shape-shifting ancient Egyptian creature that seeks revenge for wrongs done in Egypt two decades before.
Is The Beetle appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This classic Victorian gothic horror contains body horror through shape-shifting, psychological manipulation, and moderate violence as an ancient Egyptian creature stalks multiple characters seeking revenge. The supernatural elements and period attitudes toward colonialism may be disturbing.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include body horror, possession, and mental manipulation (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who enjoy classic horror with multiple perspectives and creepy shape-shifting creatures will find this Victorian thriller atmospheric and suspenseful.