The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily St. Aubert is devastated by the deaths of her parents and is placed under the legal guardianship of her cold-hearted aunt, Madame Cheron. The aunt marries Signor Montoni, a cruel, bankrupt Italian villain who locks Emily away in his dark, isolated Apennine fortress, the Castle of Udolpho. Within the terrifying castle walls, Emily is subjected to extortion, threats of forced marriage, and seemingly supernatural horrors that test her sanity. She eventually manages a daring escape with the help of a sympathetic servant and reunites with her true love, Valancourt. Ultimately, the terrifying mysteries of Udolpho are revealed to have perfectly rational, non-supernatural explanations.