First published in 1866, Behind a Mask takes place in Victorian England and follows a sly, master manipulator, Jean Muir. Working as the governess for the Coventry family, Jean is a deceptive and scheming woman determined to set right the many ways in which she believes she has been wronged. After successfully causing a stir amongst the men and women of high society, Jean decides to aim high and attempt to trick the Coventries into giving her their family fortune. But with many secrets hidden behind her innocent facade, Jean only has a narrow window of time to successfully carry out her plan. Delve into Alcott’s early classic to discover the truth behind Jean’s mask.
Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American author born in Philadelphia, USA. She began her career writing short stories under pen names, including A. M. Barnard. Alcott is best known for her children’s novel ‘Little Women’ (1868), and its subsequent sequels. She received great critical acclaim during her lifetime and was able to support herself and her family through her writing career. Alcott was also a determined activist and was heavily involved in abolitionism and feminist movements.