The Invisible Girl

by Mary Shelley, Tarah Wheeler

Three supernatural tales of longing and loss from the grand-dame of Gothic fiction, Mary Shelly

When a storm drives their boat toward the rocks, a group of sailors are saved by the light of a ruined tower. The locals speak of the Invisible Girl who haunts it - a lost, wandering soul. But the truth, as Mary Shelley unveils, is more disturbing, and far more human than any ghost story.

Includes the The Invisible Girl, The Mortal Immortal and The Mourner

BRIEF classic novellas and captivating stories, to be read in a single sitting or savoured over days

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Gothic

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2026

About the author

See Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Reviews

[Millie Long]

2.5 rounded down

[Emily Ross]

Mary Shelley’s short stories read like gothic fairy tales—melancholy, atmospheric, and just a little uncanny. Even when they’re only a few dozen pages long, she creates such vivid settings that it’s easy to get swept into them. The aesthetic she brings to life is fantastic, from lonely cottages hidden in the mountains to mysterious forests and crumbling castles. Each story explores love, loss, and isolation in a different way, and while they’re all quite different, they share that unmistakable Shelley magic. I had a great time with all three and can’t wait to read more of her shorter works.

[Tanja]

I have to say that these short stories took me in, and I'm a person who doesn't like short stories. Shelley's writing was as beautiful as ever. I love how artfully descriptive her wording is. This is art, ladies and gentlemen. A fine little book for escaping the hardenships of reality. My least favourite was the third one. And my favourite was the mortal immortal. How all of a sudden perception of eternity ends, just wow. The depth in all stories was amazing, Mary Shelley knows how to write about serious topics in a subtle and unobtrusive way. 4 stars for me.

[Eda]

I loved this book but then again I didn’t expect anything different considering who wrote it. The first story was intriguing. The second was good although I wouldn’t classify it as great. The third story, The Mourner, I absolutely loved! It was sad but not overly so, as she found peace in the end even if not in a way typically approved of. It’s the sort of story you cannot properly describe and which won’t leave your mind a long time.

This book is great when you want to read something shorter in one or two sittings! I know I will definitely reread it someday.

[Ellie Rollings]

3.5 / 5

I love Mary Shelley, she is one of my GOATS of writing. I read ‘Frankenstein’ a couple years ago and is still one of my favourite gothic pieces ever. This book is beautiful in a lot of way and this is another gorgeous piece that she has written.

My particular favourite short story from this book is ‘The Mortal Immortal’ I found myself enthralled with the story and utterly amazed by Shelley’s writing. She continues to amaze me and I will always be her biggest fan.

[Shufola Rani]

I found *The Invisible Girl* to be an intriguing and thought-provoking read. The story explores themes of identity, technology, privacy, and what it means to be unseen in a modern world. The combination of suspense and deeper social questions kept me interested throughout. Overall, it’s an engaging and memorable read.

[Freya]

Not entirely sure why this is pre-publication when I bought it in a Foyles but oh well!

Really enjoyed all three stories, particularly the second one about the student of Agrippa. All three were as wordy as Shelley usually is, but short enough to be entertaining.

[Adam]

Beautifully written cover to cover. The stories manage to flow incredibly well for the 21st century reader while retaining all the charm and eloquence of the period.

[Lyndsay]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. While the first story, The Invisible Girl, was underwhelming, I enjoyed The Mortal Immortal and The Mourner and each one crafted a very melancholic atmosphere.

[meelee]

Three stunning short stories about love and loss, with a gothic feel yet still rooted in humanity - beautiful intro into Mary Shelley if you haven’t been wanting to take on Frankenstein

[Prisca Turazzi]

The Invisible Girl ~ 4⭐️
The Mortal Immortal ~ 4⭐️
The Mourner ~ 3,5 ⭐️

[Natasja Møller]

Rigtig god