Joseph Thomas Sheridan Le Fanu (1814 -1873) was an Irish writer of Gothic novels, one of the most influential ghost story writers of the nineteenth century. Being an intriguing mystery thriller, "Uncle Silas" tells a story of Maud Ruthyn, an orphan stuck in a weird relationship with her uncle. With the help of his son and a mysterious French governess, this man plots to kill the poor girl for her inheritance. The novel considered a classic of horror fiction and one of the best Le Fanu works.