I think 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is quite popular. It introduced the world - famous vampire Count Dracula. The story is filled with horror and mystery, and it has had a huge influence on the horror genre.
One that comes to mind is 'Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood' which, although mainly about vampires, has elements related to werewolves. It was part of the Victorian penny dreadfuls and was very popular at the time. It's considered rare because it was serialized and not always easy to find in its complete form now. Also, there are some lesser - known works that were part of the Gothic literature of the Victorian era which may have had werewolf elements but have been somewhat forgotten over time. These works often delved into the dark and mysterious, with the werewolf representing the primal and feared aspects of human nature that Victorians were both fascinated and horrified by.
The Victorian novels in the list tend to have elaborate descriptions. They paint a vivid picture of the era, whether it's the cityscapes in London as in 'Our Mutual Friend' or the rural settings like in 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'. The moral and ethical values of the time are also a big part of these novels. Characters are often judged based on their adherence to the Victorian moral code. And many of them have a strong sense of narrative structure, with a clear beginning, middle and end, which helps to engage the readers.
Definitely 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. It follows the life of Pip, a young boy with great expectations in life, and shows the class differences in Victorian society.
One characteristic is the revival of Victorian settings. They often take place in the Victorian era or have strong elements of it, like the architecture and social hierarchy.
They usually have complex characters with hidden motives and double lives. For example, in many of these novels, a character who seems innocent at first may turn out to have a very different side to them. Also, the settings are often Victorian - era locations like big mansions or small villages, which add to the atmosphere of the story. The plots are full of twists and turns, which keep the readers on their toes.
One of the well - known Victorian romance novels is 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' by Anne Bronte. It's a story that delves into the life of a mysterious woman, Helen Huntingdon. 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell is also popular. It features a strong - willed heroine, Margaret Hale, and her relationship with the mill owner, Mr. Thornton. And 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot, which, while not strictly a pure romance, has elements of love and relationships within the complex web of Victorian society.
I would also say 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu. It was one of the early vampire stories and had a big impact on the development of vampire lore in Victorian horror. It features a female vampire, which was a bit different from the more common male vampire stories at the time. It has a very gothic and eerie atmosphere that is typical of Victorian horror novels.
Another one is 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. It tells the story of an orphan boy's struggle in a cruel society. There are vivid descriptions of the poor living conditions in Victorian England.