Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier

On a stormy November night, Mary Yellan sets out to honor her mother's dying wish, arriving at the isolated Jamaica Inn. The eerie warnings she received about the inn prove true as she encounters her timid aunt and the menacing Uncle Joss Merlyn. As Mary becomes entangled in the sinister schemes unfolding within the inn's walls, she finds herself drawn to a man she cannot trust, blurring the lines between love and danger. The novel's atmospheric setting and chilling suspense make it a classic thriller that has captivated readers for generations. /n/n Inspired by the real Jamaica Inn in Cornwall, Daphne du Maurier's novel delves into themes of isolation, betrayal, and the power of the past. The story's exploration of the human psyche and the dark side of human nature adds depth to the gripping narrative. With its timeless appeal, Jamaica Inn continues to be a beloved work of Gothic fiction, showcasing du Maurier's mastery of suspense and her ability to create unforgettable characters and settings.

Reviews

Think About Reading · 2021-08-04

thrilling 5.00

This book is wonderfully dark and atmospheric, with a thrilling adventure. The novel is almost as famous as Rebecca.

The reviewer from Think About Reading praises Jamaica Inn for its wonderfully dark and atmospheric setting, which creates a thrilling adventure. The novel is almost as famous as Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, and the reviewer wishes they had picked it up sooner. The story is suspenseful and keeps readers engaged with its gothic elements and compelling characters. The reviewer particularly enjoys the novel's ability to create a sense of foreboding and danger, making it a standout read. Overall, the review highlights the novel's dark and atmospheric nature, making it a must-read for fans of gothic literature.

Quick quotes

Wonderfully dark and atmospheric and utterly suspenseful, Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn is a thrilling adventure of a novel!

I wish I had picked up this book sooner.

Jamaica Inn is almost as famous a novel as author Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.

Madame Writer Blog · 2019-03-23

dark 4.50

The gothic atmosphere is the best part of this book. The novel is a dark and gripping tale reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

The reviewer from Madame Writer Blog highlights the gothic atmosphere as the best part of Jamaica Inn, noting that Daphne du Maurier excels at setting a creepy mood. The novel is a dark and gripping tale that will remind readers of other great classics like Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The reviewer appreciates the strong prose and characterization, which add depth to the story. The side plot of the abusive relationship between Uncle Joss and Aunt Patience is particularly compelling, exploring the dynamics of how Patience got sucked into the relationship. Overall, the review emphasizes the novel's gothic elements and strong character development, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

My favorite part of this book was the gothic atmosphere. Du Maurier knows how to set a creepy mood like few authors I have read before.

The novel is a dark and gripping tale that will remind readers of two other great classics, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

The side plot explored is the abusive relationship between Uncle Joss and Aunt Patience—how the romance started and how Patience got sucked in.

The Guardian · Julie Myerson · 2014-04-19

harrowing 4.00

This novel is filled with anger towards male violence and stupidity. It portrays a harrowing and suspenseful adventure.

Julie Myerson's review highlights the novel's seething anger at the male capacity for violence and stupidity, especially against women. The story is a harrowing and suspenseful adventure, with a dark and atmospheric setting that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Myerson appreciates the novel's ability to convey a sense of danger and foreboding, making it a thrilling read. The character of Mary is particularly compelling, as she navigates a world filled with greed and violence. Overall, the review emphasizes the novel's dark and suspenseful nature, making it a standout in Daphne du Maurier's repertoire.

Quick quotes

This is a novel seething with anger at the male capacity for stupidity, greed and violence, especially against women.

Joss tells Mary how he knows that she is brave, but he also knows that she is not stupid.

The novel is a harrowing and suspenseful adventure, with a dark and atmospheric setting.

Appears in Lists

10 Best Daphne du Maurier Books (2025)