The Skeleton Crew, or, Wildfire Ned

 

Author(s) remained anonymous as content could be violent, sexual or otherwise publicly offensive! And on occasions several people wrote these chapters. A gentleman would never want his name associated with such material (that earned him money). As for the engraver-artists..many are simply anonymous and were happy for paying work! Wildfire Ned and The Shadow of Death are not the same character

This is one heck of a thick book and, again, you need to be able to read in the style of the time which can be very wordy to modern readers. Of course, when I turned the character into one suitable for comics (The Master Plan of Lord Sebastian Perish in Adventure 53 on) it was far more readable!  There are incidentally over 550 pages so it's kinda epic!

This synopsis from Google books sums it all up:

"Venture into the shadowy world of Victorian London with "The Skeleton Crew, or, Wildfire Ned," a classic penny dreadful ripped from the pages of history. This gripping tale, steeped in gothic horror and laced with mystery, exemplifies the thrilling and sensational storytelling that captivated readers of the era. Originally published anonymously, this rediscovered gem of historical fiction plunges into the darkest corners of society, offering a glimpse into a world of intrigue and suspense.

"The Skeleton Crew" embodies the spirit of the penny dreadful, a genre renowned for its suspenseful plots, eerie atmosphere, and unforgettable characters. Carefully prepared for print republication, this edition allows you to experience the raw, unfiltered excitement that defined Victorian popular literature. Perfect for fans of gothic horror, historical mysteries, and anyone seeking a thrilling escape into the past. Discover the enduring appeal of this historical artifact, a chilling testament to the power of suspenseful storytelling.

"This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it."

If you have a love of comics, graphic novels or horror in general you really have to learn more about The Monk, Melmosth the Wanderer and The Skeleton Horseman/Skeleton Crew. It is part of what we would call pop culture history.