The Heir of Mondolfo, by Mary Shelley. Narrated by Linda Barrans. The Heir of Mondolfo is a Gothic tale that was published posthumously in 1877. Ludovico is a despised second son, only child of a scorned second wife. He finds love with Viola, a peasant girl, and they have a son. Their happiness is threatened when Ludovico's older brother dies suddenly and he becomes the heir. His father, the proud and cruel prince of Mondolfo, will let nothing stand in the way of his legacy.