Wilkie Collins
A popular Victorian author considered one of the pioneers of the detective novel. His works, such as The Woman in White and The Moonstone, are known for their intricate plots, suspenseful atmosphere, and exploration of secrets and identity. Collins's masterful storytelling and innovative narrative techniques captivated Victorian readers and laid the groundwork for the modern mystery genre.
The Woman in White opens with Walter Hartright’s chilling moonlit encounter with a mysterious woman dressed entirely in white. Hired as a drawing master for the lovely Laura Fairlie, Walter is soon entangled in a web of deception spun by the sinister Sir Percival Glyde and his enigmatic ally, Count Fosco—a man with a fondness for white mice, sweets, and poison. As secrets unravel across country estates and asylums, the novel delves into themes of identity, madness, and justice. Wilkie Collins’s groundbreaking work launched the Victorian sensation genre, blending Gothic suspense with psychological depth and social critique. A true classic.