Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins was an English novelist and playwright, best known for his works 'The Woman in White' and 'The Moonstone,' which are considered early examples of the mystery and detective genres.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Woman in White

    A captivating tale of mystery and suspense, "The Woman in White" follows the story of a young art teacher, Walter Hartright, who encounters a mysterious woman dressed in white on a moonlit road. The woman is revealed to be a mental asylum escapee, and as Hartright delves into her story, he uncovers a web of deceit, madness, and dangerous secrets involving a wealthy, titled family. The narrative explores themes of identity, insanity, and the abuse of power, with a complex plot filled with twists and turns.

    The 139th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Moonstone

    A Romance

    "The Moonstone" is a detective novel that revolves around a large, valuable yellow diamond that was stolen from an Indian temple and is now in England. The diamond is bequeathed to a young woman on her eighteenth birthday, but is stolen that same night. The novel follows the investigation of the theft, which is complicated by a series of confusing events and false leads. The resolution involves the unraveling of a tangled web of deception, crime, and colonial guilt.

    The 393rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Armadale

    The novel revolves around the intertwined lives of two men, both named Allan Armadale, whose destinies are shaped by a dark family secret and a legacy of vengeance. The story explores themes of identity, fate, and morality as the two Armadales navigate a complex web of deceit, love, and ambition. The narrative is driven by the manipulative and enigmatic Lydia Gwilt, whose own troubled past and ambitions threaten to unravel the lives of those around her. As the characters' paths converge, the novel delves into the consequences of past actions and the struggle for redemption amidst a backdrop of suspense and intrigue.

    The 5188th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. No Name

    The novel revolves around the plight of a young woman who, after the sudden death of her parents, discovers that due to a legal technicality, she and her sister are left destitute and illegitimate. Stripped of her social standing and inheritance, she embarks on a quest for vengeance against the relatives who have wronged her. Assuming various identities and employing cunning and deception, she manipulates events and people to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers, navigating the complexities of Victorian society and the rigid legal system that disenfranchised her. Throughout her journey, she grapples with the moral implications of her actions and the true meaning of family and identity.

    The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. After Dark

    A Tale of Mystery and Suspense

    The novel weaves a collection of six intriguing short stories, each narrated by an artist named Francis, who is compiling these tales while caring for his ailing wife, Leah. Set in the Victorian era, the stories explore themes of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, with each tale delving into the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. As Francis recounts these diverse narratives, the overarching frame story reveals the couple's deep bond and the personal challenges they endure, adding an emotional depth to the collection.

    The 9375th Greatest Book of All Time
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