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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  6. 6. The Haunted Hotel

    A Mystery of Modern Venice

    In this gripping tale of mystery and suspense, a wealthy English aristocrat, Lord Montbarry, mysteriously dies in a Venetian palace turned hotel, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and eerie occurrences. As his widow and her sinister brother take residence in the hotel, a series of supernatural events unfold, drawing in a cast of characters who are each entangled in the web of intrigue. With a blend of gothic elements and psychological depth, the story explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the supernatural, leading to a chilling revelation that uncovers the dark secrets hidden within the haunted walls.

  7. 7. Jezebel's Daughter

    Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Germany, this gripping tale weaves a complex narrative of deception, intrigue, and the dark arts of poison. The story follows the lives of two women, one a cunning and manipulative widow with a sinister past, and the other a virtuous and innocent young woman caught in her web. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the characters find themselves entangled in a deadly game of power and survival, where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every corner. The novel masterfully explores themes of morality, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked desires.

  8. 8. Basil

    A Story of Modern Life

    A sheltered young gentleman from a proud family becomes infatuated with a shopkeeper’s daughter and agrees to a clandestine, unconsummated marriage arranged by her ambitious father. As the year of secrecy drags on, he discovers her involvement with a manipulative confidant, sparking a violent confrontation that destroys his reputation and severs him from his family. Pursued by vengeance and consumed by guilt, he is driven into flight and illness until fate deals a final, tragic reckoning in a tense exploration of obsession, class conflict, and the perilous consequences of forbidden desire.

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