Showing results by author "Wilkie Collins" in All Categories

We sit. We lie. We wait. We are examined. We are left alone. Emotions fritter. The door reopens. The face. Is it tinged with sadness or reassuring and open? The words. Are they easy to comprehend? Is it good news or bad? We can answer that. It’s bad. Undeniably bad. None of our authors have good news for you. The diagnosis? You already know that. Death.

Our greatest fears are of the unknown. Usually we think those fears are in front of us...or behind us. But perhaps the human body itself holds the greatest horror. What happens after death? Do our bodies have a new existence either in whole...or part? Will others seek to claim them and do unspeakable things? We don’t know. But our authors do. And they have the talents and wits to make these diabolical stories vehicles for horror, for terror, for the unimaginable....

Often hailed as the first detective novel ever written, The Moonstone masterfully intertwines romance and mystery, captivating readers with its blend of intrigue and emotion. It features a rich tapestry of characters, including a hunchbacked girl whose tragic love story resonates deeply, a dying Jewish doctor who plays a crucial role in solving the mystery, and cunning Hindu conjurers pursuing the return of their sacred gem. With moments of humor and poignant storytelling, this novel is a profound testament to the art of narrative. - Summary by Tony Addison

In the tranquil countryside, elderly brothers Owen, Morgan, and Griffith enjoy a peaceful retirement—until the arrival of Griffiths ward, the spirited young Jessie Yelverton. What was meant to be a brief six-week visit quickly turns into a delightful dilemma for the gentlemen, who find themselves eager to extend her stay by ten more days. To keep Jessie entertained and engaged, they concoct a promise to share captivating and thrilling stories each night. Join them on this enchanting journey filled with laughter, intrigue, and heartwarming moments. - Summary by Carolin

In the year 1846, the idyllic life of the Vanstone family at Combe-Raven in West Somersetshire is shattered by tragedy. When Andrew Vanstone suffers a fatal accident, followed closely by the death of his wife, dark secrets come to light the couple was never married at the time of their daughters births, rendering the girls Nobodys Children under English law and stripping them of their rightful inheritance. With his brothers fortune now in his hands, Andrews elder sibling, Michael, revels in his newfound wealth, leaving his nieces to fend for themselves. While the gentle Norah accepts her fate ...

Dive into the intriguing world of Wilkie Collins 1870 novel, Man and Wife. Set against the backdrop of a peculiar Scottish law that recognized verbal or written assertions of marriage, the story follows Arnold and Geoffrey as they navigate a tangled web of relationships. Both men inadvertently find themselves entangled with Anne, who is desperately trying to secure her reputation amidst their conflicting intentions—one is bound to another woman, while the other seeks a wealthier match. With stakes high and hearts in turmoil, Anne must find a true husband before it’s too late. Join us for a...

In Legacy of Cain, sisters Eunice and Helena lead a seemingly idyllic life under the care of their father, the Reverend Abel Gracedieu. However, their world is turned upside down when buried secrets from their past begin to emerge. One sister, adopted, grapples with the haunting legacy of a mother executed for her husbands murder. As the mistress and brother of the slain man enter their lives, a gripping chain of events unfolds, forcing one sister to confront the painful truths of her heritage. Who will rise to face the darkness that looms over them? - Summary by Carolin

In Fallen Leaves, we follow Amelius Goldenheart, a hero unjustly cast out from a Utopian community in New England, as he embarks on a transformative journey in London. His path intertwines with a series of remarkable women, each embodying the essence of a fallen leaf that he feels compelled to save. Among them is the very woman whose actions led to his expulsion, the troubled wife of his only friend, a young prostitute seeking a way out, and his own fiancée. As Amelius strives to aid these women while grappling with the complexities of a foreign society, both he and the women he encounters ...

Step into the intricate world of Armadale, where two distant cousins share not just a name but a tangled legacy of vengeance and betrayal. The story unfolds with a dramatic deathbed confession from one cousins father, revealing a dark family secret that has lingered for years. As the narrative weaves through time, we follow the protagonist, mistreated and desperate, who escapes the confines of his troubled home to forge a new identity as Ozias Midwinter. Prepare for a gripping tale of fate, family, and the quest for redemption.

Heart and Science is a captivating didactic novel by Wilkie Collins that follows the journey of the young doctor Ovid Vere as he battles against the odds for his love. Confronted by his familys disapproval and the complexities of their social circle, Ovids path is fraught with intrigue, including a significant inheritance, a secret engagement, and a wicked stepmother. What sets this novel apart is Collins passionate plea against animal cruelty in the realm of science, reflecting his deep affection for animals. - Summary by Carolin

In After Dark, William Kerby faces the heartbreaking prospect of losing his eyesight, a devastating blow for a passionate painter. While rest is essential for his recovery, the reality of providing for his family looms large. Alongside his devoted wife, Leah, William embarks on a quest for alternative income, drawing inspiration from the countless stories gathered during their travels. In a bid to secure their future, he dictates six captivating short stories to Leah, hoping that publishing them will bridge the gap. Join them on this poignant journey of creativity and resilience. - Summary by ...

In the aftermath of war and shifting allegiances, the church finds itself deprived of a precious piece of land. Father Benwell is resolute in his quest to reclaim it, and he believes the key lies in converting its owner, Lewis Romayne. But when the enchanting Stella enters the scene, capturing Romayne’s heart, Father Benwells plans hang in the balance. As love blooms, so do secrets—both Romayne and Stella harbor dark truths that could change everything. The Black Robe, an 1881 epistolary novel by the renowned Wilkie Collins, delves into the tangled web of desire, ambition, and betrayal, ...

Biter Bit is a delightful and humorous short story by the renowned British author Wilkie Collins. Originally appearing as Who is the Thief? in the April 1858 issue of The Atlantic Monthly, it was later rebranded and included in the 1859 collection, The Queen of Hearts. This charming tale unfolds in an epistolary format, following a naively ambitious young wannabe detective with an inflated sense of his sleuthing abilities as he grapples with a minor theft of banknotes. Can you identify the true culprit before our rookie detective catches on? - Summary by Louise J. Belle

The Woman in White, an enthralling epistolary novel by Wilkie Collins, first captivated readers in 1859 and was published in book form the following year. Often hailed as the first mystery novel and a landmark in the sensation genre, this story weaves a complex narrative through the voices of multiple characters, leaving readers questioning the reliability of each narrator. Collins innovative storytelling technique not only set the stage for future writers, including Bram Stoker of Dracula fame, but also ensured that this gripping tale remains a timeless classic. (Summary from Wikipedia)

In Two Destinies, Mary Dermodys future seems entwined with George Germaines, as foretold by her grandmothers prophecy. Yet, fate has other plans, leading to their separation and a long period of lost connection. However, when George heroically saves a young woman from drowning, an inexplicable bond ignites between him and Mary, hinting at a destiny that might be more than just chance. - Summary by Carolin

In a tangled web of love and deception, Natalie Graybrooke finds herself torn between her heart and her duty. Deeply in love with her cousin Launcelot Linzie, she is reluctantly engaged to the wealthy but sinister Mr. Turlington, who desires her fortune more than her affection. As the executor of her fathers estate, Turlingtons greed knows no bounds. When Natalie dares to marry Launcelot in secret, Turlingtons ruthless ambition leads him to orchestrate a chilling act to seize control of her inheritance. Join us as we unravel this thrilling tale of romance, betrayal, and the quest for freedom. ...

Blind Love, also known as Iris and The Lord Harry, is the final novel of Wilkie Collins, completed posthumously by Walter Besant. This poignant tale delves into the complex emotions of Iris, a virtuous woman who finds herself deeply enamored with the morally flawed Henry Norland. Her unwavering love blinds her to his numerous shortcomings, showcasing the depths of human affection and its contradictions. As with many of Collins works, this novel confronts pressing social issues, including the Irish Question and womens rights, adding rich layers to the narrative. - Summary by Carolin.

Nancy Morris, a shopkeeper's daughter from Sandwich, becomes a governess with the help of a benefactor, Sir Gervase Damian. One day she helps a stranger whose advances she gently rebuffs, only to meet him again when she takes a new position in the North.

The Dream Woman is a strange tale of a man who has a dream about a beautiful woman attempting to murder him in bed by stabbing him with a buck-handled clasp-knife. He relates the details of the dream to his mother, who makes careful note of every detail. Then one day he meets the woman of his dream....

In this fast-paced novella, we encounter attempted murder, a clandestine marriage, and fraud.