The "Sensation Novel" ushered in the modern mystery genre. It was inaugurated by Wilkie Collins's best-seller The Woman in White in 1860. But this collection, selected by Peter Haining, reveals that Collins had actually been writing realistic stories of suspense for at least a decade before this. With dramatic plots that revolved around hidden secrets, bloody crimes, villainous schemes, and clever detective work all occurring in everyday settings, Wilkie Collins helped to shape a new genre that was worlds away from anything being written by his contemporaries--and one that was to have a far-reaching influence. Sensation Stories ranges from Collins's earliest tales and those published under the auspices of his great friend Charles Dickens to the title piece from his last, melancholic collection. Among several famous yarns and stories not published for over a hundred years is one featuring a pioneer female detective and another that has been called the first British detective story. There is a ghost story controversial for its eroticism, the first humorous or satirical detective story and a story that clearly presages The Woman in White, published two years later. Thrilling reads in their own right, all 10 stories showcase Wilkie Collins's towering contribution to the development of the mystery genre. Indeed, he is now regarded as the inventor of the modern detective story and the forefather of a crime fiction tradition that runs through Arthur Conan Doyle to Thomas Harris today.

The Woman in White is considered to be among the first mystery novels and is widely regarded as one of the first (and finest) in the genre of "sensation novels". The story is sometimes considered an early example of detective fiction with the hero, Walter Hartright, employing many of the sleuthing techniques of later private detectives. The Moonstone is an epistolary novel, generally considered the first detective novel in the English language. Besides creating many of the ground rules of the detective novel, The Moonstone also reflected Collins' enlightened social attitudes in his treatment of the servants in the novel. Armadale is a mystery novel and has a convoluted plot about two distant cousins both named Allan Armadale. The father of one had murdered the father of the other (the two fathers are also named Allan Armadale). The story starts with a deathbed confession by the murderer in the form of a letter to be given to his baby son when he grows up. No Name is a 19th-century novel revolving around the issue of illegitimacy. Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English novelist, playwright, and author of short stories. His best-known works are The Woman in White, No Name, Armadale, and The Moonstone. Content: The Woman in White No Name Armadale The Moonstone The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice The Law and The Lady The Dead Secret Miss or Mrs?

"The Woman in White" is considered to be among the first mystery novels and is widely regarded as one of the first (and finest) in the genre of "sensation novels". The story is sometimes considered an early example of detective fiction with the hero, Walter Hartright, employing many of the sleuthing techniques of later private detectives. "The Moonstone" is an epistolary novel, generally considered the first detective novel in the English language. Besides creating many of the ground rules of the detective novel, "The Moonstone" also reflected Collins' enlightened social attitudes in his treatment of the servants in the novel. Armadale is a mystery novel and has a convoluted plot about two distant cousins both named Allan Armadale. The father of one had murdered the father of the other (the two fathers are also named Allan Armadale). The story starts with a deathbed confession by the murderer in the form of a letter to be given to his baby son when he grows up. No Name is a 19th-century novel revolving around the issue of illegitimacy. Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English novelist, playwright, and author of short stories. His best-known works are The Woman in White, No Name, Armadale, and The Moonstone. Content: The Woman in White No Name Armadale The Moonstone The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice The Law and The Lady The Dead Secret Miss or Mrs?

In 'Greatest Mystery Novels of Wilkie Collins', readers are immersed in a collection of timeless tales filled with suspense, intrigue, and complex characters. Collins, often credited as one of the pioneers of the detective fiction genre, employs clever plot twists and intricate narratives to keep readers engaged from start to finish. His writing style is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail and nuanced exploration of psychological depth, setting a high standard for mystery novels of his time. These gripping stories explore themes of identity, deception, and morality, making them essential reads for fans of classic mystery literature. The book is a must-read for those seeking to delve into the works of a master storyteller who continues to captivate audiences with his enduring mysteries.

The 'Greatest Mystery Novels of Wilkie Collins (Illustrated)' provides readers with a collection of gripping and intricately plotted mystery novels written by the esteemed author, Wilkie Collins. Known for his gothic and suspenseful writing style, Collins delves into the psychological depths of his characters, creating compelling narratives filled with twists and turns that keep readers on edge. With the addition of illustrations, this collection enhances the reading experience, bringing Collins' vivid storytelling to life. Set in the Victorian era, Collins' works explore complex themes of crime, deception, and morality, making this collection a must-read for fans of classic mystery literature. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary of Charles Dickens, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of Victorian society to craft his intricate plots and diverse characters. His keen insight into human nature is reflected in his protagonists, who often find themselves entangled in suspenseful and mysterious situations. Collins' influence on the development of detective fiction is evident in his innovative storytelling techniques and thrilling narrative arcs. I highly recommend the 'Greatest Mystery Novels of Wilkie Collins (Illustrated)' to readers who enjoy atmospheric and suspenseful mystery novels that delve into the complexities of human behavior. This collection showcases Collins' mastery of the genre and offers a captivating reading experience that will leave readers engrossed until the final page.

The Woman in White is considered to be among the first mystery novels and is widely regarded as one of the first (and finest) in the genre of "sensation novels". The story is sometimes considered an early example of detective fiction with the hero, Walter Hartright, employing many of the sleuthing techniques of later private detectives. The Moonstone is an epistolary novel, generally considered the first detective novel in the English language. Besides creating many of the ground rules of the detective novel, The Moonstone also reflected Collins' enlightened social attitudes in his treatment of the servants in the novel. Armadale is a mystery novel and has a convoluted plot about two distant cousins both named Allan Armadale. The father of one had murdered the father of the other (the two fathers are also named Allan Armadale). The story starts with a deathbed confession by the murderer in the form of a letter to be given to his baby son when he grows up. No Name is a 19th-century novel revolving around the issue of illegitimacy.