Showing results by author "Wilkie Collins" in All Categories

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.

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 ...

Skyboat Media presents, paired together for the first time, both the novel and the play of The Evil Genius by Wilkie Collins. Although both versions of the story were written at the same time, the play has never before been published and was only ever performed once on the stage. In fact, it is almost entirely unknown and is otherwise unavailable.

Bequeathed a rare diamond by her late uncle, heiress Rachel Verinder has no idea it was stolen from an Indian temple or that it has a cursed history. When the diamond disappears on her eighteenth birthday, multiple suspects - including Rachel’s suitor, Franklin Blake - are implicated in its theft. Determined to prove his innocence, Franklin begins his own investigation. Did one of his fellow Englishmen steal the jewel? Or was it whisked back to India? The case, which unfolds through multiple narratives, takes startling twists and turns in pursuit of the truth.

Doug Bradley's Spine Chillers, Volume 2, presents four classic stories from the masters of horror literature. It kicks off with Charles Dickens' friend and collaborator Wilkie Collins' eerie tale of a man's dream of his own murder that comes too true, 'The Dream Woman'. Second on the bill is the master of American literature Edgar Allan Poe's classic story of doomed love 'The Oval Portrait'.

From the pen of the author of The Woman in White and The Moonstone, comes a collection of lesser known yet equally magnificent supernatural stories! Volume two features "A Terribly Strange Bed" (read by Luke Harrison), "Mrs. Zant and the Ghost" (read by Murray Melvin), and "Blow Up with the Brig" (read by Phil Reynolds). Be prepared to be terrified and entertained as Wilkie Collins’ disturbing tales of ghosts, deadly visions, and family curses come to life in this fantastic new collection.

When the Countess Narona meets Agnes Lockwood, the woman jilted by her husband-to-be, she feels a great sense of foreboding. After the marriage, she moves with her husband, Lord Montbarry, to Venice. As much as Agnes tries to forget the episode of her broken engagement, her fate and that of the Countess seem to be inextricably woven. Both are relentlessly drawn to the Palace Hotel in Venice for a final and dramatic encounter, in the room where more than past emotions resurface to haunt them.

Sixteen classic stories.

Set in the financial centres of 1820s Frankfurt and London, Jezebel’s Daughter (1880) tells the story of two widows: Madame Fontaine, who will go to any lengths to secure her daughter’s marriage, and Mrs Wagner, who devotes herself to her late husband’s social reforms. In pursuit of her endeavours, Mrs Wagner befriends Jack Straw, a former inmate of Bedlam, who plays a pivotal role as the action, full of plotting and counterplotting, unfolds, culminating in the morgue, where several lives hang in the balance.

Appearing in 1852, Basil was Wilkie Collins’s second published novel. The eponymous narrator is emotionally torn between two women: Margaret Sherwin and his sister Clara. His marriage to Margaret, a draper’s sexually precocious daughter, is to remain secret and unconsummated for the first year, as agreed with her father.

A gripping collection of over 50 of the greatest short stories written by great British writers. 1."The Missing Years" by Barry Pain, 2. "His Brother's Keeper" by W. W. Jacobs, 3. "A Madman's Manuscript" by Charles Dickens, 4. "The House of Cobwebs" by Barry Pain, 5. "Old Fags" by Stacy Aumonier, 6. "A Long-Ago Affair" by John Galsworthy, 7. "August Heat" by W. F. Harvey, 8. "The Dabblers" by W. F. Harvey, 9. "Rose Rose" by Barry Pain

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 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, ...

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

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.

A series of BBC Radio short stories, comprised of classic and period dramas featuring four female sleuths to rival Sherlock Holmes himself. 'The Redhill Sisterhood' by Catherine Louisa Pirkis, 'Mr Bovey’s Unexpected Will' by L. T. Meade and Robert Eustace, 'The Golden Slipper' by Anna Katharine Green and 'The Law and the Lady' by Wilkie Collins. Starring Gayanne Potter as Loveday Brooke, Elizabeth Conboy as Florence Cusack, Teresa Gallagher as Violet Strange and Abigail Docherty as Valeria Woodville.

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)

"The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins is a groundbreaking detective novel often regarded as the first of its kind in English literature. The story revolves around a priceless Indian diamond — the Moonstone — stolen from a Hindu temple and later presented to Rachel Verinder on her eighteenth birthday. That same night, the gem mysteriously disappears from Rachel's room, setting off a wild and complex investigation. Through multiple narrators, including the loyal servant Gabriel Betteredge and the eccentric Miss Clack, the narrative unfolds with twists, misunderstandings, and revelations.

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. ...

Meet Lucilla Finch, the indomitable protagonist of this captivating tale. Often referred to as “poor Miss Finch,” many pity her for her blindness. But don’t be fooled! Lucilla possesses a wisdom that surpasses all other characters in the story. This narrative delves into her trials, tribulations, and triumphs, showcasing her strength and resilience. While I may not share her experiences with reckless love and the chaos of misguided suitors and eccentric doctors, like her, I embrace my own blindness with pride! (Introduction by Sandra G) Edited by TriciaG & Nadine Eckert-Boulet.