Moonstone and Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (Vintage 1964 Hardcover)

Description

“Moonstone” and “The Woman in White” are two classic novels written by Wilkie Collins, both of which are considered pioneering works in the mystery and detective fiction genres.

1. “The Moonstone” (1868): Often regarded as one of the earliest examples of the modern detective novel, “The Moonstone” tells the story of the theft of a large diamond, the Moonstone, from its rightful place in India and its subsequent journey to England. The novel follows a series of characters involved in the mystery, including the various members of the household where the theft occurs and the detectives tasked with solving the case. Through multiple narrators and perspectives, Collins weaves a complex and suspenseful tale of intrigue, deception, and revenge.

2. “The Woman in White” (1860): Considered one of the first sensation novels, “The Woman in White” is a gripping and atmospheric tale of mistaken identity, forbidden love, and dark family secrets. The story revolves around Walter Hartright, a young drawing master who encounters a mysterious woman dressed in white on a moonlit night. As Walter becomes entangled in the lives of the enigmatic woman, Laura Fairlie, and her sinister husband, Sir Percival Glyde, he uncovers a web of deception and madness that threatens to destroy them all. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and Gothic atmosphere, “The Woman in White” remains one of Collins’s most beloved and enduring works.

Both “The Moonstone” and “The Woman in White” showcase Wilkie Collins’s mastery of suspense, intricate plotting, and psychological insight, cementing his reputation as a pioneer of the mystery and detective fiction genres.