Author
Wilkie Collins
1824-1889
Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White
"The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins is a mystery novel written in 1860. When a young drawing teacher encounters a mysterious woman dressed entirely in white on a London street, he unknowingly steps into a web of secrets and conspiracy. His new position teaching at an English estate draws him deeper into danger as he discovers sinister connections between the strange woman, his beautiful student, and her wealthy fiancé. Identity, deception, and a desperate fight for truth drive this early detective story.
The Moonstone
"The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1868. A cursed Indian diamond, stolen during a colonial siege, arrives as an inheritance for young Rachel Verinder on her eighteenth birthday. That night, the precious stone vanishes from her bedroom, launching a complex investigation involving suspicious servants, mysterious Indian priests, and shocking betrayals. This pioneering detective story unfolds through multiple narrators, each revealing new layers of deception as they race to solve the theft and recover the legendary gem.
Armadale
"Armadale" by Wilkie Collins is a novel serialized between 1864 and 1866. Two young men share the same name and a dark connection: one's father murdered the other's. When they become close friends, a mysterious prophecy and a haunting dream suggest tragic fate awaits them. Enter Lydia Gwilt, a beautiful and dangerous woman with secrets from their families' past, who schemes to claim an inheritance through deception, manipulation, and murder. A tale of identity, destiny, and moral choices unfolds.
The Queen of Hearts
"The Queen of Hearts" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written in the mid-19th century, during the Victorian era. The story revolves around the dynamics between three elderly brothers—Owen, Morgan, and Griffith—who live in a secluded tower in South Wales and their unexpected guest, the vibrant and lively young woman named Jessie Yelverton. The introduction presents a contrast between the brothers' somber, solitary lives and Jessie's youthful exuberance, setting the stage for an exploration of relationships, societal expectations, and the interplay between youth and age. At the start of the novel, the three brothers are portrayed as quiet and somewhat eccentric characters confronting the arrival of Jessie, who is introduced with warmth and exuberance. The narrative begins with a letter of dedication, reflecting Collins's gratitude toward a friend and critic, before moving into the brothers' lives at The Glen Tower. Each brother’s background is explored, highlighting Owen's compassion and gentle nature as a former clergyman, Morgan's blunt and sarcastic disposition as a retired doctor, and Griffith's experiences as a writer and lawyer. The whimsical nature of Jessie's entry into their lives creates a dilemma for the brothers, who are uncertain about how to handle her presence, setting up a myriad of comedic and emotional events that follow as the story unfolds. The interplay of their vastly different personalities leads to humorous and poignant moments as they navigate the complexities of their new dynamic.
No Name
"No Name" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1862. Two sisters discover they are illegitimate and lose everything—their home, fortune, and even their legal identity. Magdalen Vanstone embarks on a desperate scheme involving disguise, deception, and a calculated marriage to reclaim her stolen inheritance. Through theatrical performances and elaborate plots, she pursues justice against those who rejected her. But her quest for revenge comes at a devastating personal cost, testing whether redemption is possible after crossing moral boundaries.
After Dark
"After Dark" by Wilkie Collins is a collection of six short stories first published in 1856. The tales are united by a framing narrative: a portrait-painter forbidden from working must rely on his wife to transcribe his stories for publication to avoid destitution. Each story—featuring terribly strange beds, stolen letters, and mysterious masks—comes from a different narrator, creating a tapestry of suspenseful tales originally published in Charles Dickens's magazine Household Words.
The Law and the Lady
"The Law and the Lady" by Wilkie Collins is a detective and sensation novel published in 1875. When Valeria Brinton discovers her new husband has concealed his true identity, she uncovers a disturbing truth: he was tried for murdering his first wife by arsenic poisoning. The Scottish verdict of "not proven" leaves him under permanent suspicion. Determined to prove his innocence and save their marriage, Valeria embarks on her own investigation, encountering the brilliant but unstable Miserrimus Dexter, whose genius may hold the key to the mystery.
Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time
"Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written in the late 19th century during the Victorian era. The narrative centers on Ovid Vere, a talented young surgeon grappling with the pressures of his profession and the unexpected turns of his personal life. As he navigates through urban London, the story hints at themes of social influence, scientific inquiry, and the emotional entanglements that accompany relationships, particularly with women. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Ovid Vere, who is forced to take a respite from his demanding medical career. While he intends to prepare for a Mediterranean voyage, a series of seemingly trivial events divert him from his initial plans. These events culminate in a fateful encounter with a mysterious girl named Carmina, who is bound to become central to his life. As Ovid interacts with various characters, including his eccentric colleague Sir Richard, his mother Mrs. Gallilee, and the poignantly described Carmina and her duenna Teresa, the opening chapters set the stage for a complex exploration of familial relations, social expectations, and the budding romance that develops in a backdrop rich with both humor and serious reflection on contemporary issues such as vivisection and scientific ethics.
Man and Wife
"Man and Wife" by Wilkie Collins is a sensation novel published in 1870. When a governess is abandoned by her lover through a loophole in Scottish marriage law, three people find themselves entangled in a legal nightmare. Who is married to whom? As lawyers clash and reputations hang in the balance, the story darkens from legal thriller to deadly conspiracy. Collins weaves social critique with suspense, exposing the dangers of flawed marriage laws and the brutality lurking beneath Victorian respectability.
The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice
"The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice" by Wilkie Collins is a mystery novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around Doctor Wybrow, a renowned London physician, who encounters a mysterious lady seeking his help concerning her mental state, while hints of a deeper intrigue involving her unexpected marriage, her troubled past, and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her fiancé emerge. The beginning of the novel introduces Doctor Wybrow as he reluctantly agrees to see a foreign lady, described with a ghostly pallor and striking black eyes, who fears she may be going mad. She tells the doctor about her impending marriage to a man who was previously engaged to another woman, prompting her to feel a strange, foreboding sense of dread upon meeting that woman. The opening sets a tone of suspense and curiosity, as the doctor grapples with the peculiar nature of his patient while the dark undertones of her narrative unfold, hinting at the supernatural and moral complexities that will likely permeate the story.
Hide and Seek
"Hide and Seek" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1854. Collins' first mystery work follows the search for a young woman's hidden past. When Matthew Grice returns from the California goldfields, he discovers his sister died after being cast out pregnant and unwed. Determined to find her child, Mat's investigation leads him to Madonna, a deaf performer adopted by a kindly painter, and unveils long-buried family secrets that will change multiple lives forever.
The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story
"The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story" by Wilkie Collins is a novel likely written in the late 19th century, set within the intricate social dynamics of the time. This story delves into the themes of intrigue, morality, and domestic life, primarily focusing on the character Roderick Westerfield, a man accused of serious crimes, and his wife, Mrs. Westerfield, as they navigate the treacherous waters of societal expectations and personal betrayal. At the start of the novel, the story opens with a courtroom scene where jurors deliberate on the case against Roderick Westerfield, charged with wrecking a ship and stealing valuable diamonds. As the jurors voice their opinions, it becomes evident that their discussions are laced with humor, irony, and personal quirks. The narrative transitions to Mrs. Westerfield, who is presented as a showy woman, seemingly detached from her daughter during the trial. After the trial concludes with a guilty verdict, we witness the emotional toll this takes on the couple, particularly Roderick as he faces his impending fate. The beginning sets an engaging, complex stage for the unfolding drama centered on deception, familial relationships, and the consequences of personal choices.
"I Say No"
"I Say No" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written during the late 19th century. Set in a boarding school for young ladies, the story revolves around the dynamics of schoolgirl friendships and rivalries, particularly focusing on a new student named Francine de Sor, and her interactions with the other girls, including the spirited Emily Brown. The book engages with themes of social class, education, and the complexities of youth. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the setting of Miss Ladd's school, establishing an atmosphere of quietude interrupted by the nighttime antics of the students. As the midnight hour strikes, we witness a clandestine gathering in the girls' dormitory, where the students plan a smuggled supper. Through witty dialogues and varied personalities, we are introduced to the central figures: Emily, who asserts her leadership, and Francine, the insecure newcomer from the West Indies. The tension between their characters surfaces as they navigate misunderstandings and form tentative connections. Emily’s warmth contrasts with Francine’s defensiveness, setting the stage for further exploration of their relationship as the narrative unfolds.
The Dead Secret: A Novel
"The Dead Secret: A Novel" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1857. A dying woman's confession sets a devastating secret in motion—one that reveals the true parentage of Rosamond Treverton, raised as a wealthy heiress at Porthgenna Tower. Twenty years later, a hidden letter threatens to unravel everything when Rosamond and her blind husband Leonard return to the estate. As the truth emerges, questions of inheritance, legitimacy, and acceptance hang in the balance in this early sensation novel.
Poor Miss Finch
"Poor Miss Finch" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1872. It follows Lucilla Finch, a young blind woman who falls in love with Oscar Dubourg, her reclusive neighbor. When Oscar's medical treatment leaves him permanently disfigured with blue-grey skin—triggering Lucilla's phobia of dark colors—his charming twin brother Nugent arrives from America. As Lucilla undergoes surgery that may restore her sight, a dangerous deception unfolds involving mistaken identity, manipulation, and a race against time to prevent a disastrous marriage.
Little Novels
“Little Novels” by Wilkie Collins is a collection of stories written during the mid-19th century. This anthology explores various themes within the realm of fiction, with each story revealing the complexities of human emotions and relationships, often with a hint of the supernatural or uncanny. The opening piece, "Mrs. Zant and the Ghost," introduces the character Mr. Rayburn, a solitary widower, and his daughter Lucy as they encounter a mysterious and troubled woman named Mrs. Zant, whose circumstances lead them into an exploration of the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. The opening of "Mrs. Zant and the Ghost" sets the stage for a haunting tale as Mr. Rayburn takes his daughter for a walk in Kensington Gardens. There, Lucy is struck with fear at the sight of a pale woman in mourning, whom Mr. Rayburn learns to be Mrs. Zant, a widow in a delicate state of health. Mrs. Zant appears to be haunted by memories of her late husband, experiencing unsettling episodes that blur the lines of sanity and the supernatural. As Mr. Rayburn becomes increasingly intrigued by her situation, the narrative explores themes of compassion, intuition, and potential danger, establishing an atmosphere rife with tension as he navigates his growing concern for Mrs. Zant’s well-being and the mysterious presence that seems to envelop her.
Antonina; Or, The Fall of Rome
"Antonina; Or, The Fall of Rome" by Wilkie Collins is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a time of upheaval as the Gothic forces march toward Rome, exploring the personal and emotional struggles amidst these grand historical events. The story introduces key characters such as Goisvintha, a Gothic woman, and her wounded child, as well as the ambitious senator Vetranio, who becomes entangled in the life of a young girl named Antonina, representative of the conflicts between personal ambition and historical tumult. At the start of the novel, we are plunged into the desolate highlands where a Gothic woman, Goisvintha, seeks refuge with her wounded child, all while ominous clouds loom over their fate. The narrative vividly portrays their despair as they await salvation or death amid the impending Gothic invasion. Meanwhile, in contrasting scenes, Vetranio, a senator in Rome, is depicted as a frivolous figure engrossed in trivial pursuits, unaware of the storm brewing outside his palace walls. The opening chapters establish a stark contrast between the lives of those fighting for survival and those immersed in decadence, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of fate, identity, and resistance as the characters face the collapsing might of the once-great Roman Empire.
The Black Robe
"The Black Robe" by Wilkie Collins is a novel published in 1881. After accidentally killing a man in a duel, Lewis Romayne returns to England haunted by the victim's brother's screams. When he falls in love with Stella Eyrecourt, a Catholic priest named Father Benwell schemes to convert Romayne and claim his ancestral estate for the Church. The novel explores manipulation, faith, and loyalty through its controversial anti-Catholic lens.
The Frozen Deep
"The Frozen Deep" by Wilkie Collins is a play written in 1856 under the substantial guidance of Charles Dickens. Born from Dickens's emotional response to reports of cannibalism in the doomed Franklin Arctic expedition, this allegorical drama transformed tragedy into theatrical triumph. With Dickens as both stage manager and lead actor, the production moved audiences to tears—from Queen Victoria to common stagehands. The play also fatefully introduced Dickens to actress Ellen Ternan, altering his personal life forever. Its powerful death scene became legendary in Victorian theater.
The Fallen Leaves
"The Fallen Leaves" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written during the late 19th century (Victorian era). The story appears to revolve around the tumultuous lives intertwined through personal tragedies, secrets, and the quest for redemption, likely focusing on the character of Benjamin Ronald and his family dynamics against the backdrop of societal expectations. The opening portion introduces a chain of events that shape the life of young men and women entangled in familial turmoil. It begins with Benjamin Ronald, a stubborn stationer whose rigid views on his daughters’ choices lead to unrest in his household. The narrative captures the gentle yet desperate attempts of his wife, Mrs. Ronald, to seek a healthier lifestyle for their ailing daughter as tensions rise within their family. As the story unfolds, hints of past wounds and the implications of current conflicts are revealed, establishing a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships that will likely continue to develop throughout the book.
Basil
"Basil" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written in 1852. A young man from an aristocratic family falls in love at first sight with a shopkeeper's daughter and enters into a secret marriage. Bound by her father's strange condition to live apart for a year, Basil's patience is tested when the mysterious Mannion appears. Betrayal, violence, and a thirst for revenge follow as dark family secrets emerge, connecting these strangers in ways no one could have imagined. The story builds to a dramatic confrontation on the treacherous cliffs of Cornwall.
The Two Destinies
"The Two Destinies" by Wilkie Collins is a Victorian novel, likely written in the mid-19th century. This narrative intertwines themes of love, fate, and social distinction while exploring the lives of its main characters, notably George Germaine and his childhood love, Mary Dermody. The story opens with a dinner party that reveals underlying tensions and social dynamics, particularly focusing on the experiences of Mrs. Germaine, the hostess, who faces a series of unexplained absences from her guests. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Germaine couple's social circle, marked by the distinct absence of their friends' wives at a dinner party. This missing element hints at an underlying conflict, leading to Mrs. Germaine revealing past troubles to her guests. As the narrative progresses, the focus shifts to George and Mary’s innocent childhood love, emphasizing their deep connection amidst societal expectations and constraints. The early chapters set a tone of foreboding, suggesting that external forces will test their bond as George's narrative outlines a journey of separation, loss, and the quest for rekindled love that weaves through the fabric of their intertwined destinies.
Blind Love
"Blind Love" by Wilkie Collins is an unfinished novel written in 1887-1889 and completed by Sir Walter Besant after Collins's death. Set against the backdrop of Irish political violence and the Fenian movement, the story follows Iris Henley, a bold Englishwoman who falls dangerously in love with Lord Harry Norland—an Irishman involved in a squad of political assassins. Her devotion persists despite his criminal activities, embodying the "blind love" of the title as Collins links Irish independence struggles with questions of women's autonomy and choice.
A Rogue's Life
"A Rogue's Life" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written in the late 19th century, reflecting the adventures and misadventures of a character navigating the complexities of society. The narrative follows Frank Softly, the titular "Rogue," who provides a humorous and satirical insight into his upbringing, family dynamics, and the societal expectations imposed upon him due to his connections. Filled with wit, Collins captures Softly's rebellious spirit as he grapples with his identity and aspirations against a backdrop of social commentary. The beginning of the novel introduces Frank Softly as he recounts the peculiarities of his upbringing, emphasizing his noble lineage juxtaposed with his family's financial struggles. From his childhood, where he displays a knack for caricature, to his eventual foray into the medical profession, Softly's life is marked by a series of humorous escapades and existential dilemmas. He expresses dissatisfaction with societal conventions and the roles prescribed to him, ultimately leading him to embrace a more adventurous and unconventional path. The opening sets the tone for a story rich in irony and comedy, as Softly's reflections and candid confessions reveal both his regrets and aspirations, hinting at the turmoil and absurdity that will follow.