
Greatest Mystery Novels of Wilkie Collins (Illustrated)
Enriched edition. Intriguing Tales of Deception and MoralityBy Wilkie CollinsLength155h
About this audiobook
In "Greatest Mystery Novels of Wilkie Collins (Illustrated)," readers are invited to delve into the pioneering world of detective fiction, crafted by one of the genre's foremost architects. This anthology showcases Collins's signature narrative style'—characterized by intricate plots, vivid characterizations, and a deft blend of psychological insight and sensationalism. The inclusion of illustrations enhances the reading experience, providing visual context to the richly layered narratives, which often intertwine themes of morality and the complexities of human relationships within Victorian society. Wilkie Collins, a contemporary and close associate of Charles Dickens, was profoundly influenced by the societal changes of his time, including the rise of the middle class and the increasing fascination with crime and mystery. His groundbreaking works, such as "The Woman in White" and "The Moonstone," have not only set the standard for modern detective fiction but also explore the intricacies of gender and class in 19th-century England. Collins's personal experiences, including his struggles with illness and taboo themes surrounding his personal life, shaped his unique voice and narrative style. This illustrated collection is a must-read for aficionados of mystery literature and those keen to understand the origins of the genre. Readers will find themselves captivated by Collins's ability to weave suspense with social commentary, making each story a rich tapestry of intrigue that not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful reflection.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.
Audiobook details
GenreMystery and Thriller
Length155 hrs
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJan 6, 2024
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Author Biography
4Historical Context
5Synopsis (Selection)
Show all chaptersShow less
6First Epoch
7The Story Begun by Walter Hartright (pt. 1)
8The Story Begun by Walter Hartright (pt. 2)
9The Story Begun by Walter Hartright (pt. 3)
10The Story Continued by Vincent Gilmore (pt. 1)
11The Story Continued by Vincent Gilmore (pt. 2)
12The Second Epoch
13The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe (pt. 1)
14The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe (pt. 2)
15The Story Continued by Marian Halcombe (pt. 3)
16The Story Continued by Frederick Fairlie, Esq., of Limmeridge House (pt. 1)
17The Story Continued by Frederick Fairlie, Esq., of Limmeridge House (pt. 2)
18The Third Epoch
19The Story Continued by Walter Hartright (pt. 1)
20The Story Continued by Walter Hartright (pt. 2)
21The Story Continued by Walter Hartright (pt. 3)
22The Story Continued by Mrs. Catherick (pt. 1)
23The Story Continued by Mrs. Catherick (pt. 2)
24The Story Continued by Isidor, Ottavio, Baldassare Fosco
25Preface
26The First Scene. COMBE-RAVEN, SOMERSETSHIRE
27Chapter I (pt. 1)
28Chapter I (pt. 2)
29Chapter X (pt. 1)
30Chapter X (pt. 2)
31Between the Scenes. PROGRESS OF THE STORY THROUGH THE POST
32The Second Scene. SKELDERGATE, YORK
33Chapter I
34Between The Scenes. CHRONICLE OF EVENTS: PRESERVED IN CAPTAIN WRAGGE’S DISPATCH-BOX
35The Third Scene. VAUXHALL WALK, LAMBETH
36Chapter I
37Between The Scenes. PROGRESS OF THE STORY THROUGH THE POST
38The Fourth Scene. ALDBOROUGH, SUFFOLK
39Chapter I (pt. 1)
40Chapter I (pt. 2)
41Chapter VII (pt. 1)
42Chapter VII (pt. 2)
43Chapter XIV
44The Fifth Scene. BALIOL COTTAGE, DUMFRIES
45Chapter I
46Chapter III
47The Sixth Scene. ST. JOHN’S WOOD
48Chapter I
49Between The Scenes. PROGRESS OF THE STORY THROUGH THE POST
50The Seventh Scene. ST. CRUX-IN-THE-MARSH