The Evil Genius

By: Wilkie Collins

Narrated by: John Bolen

Wilkie Collins' most financially successful novel, The Evil Genius, opens with a jury determining the fate of a sea captain whose ship allegedly facilitated a diamond theft. The story develops into a powerful novel of Victorian private life, including deception, adultery, and divorce.

An 'evil genius' is threatening to rip apart the fabric of the Linley home. Who is it and why? Is it the orphaned young governess for whom the father lusts; the brother-in-law who appears to help everyone, but often succeeds in making things worse; the meddling mother-in-law whose good-intentioned interferences lead to greater heartache; the disloyal father, or perhaps the unassuming daughter?

©2000 Tantor Media Incorporated

Why Audible Kids?

Why is this on Audible for kids? It’s a nice Victorian story that I, an adult, enjoyed but I can’t see how it’s classified “for kids.” I’m not a prude but the theme is adultery and forgiveness from the perspective of the adults. There is a child character but nothing is told from her perspective. I just think it’s miscategorized.

interesting story

I loved it as I was pleased when my guess about the ending was wrong.
in addition, it was quite puzzling to me all those things about law versus morals in England. especially as I am from a different country... I wouldn't have thought that it was such an issue back then. keeps me thinking still. so yeah, love the story!

Good story spoiled by the reader

You may like this fine. But for me the voice of the reader was so annoying that, honestly, I couldn’t make it to the end.

great story

This is a fun little story and would make a great movie: the characters are well developed, interesting and multi-faceted, the story has twists and turns and it all ends happily ever after. It’s funny too. Maybe I’ll try my hand at screenplay-writing…. “and the Oscar for best adaptation of a novel goes to….”

WORST NARRATOR EVER

Atrocious voice acting - detracted from the brilliant story. This recording should be destroyed and the recording should be redone. If I were Mr. Collins's relative I would sue.