Showing results by author "Wilkie Collins" in All Categories

The Weird Circle, featuring tales of terror and horror, aired from 1943-1947, mainly on the Mutual radio network. This episode was originally broadcast on October 3, 1943.

In these modern days, when the ear may wander where once only the eye could travel, The Wilkie Collins Library invites you into chambers of secrecy, suspicion, and revelation. Here are presented, in their entirety, those narratives of shadow and sensation wherein innocence trembles, truth disguises itself, and justice waits patiently to be uncovered.By the steady glow of the lamp and the turning of each successive page, voices long silent speak again of hidden identities, perilous inheritances, devoted hearts, and crimes most cunningly contrived. Each tale unfolds as it was first told: ...

After the death of his father, Gerard Roylake returns from Germany to claim his inheritance at Trimley Deen. One fateful evening, he reconnects with his childhood friend, Cristel Toller, and they quickly fall in love. However, their romance is complicated by a deaf man known as The Lodger, who has an unsettling obsession with Cristel. When The Lodger invites Gerard to tea under sinister pretenses, Gerard unwittingly accepts, setting the stage for a gripping tale of love, obsession, and betrayal. This first-person narrative unfolds through Gerards eyes, immersing listeners in his tumultuous ...

Biter Bit is a delightful and humorous short story by the renowned British author Wilkie Collins. Originally appearing as Who is the Thief? in the April 1858 issue of The Atlantic Monthly, it was later rebranded and included in the 1859 collection, The Queen of Hearts. This charming tale unfolds in an epistolary format, following a naively ambitious young wannabe detective with an inflated sense of his sleuthing abilities as he grapples with a minor theft of banknotes. Can you identify the true culprit before our rookie detective catches on? - Summary by Louise J. Belle

We sit. We lie. We wait. We are examined. We are left alone. Emotions fritter. The door reopens. The face. Is it tinged with sadness or reassuring and open? The words. Are they easy to comprehend? Is it good news or bad? We can answer that. It’s bad. Undeniably bad. None of our authors have good news for you. The diagnosis? You already know that. Death.

Often hailed as the first detective novel ever written, The Moonstone masterfully intertwines romance and mystery, captivating readers with its blend of intrigue and emotion. It features a rich tapestry of characters, including a hunchbacked girl whose tragic love story resonates deeply, a dying Jewish doctor who plays a crucial role in solving the mystery, and cunning Hindu conjurers pursuing the return of their sacred gem. With moments of humor and poignant storytelling, this novel is a profound testament to the art of narrative. - Summary by Tony Addison

In the tranquil countryside, elderly brothers Owen, Morgan, and Griffith enjoy a peaceful retirement—until the arrival of Griffiths ward, the spirited young Jessie Yelverton. What was meant to be a brief six-week visit quickly turns into a delightful dilemma for the gentlemen, who find themselves eager to extend her stay by ten more days. To keep Jessie entertained and engaged, they concoct a promise to share captivating and thrilling stories each night. Join them on this enchanting journey filled with laughter, intrigue, and heartwarming moments. - Summary by Carolin

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 Legacy of Cain, sisters Eunice and Helena lead a seemingly idyllic life under the care of their father, the Reverend Abel Gracedieu. However, their world is turned upside down when buried secrets from their past begin to emerge. One sister, adopted, grapples with the haunting legacy of a mother executed for her husbands murder. As the mistress and brother of the slain man enter their lives, a gripping chain of events unfolds, forcing one sister to confront the painful truths of her heritage. Who will rise to face the darkness that looms over them? - Summary by Carolin

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 ...

In Fallen Leaves, we follow Amelius Goldenheart, a hero unjustly cast out from a Utopian community in New England, as he embarks on a transformative journey in London. His path intertwines with a series of remarkable women, each embodying the essence of a fallen leaf that he feels compelled to save. Among them is the very woman whose actions led to his expulsion, the troubled wife of his only friend, a young prostitute seeking a way out, and his own fiancée. As Amelius strives to aid these women while grappling with the complexities of a foreign society, both he and the women he encounters ...

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.

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.

After a riding accident involving her uncle, a respected General, Mina's life takes a dark turn. A new groom with a mysterious past and unsettling talents arrives at the estate, stirring whispers of hidden secrets and dangerous motives. As Mina delves deeper into the groom's enigma, she unravels a web of intrigue that threatens to upend everything she knows.

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

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. ...

Dive into Evil Genius, one of Wilkie Collins fascinating final works, subtitled A Domestic Scene. This captivating narrative revolves around the Linley family and their enigmatic governess, Sydney Westerfield, as they navigate the complexities of Victorian morality and the hypocrisy that often accompanies it. With vivid imagery and intricate character dynamics, Collins unveils a story that challenges perceptions of decency and reveals the darker undercurrents of familial relationships. (Summary by Carolin)

Уилки Коллинз наряду с Эдгаром По и Артуром Конан Дойлем заслуженно считается одним из основателей жанра детектива. Такими его романами, как «Лунный камень», «Женщина в белом» и «Мой ответ – нет», зачитываются поколения читателей. Роман «Без права на наследство» выходит на русском языке впервые.

Nancy Morris, a shopkeeper's daughter from Sandwich, becomes a governess with the help of a benefactor, Sir Gervase Damian. One day she helps a stranger whose advances she gently rebuffs, only to meet him again when she takes a new position in the North.

This is a new edition, Adeptio’s Vintage Edition, of Wilkie Collins’s The Woman in White, originally published in 1860 by Harper & Brothers Publishers, of New York, with illustrations by John McLenan. Part of Adeptio’s Unforgettable Classic Series, this is not a facsimile reprint. Obvious typographical errors have been carefully corrected and the entire text has been reset and redesigned by Adeptio Editions to enhance readability, while respecting the original edition. The eBook edition was designed in an elegant style and set to take full advantage of the readers’ devices. The ...