Based on a 1858 play called "Red Vial," Collins' "Jezebel's Daughter" is a tale of mystery, betrayal, and misguided trust revolving around Mrs. Fontaine, a nefarious widow who employs her late husband's poisons and remedies to manipulate those around her. A thrilling and engaging novel with obvious parallels to modern detective fiction, this book is recommended for fans of such literature, and it constitutes a must-have for collectors of Collins' work. Many antiquarian books like this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing "Jezebel's...

Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) is best known as the innovator of the detective novel. He was a prolific writer, with 30 novels, more than 60 short stories, 14 plays, and more than 100 non-fiction pieces to his name. He was a close friend of Charles Dickens and one of the best known and loved Victorian Fiction writers. After his death, his popularity diminished as Dickens's grew. Now, Collins is once again becoming popular with most of his books in print and film, television and radio adaptations being made. There is much still to be discovered about this great author and this volume contains his...

Wilkie Collins' novel 'Basil' is regarded as the inspiration for the later 'sensation novel' and ultimately today's 'detective genre'. The book produced a furore when first published in 1852, Shocked by this frank tale of secret marriage, betrayal, madness and mortality, the critics and self-appointed upholders of Victorian values tore into the work, describing the book as 'a tale of criminality, almost revolting from its domestic horrors. The vicious atmosphere ... weighs on us like a nightmare'. Seen from today's perspective 'Basil' is a perceptive exploration of nineteenth-century...

When Rachel Verinder is given the Moonstone - a large Indian diamond - on her 18th birthday, she is delighted to show it off at her celebrations. But that very night, the jewel is stolen from her bedroom. As suspicion falls on each member of the party, the curse of the diamond strikes and ill-luck threatens to destroy them all.

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.

Marian and her sister Laura live a quiet life under their uncle s guardianship until Laura s marriage to Sir Percival Glyde, who is a man of many secrets. "Could he be connected to the strange appearances of a young woman dressed all in white? And what does his charismatic friend, Count Foscowhose white pet mice enjoy running in and out of his waistcoathave to do with it all? "Marian and the girls drawing master, Walter, must turn detective in order to uncover the truth and to protect Laura from a fatal plot."

In this early English detective novel, Rachel Verinder receives a gift of a yellow diamond from her bitter old uncle. She has no idea that the stone brings great danger with it. When the diamond goes missing the ensuing investigations gradually bring to light the sinister history of the jewel and the passions and plots of those close to Rachel.

After the tragic deaths of their parents, Magdalen and Norah discover the devastating news that they are both illegitimate and not entitled to any inheritance. Norah is forced to become a governess to earn her keep but Magdalen has grander plans and embarks on an elaborate scheme of revenge against her cold-hearted relatives.

When Rachel Verinder's birthday present - the Moonstone, a large Indian diamond - is stolen at her party, suspicion and the diamond's mysterious curse seem set to ruin everyone and everything she loves. Only Sergeant Cuff's famous detective skills offer any hope of peace and a future for them all.