検索キーワード： 著者 "Wilkie Collins" すべてのカテゴリー

Published in 1888, The Legacy of Cain is the last of Wilkie Collins’s completed novels. Two sisters, Helen and Eunice, are brought up by their father, Reverend Gracedieu. He has deliberately kept the girls in ignorance of their true ages, to disguise the fact that one of them was adopted after her birth mother was executed for the brutal murder of her husband. In time, both girls fall for the same man, Philip Dunboyne, but when he eventually chooses one of the sisters, events take a sinister turn.

After spending some years abroad, Gerard Roylake returns to England to take up his inheritance at Trimley Deen. As he assumes his complicated new life amongst strangers, his encounter with Cristel Toller, the miller’s daughter, recalls happier childhood memories and brings him into contact with a strangely beautiful man known only as the Lodger.

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: ...

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

In the year 1846, the idyllic life of the Vanstone family at Combe-Raven in West Somersetshire is shattered by tragedy. When Andrew Vanstone suffers a fatal accident, followed closely by the death of his wife, dark secrets come to light the couple was never married at the time of their daughters births, rendering the girls Nobodys Children under English law and stripping them of their rightful inheritance. With his brothers fortune now in his hands, Andrews elder sibling, Michael, revels in his newfound wealth, leaving his nieces to fend for themselves. While the gentle Norah accepts her fate ...

In the shadows of the streets, Mercy Merrick struggles to survive until fate intertwines her path with that of the charming clergyman, Julian Gray. Yearning for a fresh start, she seizes the opportunity to leave her past behind by volunteering as a nurse during the tumultuous Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Yet, shedding her former life proves challenging, especially in a society where status is everything. When tragedy strikes and claims the life of Grace Roseberry, Mercy makes a daring choice—she assumes Graces identity and the privileges that come with it. Will she find the new beginning she...

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 this gripping tale, two boys from the Foundling Hospital share the same name, leading to catastrophic repercussions in their adult lives. To set things right, two determined associates embark on a quest to locate a missing heir. Their journey plunges them into the depths of Londons mysterious wine cellars and the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, traversing the treacherous Alps in winter. With danger and betrayal lurking at every turn, its the unwavering bravery of the heroine and her loyal servant that keep hope alive. Rich with vivid descriptions, diverse characters, eerie ...

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 My Ladys Money, Lady Lydiard finds herself in a precarious situation as she attempts to settle an uncomfortable business matter with a five hundred-pound note. Just as she is ready to send off her letter, a sudden emergency disrupts the household—whether its the ailing dog Tommie, the chaos of managing the home, or the sparks of budding romance, everyone is momentarily distracted. But when calm returns, the note has mysteriously vanished. Who could have taken it? Join us as the intrigue unfolds. - Summary by Carolin

In the heartwarming tale of Hide and Seek, artist Valentine Blyth exemplifies compassion as he cares for his ailing wife while also rescuing a deaf orphan girl from the cruelty of a traveling circus. Adopting the girl, affectionately nicknamed Madonna, he becomes a mentor to a troubled young man named Zack, who struggles under the oppressive rule of his father. As Madonna and Zacks bond deepens, Valentine harbors a chilling secret about her origins, fearing that her blood relatives may one day come to reclaim her. The arrival of a mysterious stranger, recently returned from a rugged life in ...

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 ...

Heart and Science is a captivating didactic novel by Wilkie Collins that follows the journey of the young doctor Ovid Vere as he battles against the odds for his love. Confronted by his familys disapproval and the complexities of their social circle, Ovids path is fraught with intrigue, including a significant inheritance, a secret engagement, and a wicked stepmother. What sets this novel apart is Collins passionate plea against animal cruelty in the realm of science, reflecting his deep affection for animals. - Summary by Carolin

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 ...

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 ...

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.

In the aftermath of war and shifting allegiances, the church finds itself deprived of a precious piece of land. Father Benwell is resolute in his quest to reclaim it, and he believes the key lies in converting its owner, Lewis Romayne. But when the enchanting Stella enters the scene, capturing Romayne’s heart, Father Benwells plans hang in the balance. As love blooms, so do secrets—both Romayne and Stella harbor dark truths that could change everything. The Black Robe, an 1881 epistolary novel by the renowned Wilkie Collins, delves into the tangled web of desire, ambition, and betrayal, ...

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

The Woman in White, an enthralling epistolary novel by Wilkie Collins, first captivated readers in 1859 and was published in book form the following year. Often hailed as the first mystery novel and a landmark in the sensation genre, this story weaves a complex narrative through the voices of multiple characters, leaving readers questioning the reliability of each narrator. Collins innovative storytelling technique not only set the stage for future writers, including Bram Stoker of Dracula fame, but also ensured that this gripping tale remains a timeless classic. (Summary from Wikipedia)