One of the earliest works of 'detective' fiction with a narrative woven together from multiple characters, Wilkie Collins partly based his infamous novel on a real-life eighteenth century case of abduction and wrongful imprisonment.

In 1859, the story caused a sensation with its readers, hooking their attention with the ghostly first scene where the mysterious The Woman in White Anne Catherick comes across Walter Hartright.

Chilling, suspenseful and tense in mood, the novel remains as emotive for its readers today as when it was first published.About the Author:Wilkie Collins was born in London, England on January 8, 1824.

He worked first in business and then law, but eventually turned to literature.

During his lifetime, he wrote 30 novels, more than 60 short stories, at least 14 plays, and more than 100 non-fiction pieces.

His works include Antonia, The Woman in White, The Moonstone, The Haunted Hotel, and Heart and Science.

He was a close friend of Charles Dickens and collaborated with him.

He died on September 23, 1889.