(First Detective Novel in the English Language)
This classic is an absorbing and compelling tale of missing jewels, enigmatic strangers, and complex unraveling mysteries. Told through the eyes of several of the enthralling characters, the novel not only excels at plot and character, but more subtle arts such as social criticism and ground breaking genre writing. You can clearly see Collins' influence on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and even on current mystery authors today. While his style my seem antiquated at first, it won't take long to become engrossed in this definitive novel. Many say The Woman in White, also written by Collins, is an excellent read as well.
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