The Woman in White

By: Wilkie Collins

Narrated by: Roger Rees, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee, Judy Geeson

Length: 25 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Young Walter Hartright meets the mysterious woman in white in what soon became one of the most popular novels of the 19th century. Secrets, mistaken identities, surprise revelations, amnesia, locked rooms and locked asylums, and an unorthodox villain made this mystery thriller an instant success when it first appeared in 1860, and it has continued to enthrall ever since.

From the hero's foreboding before his arrival at Limmeridge House to the nefarious plot concerning the beautiful Laura, the breathtaking tension of Collins's narrative created a new literary genre of suspense fiction, which profoundly shaped the course of English popular writing.

Generally considered the first English sensation novel, The Woman in White features the remarkable heroine Marian Halcombe and her sleuthing partner, drawing-master Walter Hartright, pitted against the diabolical team of Count Fosco and Sir Percival Glyde. A gripping tale of murder, intrigue, madness, and mistaken identity, Collins's psychological thriller has never been out of print since its publication in 1860.

While Collins's other great mystery, The Moonstone, has been called the finest detective story ever written, it was this work that so gripped the imagination of the world that Wilkie Collins had his own tombstone inscribed "Author of The Woman in White."

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Comit to this book and be rewarded for your time

This book requires your commitment but oh wow the reward in suspense, and thrill is in my opinion well worth the time investment. This would be a great listen for long commutes. You will be where your going before you know it.

Father of the British Mystery Novel

Wilkie Collins is most certainly deserving of the title! Housework made thrilling for two days!

Starts slow, but it's so worth it!! Stick with it!

I loved this mystery that has twists and turns and just when you think it's wrapping up turns again. The language is so beautiful ( at first hard to get used to)that I am going listen to it again just for the pleasure of the language!

Could have been told in half the time!

Would you try another book from Wilkie Collins and/or the narrators?

No

What was most disappointing about Wilkie Collins’s story?

Published in 1859 I can see why this book was such a sensation but nowadays it lacks the excitement necessary in a mystery. It was beyond boring and I typically search for books that are in excess of 40hrs as I'm an audioholic. Beautifully written as was most anything of those days gone by. Narrated well for the most part, my favorite narrator as usual was Rosalyn Landor. Just couldn't make it to the end. I gave up with 4 hours remaining after I fell asleep and missing two hours. I wiki'd the book confirmed the predictable ending and am satisfied to call it a day.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes

Do you think The Woman in White needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

compelling narration, gripping story

apparently, this is a story about a lot of luck. the narration is excellent tho. one of the best ive listened to

Extraordinary Book!

I don't know how this book escaped me all these years (and me...an English major!) but I am so glad I finally got to it. Written in 1859, this is the type of mystery-thriller that isn't attempted anymore. It is a complex and detailed story that combines nefarious and mysterious behavior while ultimately proving that love conquers all.

This is the story of Walter Hartright, a common artist who finds a woman in dressed in white on a solitary London road at midnight, begging for his help. It describes the quagmire Walter falls into because of his kindness to this woman -- a quagmire that takes him across the land to uncover the mystery of the woman in white. Along the way, he encounters an evil count, a greedy baronet, a beautiful lookalike, a handsome older sister and many other intriguing characters.

It's long and involved, sometimes convoluted, with a large cast of characters and lots of moving pieces...but everything works with a rhythm that hums perfectly from page 1 all the way to the end. And, even if you think a character or an action will have no bearing on the story, think again! Considered one of literature's first mystery novels, Wilkie Collins carefully plotted and planned each movement of every character so all the puzzle pieces coalesce into a perfect whole.

It's exciting and fun, somewhat challenging at times, but well worth the effort. In addition, the audio performances are wonderful...this was a real treat to listen to and I was so sorry when it ended.

If you love mysteries, if you love villains, if you love love...you'll love The Woman in White.

Slow and a Little Clunky

I managed my way through this period work full of over zealous manners and sensibilities. I was hoping for a much better and gripping mystery but alas I found myself wishing ill on the main characters for the book to end. I wish I'd stopped and switched to Jane Austin.

Very, very good

Would you consider the audio edition of The Woman in White to be better than the print version?

It is a completely different experience

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it was certainly gripping

Any additional comments?

Everything about this book was excellent. Characters, plot, narration, atmosphere - all spot on. If you enjoy a good gothic mystery, you cannot go wrong with The Woman in White.

Suprised

Much better than I thought it would be. A few times I was pretty surprised by the turn of events. A little long but kept me coming back for more.

Pretty Good

I was skeptical at first and stopped listening to it because it didn’t start off with very much interest. After two other books I decided to continue this one. I became interested and finished the book with a smile.