Wilkie Collins, born William Wilkie Collins on January 8, 1824, in London, England, was an eminent Victorian novelist, playwright, and short story writer, hailed as a master of the mystery and suspense genres. His literary prowess is best exemplified by his pioneering work in the sensation novel, particularly with his acclaimed novel, 'The Woman in White (Illustrated Edition)'. Collins's narrative style in 'The Woman in White' intertwines intrigue, emotional depth, and social critique, a hallmark of his storytelling that combines domestic realism with Gothic melodrama. As one of the earliest writers to delve into the psychological thriller, Collins's work often showcased his adeptness at exploring themes of identity, wrongful incarceration, and the implications of Victorian society's legal inequities, especially those affecting women. A close friend and collaborator of Charles Dickens, Collins's literary footprint is also marked by his unconventional lifestyle and his critiques of the morality of his day, often incorporating complex female characters and disputed inheritances as central plot points in his novels. His oeuvre includes other notable works such as 'The Moonstone', often considered the first detective novel in the English language. Collins's impactful storytelling and pioneering narrative techniques left an indelible mark on the development of the detective and mystery genres. His works continued to be admired for their suspenseful plotting and engagement with social issues. Wilkie Collins passed away on September 23, 1889, but his literary influence endures to this day.