The Woman in White

By: Wilkie Collins

Narrated by: Billy Howle

Published in instalments in 1859, The Woman in White is often considered to be one of the very first detective novels. Although critics weren’t impressed at the time, the novel proved to be a hit with the public and has since gone on to become one of the timeless classics of the Victorian era.

Following the adventures of Walter Hartright, this is a story of sleuthing, inheritance, ghosts and mistaken identity and was recently the subject of a hit TV adaptation by the BBC.

Billy Howle, best known for his starring roles in On Chesil Beach opposite Saoirse Ronan, and with Richard Gere in MotherFatherSon, breathes new life into the masterpiece in this Audible Studios production.

Public Domain (P)2020 Audible, Ltd

Favorite book

I believe that this is also Stephen King’s favorite book. It’s an absolutely wonderful story. I know for a fact that it was Wilkie Collins’ favorite book because he had “Wilkie Collins: Author of The Woman in White inscribed on his tombstone! It’s simply ingenious! I also loved the PBS film, and the recorded radio play. The reader of this book gave a fine performance too! Definitely rates 5 stars!

Amazing!

The authors of my favorite thriller novels, The Agent Pendergast Series, first mentioned this novel in one of their books where the main antagonist is crafted in tribute to Count Fosco. In their recommendation I listened to this read and am so glad I did. I was amazed at the level of sophistication in this book from that time period. Collin’s detective mystery is as every much, if not more, exciting than present day mysteries that rely on high tech gadgets and processes to uncover the crimes. This book had none of that, yet was just as fascinating as the best modern day thriller!

I loved the experience of this story!!!!!

i don't think this story was long enough! I know some reviews said it was too long??I wanted it to go on and on!

Outstanding!

Absolutely captivating, beginning to end! As good as when I read it years ago. I found myself needing "just one more chapter before bed" again and again!

Deeply Engaging

“The Woman in White” by Willie Collins struck me first as a voice very similar to the observational style of Jane Austen.

By its end, however, my heart was engaged and I cared about what would happen.

The story is intriguing; the performance by Billy Howle, priceless.

Review

Very well done audio descriptions and a fascinating story👍. Sometimes difficult to follow because of the generational speech pattern. Anymore stories by this other?

Wonderful

This is my first book by Wilkie Collins and what a memorable book I will never forget it.
The command of the English language is beautifully performed by the narrator.
If I could give this book more than five stars I would please do not miss this book it is fabulous

long but good

loved it! a nice tale of standing with those you love against those who would do harm

Excellent Narration

To be sure, THE WOMAN IN WHITE is not for everyone. It was first published in 1859, and it is written in the wordy, formal, slow-paced style of Victorian times. Its enjoyment also requires some general familiarity with British inheritance laws of that time, which strictly controlled the passage of entailed estates to male offspring. However, the nove! is famous as one of the earliest detective nove!s, and is worth listening to for that reason.

Billy Howle's clear voice and excellent pacing makes the narrative easy to listen to. Perhaps he could be better with the women's voices, but there is no faulting his performance of Walter's and the Count's voices. Remarkably, this title as narrated by Howle is included free of charge in the Audible Plus catalog, as of September 2020.

Beautiful Writing and a Surprising Plot

Just when I would think I had this book figured out, Collins would surprise me. The book is dated in that many of the attitudes on display are of their time and not ours, thankfully. I don't care to hear the word creature used in reference to a human being again, thank you very much. The plot, character creation and development, dialogue, and tension building are all handled with consummate professional skill. I see why he and Dickens were friends. I recommend this to any who love classics. It is an important book as well, since it is cited by many as the first of its kind.