The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice

Name: The Haunted Hotel: A Mystery of Modern Venice
Author: Wilkie Collins

The narrative begins when a celebrated London physician is confronted by a pale, resolute woman who worries about her sanity, and soon a mysterious death at a Venetian hotel provokes whispers of a supernatural return. The ensuing mystery is reconstructed through medical inquiry, witness statements, legal papers, and personal accounts as investigators untangle staged appearances, false identities, and calculated deceit. Themes of obsession, theatrical illusion, and the tension between rational detection and popular superstition pervade the plot, which unfolds in parts and through shifting perspectives to piece together how artifice and motive produced a crime that seemed to defy explanation.

By Wilkie Collins

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British Literature Crime, Thrillers & Mystery Novels

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About the Author

Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English novelist and playwright, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the mystery and detective genres. His works often blend elements of suspense, social commentary, and complex characterizations. Collins is best known for his novel "The Woman in White," which is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and psychological depth. Other notable works include "Armadale," "Basil," and "The Moonstone," the latter often regarded as one of the first detective novels in English literature. His writing reflects the Victorian era's concerns and intricacies, making him a significant figure in the literary heritage of the time.