3. The Woman In White // Wilkie Collins
The Woman In White is one of the earliest examples of detective ‘sensation’ novels. An eclectic bunch of characters help to drive the plot along as young art teacher Walter Hartright investigates the mystery of two estranged sisters, secret societies and family betrayal. From the first meeting with the Woman on a dark country lane to the English country manors and madhouses of the nineteenth century, Collins maintains a chilling suspense which is no less intriguing today than when the novel was first published.