'The power that I have dreamed of all my life is mine at last!' How far is a mother prepared to go to secure her daughter's future? Madame Fontaine, widow of an eminent chemist, has both the determination and the cunning to bring young Minna's marriage plans to fruition, with dangerous consequences for anyone who dares to stand in her way. But has she met her match in Jack Straw, one-time inmate of Bedlam lunatic asylum? It will take a visit to the morgue to find out who triumphs - and who comes out alive. Reminiscent of Collins's blockbusters The Woman in White and Armadale, this suspenseful case study in villainy is set against the financial world of 1820s Frankfurt and tells the story of two widows, one of them devoted to realizing her husband's social reforms, the other equally devoted to the pursuit of her daughter's happiness. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Reviews
An excellent sensation novel with some fascinating social history. Hooray for Oxford World's Classics for reprinting it. * Harriet Devine's Blog *
this book is a cracking good story exciting, twisty, thought-provoking and very unputdownable. On the evidence of Jezebel's Daughter, Collins was more than just a one (or two!) trick pony, and Im definitely up for reading more of his work! * Karen Langley, Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings *
a lot to enjoy * Lyn Baines, I Prefer Reading *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198703211
Author Wilkie Collins
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 214g
Dimensions(mm) 195mm * 140mm * 15mm