The Haunted Hotel

Collins, an influential English novelist and playwright, is renowned for pioneering the detective genre with his work, The Moonstone. His early life was marked by a move to Italy, where he became fluent in Italian and French. Initially a tea merchant, his literary career began with the publication of Antonina, leading to a significant friendship with Charles Dickens, who provided mentorship and collaboration opportunities. Collins's stories often appeared in Dickens's journals, showcasing his integral role in 19th-century literature.