The Dead Secret

Known for pioneering the detective genre, Collins gained fame with his notable works, including The Moonstone. He was born to a family of artists and spent part of his childhood in Italy and France, acquiring language skills that influenced his writing. Initially a tea merchant, his literary career took off after publishing Antonina, leading to a friendship with Charles Dickens, who provided mentorship and collaboration opportunities. Collins's contributions to literature were significant, especially through his association with Dickens's publications.