`There, as if it had that moment sprung out of the earth or dropped form the heaven - stood the figure of a solitary Woman, dressed from head to foot in white garments` Walter Hartright`s contemplation`s on the lovely, moonlit road are rudely broken by the nameless and distressed woman in white. The encounter is to change his life, for she is at the centre of villainous machinations which are profoundly to effect him - and those he loves. Through carefully constructed characterization, intricate plottingand masterly skill in concealing and revealing secrets, Wilkie Collins has created one of the greatest mystery thrillers in the English language.