Set in Victorian England, the story follows Walter Hartright, who encounters a mysterious woman in white, warning him of a dangerous baronet. After learning she may have escaped from an asylum, he becomes entangled in the lives of Laura Fairlie and her sister Marian Halcombe as he takes up a position as their art tutor. This epistolary novel is notable for its early contributions to the mystery and detective fiction genres, blending suspense with sensationalism, and has evolved from a commercial success to a classic literary work.
Set in Victorian England, the story follows Walter Hartright, who encounters a mysterious woman in white, warning him of a dangerous baronet. After learning she may have escaped from an asylum, he becomes entangled in the lives of Laura Fairlie and her sister Marian Halcombe as he takes up a position as their art tutor. This epistolary novel is notable for its early contributions to the mystery and detective fiction genres, blending suspense with sensationalism, and has evolved from a commercial success to a classic literary work.