Wilkie Collins was a British author born on January 8, 1824, in London. He is best known for his pioneering work in the mystery and detective fiction genres. His most famous novels include The Woman in White and The Moonstone, which are celebrated for their intricate plots and strong character development. Collins was a contemporary of Charles Dickens and often collaborated with him. He was one of the first writers to use the serialized format, publishing his works in magazines before releasing them as complete books. His innovative storytelling techniques have influenced many writers in the mystery genre.