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Mr. Dickens #2
The Highwayman and Mr. Dickens: An Account of the Strange Events of the Medusa Murders: A Secret Victorian Journal, Attributed to Wilkie Collins
In this novel, the second "secret journal" kept by Charles Dickens's friend and protege Wilkie Collins, the two novelists reunite with Inspector William Field of London's Metropolitan Protectives to solve a ghastly double murder. Two women - one a wealthy doctor's wife, the other her chambermaid - are found dead, unmarked, their faces frozen masks of fear, as if they had seen the Medusa of ancient legend. The cause of death is a mystery, but the suspect is The notorious burglar and highwayman-turned-actor Tally Ho Thompson is arrested at the scene and thrown into Newgate Prison.
Thompson's unusual relationship with Charles Dickens was chronicled in the first of these secret journals, The Detective and Mr. Dickens. In that book, the dashing ex-criminal loaned his special talents to help the novelist. Now Dickens, with Collins in reluctant tow, attempts to return the favor by proving Thompson's innocence. From the bleak, cold alleys of London during the winter of 1852, to the pestilential cells of Newgate, the steamy pubs where hot gin is served, the stage of Covent Garden, and the paths of a posh men's riding club in the English countryside, the authors pursue the truth. Meanwhile Field - the foremost inspector of his day - manipulates his charges in a grand game of detection and double-cross.
Cameo appearances by the explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and other Victorian figures, together with a wonderful cast of turnkeys, rogues, prostitutes, hansom drivers, barmaids, actors, and swells, enliven the eventful plot. Readers of Dickens or Collins will recognize familiar characters in different guises, and enjoy special insight into the minds of these eminent Victorians.
Thompson's unusual relationship with Charles Dickens was chronicled in the first of these secret journals, The Detective and Mr. Dickens. In that book, the dashing ex-criminal loaned his special talents to help the novelist. Now Dickens, with Collins in reluctant tow, attempts to return the favor by proving Thompson's innocence. From the bleak, cold alleys of London during the winter of 1852, to the pestilential cells of Newgate, the steamy pubs where hot gin is served, the stage of Covent Garden, and the paths of a posh men's riding club in the English countryside, the authors pursue the truth. Meanwhile Field - the foremost inspector of his day - manipulates his charges in a grand game of detection and double-cross.
Cameo appearances by the explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and other Victorian figures, together with a wonderful cast of turnkeys, rogues, prostitutes, hansom drivers, barmaids, actors, and swells, enliven the eventful plot. Readers of Dickens or Collins will recognize familiar characters in different guises, and enjoy special insight into the minds of these eminent Victorians.
273 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
About the author
Wilkie Collins
2,157 books3,092 followersWilkie Collins was an English novelist and playwright, best known for The Woman in White (1860), an early sensation novel, and The Moonstone (1868), a pioneering work of detective fiction. Born to landscape painter William Collins and Harriet Geddes, he spent part of his childhood in Italy and France, learning both languages. Initially working as a tea merchant, he later studied law, though he never practiced. His literary career began with Antonina (1850), and a meeting with Charles Dickens in 1851 proved pivotal. The two became close friends and collaborators, with Collins contributing to Dickens' journals and co-writing dramatic works.
Collins' success peaked in the 1860s with novels that combined suspense with social critique, including No Name (1862), Armadale (1864), and The Moonstone, which established key elements of the modern detective story. His personal life was unconventional—he openly opposed marriage and lived with Caroline Graves and her daughter for much of his life, while also maintaining a separate relationship with Martha Rudd, with whom he had three children.
Plagued by gout, Collins became addicted to laudanum, which affected both his health and later works. Despite declining quality in his writing, he remained a respected figure, mentoring younger authors and advocating for writers' rights. He died in 1889 and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. His legacy endures through his influential novels, which laid the groundwork for both sensation fiction and detective literature.
Collins' success peaked in the 1860s with novels that combined suspense with social critique, including No Name (1862), Armadale (1864), and The Moonstone, which established key elements of the modern detective story. His personal life was unconventional—he openly opposed marriage and lived with Caroline Graves and her daughter for much of his life, while also maintaining a separate relationship with Martha Rudd, with whom he had three children.
Plagued by gout, Collins became addicted to laudanum, which affected both his health and later works. Despite declining quality in his writing, he remained a respected figure, mentoring younger authors and advocating for writers' rights. He died in 1889 and was buried in Kensal Green Cemetery. His legacy endures through his influential novels, which laid the groundwork for both sensation fiction and detective literature.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 28, 2012
Interesting enough to read because the author does know his Dickens' history and is good at painting the time period however the text was sometimes heavy and predictable.
September 13, 2008
I thought this book had potential. I love Dickens and well-written mysteries. This book is about Dickens and Wilkie Collins getting wrapped up in a murder mystery; so it seemed like a perfect combination.
Unfortunately, it was very poorly written and all mystery was removed from the book about half-way through the text once two of the three suspects were murdered. The author named the villain after himself - really! Finally, the book ended in a footnote, as if the author couldn't find a nice way to finish it with an interesting twist.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
Unfortunately, it was very poorly written and all mystery was removed from the book about half-way through the text once two of the three suspects were murdered. The author named the villain after himself - really! Finally, the book ended in a footnote, as if the author couldn't find a nice way to finish it with an interesting twist.
I wouldn't recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
The idea of a literary historical figure being a detective character intrigued me (I love the Jane Austen mysteries) but this was a major disappointment. The story was obvious and it was clear the author was just creating filler to get to the end - and the end was lackluster.
March 24, 2026
Who is Embedocles? Why does he want a volcano? What does this have to do with the story?
NOTHING!!
I have never read a book by such an arrogant author as Mr. William J. Palmer. I read as far as page 95 (out of 272) and couldn’t go any farther. Mr. Palmer repeated his description of Tally Ho (the Highwayman) with the exact same paragraph six times by page 95. I supposed St. Martin Press pays by the word and Mr. Palmer was trying to increase his wordage. His description of Tally Ho was adequate and only needed once.
His inclusion of Embedocles longing for a volcano, Strauss (David. . . . Who???) looking for Jesus,
Boswell, Greenland Sea Whales and so, so many more obtuse references have nothing to do with the plot but shows Mr. Palmer as a well read person. When a well read person is also an ass it comes out through his pen.
The only reasonable cause for Mr. Palmer’s obtuse references is that he is a full believer of dramatist Bertolt Brecht’s practice of alienating the audience. Because that’s what Mr. Palmer accomplished.
Doesn’t St.Martin Press use editors? By this book, I’d have to say no.
Plus Mr. Palmer misspelled the Irish whiskey Tullamore Dew.
I wasted my money on this book. I’ve only done that once before.
I can’t throw books away. I have the original 1960s series of Nancy Drew and it sits on my shelf because I can’t throw books away. For “The Highwayman and Mr. Dickens” I’ve made an exception. Chunk.
-30-
NOTHING!!
I have never read a book by such an arrogant author as Mr. William J. Palmer. I read as far as page 95 (out of 272) and couldn’t go any farther. Mr. Palmer repeated his description of Tally Ho (the Highwayman) with the exact same paragraph six times by page 95. I supposed St. Martin Press pays by the word and Mr. Palmer was trying to increase his wordage. His description of Tally Ho was adequate and only needed once.
His inclusion of Embedocles longing for a volcano, Strauss (David. . . . Who???) looking for Jesus,
Boswell, Greenland Sea Whales and so, so many more obtuse references have nothing to do with the plot but shows Mr. Palmer as a well read person. When a well read person is also an ass it comes out through his pen.
The only reasonable cause for Mr. Palmer’s obtuse references is that he is a full believer of dramatist Bertolt Brecht’s practice of alienating the audience. Because that’s what Mr. Palmer accomplished.
Doesn’t St.Martin Press use editors? By this book, I’d have to say no.
Plus Mr. Palmer misspelled the Irish whiskey Tullamore Dew.
I wasted my money on this book. I’ve only done that once before.
I can’t throw books away. I have the original 1960s series of Nancy Drew and it sits on my shelf because I can’t throw books away. For “The Highwayman and Mr. Dickens” I’ve made an exception. Chunk.
-30-
June 25, 2026
"The ghastly double murder of a society doctor's beautiful wife and her maid reuintes celebrated novelist Charles Dickens, his protege Wilkie Collins, and formidable Inspector Field of the Metropolitan Protectives in another brilliant quest for justice. They manage to defend old friend ex-burglar Tally Ho Thompson who's arrested at the scene, but then the case takes the men from the pestilential cells of Newgate to the city's steamiest dives. Gamblers, thieves, swells, whores, and Collins's fiery lover, Irish Meg, all join the chase of a killer who is the stuff of nightmares...."
Well written, and the local dialect was expertly presented. But it just wasn't my cuppa.
Well written, and the local dialect was expertly presented. But it just wasn't my cuppa.
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September 11, 2025An interesting account
The story is good, but a little long in the telling. Dr.Palmer enters pretty late in the chase. I want to read another one to get a better idea of this author's storytelling technique. I liked the use of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
The story is good, but a little long in the telling. Dr.Palmer enters pretty late in the chase. I want to read another one to get a better idea of this author's storytelling technique. I liked the use of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins.
June 14, 2025
Another suspenseful, well written story
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews