A television period drama that's been likened to the works of Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is available for streaming right now, hot on the heels of another series praised as "sublime and wonderful" and one drawing comparisons to Jane Austen, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The mini-series originally aired 20 years ago on the BBC and gripped viewers when it first hit screens in 2005.

Numerous fans have sung its praises on IMDb, with one viewer awarding it a perfect 10/10 score and headlining their review: "Compelling viewing. Loved every minute."

They explained: "Having read the book prior to watching this adaptation you would think that it would have lost some of its thrill. However, the story is so clever I could never tire of it."

Another highly-rated review stated: "I never dreamed when I started watching this DVD that I would be totally mesmerized [sic] by it within minutes. The story was completely absorbing and entertaining.

READ MORE: Raunchy period drama adapted from novel banned for 'steamy scenes' streaming now

READ MORE: ‘Astonishing’ WWI film leaves viewers ‘totally enthralled’ as it shares untold story

"The acting was superb. The biggest surprise of all was how I would be so completely enchanted by the love these two young women radiated across the screen."

A third viewer pondered whether the series boasted the "best twist ever" and penned: "Skill fully [sic] evocative of Dickens, Collins and Conan Doyle this is top draw story telling. All the performers rise to the occasion and what a great twist at the end of an already serpentine plot."

One viewer hailed it as "truly outstanding", remarking: "I've watched it a few months ago and no matter how many times I watch it, I never grow tired. I envy those of you who haven't watched it, for all those marvellous sensations are yet to come!"

Another thrilled fan gave it a perfect score, stating: "Fingersmith is a very tightly plotted novel with breath taking twists and turns and I wondered if this could be done justice to in just 3 hours.

"I needn't have worried. The adaptation was excellent, very little cut out, and went along at a cracking pace (although I did wonder whether if you hadn't read the book, would you miss things?). It had the look and feel of a BBC classic costume drama and I kept having to remind myself that this is a contemporary book."

Fingersmith is an adaptation of Tipping the Velvet author Sarah Waters' 2002 novel of the same name.

Set in the Victorian era, the plot revolves around an orphan and petty thief (a fingersmith) Sue Trinder (Sally Hawkins), who is roped in by conman Richard Rivers (Rupert Evans) to swindle and betray an heiress Maud Lilly (Elaine Cassidy) out of her vast fortune.

However, the plan takes a twist when Sue and Maud unexpectedly fall head over heels in love, with the secrets and deception becoming overwhelming. Will Sue be able to keep up the pretence or will her love for Maud alter the course of the plan?

Viewers can anticipate a thrilling journey that will keep them on their toes until the very end.

Fingersmith boasts a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Hawkins and Cassidy, alongside Harry Potter's Imelda Staunton, Game of Thrones' Charles Dance, New Tricks' David Troughton, Screw's Stephen Wight, and Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery.

The line-up is further bolstered by Bronson Webb, Richard Durden, Polly Hemingway, Sarah Badel, and Ian Midlane. Even the author Waters makes a brief appearance as a maid in the TV series.

Fingersmith is streaming on Prime Video for a fee now