The Moonstone
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The Moonstone

A major precursor of the modern mystery novel - with multiple narrators, a reconstruction of the crime, red herrings and a 'locked-room' puzzle - The Moonstone sets out the tale of a large Indian diamond that carries a terrible curse. When Rachel Verinder is given the Moonstone for her birthday, its theft at her party triggers a series of increasingly horrific events that seem set to ruin everyone she loves. In this classic of the Victorian sensation genre, only Sergeant Cuff's famous detective skills offer a glimpse of hope for the diamond's helpless victims.
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Reviews

Photo of Erin Darlyn
Erin Darlyn@erindarlyn
4 stars
Jan 25, 2024

A delightful read. I love the way Wilkie Collins tells stories and I enjoyed reading the different narratives from the perspectives of various characters. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 for one main reason. I recently read The Woman in White (another of his books) and it instantly became one of my top 5 favorite books; thus, my bar for this one was set high. I liked it very much but not quite as much as TWIW, therefore it has one less star. That said, I had recently watched a television adaptation of The Moonstone and knew the ending already when I read this one, which also affected my reading experience a bit. I suspect that if I read it again in a year or two, I may rate it higher then. The 2016 BBC adaptation is worth watching; just read the book first to avoid spoiling the ending. :)

Photo of Jamieson
Jamieson@jamiesonk
3 stars
Jan 23, 2023

someone tell betteredge robinson crusoe isn't the only book

Photo of Katie Ravenwood
Katie Ravenwood@katieravenwood
5 stars
Jul 9, 2022

A classic. A wonderful and remarkable read, and completely evident why it's the beginning and standard for mysteries.

Photo of Thomas George
Thomas George@bubblegum_panda
4 stars
May 17, 2022

The moonstone is one of the oldest written crime books I've read and although there is no real detective work inspite of a detective presence in the book, the book keeps the reader occupied throughout. Most characters recive a basic back story with sufficient character depth. I must admit though that the book might take some time up to finish.

+2
Photo of Rose Stanley
Rose Stanley@roseofoulesfame
4 stars
Jan 4, 2022

I love the multiple-narrative, thriller gothic novel. This didn't disappoint! (I was horrified by Miss Clack, btw. What an awful woman!!)

Photo of Isa s
Isa s@purzel
5 stars
Dec 14, 2021

The Moonstone is said to be the first published detective novel. It certainly belongs to the best in the genre and deserves its place on the 1001-books list and on Bloom’s Western Canon. As the title suggests, the story is centered around the Moonstone, a valuable yellow diamond. The Moonstone has been taken from its Indian home and brought to England, where it is given to Miss Verinder as a birthday present. Unfortunately the Moonstone is viewed as a holy object in India and thus three Indians attempt to attain the Moonstone - by any means, even murder if necessary. In the night after her birthday party the Moonstone is stolen from Miss Verinder’s rooms. The story is told through different narrators who relate their experiences. This gives the story depth and evolves it in a logical way that keeps the reader riveted. The mystery of who took the stone and where it is now and whether it can be recovered is not easily solved. The story lead me on different wrong paths until the solution was presented. Mystery at its best. I listened to the unabridged audiobook narrated by Robert Langton, which I can also recommend. I’d always listen to another book read by him. He is generally quite a good narrator; although he is not the best at female voices (but there was only one of his voices that I actually disliked).

Photo of Emily
Emily@readem
3 stars
Nov 20, 2021

read for school

+3
Photo of Jade Flynn
Jade Flynn@jadeflynn
5 stars
Nov 20, 2021

What a glorious mid 19th century Victorian 600 page mystery. If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, pick up Wilkie!

Photo of Binish Fatima
Binish Fatima@binishhh
5 stars
Oct 27, 2021

Wilkie Collins is my favorite author now!

Photo of Candelaria neyra
Candelaria neyra@cc_ney
4 stars
Oct 26, 2021

Loved the pacing of the book and the use of different perspectives, very satisfying ending

Photo of Lesley McNeil
Lesley McNeil@lesleymcneil
4.5 stars
Mar 16, 2024
+4
Photo of Mandy
Mandy@heymandy
4 stars
Oct 11, 2023
Photo of Anna Concannon
Anna Concannon @concannona
3 stars
Oct 8, 2023
+2
Photo of Wedad Alabdu
Wedad Alabdu@wedads
2 stars
Jun 12, 2024
Photo of Melis
Melis@rusalka
4 stars
Mar 12, 2024
Photo of Rebecca C Wright
Rebecca C Wright@morseren
4 stars
Mar 11, 2024
Photo of Olivia Kacar
Olivia Kacar@olivia_margaret
3 stars
Feb 6, 2024
Photo of Ibragimova Renata
Ibragimova Renata@renata_mode
3 stars
Jan 7, 2024
Photo of em
em@gail_reads
4 stars
Aug 31, 2023
Photo of Melis
Melis@rusalka
3 stars
Jul 2, 2023
Photo of Juliana
Juliana@soundly
3 stars
Jun 14, 2023
Photo of Modith D.
Modith D.@enmei
4 stars
Apr 17, 2023
Photo of MK
MK@easyfriday
5 stars
Apr 15, 2023
Photo of Sujay Kathrotia
Sujay Kathrotia@sujay
3 stars
Mar 20, 2023

Highlights

Photo of Anna Concannon
Anna Concannon @concannona

I declare, on my word of honour, that what I am now about to write is, strictly and literally, the truth.

Page 1

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