The Moonstone
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A whodunit about a lost jewel with several different narrators 'the first English detective story' is so ingenious, so melodramatically rational, so druggy and glittery and cleverly elusive, that it triumphs over all its impersonators Observer A great, bold, theatrical mystery story which never falters, written with huge confidence and style Wilkie Collins, along with Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens is generally acknowledged to be the great-great-grandfather of the modern mystery, but it's hard to think of many modern mysteries as skillfully shaped and psychologically keen as this one. The story flirts with the conventions of Victorian melodrama, but the characters that people it are truly vivid No wonder 21st-century novelists are influenced by the great Victorian serial writers with their rip-roaring plots. A twisting detective thriller Independent The Moonstone is the first detective yarn with, in Sergeant Cuff, the original maverick detective Independent Perfect for long, cold, winter evenings The Times
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Catherine Peters, author of The King of Inventors: A Life of Wilkie Collins
"This Moonstone will surely prove another winner for Broadview’s list."
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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First Sentence
In the first part of Robinson Crusoe, at page one hundred and twenty-nine, you will find it thus written: ;Now I saw, though too late, the Folly of beginning a Work before we count the Cost, and before we judge rightly of our own Strenght to go through with it.' Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
In the first part of Robinson Crusoe, at page one hundred and twenty-nine, you will find it thus written: ;Now I saw, though too late, the Folly of beginning a Work before we count the Cost, and before we judge rightly of our own Strenght to go through with it.' Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
84 of 86 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It was T S Eliot who described Wilkie Collins' "The Moonstone" as "the first, the longest, and the best of Modern English detective novels". Not everybody might agree with this, but all practitioners, readers, and fans of detective fiction will find much to admire and enjoy in this magnificent 1868 publication.
Although not exactly the first example of detection novels, it provides the archetypal sleuth, Sergeant Cuff, an astute though idiosyncratic detective who leads the chase to the solution of the mystery, easily surpassing the dim-witted local police authorities. It also explores the full potential of the whodunit formula.
Arguably, it is still the longest example of detective fiction. Unlike most other serialized novels of its era, this one is meticulously plotted. You'll find red herrings, suspense, the unexpected, climaxes that overwhelm or fizzle out, and a satisfying denouement. It is narrated largely by some of the principal characters. All are revealed in well-rounded perspective while carrying forward the story line. The most popular has always been Drusilla Clack, "that rampant spinster", a self-righteous tract-dispensing lady who likes to eavesdrop and to be judgmental.
Is it the best? I would unhesitatingly award it the prize, while welcoming other internet browsers to name other contenders.
Wealthy internet browsers are recommended to download the unabridged audio reading of the book. It is a novel that reads well, and the full length reading available is a model of its kind. Naxos has produced an abridged version. It has the benefit of multiple readers, but most of the charm and all the atmosphere seems to disappear in the abridgment process. Book format will put you in touch with the original text and, provided you have the leisure and disposition for tackling a 20 hour read, will provide your imagination, your mind and your literary appetite with rich material.
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was enthralled from the beginning of the book, the fascinating history and "curse" of the Moonstone, as I continue to read on, it was almost impossible to put down the book. An enthralling combination of what makes a "bestseller" nowadays, a cursed gem, the oriental touch, a murder, a love story. The writing was excellent, the characters are vivid, and the progress through a series of narrative by the various characters adds to the suspense of the crime. The plot is also good, it is not easy to guess who stole the Moonstone, even though the book was written about 140 years ago. It won't disappoint you.
60 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I wish this book wasn't a "classic" because I was put off reading it for years thinking it would be stuffy. When I eventually overcame my preconceptions I discovered it's a madly entertaining romp that uses every Gothic cliche you could invent. A young beautiful heroine who's to inherit a fabulous Indian diamond bearing a curse, a party at a remote country house, the family's faithful old butler, the heroine's dashing cousin who no-one's seen for years, an ex-criminal servant girl with a sinister secret, quicksands, dodgy Indian jugglers (this is 150 years pre political correctness) with a clairvoyant servant-boy, a returning traveller who unmasks them as Brahmin priests determined to get the jewel back, an opium addict, murder and intrigue. So who did steal the diamond? It'll take you right till the end to find out in the most fantastic plot twist, and you'll be gripped all the way.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A good read
Though the book is a bit long-winded I really enjoyed it. The facts surroung the theft of The Moonstone is told from the perspective of different individuals which is what makes... Read more
Published 18 hours ago by Anne46
Moonstone
My first free book on my new Kindle touch. Not my normal read but kept my attention to the end.
Published 2 days ago by Andy F
Very disappointing
I knew this was an abridged version of the novel but I was dismayed when it arrived and I found there were only three CD's of an hour each. Read more
Published 9 days ago by heather s
Muddled
I have a reasonable concentration level when reading but I found my mind wandering after the first few pages of this rubbish. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Fred 1234
Truly a classic
Many years have slipped by since I last read The Moonstone. I was reminded of it when it was suggested as a book club read and thought it must be time to take another look. Read more
Published 16 days ago by B J Burton - Author
Shows it's age, but hardly a surpise
A rather wordy story, and may be difficult for modern readers (like myself) to get to grips with. Nonetheless, a valuable read - fans of Conan Doyle might find Sergeant Cuff a... Read more
Published 22 days ago by Martin G. Terry-marchant
Moonstone
This book is often held up as the first ever 'whodunnit'. Beautifully written but inevitably may seem dated to some readers.
Published 29 days ago by Bobsline
First book read in 20 years
I have not read a complete book in 20 or more years. I have picked up the Moonstone by Wilkie Collins four times in the past and never completed the read. Read more
Published 1 month ago by BrendaandJed
The Moonstone
A wonderful read for anyone who likes Who Dunnits?
I have bought it for my grandson, and hope he enjoys it as much as I did
many years ago. Read more
I have bought it for my grandson, and hope he enjoys it as much as I did
many years ago. Read more
Published 1 month ago by D. J. Lay
Still Gripping
A classic novel, but despite the intervening years,still a gripping read. I had quite forgotten all the twists and turns in the plot and found it difficult to put down. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Riggers59
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