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The Moonstone (Wordsworth Classics) [Paperback]

Wilkie Collins (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (126 customer reviews)
Price: £1.99 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Book Description

Publication Date: 1 May 1992 | ISBN-10: 1853260444 | ISBN-13: 978-1853260445 | Edition: Reprint

This Wordsworth Edition includes an exclusive Introduction and Notes by David Blair, Rutherford College, University of Kent.

The Moonstone, a priceless Indian diamond which had been brought to England as spoils of war, is given to Rachel Verrinder on her eighteenth birthday. That very night, the stone is stolen. Suspicion then falls on a hunchbacked housemaid, on Rachel's cousin Franklin Blake, on a troupe of mysterious Indian jugglers, and on Rachel herself.

The phlegmatic Sergeant Cuff is called in, and with the help of Betteredge, the Robinson Crusoe-reading loquacious steward, the mystery of the missing stone is ingeniously solved.

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The Moonstone (Wordsworth Classics) + The Woman in White (Collins Classics)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 464 pages
  • Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd; Reprint edition (1 May 1992)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1853260444
  • ISBN-13: 978-1853260445
  • Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.4 x 19.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (126 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 6,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Review

"Probably the very finest detective story ever written." --G. K. Chesterton, author of "The Victorian Age in Literature" --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

'The first...and the best of modern English detective novels' T. S. Eliot --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
99 of 102 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars "The first, the longest, and the best..." - T S Eliot. 30 Oct 2002
By John Austin HALL OF FAME TOP 1000 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
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.

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70 of 72 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic romp 19 Jun 2001
By A Customer
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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58 of 60 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeliness Masterpiece 8 Dec 2002
By "bettykywong"
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Schooldays
A tale I first met through the black and white images of a 1960's TV, it took another 50 years before enjoying the story in its entirety, a good read.
Published 13 days ago by John Tyler
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless.
This is a classic and deserves a place on anyone's book shelf; it has everything, tension, adventure, humour, insight, a puzzle, romance... Read more
Published 13 days ago by Lois Sparshott
2.0 out of 5 stars Dated
I found some historic references more interesting than the story. The story is well constructed with some twists and turns.
Published 26 days ago by Paul Millar
5.0 out of 5 stars The first and the best
T.S. Eliot described this as 'the first, the best, and the longest of all detective novels' and it is hard to disagree with any of that. Read more
Published 1 month ago by T. Vicary
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read
Not always an easy read, with long passages of narrative description, it is nonetheless well worth the effort. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jo Endacott
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story
I was familiar with the title but had no idea about the story until I saw it in the free top 100 for kindle and thought 'why not'. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant
the first and best detective novel. brilliant characterisation. great structure and a thoroughly compelling story. Read more
Published 1 month ago by laura t
4.0 out of 5 stars The Moonstone is a gem
An excellent who-dun-it. Does go on a bit but good bd-time reading. It set the bar for every subsequent detective story that has been written snce..
Published 1 month ago by John
5.0 out of 5 stars The Moonstone
This book is better than I remember it. Being written in another age the language is fascinating.

A really good read
Published 1 month ago by Mariem
2.0 out of 5 stars The Moonstone
Not my cup of tea at all. I gave up after not many pages. Just could not get on with it.
Published 1 month ago by G. Smith
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