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The Moonstone

(Oxford World's Classics)

By Wilkie Collins

(108)

| Paperback | 9780192833389

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Book Description

Called "the first and greatest of English detective novels" by T.S.Eliot, The Moonstone is a masterpiece of suspense. A fabulous yellow diamond becomes the dangerous inheritance of Rachel Verinder. Outside her Yorkshire country house watch the Hindu priests who have waited for many years to reclaimContinue

Called "the first and greatest of English detective novels" by T.S.Eliot, The Moonstone is a masterpiece of suspense. A fabulous yellow diamond becomes the dangerous inheritance of Rachel Verinder. Outside her Yorkshire country house watch the Hindu priests who have waited for many years to reclaim their ancient talisman, looted from the holy city of Somnauth. When the Moonstone disappears the case looks simple, but in mid-Victorian England no one is what they seem, and nothing can be taken for granted.

Witnesses, suspects, and detectives each narrate the story in turn. The bemused butler, the love-stricken housemaid, the enigmatic detective Sergeant Cuff, the drug-addicted scientist--each speculate on the mystery as Collins weaves their narratives together. The Moonstone transcends the genre of detective novel or murder mystery, though, and this new edition features a fascinating introduction by John Sutherland which discusses the themes of imperialism, sensationalism and mesmerism.

6 Reviews

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  • Considered the first detective novel and even though written more than 100 years ago is still fresh and a fabulous read for all who like mystery/detective novels.
    A unique format of writing and great characters.
    I enjoyed it a lot but The Woman In White remains my favorite.

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    Nini said on Aug 5, 2011 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

  • Adventurous and hilarious, exotic and very British at the same time--probably the best of Collins' works I've read so far. If you like the genre, or generally speaking if you like XIX Century English literature, you can't miss The Moonstone!

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    Matteo F. said on Apr 16, 2011 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

  • Not a literary masterpiece by any means, but THE MOONSTONE is interesting, especially as it helped shape some of the archetypes we most associate with the mystery/detective genre. A good read for anyone interested in mysteries/detective novels.

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    currerbell said on Oct 29, 2010 about the Hardcover edition | Add your feedback

  • Though I'd seen the film about the Moonstone years ago, I'd never read the book. My reading of 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher' where Collins is mentioned quite a lot regarding his use of the incidents/events/characters in the investigation of the murder at Road Hill House gave me an interest in findi ... (continue)

    Though I'd seen the film about the Moonstone years ago, I'd never read the book. My reading of 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher' where Collins is mentioned quite a lot regarding his use of the incidents/events/characters in the investigation of the murder at Road Hill House gave me an interest in finding out more of how Collins actually used the material. Fascinating to say the least!

    T.S. Eliot called The Moonstone, 'the first and greatest of English detective novels' and it is without a doubt - considering it was written before the detective work of the police was firmly established - a remarkable book.

    I particularly liked the characters of Gabriel Betteridge the servant, and Sergeant Cuff the detective investigating the murder. However, other characters are equally interesting. This is not a detective story to be compared to the genre of today. The detective sergeant who carries out the investigation is only in the novel for a short period of time as each witness and suspect take up the story in turn. These different characters add interest as the story unfolds, but the whole thing is rather civil and genteel throughout. Nevertheless, it is a classic and the public were enthralled by it. It was the beginning of a genre that would capture the imagination of millions, and increase the bank balances of authors, TV and film makers with riches.

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    GraJon said on Aug 31, 2009 | Add your feedback

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