Victorian melodrama

I have read somewhere that Wilkie Collins may be credited with writing some of the very first examples of the police procedural genre of fiction. I have read and admired Collins' 5th novel, " The Woman in White" and noted some similarities with that work, as I listened to "The Moonstone" (eg, multiple voices/narratives as the story unfolds). I found the storytelling rather tedious in this novel and anticipated the solution to the mystery and the conclusion long before we actually got there. But, I really admired Peter Jeffrey's narration and that kept me listening. I will seek out other works narrated by Jeffrey, he made up for deficiencies in the story with his polished, professional and lively performance.

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Wonderful reading of a classic detective novel

Would you listen to The Moonstone again? Why?

Absolutely. The Moonstone, set in 1848, tells the story of the famous yellow diamond, reputed to be cursed, that goes missing on the night Miss Rachel Verinder receives it as a gift on her eighteenth birthday. When Sergeant Cuff arrives to investigate the loss of the diamond, it soon becomes apparent that nobody in the house is above suspicion. It is a fine example of the classic detective novel, and was very enjoyable to read in audiobook format.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gabriel Betteredge, particularly given Peter Jeffrey's reading. I felt like I had an old grandfather sitting beside me while he told the story of an interesting episode from his life while frequently meandering off track with entertaining asides. I also thought the inimitable Miss Clack's narrative was hilarious, even though she would be horrified to hear it and would no doubt force a religious tract (or ten) on me for such blasphemy.

What does Peter Jeffrey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I originally read The Moonstone as a physical book several years ago and rated it around 3.5 stars. When I came to listen to the audiobook, however, I upgraded my rating to a full 5 stars, thanks largely to Peter Jeffrey's reading. An epistolary novel written entirely in first person, the text lends itself well to being read aloud and Peter Jeffrey does an excellent job of bringing out the humour that Wilkie Collins infuses into his narratives. His use of different voices for different characters (including Miss Clack) was very successful.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Beware, reader -- in taking up company with Sergeant Cuff there is a good chance you will catch a highly contagious ailment for which there is no cure: the detective fever!

Any additional comments?

Readers should be aware that The Moonstone is far more slow moving than Wilkie Collins' other well-known "sensation" novel, The Woman in White. If you are looking for something fast moving, perhaps try The Woman in White first. However, if you are looking for a great detective novel (in the tradition of Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie), this is an excellent and enjoyable offering from a master storyteller.

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1 person found this helpful

Amazing narration

This intriguing story is a mystery told via letters and diary entries from various characters involved in the events. Both the author and narrator do an amazing job making these characters distinct and memorable. One of the best narrations I have heard on audible. The story is about a jewel stolen from a temple in India during a British invasion, and orientalism is definitely a feature in this tale, as in many others of its time, but the story mainly focuses on two British characters largely unconnected with the original theft/battle.

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A good yarn, true to the time

I enjoyed this as I did the ‘woman in white ‘ by the same author. The story woven with intelligence and full of characters.

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Loved it

Wilkie Collins was a truly great novelist. His writing with multiple voices is just extraordinary.

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Enjoyable

Was an enjoyable story . Different laugage but of the time period .Enough to keep you interested .Narration very good easy to listen to. overall a good book.

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The perfect ability to describe humanity in detail was so impressive and amusing

I loved every feature....the different points of view and the on-point detail...a truly in depth and personal detective story

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My second Wilkie Collins book

Loved it. So sad it has finished. I will miss Gabriel Betteredge - wish I could have met him in person. That’s how real the characters are in this novel. Narrator was even better in this book than Woman in White. A credit to the producers for the authenticity of this audio book. Highly recommend it.

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Entertaining

Kept me in suspense. The few outdated sentiments I.e. about women, class etc I dismissed due to date - overall an enjoyable read.

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Great mystery

Great mystery which was really well set out. Loved the way the story evolved. Unfortunately I suppose as it's a product of its time and the entitlement of colonist England really disgusts me. Just give the moonstone back to the people you murdered and stole it from, then I guess there would be no story... Just be aware of the themes of classism, racism, sexism, ableism through out the book..

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