"Wonderful characterization!"
As many reviews as there are on this book, probably no one will ever read this, but I have to express my feelings about it anyway. Again and again, I was deeply impressed by the wonderful characterization in The Moonstone. Readers who like fast-paced modern books might get restless listening to the gradual, detailed unfolding of character, place, and plot, but in my opinion Collins is brilliant in his ability to make even the most mundane aspect of life seem exquisitely interesting. The plot is also exquisite, with no detail unattended though a fascinatingly complex story, though here lies the only reason I gave the book four stars rather than an enthusiastic five, for its premise, by modern knowledge, is seriously flawed. (I can't say more for it would be a spoiler.) Also, Collins' knowledge of Indian (Vedic) facts is flawed, for the stone for the moon is a pearl, not a diamond, and not yellow. But if one can overlook these failures that were unknown in those days, then this book is a treasure. I loved the performance--each performer added so much to bring out these memorable characters and I thank each very much. I highly recommend that writers listen to this book to learn about characterization and plot. Thanks, Mr. Collins, wherever you are, for your brilliant work.
"Took me by surprise"
Had never heard of the book or author- took a chance and was pleasantly surprised. The plot is very interesting and moves along nicely. And the readers were spot on. Highly recommend and in my top ten for the year.
"Good Performance of Charming Story"
The different narrators did a great job of telling their story from the character's point of view. The story was engaging.
"Loved it!"
This is a great read. I enjoyed the story, narrators, and characters immensely. No wonder Collins is credited with writing the first English detective novel.
"Definitely a Victorian Mystery!"
This is a very long mystery with superb performance by the narrator. I just wish it could have been much, much shorter.
By the end of this long, strung out mystery; you may not care whether the lost diamond is ever found or not, or who stole it!!! Thank goodness mystery stories aren't written like that anymore!
Fortunately, the narration was very good.
"UGH!!!!!"
A new narrator.
Maybe, I can't get to the story because I dislike the narrator so much.
His over blown accents, the way his voice kept changing volume. It was just plain bad.
I don't know, I could not get past the narrator.
Does Audible have people who vet these books?
"Best reading ever!"
So far I am at chapter 13, and I am enjoying the narrative immensely! I've been listening to audiobooks for ten years now, and I would say this is one of the best.
"A great Classic"
I really enjoyed The Moonstone. I like to find looong books, (more for the money). This book was long and held my interest until the end.
Patrick Tull did an exceptional job. The characterization was so well done, I felt like I was "back in the day".
"Patrick Tull makes this book!"
I had always been curious about this book, which I understand is the first mystery novel. It was very good, though marred a bit by time, especially in the way the women characters are drawn. But what made this a great listen was the way the several narrators brought the characters to life. The best by far was Patrick Tull's reading of the butler obsessed with "Robinson Crusoe." Definitely worth listening to if you are a fan of British lit - just let yourself get lost in the performances and don't worry about the silly women or the improbable plot.
"A Classic Mystery!"
I love that this book has a full cast, it allows the story to flow and for the characters to really come alive.
There is mystery, intrigue, and Miss Clack makes me laugh every time.