The Moonstone [Tantor Audio Edition]

By: Wilkie Collins

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 18 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Called "the first and greatest of English detective novels" by T. S. Eliot, Wilkie Collins's 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.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The first and greatest of English detective novels." (T. S. Eliot)

Not as good as other Collins stories

The narration was very good, but the story itself was disappointing, very drawn out with too many loose ends and some unbelievable aspects. The Woman in White is much more dramatic and better organized.

I love all of Willie's books this is great

this was all and more than expected
wilkie tells the story through the eyes of all involved. o felt o personally knew each character.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

What did you love best about The Moonstone?

Its quaintness, its prose and its setting. I realise that it is considered to be the first detective novel, but by giving it a notional genre, there is a danger that it will be limited to that in the reader's expectation. It is much, much more than a detective novel. And it is very much a novel of its era. I believe that it was released in serial format initially and it lends itself to this very well. There is a gentle antiquity to it and reading a chapter or two then having an enforced break (while the author writes the next two chapters perhaps!) is a charming way to consume this book. Especially in this world of endless racing and pacing.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No, not on the edge of my seat - it is a mystery but not a thriller. Being set in and written in the 19th century, it reflects that slower epoch.In fact, the plot was unbelievable in these times, but it was a vehicle for the other aspects of the novel, like the writing, the construction and the 'twist in the tail'.

What about James Langton’s performance did you like?

I thought this was an excellent novel for reading aloud. I liked the sound of the narrator's voice and was impressed by his ability to draw the characters in my mind with his changes voice for each one.His pace was good, not too slow so that the story dragged on and on - it is a long book, but not so fast that I felt rushed by the speed of his delvery.Wonderful diction too.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I enjoyed listening to it as and when I had time. I liked being able to return to the beginning of chapters if I had been away for a while, or just going back 30 seconds in order to refresh my memory.

I tried 3 times to get through this book...

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It is a little dated and I could not keep awake listening to it. Perhaps have different narrators when the story is told by someone new?

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It supposed to be a classic so I wouldn't change anything.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

I thought it was too slow but so was the story's pace.

Was The Moonstone [Tantor Audio Edition] worth the listening time?

Not for me. I love a good mystery but could not get interested in this one.

classic mystery!

Would you listen to The Moonstone [Tantor Audio Edition] again? Why?

yes, to revisit the characters of the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The twists and turns the story took until the end, it kept you guessing on who was the culprit!!

Great Narrator! Surprisingly Interesting!

What did you love best about The Moonstone [Tantor Audio Edition]?

I loved the narrator. He did a really great job with the distinctive characters' voices.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite part was when the book was describing the religious zeal of one of the characters and how much it annoyed others, unbeknownst to her. It seemed very contemporary in that way!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh, I don't know about that. This story isn't something you rush and it is too long for that. But, there were times I wish I didn't have to stop listening.

Any additional comments?

I got this book only because it was cheap. At first, I was afraid it would be a little boring. However, it really picks up after the prologue. I especially love the parts narrated by the character of Gabriel Betteredge. You really get to know and love (or hate) the various characters in this book. It is interesting to look at the characters through the different interpretations of the each of the narrators. Although there is plenty of mystery surrounding the Moonstone, don't be expecting a fact-paced suspense novel. However, I was glad it took so long to resolve the mystery. It gives time for character development, as well as twists and turns of plot. It was well worth the money.

Written 1878 - you'd never know

I super enjoyed this little mystery. If it had been written today I would have given a 4... but a writer from 1878 holding my attention fully earned my 5. Said to be the first detective mystery... with a little romance on the side. Much like Mr. Collin's "Lady in White" with a slightly less convoluted plot. Male voices more enjoyable than the females... but nice job on narration.

Fabulous narrator!

I am so impressed with James Langton's performance with this wonderful book. He helps to give the characters three dimensions and makes them come fully alive. And he delivers Wilkie Collin's excellent sense of humor with such skill. I can't remember enjoying an audio book this much. I would love to see Langton act in person.

Fun!

I love books written from this era in England, and this was a good one. I found his other book, The Woman in White, even better.

Good story

I liked it ok. Miss Clack was a hoot. I've known "Christians" like her. I pray no one ever thinks I am. ;) it had good twists and turns. There were several things that I felt were left unresolved tho.