The Moonstone [Tantor Audio Edition]

De: Wilkie Collins

Narrado por: James Langton

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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.

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.

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!!

Wilkie Collins

If you could sum up The Moonstone in three words, what would they be?

Mysterious authentic captivating

Any additional comments?

Wilkie Collins Classic & original one of all time greatest mystery writers. Excellent reads/ listens 8) EVERY TIME!