The Moonstone

By: Wilkie Collins

Narrated by: Peter Jeffrey

Length: 18 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

Considered the first full-length detective story in the English language, T.S. Eliot described The Moonstone as 'the first and greatest English detective novel'.

The stone of the title is an enormous yellow diamond plundered from an Indian shrine after the Siege of Seringapatam. Given to Miss Verinder on her 18th birthday, it mysteriously disappears that very night. Suspicion falls on three Indian jugglers who have been seen in the neighbourhood. Sergeant Cuff is assigned to the case and though it looks simple nothing can be taken for granted.

The story is recounted by several narrators including the bemused butler, the love-sick housemaid, the enigmatic detective Sergeant Cuff and the drug-addicted scientist, who in turn, speculate on the mystery.

This enthralling tale of romance, theft, and murder inspired the detective genre. In a sense, Collins wrote the rulebook on detective stories as many features of The Moonstone have become conventions in the literature of others.

Charles Dickens was a close friend and mentor of Collins, and the two collaborated together on drama and fiction. The Moonstone, as well as some of his other work, was first published in Dickens' journals.

Narrator Biography

Beginning his career on stage, Peter Jeffrey became a recognisable face on British television while enjoying thirty years with the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as working with all the other great British theatre companies. He was soon in demand for television character parts, playing roles in shows such as The Saint (1964-1965), The Avengers (1966-1968) and Doctor Who (1967 and 1978) as well as being involved in many BBC Radio 4 audio dramas such as The Pickwick Papers. Though a versatile actor, he was often cast in roles of authority such as Inspector Carter in Dixon of Dock Green (1966) but occasionally guest starred in comedy roles such as "Napper" Wainwright in Porridge (1975). He continued to act during his final years, with roles in the BBC adaptation of The Prince and the Pauper (1996), The Scarlet Pimpernel (1999) and Where the Heart Is (1999).

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Great Victorian era mystery novel

I was surprised how intriguing and enjoyable this was. It started a bit slow and confusing with many disconnected details, but the author managed to weave them together into a suspenseful mystery worthy of modern detective dramas. Perhaps a bit long, but but the last 5 hours especially were enthralling.

The narrator, Peter Jeffrey, was absolutely perfect with his many different and idiosyncratic characters.

Victorian detective novel

Too long-winded for some but I enjoyed this oldfashioned but oddly modern detective story. Some very funny and one very sad character, like in many of Dickens' novels (who was a good friend of Wilky Collins). Ironic description of upstairs-downstairs relationships and bigotry. Excellent narration.

Couldnt put it down

Definitely will recommend. The narrator was perfect for the book. Worth a second listen as well.

I can't believe this book is 150 years old!

This was an excellent story. I didn't know what to expect coming in, only that it is considered one of the first mystery novels in the English language. It was reminiscent of works by Austin or Dickens, but at the same time felt very modern. The narrator was excellent and the story was compelling (and many times I laughed out loud). I highly recommend!

Classic mystery

Regarded as one of the earliest examples of the mystery novel, the experience is enhanced by the excellent narration of Peter Jeffrey.

Best Narrator Ever

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard at an audio book. The narrator has perfect comic timing.

Pretty Good For the First Mystery Novel

I decided to listen after hearing this is considered the first mystery novel according to author Lucy Worsley. I had been listening to her book about Agatha Christie that was recently released and decided to give this a listen. It’s a very interesting perspective, being told from several different “participants” points of view. I’m surprised it took this long for the genre to be started.

Performance was very good. Easy to listen to and easy to tell characters apart. I loved the different accents. A good book for a long drive. Or four or five long drives. It’s a really long book.

Surprisingly good

I probably never would have read this on paper - too old-fashioned, too long - but with it narrated (and done so well by Jeffrey!) I was able to hear the voices of the characters and be entertained by the different perspectives as each one tells the story from their point of view. I thought this was a masterfully crafted story, with parts that made me laugh out loud. Had to be able to concentrate when listening to keep track of the plot and characters.

Starts slow, ends slower

About a third of the way in, you start to get into the plot. Then the author changes POV, losses the momentum, and gradually dismantles any sense of mystery or suspense. One of the few books in which I cared less about the characters and the plot the father into the story I got.

Some of the best narration Anywhere. Ever.

What did you love best about The Moonstone?

Quite apart from having an ingenious plot, this story is brimming with characters you will either come to love or come to love to loathe! Peter Jeffrey's narration is simply brilliant.

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

The plot kept me guessing the whole time.

Which character – as performed by Peter Jeffrey – was your favorite?

Like the great Cuff, I would go into service and work for Gabriel Betteredge if Peter Jeffrey were playing him. The book is worth the price of admission just to hear Betteredge talk about himself. Miss Clack is deliciously hateful.

Any additional comments?

This is a story you can listen to over and over again with the same enjoyment as you had the first time you heard it.