The Moonstone

By: Wilkie Collins

Narrated by: B. J. Harrison

Length: 20 hrs

Publisher's Summary

This is heralded as the very first mystery novel. Collins, in his great work, created the guidelines for the genre as we know it today: a fabulous diamond stolen, everyone in the house is suspected, three mysterious Indians sworn to protect the jewel at all costs, the upstairs/downstairs tension from the servants, and a brilliant detective who is eccentrically fond of roses.

Public Domain (P)2009 B.J. Harrison

Outstanding Performance

I thoroughly enjoyed BJ Harrison's performance of this book. His characterizations are so clear and masterful that he adds dimension to an already compelling work.

The Moonstone is a well-crafted, often funny, engaging book. It's been dubbed the first mystery novel, but it's more than that. In this production, the many characters come to life in a remarkably nuanced performance.

14 people found this helpful

Very enjoyable

As this is supposedly the first mystery novel I'm glad it was done right. Good pacing, character development, and suspense were on great display. Really enjoyed this book.

10 people found this helpful

Wilkie Collins was a man ahead of his time!

I have loved this book since I first read it many years ago and I love it just as much today! Collins is believed to be one of the first mystery writers and not only does he create a first rate mystery but he has developed one of the most beloved characters I have ever known in the form of Mr. Betteridge who embodies wisdom, humor and care as he hopes to immolate his favorite character, Robinson Curuso. The narration by B.J. Harrison was so perfect. The whole presentation is epic. I'd recommend it to anyone.

12 people found this helpful

First rate classic mystery

This is a very engaging, excellently narrated British mystery. It is chock full of well drawn interesting characters that B J Harrison brings to life to full effect.
It is long, many have proclaimed it too long. Yes, there were times when I wished for Mr Collins to just get on with it but I never really lost interest. The characters are just too good.

I had never heard of this author or this book. I am so grateful to Audible for introducing them to me. Wilkie Collins is a master at creating unique characters: Gabriel Betteridge is now a favorite (what a gem!) along with Sergeant Cuff and his roses, then there is the hilarious Miss Clack, the classic British adventurer, the stuffy lawyer, the servant with a past, and on and on! So happy to have met them all.

5 people found this helpful

A Gem - pun intended

I really enjoyed the slow pace of this book. it is extremely well written. I have to admit that I am biased toward 19th century English novels. I enjoyed the relaxing pace, subtle humor and clever plot.

4 people found this helpful

A great story, but very long.

I like the way the story is told by multiple characters. excellent story, but it is long.

3 people found this helpful

A little long

Be sure to listen whilst you are able to give your full attention. It is worth the extra effort!

3 people found this helpful

A reliable combination

All of Wilkie Collins' work is wonderful and BJ Harrison's narration is always on point. The two here combined, make for a fantastic and enjoyable tale.

7 people found this helpful

Set the bar for this genre

Superb characterizations in this wonderfully tangled who-done-it! Thoroughly entertaining! A classic! There is a deep understanding of human foibles and courage that shines through in the narrative. The treatment of humor is also without equal.

2 people found this helpful

The Original is always the best

If we would not only read the old classics but adopt more of the chivalry, manners and language of the past, this world would be a better place. When a mans word was worth more then a signed document is now. Loyalty to friends and family was placed above self. Stories like these prove we have lost so much with the slang and decreasing vocabulary of the common man. Also proof that progress does not mean improvment.

4 people found this helpful

Fantastic story and performance!

What a gem of a story this is; The Moonstone is a complete delight! It combines intriguing mystery with hilarious character portrayal - both by the author, and in the excellent performance by B J Harrison. I laughed out loud on numerous occasions, and couldn't wait to get back to listening to it to find out what would happen next. I can't recommend this audiobook enough, especially for those who enjoy an epistolary style of narrative.

1 person found this helpful

Witty Wilkie

Would you consider the audio edition of The Moonstone to be better than the print version?

I consider nearly all audio editions to be better than print, and this one also.

What did you like best about this story?

some cleverly witty narrative

Have you listened to any of B. J. Harrison’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I was not sure about narrator. I quite liked his accent, except for the oo sound which is the usual American pronunciation of all the u/ew phonemes, and is discordant in an English accented story.

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

It is good when possible, for the easier following of the plot, but not necessary.

1 person found this helpful

An excellent book

The first known true novel in the detective genre. Highly recommend to anyone who classical works.