Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone is widely praised for its pioneering structure and engaging plot, often regarded as the first modern detective novel. Readers appreciate its suspense and rich character development. However, some critique the pacing, finding it slow at times. Overall, it's celebrated for paving the way for the detective fiction genre.

Readers who enjoy The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins typically appreciate classic detective fiction and intricate plots. They often have a fondness for Victorian literature and might also enjoy Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle or Bleak House by Charles Dickens for similar themes of mystery and social commentary.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is a Victorian mystery novel first published in 1868. It follows the story of Rachel Verinder, who receives a valuable diamond stolen from India, as a birthday gift. The diamond disappears the next morning, sparking a complex investigation led by Detective Sergeant Cuff, uncovering themes of reputation, evidence versus faith, and memory's unreliability. The source text contains references to death by suicide and Victorian-era prejudices surrounding Indian religion and culture.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Melancholic / Unnerving

Wilkie Collins

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Moonstone and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Moonstone Summary

Background

The Moonstone Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Loss of the Diamond, 1848”, Section 1: “The Events Related by Gabriel Betteredge, House-Steward in the Service of Julia, Lady Verinder”

Prologue-Part 1, Section 1, Chapters 1-10

The Moonstone Prologue-Part 1, Section 1, Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Section 1, Chapters 11-23

The Moonstone Part 1, Section 1, Chapters 11-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Discovery of the Truth, 1848-49, The Events Related in Several Narratives”, Part 2, Section 1: “Contributed by Miss Clack; Niece of the Late Sir John Verinder”

Part 2, Section 1

The Moonstone Part 2, Section 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Discovery of the Truth, 1848-49, The Events Related in Several Narratives”, Part 2, Section 2: “Contributed by Matthew Bruff, Solicitor of Gray’s Inn Square” - Part 2, Section 3: “Contributed by Franklin Blake”

Part 2, Section 2: “Contributed by Matthew Bruff, Solicitor of Gray’s Inn Square”

The Moonstone Part 2, Section 2: “Contributed by Matthew Bruff, Solicitor of Gray’s Inn Square” Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Discovery of the Truth, 1848-49, The Events Related in Several Narratives”, Part 2, Section 6: “Contributed by Sergeant Cuff”

Part 2, Sections 4-6

The Moonstone Part 2, Sections 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Discovery of the Truth, 1848-49, The Events Related in Several Narratives” - Epilogue: “The Finding of the Diamond”

The Moonstone

Before You Read

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