"The Moonstone", published in 1868, is widely regarded as the precursor of the modern mystery and suspense novels. T. S. Eliot called it "the first, the longest, and the best of modern English detective novels". The story concerns the theft of a large Indian diamond; it contains a number of ideas which became common tropes of the genre: a large number of suspects, red herrings, a crime being investigated by talented amateurs who happen to be present when it is committed, and two police officers who exemplify respectively the "local bungler" and the skilled, professional, Scotland Yard detective. The story is told through a series of first person narratives by the various people involved - before, during, and after the theft.

Wilkie Collins was the master of what were called at the time "sensation novels" - the precursor to modern "thrillers". These were the books that had refined young Victorian ladies "swooning", and requiring frequent recourse to the "smelling salts" :grin:. This novel was famed for its vivid depiction of the effects of opium addiction (Collins himself was addicted to opium, and wrote from personal experience).

A fabulous story. Both a classic and fun to read - what more could you ask for?

Edit: 30th Apr 07

Corrected a couple of typos I noticed while reading it. Added a cover picture.
Uploaded v2.

Great stuff, Harry.

I was planning to work on all the Wilkie Collins. If you have a hankering for it, go for it!

(Harry, I have a question for you on BookDesigner, in another thread.)

Thanks.

No reason why we can't have multiple versions of books. Please don't let the fact that I've done this book stop you from doing it too! Especially if you think you could do it better - I would never claim that my versions are the best it's possible to achieve :grin:.

Thanks, Harry. I discovered Collins last year on PG and put a couple on my old Rocket eBook. Really liked his stuff.

I've downloaded this and will get to it eventually. Too many good books, not enought time....

Another book from my childhood :)

I've just uploaded v2. I found a couple of typos while reading the book, and I've also added a cover picture.

Thanks!