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Audiobook Review: The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

I believe there is such a thing as reading the right book at the right time. And The Moonstone happened to be the perfect escapism for me at the moment. The audiobook is 19 hours long and I enjoyed every hour.

The Moonstone was first published in 1868 and is often said to be godfather of the classic English detective story. There certainly are elements recognisable from later detective novels, such as the case-breaking clue, the elimination of outside interference (the culprit has to be found amongst the occupiers in the house), the incompetent police officer, the competent police officer passionate about his hobby, the civilian assisting the police and of course the red herrings.

However, the reason you should read The Moonstone is that it’s a good story. Different narrators take you through different time periods leading up to the climax. My favourite is the house steward Gabriel Betteridge, an old-fashioned, eccentric character who thinks the answers to life in general can be found in Robinson Crusoe.

Betteridge from The Moonstone reads Robinson Crusoe

I found Betteridge likeable and I couldn’t help laughing at his views on women, idle rich people and various other subjects. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure, if the comments on females were meant to be funny, but I laughed, nevertheless. If you have a low tolerance towards insensitive or discriminating remarks, The Moonstone may not be for you.

“One after another, they were examined. One after another, they proved to have nothing to say — and said it (so far as the women were concerned) at great length…” 

The story kicks off with a sacred Indian diamond, which is gifted to a member of the household. The diamond has a long back story and a curse connected with it. Shortly after the diamond enters the house, it disappears again and the story revolves around this mystery.

Sergeant Cuff from The Moonstone has a hobby of growing roses

The remarkable Sergeant Cuff, who is called in to assist in finding the diamond, is another memorable character and I wouldn’t be surprised if later detectives have borrowed some of their character traits from Cuff. It has to be said that the good Cuff doesn’t actually get it right, so in that sense he isn’t the best role model for later detectives.

“I haven’t much time to be fond of anything … but when I have a moment’s fondness to bestow, most times … the roses get it. I began my life among them in my father’s nursery garden, and I shall end my life among them, if I can. Yes. One of these days (please God) I shall retire from catching thieves, and try my hand at growing roses.” 

After Betteridge’s story the plot looses a bit of steam and the narrators following him are not particularly interesting or even important for the story. Luckily, it picks up again and comes to a satisfying conclusion, utilising another trope, variations of which have been used again and again in later detective novels.

Despite of the loss of momentum half way through, I thoroughly enjoyed The Moonstone. It offered great storytelling, mystery, romance and a touch of adventure with links to India. Thank to Florence @ OffBeatBooks for making me aware of this book.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 4stars-2.png
Title: The Moonstone [1868]  
Author: Wilkie Collins
Format: Audiobook narrated by Peter Jeffrey 
Genre: Classic, Mystery

28 comments

    • Thanks so much for making me aware of this, I really liked it, possibly more than you did 🙂

      • No problem at all! I did find it a bit slow in places but I read it as a paperback and might have preferred it in audiobook format – for some reason I have more patience listening to audiobooks, usually because I’m doing something else at the same time! X

        • I am exactly the same, typically I listen to audiobooks, whilst doing something else. I did find it slowed down halfway through, but overall I still have a favourable impression of the story.

    • I must admit, I wasn’t too pleased when I noticed the length (which I didn’t check before downloading), but as it turned out, the 19 hours passed really quickly and in good company 😀

    • Haha, yes, I always find it strange, when reading stories from a completely different culture or era and not being able to tell if I understand them the right way. I think the comments on women were tongue-in-cheek, but I’m not entirely sure.

  4. That is a long audiobook! It’s good to know it only lost a little steam in the middle with that length. I know what you mean about the right books at the right time. Lovely review and this is something I think I’d enjoy too.

  5. When my husband was in college he was a broadcasting major, and he directed an radio play version of The Moonstone! I should see if he still has a copy somewhere and give it a listen. Have you read any other Collins books? The Woman in White intrigues me.

    • Ah, that’s interesting, I could imagine The Moonstone would do well as a radio play! Let me know if you find it. No, this is my first book from Collins, but after having enjoyed it, I am considering The Woman in White as well.

    • Oh no, you are a lot more generous than me, giving authors a second chance. I would probably have given up, if the first one wasn’t to my taste. Well, at least you tried 😀

  7. Oooh! I have never listened to a Wilkie Collins audiobook before and now I feel like I must!! Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely try The Woman in White next. I personally prefer it to The Moonstone and it has just as much, if not more, intrigue and mystery afoot!

    • Thanks, I am very tempted to try The Woman in White, presumably that is the most popular of Collins’ novels. The only thing holding me back is, it’s even longer than The Moonstone! It does intrigue me though, and it’s interesting to hear that you prefer that one over The Moonstone.

  8. This sort of instantly went on my TBR upon reading your review hahah I love the sound of everything you had to say about it and will look forward to getting my hands on a copy now. I am in need of a classic mystery tale besides Doyle and Christie’s stuff! Thank you for sharing this great review! 😀

    • I am glad to hear that, I thought it was fun and a great mystery. 😀 In particular the first half was pure joy! I hope you will enjoy it as well.

  9. Glad you enjoyed this, though I have to admit I’m not much of a fan of Wilkie Collins – I fear always compare him to his buddy Dickens and that doesn’t do him any favours! I can see that this might work better as an audiobook though, especially if it was a good narrator who could make the different characters come to life. I haven’t come across Peter Jeffrey – was he good?

    • Yes, Peter Jeffrey was excellent! I rarely mention the narrators (unless they are really bad) when I review audiobooks, but I probably should have given Jeffrey a mention. He did a really good job!

    • I am glad to hear – hope you will en joy it, if you get to it! Thanks for stopping by 😀

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