The Moonstone

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

155

Title

The Moonstone

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Wilkie Collins's *The Moonstone* is a groundbreaking Victorian sensation novel that pioneered the detective genre. Blending Gothic atmosphere with psychological realism, the story follows the mysterious theft of a legendary yellow diamond from an Indian temple and its subsequent journey through English society. With multiple narrators and a focus on social class, superstition, and hidden motives, this tale offers a compelling, suspenseful read that remains a classic of mystery literature.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the backdrop of the storming of Seringapatam in 1799, Wilkie Collins' *The Moonstone* begins with Godfrey Ablewhite recounting the death of an Indian officer and the discovery of a dagger set with the legendary yellow diamond, the Moonstone. Cursed by ancient prophecy, the gem is stolen by the officer's cousin, John Herncastle, who returns to England and dies shortly after. The stone is inherited by Herncastle's cousin, Rachel Verinder, who decides to keep it as a birthday present. The story unfolds through a series of conflicting accounts from various characters, including Rachel's aunt, her governess, and her suitor, Franklin Blake. The atmosphere grows tense as the diamond is stolen from Rachel's bedroom on her birthday. Sergeant Cuff, a police officer, is called in to investigate but finds no physical evidence, as the theft appears to have been committed by someone inside the house. As the investigation progresses, the narrative shifts between different perspectives, revealing secrets about the characters' pasts and their relationships. The story delves into themes of class prejudice, the influence of superstition, and the corrupting nature of wealth. The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Mr. Murthwaite, who claims to know the diamond's history and hints at a conspiracy involving the original thieves who escaped from India. The novel builds to a climactic revelation involving the diamond's true location and the identities of those responsible for its theft. Through intricate plotting and a shifting narrative voice, Collins explores the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of legend. The story concludes with the diamond being returned to its rightful place in India, resolving the mystery while leaving the reader with a sense of the cyclical nature of history and the persistence of the past.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-06-30 06:31 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Mystery