The Moonstone (Oxford World's Classics)

Called "the first and greatest of English detective novels" by T.S.Eliot The Moonstone is a masterpiece of suspense. A fabulous yellow diamond becomes the dangerous inheritance of Rachel Verinder. Outside her Yorkshire country house watch the Hindu priests who have waited for many years to reclaim their ancient talisman looted from the holy city of Somnauth. When the Moonstone disappears the case looks simple but in mid-Victorian England no one is what they seem and nothing can be taken for granted. Witnesses suspects and detectives each narrate the story in turn. The bemused butler the love-stricken housemaid the enigmatic detective Sergeant Cuff the drug-addicted scientist--each speculate on the mystery as Collins weaves their narratives together. The Moonstone transcends the genre of detective novel or murder mystery though and this new edition features a fascinating introduction by John Sutherland which discusses the themes of imperialism sensationalism and mesmerism. About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford Worlds Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxfords commitment to scholarship providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features including expert introductions by leading authorities voluminous notes to clarify the text up-to-date bibliographies for further study and much more.