The Moonstone: A Rambling Mess of a Detective Novel

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is considered the first English detective novel. It is a rambling mess of a story with multiple narratives competing for attention. The main narrative revolves around the theft of a large diamond, the Moonstone, in a remote country house in Yorkshire. The house itself becomes a prominent element in the story, with much of the action centered around doors and windows. The novel's construction and abundance of emotions make it reminiscent of the first draft of a novel, with various characters competing to be the protagonist.