The Moonstone (1868)

"The Moonstone" is regarded by many as the progenitor of the detective novel in English. Published in 1868, it marks, perhaps, the peak of Wilkie Collins's career as a novelist and emerged onto the scene at a time of great change for Scotland Yard and the British Empire at large. Steeped in foreign intrigue and trapped within a casing of disguise, mistaken identity and class conflict, "The Moonstone" offers a wealth of intrigue for genre readers and literary historians alike. So, please take your seat at Lady Verinder's table with us and prepare for the most prophetic 18th birthday party you can imagine - the Moonstone is in the building!