The Moonstone

This seminal English mystery is presented in an unusual, but appropriate, manner, reflecting the episodic nature of the story. Three actors present the story in parts, taking on separate first-person accounts of events. All the voices are convincing, cultured British intonations describing the events surrounding the apparent theft of the Moonstone diamond from a country mansion. Each voice shades the various characters featured within the particular parts, just as the narrative offers characterizations of the other persons without attempting an outright mimicry. The abridgment is nicely done, too, avoiding any choppiness. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Novels written from multiple points of view pose a particular challenge for the audiobook format; the listener must easily differentiate between the numerous voices. Collins boldly presents nearly a dozen character voices, and the narrators in this production masterfully perform their parts. Even those unfamiliar with the story can track its progress through the narrators, all of whom contribute unique performances. Those not used to British diction may experience occasional difficulty with Ronald Pickup's Gabriel Betteridge, but Fenella Woolgar's Drusilla Clack is delightfully humorous and expressive, and Jamie Parker's narration is convincingly commanding, if a bit snide, as detective Franklin Blake. N.J.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

A thrilling mystery told from multiple points of view makes this classic a compelling story for the audiobook format. The story centers on the sudden disappearance of a large diamond that causes upset in a British aristocratic family. The author pieces the facts together through the points of view of various characters from diverse backgrounds. Narrator Matthew Lloyd Davies masterfully transitions between them, creating a unique voice for each. From the sincere and provincial servant Gabriel Betteredge to the prim and prudish Drusilla Clack, Davies transforms his voice convincingly to capture each speaker. He depicts the earnest young hero, Franklin Blake, in a confident, deep tone. Davies's characterizations faithfully mirror the voices that emerge from Collins's story, and his attentive narration does not disappoint. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine