The Moonstone

Set in 19th-century England, the story revolves around Rachel Verinder, who receives a significant Indian diamond on her eighteenth birthday. This treasured Moonstone, linked to her uncle's dubious past in India, becomes the center of turmoil when it is stolen during her birthday celebration. The narrative unfolds through various characters' perspectives as they attempt to uncover the thief and recover the stone, establishing a foundation for the modern detective genre. Collins' innovative storytelling and intricate plot make this a seminal work in crime fiction.