The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
I wanted to read this classic because it is generally considered the first detective novel in the English language, and as a mystery lover, I had to read it, right? It took me a while to finish but I enjoyed it.
The Moonstone is a large yellow diamond stolen from a sacred statue in India by an English officer. According to legend, three Hindu Brahmins, who have dedicated their lives to recovering it, will stop at nothing to retrieve it.
On her eighteenth birthday, Rachel Verinder inherits the diamond and the danger that goes along with owning it.
The dying Indian sank to his knees, pointed to the dagger in Hercastle's hand, and said, in his native language:— "The Moonstone will have its vengeance yet on you and yours!"
(pg. 14)
She wears it to her party, but that night it is stolen from the drawer where she placed it. Suspicion falls on three Indian jugglers who had been in the...