The five-episode period drama The Moonstone, based on Wilkie Collins' classic detective novel, is now available to purchase on Prime Video. The series originally aired on BBC One and has received positive feedback from fans.
Adaptation Praised by Critics and Viewers
The miniseries centers on a young Englishwoman who receives a priceless and religiously significant Indian diamond on her eighteenth birthday. When the gem vanishes during her birthday celebrations, a period of upheaval follows as the investigation into its disappearance intensifies. The series stars Terenia Edwards as Rachel Verinder, the young woman at the heart of the story.
Poet T.S. Eliot once described the original novel as "the first and greatest of all English detective novels". The book has been hailed on Goodreads as a "spellbinding tale of romance, theft, and murder inspired a hugely popular genre-the detective mystery".
Production Details and Filming Locations
The lavish period drama was filmed amidst the stunning landscapes of North Yorkshire, with shooting taking place at Thornton Watlass Hall, a Grade I listed Georgian country house. The series also features Miranda actress Sarah Hadland as Drusilla Clack and James Bond star David Calder as Mr Bruff.
Audience Reactions
Audiences have shared their verdicts on IMDb. One viewer wrote: "So... I happened upon my mom watching this and became so invested that I read the book, then rewatched the show. It's one of the greatest mysteries in classic literature, and this miniseries does it total justice."
On Reddit, another enthusiast added: "Loved it! I think it's one of the most underrated adaptations, definitely worth a watch." A third shared: "The series is very true to the book! I think it's a great adaptation!" While a fourth urged viewers: "Do it, do it, do it (When I started it, I stayed up way too late watching it!)"
Broadcast Strategy
The BBC deliberately scheduled the programme at an earlier slot during its original broadcast to attract a younger demographic as part of its #LoveToRead campaign.
