TVTV NewsBBC1The five-episode period drama based on Wilkie Collins' classic detective novel has gone down a treat with fans.08:00, 13 Jul 2026Fans of period dramas based on books must add one particular miniseries to their watch lists.‌Devotees of period dramas and detective stories are being urged to seek out a miniseries adapted from a book that poet T. S. Eliot once described as the first and greatest of all English detective novels. The five-part drama centres on a young Englishwoman who receives a priceless and religiously significant Indian diamond on her eighteenth birthday.‌When the precious gem vanishes during her birthday celebrations, a period of upheaval follows as the investigation into its disappearance intensifies. The series in question is The Moonstone, starring Terenia Edwards as Rachel Verinder, the young woman at the centre of events.‌Originally broadcast on BBC One, the show is now available to purchase in its entirety on Prime Video.The lavish period drama was shot amidst the stunning landscapes of North Yorkshire, with filming taking place at Thornton Watlass Hall, a Grade I listed Georgian country house.‌Wilkie Collins' celebrated original novel has been described on Goodreads as a "spellbinding tale of romance, theft, and murder inspired a hugely popular genre-the detective mystery".Poet T. S. Eliot is known to have written in one of his essays: "The one of Collins's books which is the most perfect piece of construction, and the best balanced between plot and character, is The Moonstone."‌Audiences have flocked to IMDb to share their verdicts on the series, with one viewer writing: "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."Over 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 to tune in: "Do it, do it, do it (When I started it, I stayed up way too late watching it! )".The series also features Miranda actress Sarah Hadland as Drusilla Clack and James Bond star David Calder as Mr Bruff.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.Article continues belowThe Moonstone is available to purchase on Prime Video.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BBC1