The Moonstone: Plot Summary

1. The novel begins in India with a prologue by an anonymous Verinder family member, detailing the Moonstone's history.
2. The Moonstone, originally embedded in a Hindu god's statue, was stolen and cursed to bring misfortune.
3. Colonel John Herncastle stole the Moonstone in 1799, killing a man who cursed him.

4. In 1848 Yorkshire, the story moves to Lady Julia Verinder's estate, narrated by butler Gabriel Betteredge.
5. Franklin Blake returns to England with the Moonstone, bequeathed to Rachel Verinder as a birthday gift.
6. Suspicious Indian men appear at the Verinder estate, presumably seeking the Moonstone.

7. Franklin leaves the Moonstone at the bank, waiting to give it to Rachel on her birthday.
8. Rachel and Franklin grow close, but Godfrey Ablewhite also seeks her hand.
9. On Rachel's birthday, the Moonstone is gifted, and the next morning it is missing.
10. Superintendent Seegrave investigates, suspecting someone in the house.
11. Detective Sergeant Cuff takes over, suspecting Rosanna Spearman, who then drowns herself.

12. Rachel denies any private communication with Rosanna, and Cuff is dismissed.
13. Hypocritical Christian fanatic Miss Clack narrates the second section, focusing on London events.
14. Godfrey Ablewhite proposes to Rachel but cancels the engagement after Julia's death.
15. Lawyer Mr Bruff reveals Godfrey's motive was Rachel's inheritance, prohibited by Julia's will.
16. Franklin Blake returns to England to solve the mystery and discovers his involvement while under laudanum's influence.
17. Ezra Jennings, Mr. Candy's assistant, helps recreate the events, proving Franklin's innocence.
18. The Moonstone's final whereabouts remain unknown until a series of narratives reveal the Indians' successful retrieval.
19. Detective Cuff discovers Godfrey's true motives, revealing him as the thief.
20. The novel concludes with the Moonstone returned to India and Franklin and Rachel's marriage.