"The Last Dickens" is a historical mystery novel by Matthew Pearl that explores the unfinished work of the famous author Charles Dickens. Set in the late 19th century, the story begins with Dickens's unexpected death, leaving behind a manuscript for a novel titled "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." The narrative follows several characters, including Dickens's friends and a determined Boston publisher, as they attempt to uncover the secrets surrounding the manuscript and the circumstances of Dickens's demise.
The plot intricately weaves together real historical events with fictional elements, bringing to life the world of Victorian England. The characters, driven by their admiration for Dickens and the mystery of his unfinished story, embark on a journey filled with intrigue and danger. Their quest leads them across continents and into the depths of a thrilling mystery that not only seeks to solve the riddles of Dickens's last work but also reveals deeper truths about his life and the society of his time.