Dickens's final novel, left unfinished at his death in 1870, is a mystery story much influenced by the‘Sensation Novel' as written by his friend Wilkie Collins. The action takes place in an ancientcathedral city and in some of the darkest places in Victorian London. Drugs, disappearances, sexual obsession, disguise and a possible murder are among the themes and motifs. A sombre and menacing atmosphere, a fascinating range of characters and Dickens's usual superb command of language combine to make this an exciting and tantalising story.

Dickens"s final novel, left unfinished at his death in 1870, is a mystery story much influenced by the‘Sensation Novel" as written by his friend Wilkie Collins. The action takes place in an ancientcathedral city and in some of the darkest places in Victorian London. Drugs, disappearances, sexual obsession, disguise and a possible murder are among the themes and motifs. A sombre and menacing atmosphere, a fascinating range of characters and Dickens"s usual superb command of language combine to make this an exciting and tantalising story.

 Also included in this volume are a number of uniustly neglected stories and sketches, with subiects as different as murder and guilt and childhood romance. This unusual selection illustrates Dickens"s immense creativity and versatility.

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

The Dawn

Dean and a Chapter Also

The Nun"s House

Mr Sapsea

Mr Durdles and Friend

Philanthropy in Minor Canon Corner

More Confidences than One

Daggers Drawn

Birds in the Bush

Smoothing the Way

A Picture and a Ring

A Night with Durdles

Both at Their Best

When Shall These Three Meet Again?

Impeached

Devoted

Philanthropy, Professional and Unprofessional

A Settler in Cloisterham

Shadow on the Sundial

A Flight

A Recognition

A Gritty State of Things Comes On

The Dawn Again

MASTER HUMPHREY"S CLOCK

HUNTED DOWN

HOLIDAY ROMANCE

Introductory Romance from the Pen of William Tinkling Esq - Aged Eight

Romance from the Pen of Miss Alice Rainbird - Aged Seven

Romance from the Pen of Lieutenant-Colonel Robin Redforth - Aged Nine

Romance from the Pen of Miss Nettie Ashfird- Aged Half-Past Six

GEORGE SILVERMAN"S EXPLANATION