THE LAST DICKENS

The author of THE DANTE CLUB dazzles with this mystery about the publication of Charles Dickens's last work, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, which arrives in America in serial form, until the last installment goes missing. On the eve of Dickens's death, publisher James Osgood finds himself on a trail of murder and depravity, including involvement with the opium trade, in his quest to secure the lost ending. From Osgood’s point of view, Paul Michael methodically recreates the atmosphere of the period and recounts details of Dickens’s vast popularity in the U.S., then shifts timbre and expression for colorful portrayals of the other characters. Much more is involved than merely discovering DROOD's ending. This well-researched story unfolds with action-packed suspense, haunting imagery, romance, and exotic travel. A.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2010]