Charles Dickenss final unfinished novel & one that has puzzled readers & inspired writers since its publication The Mystery of Edwin Drood" is edited with an introduction by David Paroissien in " Penguin Classics". Edwin Drood is contracted to marry orphan Rosa Bud when he comes of age but when they find that duty has gradually replaced affection they agree to break off the engagement. Shortly afterwards in the middle of a storm on Christmas Eve Edwin disappears leaving nothing behind but some personal belongings & the suspicion that his jealous uncle John Jasper madly in love with Rosa is the killer. & beyond this presumed crime there are further intrigues: the dark opium dens of the sleepy cathedral town of Cloisterham & the sinister double life of Choirmaster Jasper whose drug-fuelled fantasy life belies his respectable appearance. Dickens died before completing " The Mystery of Edwin Drood" leaving its tantalising mystery unsolved & encouraging successive generations of readers to turn detective. This edition contains an introduction by David Paroissien discussing the novels ending with a chronology notes original illustrations by Samuel Luke Fildes appendices on opium use in the nineteenth century the " Sapsea Fragment" & Dickenss plans for the storys conclusion. Charles Dickens is one of the best-loved novelists in the English language whose 200th anniversary was celebrated in 2012. His most famous books including " Oliver Twist" " Great Expectations" "A Tale of Two Cities" " David Copperfield" & " The Pickwick Papers" have been adapted for stage & screen & read by millions. If you enjoyed " The Mystery of Edwin Drood" you might like Dickens " Little Dorrit" also available in " Penguin Classics"."