Drood

Set in the time of Dicken’s London and narrated by Dicken’s historic friend and fellow writer, Wilkie Collins, the book creates a dark, atmospheric picture of the city in their day, as the writer connects actual events and fantasy surrounding Dicken’s last, unfinished novel.

Because of Collin’s laudalum addiction, it’s often hard to know if what he tells us is correct, leading to mystery and suspense. This is a darker book than I normally read, but its scenes in the catacombs beneath London are unforgettable. The book has stayed with me—it’s a real masterpiece of both research and fantasy. 

First of all, Drood is a fantastic trip into the macabre. And, because I love to weave actual truths into my stories, either real-life experiences or real encounters, I am fascinated that Simmons based his novel on the last five years of Charles Dickens's life. Whether this is entirely speculation or otherwise, this novel draws on the character found in Dickens's last and unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Simmons does precisely what I hope to do with my stories; draw the reader into my world and leave them wondering what parts were based on unexpected truths.