An Apple Books Classic edition.

Like so many of Charles Dickens’ novels, this story of love, vice, and violence was originally serialized in a magazine. But Dickens died before he could complete The Mystery of Edwin Drood, ensuring that its resolution would remain a mystery in every sense of the word.

The book centers on Edwin Drood and Rosa Bud, two young people whose parents promised them to each other. But after Edwin and Rosa are orphaned, they admit to each other that they no longer wish to marry. Things get even more complicated from there. Edwin’s guardian, John Jasper—who is also Rosa’s music teacher—is addicted to opium and hopelessly in love with Rosa. So, too, is Neville Landless, who fights Edwin for what he misperceives as a lack of appreciation for Rosa. When Edwin goes missing on Christmas day, suspicions run high. Just as Dickens introduces more twists…the book ends. Pick up this unsolved mystery and decide for yourself: How would you end Dickens’ 15th and final novel?