Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl
December, 2016
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Born October 2, 1975, in NY; Education: Harvard University, graduated (summa cum laude), 1997; Yale University, J.D., 2000. Addresses: Home: Cambridge, MA. E-mail: mpearl@matthewpearl.com.
CAREER:
Writer, novelist, attorney, and educator. Instructor in literature and creative writing at Harvard University and Emerson College. Harvard Law School, visiting lecturer. Guest on radio programs, including All Things Consideredand Weekend Edition Sunday, National Public Radio.
WRITINGS:
- The Dante Club, Random House (New York, NY), 2003.
- The Poe Shadow, Random House (New York, NY), 2006.
- The Last Dickens, Random House (New York, NY), 2009.
- The Technologists, Random House (New York, NY), 2012.
- The Last Bookaneer, Penguin (New York, NY), 2015.
Author's works have been translated into more than thirty languages.
Matthew Pearl populates his well-researched historical thrillers with a wealth of characters from actual history -- everyone from Longfellow to James Russell Lowell has featured as a sleuth. As this roster illustrates, Pearl's mystery/thrillers have a decidedly literary bent and tend towards the academic; in addition to the work of Dante, he's also tackled Poe and Dickens. Pearl's chronological period of choice is Victorian, and his novels showcase their share of gore as serial killers stalk and obsessions flower within a darkly appealing period atmosphere. Start with: The Dante Club.
Read-alikes
1
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Drood by Dan Simmons
Reason: Both are well-researched historical novels that transform the final period of Dickens' life into gripping, suspenseful sagas of intrigue, psychological puzzles, and murder. -- Derek Keyser
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2
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The mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens
Reason: If you enjoyed The Last Dickens, go straight to the source by reading The Mystery of Edwin Drood. -- Gillian Speace
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3
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Bayard, Louis
Reason: Bayard and Pearl write literary historical mysteries that mix real historical people and events with suspense-filled plots. The books feature riveting storytelling with realistic nineteenth century period details and strong characterization, using real literary writers of the time to solve crimes while the twisting story lines lead to shocking endings. -- Merle Jacob
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4
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Liss, David
Reason: Both authors write fast-paced, plot-driven historical mysteries that are filled with well-researched period details, spectacular adventures, and evocative descriptions of colorful characters, such as opium-addicted doctors and cross-dressing prostitutes. -- Derek Keyser
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5
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Carr, Caleb
Reason: Caleb Carr and Matthew Pearl have both crafted elaborate Victorian mysteries that are literary, atmospheric, thrilling, and gruesome. Psychology is often a focus, and the novels feature a parade of cameos by real historical persons. -- Bethany Latham
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6 Perez-Reverte, Arturo
Reason: Fans of sophisticated literary puzzles that blend contemporary and historical events should become familiar with this best-selling Spanish author.
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