In The Problem of 'Edwin Drood': A Study in the Methods of Dickens, Sir W. Robertson Nicoll delves into Charles Dickens' unfinished novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood and analyzes the complexities of its plot, characters, and themes. Nicoll explores the narrative techniques employed by Dickens and the reasons why Edwin Drood remains an unresolved mystery, offering insights into Dickens' writing style and his approach to storytelling. The study also investigates the themes of crime, justice, and identity that pervade the novel, and considers the impact of its abrupt ending.The book provides a close reading of the unfinished manuscript and examines how Dickens' usual mastery in crafting plots and characters might have unfolded had he lived to complete the story. Nicoll poses various theories about the novel's intended resolution, exploring the clues within the existing chapters and discussing how the incomplete nature of Edwin Drood has contributed to its enduring intrigue. He evaluates the work in the context of Dickens' broader literary career and the evolution of his narrative methods.