It isn't easy to go into a book knowing it's only half written, but give this one, the book Dickens was working on when he died, a chance. The first few chapters are, in traditional Dickens fashion, set up, with interesting characters, a few secrets the reader is introduced to but the characters don't know, and lots of atmosphere and setting.
At first, I was sure Dickens was writing this one by the seat of his pants- no plan, lots of outs, anyone of these quirky characters could be Drood's killer. By the time I had gotten to the end (by his contract since this was printed in installments in magazine fashion, we know he finished 50% of the book) he had changed my mind- he knew EXACTLY what he was doing. But what make it worth the rad isn't even the plot- it's his incredible characters, his deft humor, and his subversive ability to make you feel the fog, smell the opium den. Can't give it 5 stars without knowing the end, but aside from that, worth it!