Dickens is considered to be one of the greatest British writers. He was a social activist who wrote plays and novels during the Victorian period. His most famous novels include Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, and David Copperfield. This collection contains twelve stories, some featuring well-known characters such as Inspector Bucket and his wife, from Bleak House and Mr. Nadgett, from Martin Chuzzlewit. Dickens's work as a law clerk and reporter and his attendance at trials, executions, and nightly rounds with the police provided material for these mysteries.