"The Dante Club" is a historical mystery novel by Matthew Pearl set in 1860s Boston. The story revolves around a group of literary figures, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who are translating Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy." As they work on this monumental task, a series of murders linked to the themes of the text begins to unfold. The novel explores the intersection of literature and crime, highlighting the challenges faced by the translators as they navigate societal pressures and personal conflicts. The characters must solve the mystery while also confronting their own fears and ambitions, making it a compelling blend of history and suspense.