The Doctor Who Held Hands

As well as penning some of the most popular detective fiction, Conan Doyle also wrote thrilling adventure stories. Rodney Stone is a combination of both.

Nelson, Beau Brummell, Fox and King George III himself appear in a tale at the heart of which is, as one character says, a pretty conspiracy a criminal, an actress and a prize-fighter, all playing their parts. The book is narrated by Rodney, in 1851 thinking back over the events 1803, when Rodney was 17 and his best friend, Boy Jim, was 19.

• This is the year Rodneys uncle comes to introduce the boy to London society.
• Sir Charles is a dandy, and a friend of Beau Brummell and the Prince of Wales.
• But Rodneys father has hopes for his son going into the Royal Navy.
• Boy Jim also has a life decision to make.

He has been raised by Champion Harrison as a blacksmith, but after befriending an alcoholic ex-actress, he yearns to see more of the world, at least London.