This was one of several fictional historical works that Doyle wrote during the last five years of the 19th century, as he tried to find something to replace Sherlock Holmes, whom he had killed off at the end of 1894. Doyle was later to dismiss this book as a failure, though he always liked his lengthy description of Napoleon (which he actually had written before beginning the book) -- ".. I was still unable to determine whether I was dealing with a great hero or with a great scoundrel. Of the adjective only could I be sure."
This murder mystery novel relates the story of a young Frenchman, who, grown up in England, returns to France during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte's "Prise de pouvoir" to offer him his services, and the adventures this causes him to be involved in.