Pell Mell is a new adult historical novel. Set over four months, starting in September 1805, it covers the true events and real people involved in the Battle of Trafalgar. An atmospheric and character-driven story, the narrative weaves into many dark recesses but ends as uplifting and life-affirming. The theme is about embracing chaos and seizing life’s adventures.

The story unfolds through the experiences of two main characters, the skittish Chaplain of HMS Victory, Dr. Alexander Scott, and an autistic boy sailor, Tom Twitchett. Together they overcome many hardships, prejudices, and personal flaws to fight in the world’s greatest sea battle. The book delves into the warts-and-all behaviours of the key characters, exposing their hidden lives. Emotional strife and personal conflicts echo the brutality and warfare of the world around them.

The plot encompasses the famous naval battle, the death of the legendary Lord Nelson, the return of his corpse pickled in brandy, the hurricane which drowned thousands of sailors, the bitter neck-and-neck race to deliver the news of victory to London from Spain, and the controversial state funeral which ended in a riot.