A Pot of Caviare

A Pot of Caviare is a rare Doyle tale of international intrigue and romance. Set against the backdrop of pre-war Europe, it follows an English gentleman who becomes ensnared in a dangerous espionage caper while attending an elegant continental gathering. What begins as a lighthearted society adventure – symbolized by the indulgence in a pot of caviar – soon turns into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when secret documents disappear. Doyle ratchets up the tension as identities are unmasked and loyalties tested amid champagne and masquerades. This drama, which Doyle later adapted as a one-act play, combines witty social observation with suspenseful plotting. As a short novella, A Pot of Caviare gives readers a taste of Doyle's capability in the thriller genre: a blend of charm, romance, and espionage that predates the spy fiction boom of the mid-20th century.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish author, physician, and spiritualist best known for creating the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where his storytelling talent began to emerge alongside his scientific education. Though initially practicing as a doctor, Doyle turned to writing to support himself, eventually achieving worldwide fame with the publication of A Study in Scarlet in 1887. Beyond detective fiction, he explored historical novels, science fiction, and supernatural themes, notably in the Professor Challenger series. A passionate advocate for justice, he was involved in several real-life legal investigations. In his later years, Doyle became deeply involved in spiritualism, dedicating much of his time and writings to life after death. His legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in literary history.