RICHMOND: the first police detective in English fiction. Published in 1827, the book recounts Tom Richmond's early life on the wrong side of the law until he joins the Bow Street Runners. Thereafter the book tells of his battles with smugglers, grave-robbers, counterfeiters, pickpockets, fake-ghosts, a highwayman, and his ongoing search for the most evil criminal in England. The book also tells how Tom falls for the beautiful courtesan, Maria Cherry.