Crossword Genius

Novel vessel carries Nick and singer Ian back (7,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

barnaby rudge

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'novel' is the definition.
(Charles Dickens novel)

'vessel carries nick and singer ian back' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'nick' could be 'nab' (both can mean steal) and 'nab' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for barnaby rudge that I've seen before include "Ruby bandager (anag) - Dickens novel" , "Early Dickens novel" , "Eponymous Dickens novel" , "story" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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