Sherlock Holmes and John Watson investigate a sequence of mysterious crimes in the nation's capital. A young woman is kidnapped and ransom is demanded, but the real motive is unclear. Heinous crimes are committed, in public, right under Sherlock's nose. Can it be mere coincidence? London's newspapers are full of Holmes and Watson's exploits, but can even these be trusted? In the meantime, any number of potential clients are coming forward to engage the services of the England's leading detectives, and they must sift the time wasters from the genuine cases. Setting aside the ridiculous lost cat that wasn't, the engagement ring that appeared to vanish but didn't, and the break-ins which resulted in the theft of the most unlikely items, Holmes believes the real crimes are more than they appear, despite being seemingly unrelated, whilst Watson takes some convincing. Together, they must solve the puzzle before one of them pays the ultimate sacrifice.