Into a complex international scenario of espionage, intrigue and assassination are thrown a mixed bag of characters. The young visitor to the household of Sir Adrian Fettice, himself something of an enigma, his opposite number of the German Secret Service, some almost innocent bystanders, a deadly assassin - and Sherlock Holmes. A trap is set, but the outcome is not as expected. Only the quickness of mind of the greatest detective is capable of achieving the most unexpected but brilliant final result. Following shortly after publication of John Worth's brilliant evocation of the Victorian era East End of London in his novel 'The Making of a Man', this latest offering from the same writer is a fast moving Holmesian novella. It will engage all who enjoyed the first novel.