Holmes and Watson are summoned to the north by Newcastle-on-Tyne's Inspector MacDermid. Macdermid is a competent and methodical detective but a murder has occurred for which he is out of his depth. The method of killing is distinctive and suggests something deeper and more sinister.
Though they have never met, MacDermid has heard of Holmes' penchant for the unusual so he asks for the great detective's help. "This one is right up your alley, Mr...