Sherlock Holmes is called to investigate the mysterious murder of a college professor's secretary, found dead in a locked study with no sign of forced entry. The only clue is a pair of golden pince-nez glasses left behind at the scene. As Holmes follows the trail, he uncovers a story of revolutionary politics, lost love, and hidden identity. With subtle observation and deduction, he solves a case where the motive is buried deep in the past — and justice is more complex than it first appears.