Mysterious deaths, a blackmail ring, a ship named "Gloria Scott" and the mysteries of his own mind face Sherlock Holmes while he studies at the University of Cambridge.

It was some time before Sherlock Holmes recovered from the events of late 1871. Physically, it took many months; mentally, it took many years. He was bound by both a promise to the living and a commitment to honour the dead, and being so bound he set the full force of his will to rebuilding the shattered pieces of his life. Yet some times will alone is not enough.

Part I of The Consulting Detective Trilogy follows 18 year old Sherlock Holmes from the end of The Crack in the Lens through his university career. It tells the story of his mental and
emotional journey to his decision to become a detective as well his early cases and training.