Having delved into his famous metal box, Dr John Watson now turns his attention to those unchronicled cases that were previously only alluded to. Namely: The Baron Maupertius, The Cutter The Alicia, The Remarkable Disappearance of James Phillimore, The Red Leech, The Aluminium Crutch, The Abominable Wife and The Mumbling Duellist -- Isadora Persano. What is the connection between an impoverished Dowager, an attempt on Mycroft's life and Holmes' deadliest adversary? Can Holmes discover if a ship really disappeared in a patch of mist or is his client's father insane? Who or what is the red leech?