1900 Lord and Lady Adair with their coachman Gareth are shot on their Fanshaw estate in Yorkshire, having recently returned from Australia. The family matriarch Lady Helen Adair believes the local police will suspect her granddaughter, Lady Hilda, is behind the deaths but they have no proof.
Meanwhile Detetive Lestrade is investigating the death of 23 people in the last 3 days from poisoned drugs. He also had an intruder at his home warning him to stay away from the Adair murders. Holmes and his associates investigate both cases.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its varied cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable Holmes series. ( )