What is the secret of the speckled band that brings death in its wake?What terrible villainy is going on behind the respectable facade of the house at Cooper Beeches?How has a priceless diamond found its way into the gullet of a goose?Why does an envelope containing five orange pips inspire such terror in its recipients?And what of the clever and beautiful Irene Adler,who proves more than a match for the famous detective?For the eagle-eyed Sherlock Holmes no challenge is too great.Aided by his faithful friend Dr.Watson he uses his razor-sharp wit and remarkable powers of deduction to solve the seemingly unsolvable.