Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is getting over the loss of his wife, Louisa following a long and drawn out illness. He is worried that Louisa might have suspected that he was an adulterer due to his friendship with Jean Leckie. Even writing his Sherlock Holmes stories cannot rouse him. His secretary finds a letter from a Mr George Edalji who was sent to prison for three years for a crime that he insists that he did not commit and George wants Arthur's help to clear his name.

Following the escape of their late night assailant, Arthur, Woodie and the Edaljis are surprised when George shows up at the vicarage. Woodiestarts to question whether it was in fact, George, who was the Wyrley Ripper after all. Arthur revisits the police officers who investigated the original case so that he can go over their evidence.

Determined to prove his critics wrong and find out whether George has been hiding anything, Arthur attacks the case with renewed fervour, uncovering fresh evidence that suggests a very different explanation to the one found by the police. However, he and Woodie are led into further danger when it seems the Wyrley Ripper is still at large. On a mission that could expose corruption in the establishment, will Arthur be able to show the world that the young solicitor is innocent?