Publisher's Synopsis
A plain envelope addressed to Mr. Sherlock Holmes has been delivered to 221B Baker Street. The stock is cheap and could have been purchased at any general shop. The hand, however, is rare for its graceful sweep and regularity. "A true technician," Holmes notes. "Mr. Holmes," it begins. "You don't know me and I am a man of no importance to anyone except my employer, and he couldn't function without my services. My only significance to you, Sir, lies in the fact that I mean to kill. Only a few additional clews for the great man are in order. I live in Whitechapel and have done all my life. I'll likely die in this place as well and probably mere blocks from the humble ramshackle of my birth, which I pass daily. I have no education at all, other than what I have given myself, but I pride myself, as you do, upon my logical mind. I will kill seven times Mr. Holmes. The only thing that will comfort you in knowing this is that all my victims are the very worst of men and selected for this one characteristic. They are all acquaintances of mine. Lastly, Mr. Holmes, a little incentive for you. Should you fail to stop me in time, there will be an eighth victim, Dr. John Watson. I will write regularly. Your Obedient Servant, The Constant Correspondent."
Even Sherlock Holmes has his limitations and the killer wants to show the whole world. Can the great detective find the madman in time to save his friend? The game is afoot and this time failure means death.
