It is Christmas 1889: Sherlock Holmes becomes involved in a case of international importance when the senior partner and master engraver of London's most eminent security printer seeks his aid most urgently; the newly engraved, but as yet unproofed, plates for the next run of official Bank of England notes have been stolen from the company's high-security vault, with no sign of forced entry to the premises. The currency of Great Britain is in grave danger. The Chief Cashier of The Bank of England believes he has no choice but to pay a vast ransom, but Sherlock Holmes thinks otherwise The secret and illicit printing press is even now running... But where is it located? Holmes and Watson have just five days to unravel the mystery, apprehend the villains and save the nation's economy from complete collapse - or pay the staggering ransom demand. But there will be perilous consequences; the investigation takes the duo deep into the vilest and most dangerous rookeries of 19th-century London, shocking and brutal murder will be done and in the process Sherlock Holmes will make an implacable and life-long enemy who will pursue him to the end of his days to wreak his revenge.