Sherlock Holmes receives an encrypted message warning him about an impending murder, prompting him to delve into the case. He analyzes the message and, together with Dr. Watson, deduces the organization and motives behind it. The case unfolds in the village of Birlstone, where a man is discovered dead in a mansion, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound. The crime scene presents a tangle of complex clues, making it difficult to unravel the truth. As the investigation progresses, key characters emerge, and their backgrounds and actions provide vital hints to solving the mystery. Through Holmes's sharp observational skills and logical reasoning, pieces of the truth begin to surface, leading the case closer to resolution. He meticulously connects the clues to uncover the mastermind behind the murder. In the end, the motive for the crime and the identity of the culprit are revealed, bringing the case to a close.

PART I. The Tragedy of Birlstone
Chapter I. The Warning
Chapter II. Sherlock Holmes Discourses
Chapter III. The Tragedy of Birlstone
Chapter IV. Darkness
Chapter V. The People of the Drama
Chapter VI. A Dawning Light
Chapter VII. The Solution