Shortly before Christmas 1899, Holmes is asked to investigate strange goings-on in the newspaper industry.

This fresh adventure for Holmes and Watson is part of a new pair of tales that’s coming later this year, courtesy of writer Jonathan Barnes, director Ken Bentley, and stars Nicholas Briggs and Richard Earl. As has occasionally been the case with the Big Finish version of Holmes and Watson, this ventures into the outré, with a very familiar voice at the start of the story giving a hint as to the ambiguous nature of the title and the tale. If you’ve not heard the story, then don’t read on – suffice it to say that it’s another intriguing tale from the annals which is well worth your time.

If however you aren’t worried about being spoiled, or have heard it, then you may recognise Blake Ritson’s Dr Kemp – a character created by H.G. Wells and here used in the version brought to life in Barnes’ script for the Big Finish adaptation of The Invisible Man that came out last year. The pun of the title is explained pretty much straightaway and Barnes mixes the more down to Earth Holmes and Watson with the science fiction Kemp well. Unusually, there’s the odd moment where Watson feels more like the Nigel Bruce rendition, although being out of his depth does suit the situation. Briggs and Earl are otherwise as true to Doyle as ever and I hope this won’t be the last time that their characters cross paths with Ritson’s.

The story sets up various plotlines – and be careful not to miss the final track that follows the end title music! – which I hope will feature in the next full box set. There’s some Ominous Foreshadowing that needs to be explained…

Verdict: An enjoyable festive treat for fans not just of Big Finish’s Holmes line. 8/10

Paul Simpson