The House of Fear

Insurance agent Mr. Chalmers explains a grim case involving seven single men known as the Good Comrades, living at Drearcliffe House. An envelope arrived containing seven orange pips, and one man was murdered the same night. He notes there are £100,000 of life policies on the seven men and fears one is killing the others to claim the money.

The recipient of the seven orange pips is murdered that night in a gruesome fashion. Holmes and Watson learn that the body has been mutilated, indicating a carefully staged killing. The mystery deepens as the circle of suspects narrows to the seven Good Comrades.

A few days later, a second envelope arrives containing six pips. The next recipient dies under mysterious circumstances, and his battered body is recovered at the base of the cliffs. The insurance motive appears clearer, but the killer remains at large.

Holmes and Watson arrive at the scene to help with the investigation, only to discover another murder has occurred. The victim's body is burned to a crisp, complicating identification. Inspector Lestrade also takes up the case as the murders continue.

Over the next days, three additional deaths occur, each leaving the victim's body unrecognizable. The pattern of hidden motives and a conspiracy within the group becomes increasingly clear. Holmes works to piece together how all the deaths are connected.

A local tobacconist, Alec MacGregor, writes a message to Lestrade, which has been opened and resealed before it reaches him. The note hints at crucial information but remains cryptic. Holmes and Lestrade decide to visit the shop to investigate further.

Holmes and Lestrade reach the tobacconist's shop, only to learn that MacGregor has been shot in the back. The murder before their visit deprives them of a potential clue. The case grows more perilous as the plot thickens.

Lestrade leaps to the obvious conclusion that the final surviving member, Bruce Alastair, murdered all the others. The idea fits the immediate timeline but ignores subtler motives. Watson's absence soon after adds to the tension.

During the investigation, Watson disappears, leaving Holmes to search for him. The missing doctor adds urgency to resolving the case and clearing accusations. The suspense mounts as the conspiracy's scope expands beyond a single murderer.

Holmes deduces the true plot and leads Lestrade and Alastair to a hidden secret room where all the Good Comrades are sheltering. Watson is found tied up, and the danger to him is resolved. The scene marks the turning point of the investigation.

Holmes explains that Alastair was the victim of a frame devised by the other six to murder the others and collect the insurance. MacGregor had been murdered because he had seen one of them alive on the beach. The plan unravels as the true motives are exposed.

With the plot exposed, the conspirators are uncovered and the danger to the other members is ended. Alastair’s name is cleared as the intended victim of the frame. The investigation closes as Holmes ensures justice is served.