The Adventure of the Posthumous Client

A letter has arrived at 221B Baker Street by late post. Mrs. Prudence Madderly has written to consult Holmes upon a matter, she states, of the gravest importance, the delicacy of which can hardly be exaggerated.

Insisting she is in the greatest of danger, Mrs. Madderly instructs Holmes to call upon her in her stateroom on the Islandia, a passenger liner on which she is about to embark on a honeymoon cruise.

Upon reaching the Docks, Holmes and Dr. Watson are confronted by Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard. In the bedroom of her shipboard stateroom, Prudence Madderly lies dead; her face constricted in the throes of horrible agony.

An examination of the victim's room reveals: a maze of paper streamers and confetti; an open bottle of champagne and several glasses, and an empty glass of milk on her bedside table.

Newlywed Lawrence Madderly states the ship was crowded with well-wishers during the bon voyage party. His wife, claiming to feel ill, returned to her stateroom. Mr. Madderly is uncertain if anyone could have entered the cabin during the party.

Guests routinely questioned on board include: Mrs. Dorothy Madderley, Lawrence's mother, who was known to have opposed the marriage from the beginning; Fletcher Exworthy, an artist rumoured in London's art circles to be showing signs of genius; and Wanda Braithwaite, Lawrence Madderly's former fiancee.