Dr. John Watson is the real genius behind the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, who is in reality an actor named Reginald Kincaid. Watson, the true mastermind, writes the detective stories and solves the cases, while Kincaid plays the role of Holmes for the public. When Watson decides to sever ties with Kincaid due to his incompetence and inability to maintain the façade, the partnership comes under threat. However, a high-profile case involving stolen printing plates that could cripple the British economy forces Watson to reluctantly team up with Kincaid again, as they must maintain their cover to solve the mystery.

As they delve deeper into the investigation, Watson's intelligence and Kincaid's accidental luck lead them through a series of clues and encounters with a range of colorful characters. The case becomes increasingly complex, with twists and challenges testing their uneasy partnership. Despite numerous obstacles and Kincaid’s bumbling nature, they inch closer to uncovering the truth behind the stolen plates and the motives of those involved. Their journey underscores the tension between maintaining a well-known public deception and the necessity of Kincaid’s role in presenting "Holmes" to the world.