Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are called to investigate the death of a wealthy art collector named Sir John Wetherby. Wetherby was found dead in his study, with a little jade Burmese goddess statuette clutched in his hand. The ancient relic of Burma is said to be cursed, and its legend is as evil as its appearance. It is said that whoever possesses the evil goddess will die - but they will be first forewarned by a strange death song - much like the song of a snake charmer. Holmes and Watson must determine if the statue was the cause of Wetherby's death.