Soon-to-be-married Helen Stoner confides to Holmes that she is in fear for her life. A few years earlier when her sister was engaged to the same man, she died under mysterious circumstances with the speckled band being her last words. He brutish stepfather claims that questionable renovations to her room force him to move her into her dead sister's bedroom, and Helen seeks the aid of the Baker Street resident. After her visit Dr. Grimesby Roylott, her bullying stepfather, tries to intimidate Holmes into revealing the purpose of her visit, the Great Detective is more determined to investigate the case.