James Watson is the descendant of Dr. John Watson, chronicler of the exploits of the famed detective Sherlock Holmes. He’s 16 and has been sent to an upscale prep school in Connecticut because he’s a talented rugby player, even though he loathes the sport. Another student currently attending Sherringford Academy is Charlotte Holmes, the descendant of the illustrious detective.

James’s parents are divorced. His mother still lives in London, but his father has remarried and now lives in Connecticut. Even though Mr. Watson resides nearby and makes an effort to stay in touch, James blames him for the divorce and hasn’t seen him since he was 12.

When James attends a late-night poker party in the dorm basement, he sees Charlotte for the first time. Given their family connection, he’s fascinated and wants to form a friendship. Charlotte is just as cool and rational as her ancestor. She already knows that James attends Sherringford, but she has made no attempt to reach out. One day in early October, he intercepts her as she’s crossing the campus. She seems initially suspicious, assuming that a school bully named Dobson put him up to the meeting.