Sam Ferris is an ordinary English schoolboy. Well, except for a few things. One: His father is an eminent scientist, based on a military research island off the English coast. Two: Sam is about to be interviewed by a solicitor, giving evidence, in a serious legal matter, against one of his favorite teachers. And three: Sam can read minds. But there's a four: Sam's uncle is Albert Campion. And Sam's story, in all its seemingly unrelated elements, gives his Uncle Albert quite a lot to be curious about.