At first glance, Mr Ambrosius Nosegoode seems to be a perfectly ordinary older gentleman. After retiring, he has moved from the big city to a small town, where he spends his days growing radishes, playing the flute and taking walks with his dog, Cody. But appearances can be deceiving: this unimposing man was once a famous detective, and his dog isn't an ordinary mutt either - he can talk! When a mysterious man with a fake black beard comes to town and a music box goes missing from the workshop of clockmaker Mr Ignatius Blossom, the two friends begin to investigate.