A Study in Scarlet

The body of Mr. Murphy is found on a train in present-day London, initially believed to be suicide. However, the circumstances reveal he was murdered. The discovery sets the stage for a conspiracy that will connect a secret society to a string of killings.

A secret society convenes in Limehouse, chaired by lawyer Thaddeus Merrydew. He reports Murphy's death and cites the recent death of Colonel Forrester, noting that Murphy's stake will be shared among the remaining members while his widow receives nothing. The meeting underscores the motive and danger behind the forthcoming killings.

Mrs. Murphy visits Sherlock Holmes at 221A Baker Street to seek help in securing Murphy's owed payments from Merrydew. She shows Holmes a penciled couplet from the counting-out rhyme Ten Little Indians, a code that precedes each murder. Holmes also mentions a coded advertisement in The Daily Telegraph that he believes is linked to the case.

Merrydew warns Eileen against marrying her fiancé John Stanford. At that moment, Captain Pyke bursts in and is shot through the window, dying. Eileen is terrified by the implication of an accomplice and faints, believing her life is in immediate danger.

Captain Pyke's body is identified by his wife, whose lawyer is Merrydew, tying the murder to the society's schemes. The revelation confirms that the killer's pattern continues and heightens Holmes's resolve to uncover the truth. The immediate concern is who will be targeted next.

Holmes explains to Watson that the key to deciphering the code lies in Whitaker's Almanack found on Merrydew's desk. Meanwhile, Inspector Lestrade, Holmes and Watson investigate the death of Malcolm Dearing and question Merrydew about Murphy's money, but receive no information. Mrs. Pyke arrives during the visit, adding to the tension.

Merrydew visits Eileen to invite her to another meeting known as the Scarlet Ring. Eileen tells John that her late father spoke of a large inheritance she would receive through Merrydew. John visits Holmes, who warns that Eileen is in great danger.

Holmes disguises himself and travels to The Grange in Shoeburyness, now on sale by Mrs. Pyke. His investigation hints that Mrs. Pyke is collaborating with Merrydew. He also places newspaper advertisements seeking information about the Scarlet Ring.

The Scarlet Ring holds another meeting, with remaining members fearing for their lives. Merrydew promises a payout after five years, dividing one million pounds among the five survivors. Holmes and John arrive as the meeting breaks up, and they sense gas in the room, saving Eileen from being left to die.

The terrified Wilson seeks help from Holmes after an apparent attempt on his life. The danger to the members escalates as the plot tightens around them.

Wilson and Eileen are lured to The Grange, unaware that they are next to be killed. Holmes, Lestrade, and the police surround and enter the mansion to rescue them. The killer is revealed to be Captain Pyke, whose death had been fabricated, and both he and Mrs. Pyke are arrested.

Merrydew arrives with the gems he believed would secure the payout and is arrested as an accomplice. Eileen and John depart happily, and Holmes feels relief that London is rid of yet another master criminal.