9,127 words (38–50 minutes)
Genre(s): Mystery, Detective Fiction
First Publication: The Strand Magazine, August 1891

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A curious advertisement offering an easy job to red-headed men leads a puzzled pawnbroker to Sherlock Holmes’ door. What begins as a quirky tale quickly unravels into something far more sinister, as Holmes peels back the layers of deception behind the so-called "Red-Headed League." Packed with clever misdirection, social satire, and a thrilling underground climax, this case showcases Holmes at his brilliant best.