Adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's first novel, "A Study in Scarlet," this play is a dramatization of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson's first adventure together. In this stage adaptation, Holmes is enlisted to help Scotland Yard investigate a mysterious murder that took place in an empty house. With no wounds on the body, nor any weapon to be found, and only a few clues to guide him, Holmes must track down and bring the mysterious killer to justice. The play has a cast of 16 characters total, including 12 male roles and 4 female roles. The script accommodates for doubling where needed, though doubling is optional. "Sherlock Holmes and the Scarlet Avenger" is perfect for high school and college performances as well as amateur, community theater, off-broadway and professional venues.