Decoding the Crimson Cipher

Write a detective story where the main clue is a cipher written in red ink, leading the protagonist through an unexpected journey.

The allure of hidden messages and the thrill of cracking them open could be the perfect starting point for an enthralling detective narrative. Delve into the mysterious world of cryptography and cloak-and-dagger tactics, exploring human cleverness, persistence, and the dangers of knowing too much. This prompt tests your skills in crafting intelligent, suspenseful narratives, and the cipher – an unexpected enigma to be tackled, can add an intriguing twist that challenges your protagonist and readers alike.