Connexion
A Reading Guide to the Sherlock Holmes Books by Arthur Conan Doyle
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is a seminal figure in contemporary mystery fiction; he's gone on to inspire countless other characters like Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, Benoit Blanc from Knives Out, and even Batman in some iterations. The iconic detective has also countless adaptations in various other media, like Sherlock Holmes (2009) starring Robert Downey, Jr. as the titular investigator, and most notably BBC's Sherlock, a modern-day take on the classic stories headed by Benedict Cumberbatch.
What these adaptations all have in common is their faithful-enough recreations of the source material, which was published from 1887 to 1927 in various lengths and forms. Many of these books are collections of dozens of short stories, totalling over 50 individual works. It can be a bit overwhelming knowing how and where to start since the publication dates of the narrative chronology are all over the place, so we've done the research for you.
Our list below only consists of stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle, nothing from authors after him is included.
How Many Sherlock Holmes Books are there?
Doyle's Sherlock Holmes canon is made up of 56 short story collections divided up into multiple books and four full-length novels. After his passing, his son Adrian Conan Doyle took over and continued the Sherlock Holmes legacy with 12 more short stories, which some fans don't consider when reading through. Other authors have been approved to write their own Sherlock Holmes stories over the years too, but we won't be focusing on those here.
Sherlock Holmes Reading Order
1. A Study in Scarlet
The first book published and the first in the vast chronology, A Study in Scarlet introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes, his mustachioed companion Dr. John Watson, and their iconic residence, 221B Baker Street (which LEGO has turned into a pretty neat book nook). In it, the duo investigate a gruesome murder and traverse Victorian London and beyond in search of an answer.
2. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
This collection of 12 short stories feature Holmes and Watson in their prime. The first story " A Scandal in Bohemia" introduces Irene Adler, who has been reinterpreted over the years as Holmes' love interest and is a prominent figure in the mythos. All of these short stories feature detective cases of various magnitudes, and serve as a great way to get deeper into minds of Holmes and Watson after finishing A Study in Scarlet.
3. The Valley of Fear
The Valley of Fear is actually the last full length novel that was published, but fits somewhere near the middle of the greater chonology. Holmes and Watson are once again called upon to investigate a grisly murder, this time taking them all the way to Vermissa Valley (the Valley of Fear, as it were) in the United States. A portion of the book is told from Pinkerton agent Birdy Edwards' point of view, offering a closer look into the mind of motivations of the antagonist.
4. The Sign of Four
Next up is the Sign of Four, which introduces Watson's eventual love interest, Mary Morstan, as well as Sherlock's struggles and dependancy on drugs. Mary brings the case of her missing father to the duo, who disappeared ten years prior. Once a year for six years, Mary receives a pearl in the mail, with the sixth pearl including an invitation to finally meet this mysterious sender. What follows is another great story of mystery and intrigue with larger consequences.
5. The Hound of the Baskervilles
Probably the most popular and recognized Sherlock Holmes tales, the Hound of the Baskervilles (the third novel to be published) is a veritable ghost story rife with suspense and chills. Naturally, not everything is as it seems, as the duo has to race against time and contend with a phantom hound to save the endangered Baskerville heir. Some folks prefer to read this a bit later, but as this is a chronogical reading order, it stays here.
6. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is made up of 12 short stories and is the first appearance of both Sherlock's older brother Mycroft Holmes, and his deadly nemesis, Professor James Moriarty. Moriarty's name has been sprinkled throughout the stories leading up to his first phyical appearance in the short story "The Adventure of the Final Problem", in which Sherlock Holmes falls to his death at the Reichenbach Falls. Or did he?
7. The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Moreso a real-world financial incentive for Arthur Conan Doyle than a creative literary strategy, The Return of Sherlock Holmes sees our favorite detective return from the dead. The first short story in this collection of 13 is "The Adventure of the Empty House", in which Watson is investigating the murder of a judge with the help of a disguised Sherlock Holmes. Holmes reveals himself to Watson, and tells the tale of how he actually was victorious over Moriarty and spent years traveling across the globe.
8. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes can be read at any time, as the collection of 12 short stories (and the last to be published) is meant to be enjoyed as a standalone experience. It's at this spot on our list, however, because a character from the short story "The Advenure of the Illustrious Client", mentioned in previous stories, dies. What can I say, I don't like spoilers.
9. His Last Bow
The final collection of eight short stories, and the true conclusion of the tales of Sherlock Holmes. It includes a meta, "in-universe" statement from Dr. Watson assuring readers that Sherlock is alive and well, although retired. We also get an atypical look at Sherlock's life during his war service. This collection has grander stakes than the previous, with Sherlock coming out of retirement to aid the government in the events leading up to World War I.
Sherlock Holmes Full Collections
Sherlock Holmes Complete Collection (Paperback)
Everything outline above can be picked up in one place with the Sherlock Holmes Complete Collection. It includes all nine books; the four novels and every short story compilation. This version also includes a journal for you to take notes and keep track of events with. Even the publishers know how complicated the timeline can be.
The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection (Leather-bound)
If prefer a more classic feel when reading these timeless stories, I'd suggest the 1,000+ page leather-bound collection of all the Sherlock Holmes stories. It looks better on the bookshelf with its massive spine or serves as a centerpiece for a coffee table. It's currently only $18.65 (38% off), not a bad deal for such a massive collection of incredible mysteries.
Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.
