Cover of Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet
Cover of The Sign of Four
Cover of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Cover of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
Cover of The Hound of the Baskervilles
Cover of The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Series

Sherlock Holmes

12 books

The Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle and others has 9 books. Start with Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet (1887), then read the rest in the order below. Related works without a series number, like companions and adaptations, are listed after them.

Sherlock Holmes reading order

1
Cover of Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet

Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet

Arthur Conan Doyle

Step into the fog-laden streets of Victorian London and witness the debut of the world's most famous detective. In this foundational tale, the brilliant and eccentric Sherlock Holmes, alongside his steadfast companion Dr. John Watson, tackles a baffling murder case. As they unravel a trail of cryptic clues and sinister motives, Holmes reveals the intricate methods behind his deductive reasoning, painting a vivid "study in scarlet" of crime and detection. This iconic mystery not only introduces the legendary duo but also sets the stage for a legacy of unparalleled investigative genius.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
2
Cover of The Sign of Four

The Sign of Four

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A mysterious woman arrives at 221B Baker Street with a tale of betrayal and a lost treasure, drawing the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson into a complex web of intrigue. Their investigation spans from the foggy streets of London to the exotic landscapes of India, uncovering a dark secret involving a stolen treasure and a vengeful plot. As Holmes meticulously pieces together the clues, he must race against time to prevent a tragedy and expose the truth behind the enigmatic "Sign of Four."

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
3
Cover of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle

Step into the fog-laden streets of Victorian London and witness the unparalleled deductive genius of Sherlock Holmes in this iconic collection of short stories. Alongside his loyal companion Dr. Watson, Holmes tackles a series of baffling mysteries, from the peculiar case of a red-headed league to the perplexing disappearance of a precious jewel. Each tale showcases Doyle's masterful storytelling, weaving intricate plots that challenge the keenest minds. Yet, even the brilliant Holmes encounters his match, proving that intellect alone cannot always conquer the complexities of the human heart.

MysteryDetective FictionShort Stories
4
Cover of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle

Step back into the gaslit streets of Victorian London with this collection of thrilling adventures featuring the world's most famous consulting detective. From tales told in Holmes's own voice to encounters with his equally brilliant brother, Mycroft, these stories showcase the keen intellect and deductive prowess that made Sherlock Holmes a legend. Witness the master detective confront his greatest adversary, Professor Moriarty, in a dramatic showdown that would forever etch their names into literary history. This volume offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a genius and the enduring power of mystery.

FictionMysteryDetective Fiction
5
Cover of The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Arthur Conan Doyle

A chilling legend of a spectral hound haunting the desolate moors of Devonshire sets the stage for Sherlock Holmes' most terrifying case. When the heir to the Baskerville fortune arrives, he finds himself imperiled by the very curse that claimed his ancestor, with the footprints of a monstrous beast discovered near the scene of the crime. Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. Watson, must unravel the mystery behind the phantom hound and protect the young heir from a fate as grim as the legend itself. This masterful tale blends suspense, deduction, and the eerie atmosphere of the moors into an unforgettable classic of detection.

MysteryDetective FictionClassics
6
Cover of The Return of Sherlock Holmes

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

After a three-year absence, the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes makes a triumphant return, much to the relief of his loyal companion Dr. Watson and a London desperately in need of his unparalleled deductive skills. The city is plagued by a mysterious assailant armed with an air gun, and Holmes must once again confront the darkness lurking in its streets. This collection features thirteen brilliant tales of mystery and detection, including the perplexing case of the Norwood Builder, the cryptic message of the Dancing Men, and the puzzle of the Six Napoleons. Prepare to be captivated by Holmes's sharp intellect and Conan Doyle's masterful storytelling as the world's greatest consulting detective reclaims his rightful place.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
7
Cover of The Valley of Fear

The Valley of Fear

Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are drawn into a sinister mystery at a remote country estate, where a supposed suicide may actually be murder. As they investigate, they uncover the dark secrets of a dangerous organization known as the Scowrers, a ruthless gang operating from the shadows. Holmes must infiltrate this clandestine world to expose the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice before more lives are lost. This thrilling tale delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power, showcasing Doyle's masterful storytelling and Holmes's unparalleled deductive reasoning.

MysteryDetective FictionFiction
8
Cover of His Last Bow: 8 Stories

His Last Bow: 8 Stories

Arthur Conan Doyle

In this collection of eight gripping tales, the inimitable Sherlock Holmes confronts a labyrinth of perplexing mysteries that test the limits of his extraordinary deductive reasoning. From the shadowy alleys of London to the remote corners of the British Empire, Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson unravel intricate plots involving espionage, betrayal, and audacious criminal masterminds. Arthur Conan Doyle masterfully crafts suspenseful narratives, showcasing Holmes's unparalleled intellect and keen observation skills as he navigates a world where deception lurks in every shadow. These stories offer a thrilling glimpse into the mind of the world's most famous detective, exploring themes of justice, logic, and the enduring battle between good and evil.

MysteryDetective FictionShort Stories
9
Cover of The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle

Venture into the final and most enigmatic twelve cases of the legendary Sherlock Holmes, where Arthur Conan Doyle explores the darker facets of human nature and the unsettling atmosphere of the post-war era. These challenging tales delve into themes of betrayal, infidelity, and the macabre, featuring elements of the gothic, from spectral vampires to chilling midnight crypts. Amidst the shadows of the 1920s, the brilliant detective confronts baffling mysteries, showcasing his unparalleled deductive prowess against a backdrop of societal disillusionment. Prepare for a collection that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling, cementing Holmes's legacy as a beacon of logic in a world shrouded in mystery.

MysteryDetective FictionGothic Fiction
Cover of A Scandal in Bohemia

A Scandal in Bohemia

Ronald Holt

When the King of Bohemia seeks the unparalleled deductive skills of Sherlock Holmes, a delicate and potentially explosive situation unfolds. The King is desperate to retrieve a compromising photograph from a former fiancée, Irene Adler, before it can be used to disrupt his impending royal marriage. This photograph, a memento of a past romance, now poses a significant threat to his political future and the stability of his kingdom. Holmes must navigate a web of deception and intrigue, employing his keen intellect to outwit Adler and secure the evidence before scandal erupts.

MysteryDetective FictionLiterary Fiction

The Adventure of the Creeping Man

Arthur Conan Doyle

The Adventure of the Creeping Man

Arthur Conan Doyle

A disturbing case begins when a respected Cambridge professor develops a startling change in behavior, leaving his family and colleagues baffled—and increasingly alarmed. As the investigation unfolds, a brilliant detective must sift through strange clues, scientific ambition, and the unsettling boundaries of human experimentation. Blending Gothic unease with logical deduction, this atmospheric mystery explores obsession, ethical limits, and the dangers of pursuing knowledge without restraint.

MysteryDetective FictionShort Stories

The Adventure of the Three Gables

Arthur Conan Doyle

The Adventure of the Three Gables

Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes is drawn into a troubling case when an elderly woman is pressured to sell her home, the Three Gables, under suspicious circumstances. What begins as a dispute over property soon reveals a web of hidden motives, family secrets, and ruthless ambition. With Dr. Watson at his side, Holmes must navigate deception and danger while confronting the darker consequences of greed and obsession. This atmospheric mystery showcases Arthur Conan Doyle’s sharp characterization, brisk storytelling, and Holmes’s talent for uncovering the truth behind seemingly ordinary events.

MysteryDetective FictionShort Stories