Few literary characters are as iconic and universally loved as Sherlock Holmes—-the brilliant, eccentric detective with a razor-sharp mind and a knack for solving the most baffling mysteries. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes has captivated readers for generations with his unforgettable adventures, all narrated by his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson.
But so many stories and books—4 novels and 56 short stories—spanning over decades, many readers wonder:
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What’s the best order to read Sherlock Holmes?
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Should I start with the novels or the short stories?
If you are about to set foot into the fog-filled streets of Victorian London with Holmes and Watson, here’s your complete reading guide including brief intros to each of the four novels and how the short stories fit in.
🔎 The 4 Sherlock Holmes Novels (In Order of Publication)
1. A Study in Scarlet (1887)
The beginning of everything.
This is where it all starts—Holmes and Watson meet for the first time and share an apartment at 221B Baker Street. When a mysterious murder scene with no visible wounds baffles Scotland Yard, Holmes steps in to demonstrate his unmatched deductive skills. The novel also includes a surprising backstory set in the American West, making it a truly unique introduction.
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2. The Sign of the Four (1890)
A treasure, a pact, and a chilling mystery.
Watson falls in love. Holmes gets bored—until a strange visitor arrives with a story about a hidden treasure, a secret pact among four convicts, and a terrifying figure known only as "the man with the wooden leg." This fast-paced adventure takes readers through dark alleys, secret hideouts, and boat chases on the Thames.
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3. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902)
The most popular Holmes novel—gothic, suspenseful, and chilling.
Set in the eerie moors of Devonshire, Holmes investigates the legend of a demonic hound said to haunt the Baskerville family. Although written after Holmes’ apparent death in the short stories, this novel is set before his “final problem.” A perfect standalone read and a fan favorite, it’s ideal for those who love spooky mysteries.
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4. The Valley of Fear (1915)
Secret societies and a locked-room murder.
In this final novel, Holmes and Watson investigate the mysterious murder of a country gentleman. The tale unfolds in two parts—present-day deduction and a past rooted in a violent secret society in America. It also brings back Holmes' arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty, tying into the larger Holmes universe.
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The Short Story Collections (In Publication Order)
After publishing the novels, Conan Doyle wrote 56 short stories across five collections. Reading them in order helps you track Holmes and Watson’s evolving dynamic and key events in their lives.
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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)
– 12 classic stories including “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Adventure of the Speckled Band.”
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The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894)
– 11 stories ending with “The Final Problem,” where Holmes confronts Professor Moriarty.
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The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905)
– 13 stories, starting with Holmes’ dramatic reappearance after being presumed dead.
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His Last Bow (1917)
– 8 stories set later in Holmes’ career, including his involvement in World War I.
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The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927)
– 12 darker, more experimental stories marking Holmes’ final appearances.
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Why Reading in Order Matters
Reading in publication order offers:
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A clear arc of Holmes and Watson’s relationship
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A sense of character evolution and narrative continuity
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Proper context for key events (like Holmes’ “death” and return)
You'll also notice changes in tone—early stories are brisk and adventurous, while later ones are more introspective and layered.
Final Thoughts: The Game is Always Afoot
Reading Sherlock Holmes isn’t just about solving mysteries—it’s about stepping into another world. A world of foggy alleys, ticking clocks, secret codes, and razor-sharp logic. Whether you choose to read in strict order or follow your curiosity, each story adds a piece to the larger puzzle of Holmes’ genius.
So go ahead, grab a copy, make yourself a cup of tea, and let 221B Baker Street welcome you in.
Because once you start, you'll find that the game never truly ends—it only gets better.
