Reading Order
Sherlock HolmesSherlock Holmes Reading Order
A Study in Scarlet (1887) by Arthur Conan Doyle is the novel that introduced Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to the world — a two-part narrative in which Watson meets Holmes in Baker Street and they investigate the murder of Enoch Drebber in a Brixton house with the word 'RACHE' written in blood on the wall, while the second part explains the background to the murder in a flash-forward to Utah's Mormon territory in the 1840s. Holmes's methods — observation of physical detail, logical deduction, chemical experimentation — are established here in their essentials, as are the relationship dynamics with Watson (admiring, methodical) and Inspector Lestrade (competent, resistant). A Study in Scarlet is shorter and more uneven than the great Holmes short stories that followed, but essential reading for anyone who wants to encounter the world's most famous fictional detective in his first appearance.
Where to start
A Study in Scarlet (1887) — the first Holmes novel
Complete Sherlock Holmes Book List
- 1Buy
A Study in Scarlet
Arthur Conan Doyle·1887 - 2Buy
The Sign of the Four
Arthur Conan Doyle·1890 - 3Buy
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle·1892 - 4Buy
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle·1894 - 5Buy
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Arthur Conan Doyle·1902 - 6Buy
The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle·1905 - 7Buy
The Valley of Fear
Arthur Conan Doyle·1915 - 8Buy
His Last Bow
Arthur Conan Doyle·1917 - 9Buy
The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle·1927
Sherlock Holmes — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best reading order for Sherlock Holmes?
Publication order works well: A Study in Scarlet (1887), The Sign of the Four (1890), then the short story collections — The Adventures (1892), The Memoirs (1893), The Return (1905), His Last Bow (1917), The Case-Book (1927) — with The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) and The Valley of Fear (1915) interspersed. Many readers start with the Adventures short stories or The Hound rather than A Study in Scarlet, both of which are excellent entry points.
Can I read the Sherlock Holmes stories in any order?
Yes — the short story collections and novels are largely independent, and most stories assume no prior knowledge of Holmes. The only important exception is 'The Final Problem' (in the Memoirs) and 'The Adventure of the Empty House' (in the Return), which should be read in that order as Holmes dies in the first and is resurrected in the second. Start wherever interests you most.
Is A Study in Scarlet a good introduction to Sherlock Holmes?
It is essential historically but uneven as a novel — the flash-forward to Utah's Mormon territory in the second half is widely regarded as the weakest element Doyle ever wrote for Holmes. Many readers prefer to begin with The Adventures short stories or The Hound of the Baskervilles, then return to A Study in Scarlet for completeness.
Monthly Newsletter
Never miss a big release
Get the most anticipated upcoming books delivered to your inbox once a month — no spam, no filler.
Monthly only. Unsubscribe anytime.
Book links are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, BookReleaseRadar earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.