A Study in Scarlet
Dr. Watson needs a roommate. He gets the world’s only consulting detective.
View on AmazonSherlock Holmes Books in Order
- 9 books
- 1887–1927
- Complete series
- 5 extras marked
The world’s only consulting detective and his long-suffering roommate, in the order they first appeared.
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How to read the Sherlock Holmes books in order
There are 9 books in the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle, released between 1887 and 1927. The series is complete. The best place to start is A Study in Scarlet (1887).
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, His Last Bow and The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes are short-story collections.
Arthur Conan Doyle wrote four Sherlock Holmes novels and five short-story collections, listed here in publication order. The stories mostly stand alone, but a few big moments make more sense in sequence.
Sherlock Holmes reading order
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The Sign of the Four
A woman receives a pearl every year from a stranger — until he asks to meet.
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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Twelve classic cases, including the one woman who outwitted Holmes.
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The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
More cases, building to a showdown at Reichenbach Falls.
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The Hound of the Baskervilles
A family curse, a spectral hound and the fog-covered moors of Devon.
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The Return of Sherlock Holmes
Holmes is back, and London’s criminals are not thrilled.
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The Valley of Fear
A coded warning, a murder in a moated manor and a secret society in America.
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His Last Bow
Later cases, including Holmes coming out of retirement on the eve of war.
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Quick answers
What is the first Sherlock Holmes book?
A Study in Scarlet (1887) is the best place to start the Sherlock Holmes series.
How many Sherlock Holmes books are there?
There are 9 books in the Sherlock Holmes series.
What order should I read the Sherlock Holmes books in?
In this order: A Study in Scarlet, The Sign of the Four, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, The Valley of Fear, His Last Bow, The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes.