The Sherlock Holmes Canon: A Celebration for Sherlock Holmes Day (May 22, 2022)

For the longest time, I’ve considered myself a Sherlock Holmes fan. But, until very recently (within the last two years or so) I would be forced to admit that I had not read all the Sherlock Holmes stories. In fact, apart from some of the most well-known titles and three of the four novels, I had not even really read that much at all! So, I made it a point to sit down and read the entire canon, all sixty adventures (56 short stories and four novels).

I think the hardest part for me was simply knowing where to start. So, allow me to take the pressure off and get you started with a quick list of Sherlock Holmes titles in publication order.

Links below are for the ebook versions of each title. However, we have several omnibuses in our collection, including Sherlock Holmes: The Novels and The Complete Sherlock Holmes: Volume 1 and Volume 2 if you would prefer to read in a paper format.

And if you’re still looking for more, I have a few other lists that might interest you. If you like the writing of Arthur Conan Doyle, consider reading some of his non-Sherlock titles here. You can also find some Sherlock Holmes Adaptations here, and finally, here are some books you might enjoy if you liked The Hound of the Baskervilles.

A Study in Scarlet (1887)

This is the story that started it all. John Watson returns from Afghanistan in need of lodging. When he is introduced to another bachelor in search a roommate (one Mr. Sherlock Holmes) a friendship for the ages is established. In this adventure, the pair try to discover the secret behind a dead body found in an abandoned house, with “RACHE” written on the wall in blood.

The Sign of Four (1890)

Holmes and Watson are hired by Miss Mary Morstan, who has a very usual tale to tell. Ten years ago, her beloved father died, and ever since, once a year she receives a beautiful, lustrous pearl from an unknown benefactor. Now, the benefactor has reached out to her, asking her to meet with him in person.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)

Contains:

A Scandal in Bohemia
The Red-Headed League
A Case of Identity
The Boscombe Valley Mystery
The Five Orange Pips
The Man with the Twisted Lip
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle
The Adventure of the Speckled Band
The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb
The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor
The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet
The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1893)

Contains:

Silver Blaze
The Adventure of the Cardboard Box
The Yellow Face
The Stockbroker’s Clerk
The “Gloria Scott”
The Musgrave Ritual
The Reigate Squires
The Crooked Man
The Resident Patient
The Greek Interpreter
The Naval Treaty
The Final Problem

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1901)

Holmes and Watson are hired to investigate the sudden and mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville, who, according to family legend, was scared to death by a gigantic, demonic hound. While Holmes does not believe this explanation, he does believe that Sir Charles’ heir, Henry Baskerville, is in grave danger.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1904)

Contains:

The Adventure of the Empty House
The Adventure of the Norwood Builder
The Adventure of the Dancing Men
The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist
The Adventure of the Priory School
The Adventure of Black Peter
The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton
The Adventure of the Six Napoleons
The Adventure of the Three Students
The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez
The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter
The Adventure of the Abbey Grange
The Adventure of the Second Stain

The Valley of Fear (1915)

Conan Doyle’s final Sherlock Holmes novel. Holmes and Watson investigate a death that they cannot determine if it is murder or suicide. But, it soon becomes clear to the genius detective that there is a secret organization behind it.