What Is The Best Order To Read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Doctor Stories?

As someone who grew up devouring mystery novels, I think the best way to read Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories is in publication order. Starting with 'A Study in Scarlet' gives you the origin story of Holmes and Watson, which sets the tone for everything that follows. Then move on to 'The Sign of the Four' and the short story collections like 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' and 'The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes'. This order lets you see the evolution of Doyle's writing and the deepening of Holmes' character. The later novels like 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' and 'The Valley of Fear' hit harder when you already know the detective's methods and quirks. Reading them chronologically by release date preserves the surprises and character development just as Doyle intended.

For those who prefer variety, you could also group the stories by themes like the detective's most famous cases, his encounters with Moriarty, or the standalone mysteries. But publication order remains the most satisfying way to experience the genius of Sherlock Holmes unfold.

If you're diving into Sherlock Holmes for the first time, I'd strongly recommend starting with the short stories before tackling the novels. Collections like 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' and 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes' are packed with iconic cases that showcase Holmes' brilliance in bite-sized chunks. These stories are perfect for getting a feel for Doyle's style and the dynamic between Holmes and Watson.

Once you're hooked, then move to the novels. 'A Study in Scarlet' is essential as it introduces the duo, but 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' is where Doyle's storytelling peaks. Save 'The Valley of Fear' and the later stories for last, as they often reference earlier cases and assume you're familiar with Holmes' methods. The final stories in 'His Last Bow' and 'The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes' have a more reflective tone, so they resonate better when you've followed the entire journey.

For a deeper dive, consider reading the stories set in London first, then the ones with rural settings like 'The Boscombe Valley Mystery'. This geographical grouping adds another layer to the experience. And don’t skip the lesser-known stories—they often have hidden gems that reveal more about Holmes’ personality and Watson’s unwavering loyalty.

I love approaching Sherlock Holmes stories by mixing the novels and short stories for a balanced experience. Start with 'A Study in Scarlet' to meet Holmes and Watson, then jump into 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' for some quick, thrilling cases. After that, 'The Sign of the Four' offers a longer mystery with richer character development. Alternate between novels and collections to keep things fresh—'The Hound of the Baskervilles' is a great midpoint, as it’s one of Doyle’s most atmospheric works.

Save the Moriarty arc ('The Final Problem' and 'The Empty House') for later, as it hits harder when you’re deeply invested. The post-revival stories like 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes' have a different flavor, with Holmes more world-weary but just as sharp. This approach lets you appreciate both the standalone brilliance of the early stories and the overarching narrative threads in the later ones.

For extra fun, pay attention to Watson’s growth as a narrator—his voice becomes more confident over time, and spotting those subtle changes is part of the charm. Doyle’s stories are timeless, but how you order them can make the journey even more memorable.