Who Wrote Sherlock Holmes And Which Books Are Must-Reads?

I get a kick out of how widely Sherlock Holmes has been adapted, but at the root of it all is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s voice. He wrote the original Holmes stories across novels and collections, and reading them shows why so many filmmakers and showrunners keep returning to that world. The structure—a cerebral detective plus a warm, observant companion narrator—creates storytelling gold.

For a no-nonsense must-read list I often recommend: ‘‘A Study in Scarlet’’ first, then the short stories in ‘‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’’ for quick, brilliant cases. Follow with ‘‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’’ because it’s superbly atmospheric, and then dip into ‘‘The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes’’ and ‘‘The Return of Sherlock Holmes’’ to watch the development and the stakes change. If you’re curious about Holmes’ later, more experimental pieces, check ‘‘The Valley of Fear’’ and ‘‘The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes’’.

If you’re coming from TV or movies, try to resist comparing every scene to Benedict Cumberbatch or Robert Downey Jr.; the prose has its own rhythm and charms. For accessibility, edition choices matter: a good annotated or illustrated edition can brighten the Victorian details. Personally, I love reading a short story from ‘‘The Adventures’’ on a rainy afternoon; it’s the perfect blend of cleverness and human moments that hooked me years ago.

I dove into the foggy streets of Victorian London long before binge-watching modern adaptations, and the detective who kept me company on those nights was penned by sir arthur conan doyle. He created Sherlock Holmes — a brilliant, sometimes maddeningly aloof detective — and told most of the stories through the steady, human voice of Dr. John Watson. That narrator balance is why the originals still feel intimate and immediate: Holmes’ methods, Watson’s loyalty, and the city itself are characters in their own right.

If you want the essential reading list, start with the novels and then pick up the short-story collections. ‘‘A Study in Scarlet’’ introduces Holmes and Watson and is a neat origin; ‘‘The Sign of Four’’ deepens Watson’s personal stakes and showcases Holmes’ deductive flair; ‘‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’’ is the atmospheric classic that many people wrongly assume is Holmes’ final case, and it’s a masterpiece of gothic suspense. For short mysteries, ‘‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’’ and ‘‘The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes’’ contain some of the most polished, memorable cases. Later collections like ‘‘the return of Sherlock Holmes’’ and ‘‘The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes’’ offer variety and some darker tones. Don’t miss ‘‘His Last Bow’’ for a wartime piece that shows another side of the character.

If you enjoy historical context, look for annotated editions that explain Victorian slang, legal systems, and period newspapers. If you’re into pastiches, try Nicholas Meyer’s ‘‘The Seven-Per-Cent Solution’’ or Laurie R. King’s mary Russell series for playful expansions. Personally, I still get a thrill turning the page when Watson dryly sets up Holmes’ next reveal; it never feels dated to me.

My relationship with Sherlock Holmes is a slow, steady thing: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the originals, and I tend to return to a handful of stories over and over. If someone asked what to read first, I’d say start with ‘‘A Study in Scarlet’’ to meet Holmes and Watson, then grab ‘‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’’ for tight, satisfying mysteries. After that, ‘‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’’ is a must for atmosphere and suspense. The short-story collections like ‘‘The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes’’ and ‘‘The Return of Sherlock Holmes’’ are where you’ll find variety: clever little puzzles, character moments, and occasionally darker themes.

I also like pairing the originals with a good commentary or a modern pastiche now and then; they highlight different facets of Holmes and keep the experience fresh. Reading Doyle’s work is like listening to a friend who’s both infuriating and brilliant, and I still smile at Watson’s dry lines.