Sir Arthur Conan Doyle writes many Sherlock Holmes stories. Sherlock Holmes is constantly on our TVs, cinemas, and even bookshelves. That doesn’t necessarily mean we know anything else about him or the series of stories he stars in. Sherlock Holmes’s stories were first written at the end of the 1800s, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle continued to write them into the early nineteen hundred.
They are set in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s contemporary London and follow the amateur detective Sherlock Holmes, his companion Dr. Watson, and other reoccurring characters. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle went to university to study medicine, and he got the idea for his Sherlock Holmes character from one of his medical professors at university.
The detective genre was new and still developing when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle started writing his stories. One thing he wanted to capture with the Sherlock Holmes character was the analytical process and methodology of the detective himself. It is the way the server is safe to say the mysteries themselves don’t lend themselves to being solved by the reader. This is because of the narrative structure of the stories. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Sherlock Holmes series is its narrative structure, and this is why Dr. Watson narrates them.
To our surprise, we unveiled this incredibly complex mystery and how the cream occurred in how Sherlock Holmes solved it all. That’s an aspect I enjoy about the books, which are full of surprises. Using Dr. Watson as the narrator is quite effective because Sherlock Holmes is a bit of a misanthrope.
Dr. Watson provides that identifiable narrator and character for the author to put themselves in the shoes of and work alongside Sherlock Holmes. It also helps maintain the mystery of Sherlock Holme’s mind itself. Books like Sherlock Holmes are mystery and crime novels. Each story is a puzzle that needs to be solved, and the suspense and intrigue draw readers in.
Reading these stories also can help you better understand the society and culture of that period. They can be a rewarding experience that will entertain you and give you a deeper appreciation for the detective fiction genre and its impact on literature and culture.
10 Books Like Sherlock Holmes (Detective & Mystery Books Review)
The Sherlock Holmes series is one of the most famous detective and mystery genres and creates huge detective reader fans. Do you want to read more books similar to Sherlock Holmes? I will discuss the top 10 books and a complete guideline to enjoy Sherlock Holmes more. These books have the same writing style, feeling in writing, or the same type of mysteries as Sherlock Holmes. Let’s start!
1. Father Brown Complete Murder Mysteries
Father Brown is a Catholic priest who is more focused on saving the souls of the criminals that he tracks down. That makes for some interesting situations because the criminals usually end up in jail, and Father Brown calls in the police. But he always gives that criminal a chance to repent their sins first or after jail. Then he’ll go to them and try to offer them confessionally.
So Father Brown is a different detective, and I feel Sherlock is the same way. He’s not so concerned with the law getting justice that some social justice is done. So, most of the time, Holmes and Watson’ll let things slide, and they won’t call in the cops. Like Sherlock Holmes, this book is full of mysteries and thrill.
Author: G. K. Chesterton
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Category: Court Rules Procedures, Mystery & Detective Literary Criticism (Best Seller)
Available: Paperback | Audiobook | Kindle
2. Raffles: The Amateur Cracksman
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s brother-in-law, E.W. Hornung, wrote this book. He wrote the book almost as a counterpoint or an answer to the Holmes books that his brother-in-law had written. So Raffles, instead of being on the side of the law like Holmes’s raffles, is a criminal. He is a gentleman thief.
Raffles is so good at what he does, and he does it with the flair you want him to win. You don’t want him to get caught. At one point, he steals something from the British Museum and then sends it to the Queen for her birthday.
What would Holmes be without his Watson? So naturally, Raffles has his sidekick, if you will, affectionately nicknamed Bunny, and Bunny is an amateur craftsman himself. So he follows along with raffles whenever he needs a second person, and they get up to all high jinks and craziness. You must read it if you want to be surprised like Sherlock Holmes.
Author: E. W. Hornung
Average Rating: 3.8/5
Category: Action & Adventure Short Stories
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
3. The 39 Steps
The 39 Steps is not necessarily a series of mysteries but more like spy thriller mysteries set during World War One. Richard finds himself involved in the spies’ plot in the first book. So it’s all very mysterious and has this feeling of mystery. But then there’s also the spy stuff in there, too.
Richard tends to work alone. He doesn’t have a Watson most of the time, but these books remind me of Sherlock Holmes books because of the writing style. It very much has this semi-formal writing style that leaves these little details to entice you into the mystery.
Author: John Buchan
Average Rating: 3.8/5
Category: Espionage Thrillers, War Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
4. Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche
The story begins with a new missing case. Enola takes up the case and tries to help a woman who finds her missing twin sister. Also, it is very mysterious, with lots of twists and turns. Enola talks to the reader, which feels like when she breaks the fourth wall in the movies, and turns to the camera.
Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche strikes the right balance, like remaining true to who Sherlock Holmes is supposed to be as a character. Enola describes her outfits, the dimensions of food, and how certain characters are written. However, Enola herself is a feminist character. She is a go-getter and will do whatever she needs to save the day.
Author: Nancy Springer
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Action & Adventure, Mystery & Detective Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
5. The Cuckoo’s Calling
The Cuckoo’s Calling follows a man named Cormoran Strike, an Afghanistan war vet and he’s come back to England to restart his life there. Unfortunately, things aren’t going super well for him. He is running his private investigation agency and only has one client. He has PTSD, and he’s missing part of his leg, causing him many problems. So Corpsman does not have the best look at the beginning of this novel. He’s also recently broken up with his longtime girlfriend.
He’s been using temporary secretaries for his agency to help him organize his life, and this one comes named Robin. She seems to be the thing that will help kick-start his private investigation business again. As this happens, a man says, I want you to investigate my sister’s death. Her name is Lula Landry, and she is a model who had a very famous suicide earlier that year. Her brother doesn’t believe it was a suicide, and he believes it’s a murder and launches this tale of how this comment strike solves this mystery. Is it a murder? Is it a suicide? Who does it?
He and Robin team up, and they see themselves through London, interviewing people and visiting places that have to do with Lula Landry and what might have been the actual outcome. Was it a murder, or was it a suicide? This book was a perfect crime murder mystery similar to Sherlock Holmes. They all had very distinctive personalities.
Author: Robert Galbraith
Average Rating: 4.2/5
Category: Private Investigator Mysteries, Crime Fiction (Goodreads Choice & Award Nominee)
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
6. The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd
You cannot guess who is the murderer in this book talking about the story of this book. Roger Ackroyd is a rich man. But he is a man who knows too much. He knew he was the only person, and maybe not the only person, who knew that his lover had poisoned her first husband and somebody was blackmailing her before she committed suicide.
Before Roger Ackroyd could see who the blackmailer or a blackmailer was, he was found dead. The question is now, who killed Roger Ackroyd? Was it the blackmailer or someone with some other agenda or motive? Who was the killer discussing the plot of this book?
The timeline of the events very much drives it before and after the book. The plot is more built around the timeline of the events and who was where and what and everything. It gets so enjoyable because of how Florida is, and it remains the same throughout the book as Sherlock Holmes.
In this book, The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd, you will particularly love you and Kathleen, who was the narrator’s sister, because they are amazing talking about the writing of this book. The narrative structure makes this a classic, and it is so amazing. So he’s telling the entire story, and he tells it amazingly.
Author: Agatha Christie
Average Rating: 4.6/5
Category: Traditional Detective Mysteries, Crime Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
7. A Study in Charlotte
A Study in Charlotte is a modern-day retelling of Sherlock Holmes in that we follow the descendants of Sherlock Holmes and James Watson. It’s not a straightforward retelling, and we’re not going through each mystery in a more modern way. But the killer in this book, whoever is behind these crimes, is fascinating. Luckily, the two protagonists are very versed in some of the most famous mysteries from the Sherlock Holmes stories.
Jamie Watson has transferred to a prestigious private school in America, where he meets Charlotte Holmes, and he has known about Charlotte his entire life. Their families are still close. Not exactly close, but he is always known of her. He’s always known of the Holmes family.
Ever since he was little, he has imagined them becoming friends, going on adventures together, and solving mysteries. When he meets her in real life, she’s not exactly the girl of his fantasies, but they are thrust together. Once one of their classmates is murdered, they’re being framed for it. This craziness started happening, and this was a fun book to read.
Charlotte is exactly Sherlock Holmes, down to all personality traits, even plays the violin like the drugs, everything, and even Jamie Watson is very Watson ESC. The only real difference was that he was a little bit more sporty. Otherwise, these characters were very carbon copies.
Because of that, it took away some of the intrigues with wanting to learn more about these characters as the story went on because they became very predictable. Sherlock’s character is supposed to be super mysterious. You’re supposed to get it all from Watson’s, but there’s something more happening with Charlotte, and it’s exciting and cool.
Author: Brittany Cavallaro
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Detective Fiction (Goodreads Choice & Award Nominee)
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
8. A Study in Scarlet
A Study in Scarlet is 162 pages long and split into two parts. Each part has seven chapters, with the first Sherlock Holmes story. The novel begins with the meeting of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, but Sherlock doesn’t have enough money to afford his lodgings. So Dr. Watson and Sherlock decide to put the money together and buy a flat at 221B Baker Street.
We then find out that Mr. Sherlock Holmes is a consulting detective, although Sherlock Holmes is a master in the science of deduction. Dr. Watson is shocked that he does not know basic facts like the Solar System. He lists things that come across as common knowledge that Sherlock doesn’t know about. You’ll have to read the novel to find them out.
The basic plot is one day, Holmes receives a note stating that there has been a murder in London. Holmes and Watson decide to go to the place of the murder, which is a creepy old house in South London. Upon their entrance, they are met which Dr. Gregson and Dr. Lestrade. Two detectives from Scotland Yard in the place, Holmes, and Watson, enter a room and see a man face down on the floor, dead. However, he has no wounds on his body on the wall scrawled into the plaster.
Everyone is mystified by how a man could die yet have no wounds, where the novel starts. The first part is Holmes and Watson. They tried to decipher how the men died and whatnot. Then the second part happens. Halfway through the novel, it goes to America, where we find two travelers in the Wild West who Mormons save.
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Crime & Mystery Action Fiction
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
9. Mycroft Holmes
The modern book feels close enough brother to the Sherlock Holmes novels. It shows a lot of promise and keeps the reader engaged. It is a slow-moving book at first. Once the adventure begins, the book picks up and regales a pace that is advantageous and proper to this tone and tenor of the story. Every canonical example of Mycroft we have it’s sedentary. Mycroft Holmes is famous in the BBC show Sherlock and appears in Sherlock Holmes’s A Game of Shadows with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.
So the true character of Mycroft is always a mystery in this novel. His past is explained. Mycroft Holmes is a university graduate and is beginning his life. He has a beautiful fiancee, Georgiana Sutton, a significant position in the secretary of state’s office, and great friends.
So all is going well until one day. A close colored friend of his, Cyrus Douglas, gets news of terrible ongoings in his home of Trinidad. Children are being brought to their deaths by evil spirits. So shortly after receiving the information, Mycroft’s fiancee decided to leave to visit her family on the island, wanting to solve the case and chase after her.
Mycroft goes on a dangerous journey with Cyrus to solve this mystery. But nothing ever goes as planned. Mycroft and Cyrus have made attempts on their lives several times. These two friends press on to find the answers to the murder of Trinidad and figure out who is trying to kill them.
It is written in the third person, focusing mostly on Mycroft and Cyrus. The story flowed nicely from one chapter to the next. Nothing dragged out too long or too short. The transitions fit pretty well, and the story had a decent pace. However, I was surprised by how many fight scenes and how well the characters got up and moved on to the next adventure. So, the ending was also entirely predictable.
Mycroft and Cyrus are great; one couldn’t survive without the other. Mycroft knows what he is doing in terms of solving the mystery. In that sense, Microsoft’s character isn’t that original. The story was an interesting take on the tale of Mycroft Holmes, even though it was a predictable plot.
Author: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Anna Waterhouse
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Traditional Detective Mysteries, International Mystery & Crime
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
10. The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries
The next one I want to tell you about is not classic. It’s a little more contemporary, but it’s the Lord Peter Wimsey series by Dorothy Sayers. These books are set in the 1920s and 30s, and they follow a gentleman again, Lord Peter. After being disillusioned by the First World War and having a large income and nothing to do, he throws himself into detective work.
He has his faithful Batman from the war, now his butler. The two are this Holmes and Watson team, the type of mysteries Lord Peter enters. Figuring out and detecting are the same type of mysteries that Holmes solves with strange coincidences and weird little details that don’t make sense initially.
The best thing about this series is that about three or four books into the series, Lord Peter falls in love, and the lady doesn’t like him. So he spends the rest of the series trying to win his lady love and solve mysteries.
Author: Dorothy L. Sayers
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Traditional Detective Mysteries, Historical Mysteries
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
Sherlock Holmes Romance Books
Although Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes stories did not include much romance, some contemporary romance books feature Sherlock Holmes as a romantic hero. Here they are:
A Study in Scandal by Caroline Linden
This sixth novel in the Scandals series is set in Victorian London and follows the story of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler. They team up to solve a murder mystery while facing their complicated romantic relationship. The plot is engaging, and the writing is fine, making for a page-turner that is hard to put down.
The author does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of Holmes and Adler’s relationship, creating a believable romance. The book also stays true to the source material, incorporating elements of Conan Doyle’s work into the story.
The House at Baker Street by Michelle Birkby
This book is an exciting take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, with Mrs. Hudson as the protagonist. She works with Mary Watson and Irene Adler to solve a mystery involving Sherlock Holmes and his brother Mycroft. The story provides a unique perspective on the famous detective and his world, and the writing is engaging.
Michelle does a great job of creating an immersive atmosphere, transporting the reader back to Victorian London. While the romance aspect is not as prominent, it does add an exciting layer to the story.
The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Series by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley
This series follows the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his apprentice, Lucy James. They solve mysteries and struggle with their growing feelings for each other. The writing is engaging, with a good balance of romance and mystery.
The authors capture the tone and atmosphere of Conan Doyle’s original stories while also adding their unique spin on the characters. The romance between Holmes and James is cute, and the authors also thoughtfully show their relationship’s complexities.
The Detective and the Woman by Amy Thomas
This mystery novel follows the story of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler. They solve a murder mystery and explore their romantic connection. The book also incorporates elements of the source material, which will appeal to fans of Conan Doyle’s work. It has enough twists and turns that keep you engaged until the end.
I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys romance and mystery novels, especially those who are fans of Sherlock Holmes. Each book provides a unique take on the famous detective and his world while incorporating well-developed romantic relationships. They are great reads for anyone looking for a romantic twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories.
Modern Sherlock Holmes Books
Many modern Sherlock Holmes books are written by various authors, some of which have become very popular among readers. Here are some:
The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
The Conan Doyle Estate authorizes this novel and follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. They investigate a case involving art theft, murder, and international conspiracy.
The Sherlock Holmes Mysteries by Arthur Conan Doyle and James Lovegrove
This series continues the original stories and features Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they solve new cases. James Lovegrove, the author of the series, does an excellent job of staying true to the source material while also adding his unique spin to the characters and stories.
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer
This novel features Sherlock Holmes as he seeks treatment for his addiction to cocaine from none other than Sigmund Freud. The book is a clever and entertaining take on the Holmes universe, with excellent writing and an engaging plot.
The Sherlockian by Graham Moore
This modern Sherlock Holmes novel alternates between the story of Arthur Conan Doyle and his creation of Sherlock Holmes and a modern-day mystery involving a lost diary of Doyle’s. The book is an exciting look at the life of Conan Doyle and his most famous creation.
These modern Sherlock Holmes books offer a fresh take on the classic detective and his world, with many excellent examples. They stay faithful to the source material while adding their unique twist, making them a perfect choice for fans of the original stories and newcomers alike.
Best New Sherlock Holmes Books
These are recently published Sherlock Holmes books that have received positive comments.
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer (2019)
This novel features Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a conspiracy involving the Russian secret police and a forgery that could threaten the peace of Europe. This book has been popular for staying true to the source material.
Murder at the Abbey Grange by Conan Doyle and Matthew Costello (2020)
This book is part of a series of new Sherlock Holmes mysteries. In this installment, Holmes and Watson investigate the murder of a wealthy businessman at the Abbey Grange. The book has a fast-paced plot, a faithful portrayal of Holmes and Watson, and a clever twist on the classic story.
The Devil’s Due by Bonnie MacBird (2019)
This novel follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. They investigate a series of murders that lead them to a dangerous international conspiracy.
The Art of Sherlock Holmes – West Palm Beach edited by Phil Growick (2020)
This book is a collection of short stories written by contemporary artists and writers who Sherlock Holmes inspired. Each story is paired with an original work of art, making this book a beautiful and unique addition to any Sherlock Holmes fan’s collection.
A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany (2022)
This cozy mystery novel features a bookshop owner and amateur sleuth named Samantha Washington. The story begins with Samantha Washington, who has recently inherited a bookshop in the small town of North Harbor, Michigan.
Samantha’s life is turned upside down when her husband dies suddenly, leaving her with financial troubles and a need to start a new life. She moves to North Harbor to run her new bookshop, but she quickly finds herself involved in a mystery when the president of the local historical society is found dead in her backyard.
Samantha begins to investigate the murder and discovers that the victim was not well-liked in the community, and there are plenty of suspects with motives for the crime. The book has a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for further adventures with Samantha and her bookshop.
New Releases – 2023
10th Feb – Sherlock Holmes and The Case of The Green Dragon by M R Rivera.
3rd Apr – Sherlock Holmes and The Unmasking of the Whitechapel Horror by Frank Emerson.
10th Apr – The Bear Faced Liar (Octavius Bear 18) by Harry DeMaio.
15th May – Sherlock Holmes and The Glamorous Ghost Volume 3 by Harry DeMaio.
Sherlock Holmes Spinoff Books
Some popular spinoff books of Sherlock Holmes:
The Mary Russell Series by Laurie R. King
This series follows the adventures of Mary Russell. She is a young woman who becomes Sherlock Holmes’s apprentice and later his partner in solving crimes. The books provide a fresh perspective on the famous detective while incorporating historical fiction elements.
The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
The Conan Doyle Estate authorizes this novel and follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. They investigate a case involving art theft, murder, and international conspiracy. The book does an excellent job of capturing the tone and atmosphere of the original stories.
The Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James Mystery Series by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley
This series features Sherlock Holmes and his apprentice, Lucy James. They solve mysteries and face their growing feelings for each other. The writing is engaging, with a good balance of romance and mystery.
Sherlock Holmes and the Servants of Hell by Paul Kane
This book is a crossover between the Sherlock Holmes universe and Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser” series. The story follows Holmes and Watson. They investigate a series of murders leading to a dangerous and otherworldly conspiracy. The book is a unique take on the classic detective, with excellent writing and an engaging plot.
The Art of Detection by Laurie King
This novel features a modern-day detective fascinated by Sherlock Holmes and begins investigating a case using his methods. The book is a clever and entertaining take on the Holmes universe, with excellent writing and an engaging plot.
Overall, Sherlock Holmes spinoff books offer a fresh take on the classic detective and his world, with many excellent examples.
Sherlock Holmes Books and Series in order
Here is the chronological order of the original Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle:
- A Study in Scarlet (1887).
- The Sign of Four (1890).
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892).
- The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894).
- The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902).
- The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905).
- The Valley of Fear (1915).
- His Last Bow (1917).
- The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927).
Note: The stories in “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” “The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes,” and “The Return of Sherlock Holmes” were published in magazine form and later collected into books.
In terms of TV and film adaptations, many different interpretations and adaptations of the Sherlock Holmes stories have occurred over the years. Here are some of the TV and film series that features Sherlock Holmes in order of their release:
Sherlock Holmes (1939-1946) – a series of 14 films starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson.
Sherlock Holmes (1954-1955) – a TV series starring Ronald Howard as Holmes and Howard Marion-Crawford as Watson.
Sherlock Holmes (1965-1968) – a TV series starring Peter Cushing as Holmes and Nigel Stock as Watson.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984-1994) – a TV series starring Jeremy Brett as Holmes and David Burke/Edward Hardwicke as Watson.
Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century (1999-2001) – an animated TV series that takes place in the future, with a robotic Holmes and a human Watson solving crimes together.
Sherlock (2010-2017) – a TV series starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Martin Freeman as Watson.
Elementary (2012-2019) – a TV series starring Jonny Lee Miller as Holmes and Lucy Liu as Watson, set in modern-day New York City.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and there have been many other adaptations and interpretations of the Sherlock Holmes stories over the years.
Detectives/Characters Like Sherlock Holmes
If you are looking for other characters who share similar traits to Sherlock Holmes, here are some suggestions:
Hercule Poirot – Created by Agatha Christie: Hercule Poirot is another famous detective known for his exceptional intelligence and meticulous attention to detail.
Nancy Drew – Created by Edward Stratemeyer: Nancy Drew is a teenage detective who uses wit and intelligence to solve mysteries.
L – From the anime and manga series “Death Note, “: L is a brilliant detective who uses his deductive skills to track down the protagonist, a high school student named Light Yagami. He has taken on the mantle of the world’s greatest detective to rid the world of crime.
John Luther – From the British TV series “Luther,”: John Luther is a detective who uses his intelligence and unconventional methods to solve some of the most complex cases in London.
Adrian Monk – From the TV series “Monk,”: Adrian Monk is a detective who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder but uses his keen attention to detail to solve cases that others cannot.
Each has unique traits and quirks that make them distinct, but all are highly intelligent detectives who use their unique skills to solve cases others cannot.
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