How Many Sherlock Holmes Books Are There and Is It Necessary to Read Them in a Specific Sequential Order?

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle crafted a rich and enduring universe centered around the Sherlock Holmes character, penning 4 novels and 56 short stories. Delve into the intricacies of this literary world and explore the nuances in the reading order of these works.

The Canonical Works

The four principal novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are:

A Study in Scarlet (1887) – Introduces us to the iconic characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sign of the Four (1890) – Further develops the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, showcasing their brilliance and camaraderie. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) – A widely-acclaimed novella that places Holmes in a terrifying Victorian setting. The Valley of Fear (1915) – Holmes tackles a more direct and dangerous case in Victorian London.

The short stories are compiled in several collections:

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892) – Includes tales such as "A Scandal in Bohemia" and "The Red-Headed League". The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1894) – Continues the journey with classic stories like "The Adventure of the Speckled Band". The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1905) – Expands the scope with stories such as "The Adventure of the Empty House" and "The Adventure of the Dancing Men". Holmes's Last Bow (1917) – Explores the final chapters of Holmes's and Watson's lives during World War I. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1927) – Concludes the adventures with tales such as "The Adventure of the Lion's Mane".

Reading Order and Narrative Flow

Though the novels and short stories can be enjoyed independently, a specific reading order can enhance the narrative flow and character development. For a more in-depth appreciation of the series, consider reading the novels in the order of their publication:

A Study in Scarlet – Establishes the foundation of the Holmes-Watson dynamic and sets the tone for the Sherlockian universe. The Sign of the Four - Demonstrates Holmes's analytical prowess and the duo's enduring partnership. The Hound of the Baskervilles – A dramatic and suspenseful tale that showcases Holmes's genius at its peak. The Valley of Fear – Provides a more direct and dangerous case, deepening the conflict and stakes.

Next, explore the short stories in the following order:

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – A diverse collection that introduces various aspects of Holmes's detective work. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes – Completes the storylines introduced in the first collection. The Return of Sherlock Holmes – Continues the adventures while introducing new challenges and adversaries. Holmes's Last Bow – Explores the closing chapters of their lives, focusing on the First World War. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes – Concludes the series with final tales that tie up loose ends and explore old cases.

The Chronological Order: A Herculean Task

The Annotated Sherlock Holmes by William S. Baring-Gould attempts to arrange the stories in chronological order, not based on the dates they were written, but according to the events that occur in the Holmesian universe. This task is significantly complex due to the meticulous timelines managed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Doyle was a writer who often forgot to align the references and dates in his stories, leading to a labyrinthine timeline. For example, when Watson remarks about something that happened in 1893, Baring-Gould had to conclude that it actually happened in 1895. This necessitates the use of meteorological and astronomical records to resolve the chronological discrepancies.

Final Thoughts

While the specific reading order can enhance understanding and enjoyment, it is not strictly necessary to follow it. Each individual reader can choose their preferred order, whether it be by chronology, by the intensity of the cases, or by personal preference. The richness of Sherlock Holmes lies in its diverse and interconnected narratives, allowing fans to dive into the world of detective fiction whether in a linear or non-linear fashion.