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Sherlock: The Essential Arthur Conan Doyle Adventures
Sherlock co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss present their all-time favorite Sherlock Holmes adventures.
The hit BBC series Sherlock has introduced a whole new generation of fans to Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective. In this unique collection, Sherlock co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have selected their all-time favorite Sherlock Holmes adventures.
Each of these nineteen tales, from Sherlock’s first appearance in A Study in Scarlet to the late classic The Dying Detective , is a potent mix of murder, suspense, cryptic clues, red herrings, and revenge—a ground-breaking combination of forensic science and bold storytelling. Sherlock Holmes established new rules for what a fictional hero could be, and provided a template for detective stories we still follow today.
This beautifully designed collection is the perfect introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes and the ultimate gift for fans of the show it inspired.
The hit BBC series Sherlock has introduced a whole new generation of fans to Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective. In this unique collection, Sherlock co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have selected their all-time favorite Sherlock Holmes adventures.
Each of these nineteen tales, from Sherlock’s first appearance in A Study in Scarlet to the late classic The Dying Detective , is a potent mix of murder, suspense, cryptic clues, red herrings, and revenge—a ground-breaking combination of forensic science and bold storytelling. Sherlock Holmes established new rules for what a fictional hero could be, and provided a template for detective stories we still follow today.
This beautifully designed collection is the perfect introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes and the ultimate gift for fans of the show it inspired.
560 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
95 people are currently reading
2771 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Conan Doyle
15.7k books24.2k followersSir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was a Scottish writer and physician. He created the character Sherlock Holmes in 1887 for A Study in Scarlet, the first of four novels and fifty-six short stories about Holmes and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock Holmes stories are milestones in the field of crime fiction.
Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.
Doyle was a prolific writer. In addition to the Holmes stories, his works include fantasy and science fiction stories about Professor Challenger, and humorous stories about the Napoleonic soldier Brigadier Gerard, as well as plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. One of Doyle's early short stories, "J. Habakuk Jephson's Statement" (1884), helped to popularise the mystery of the brigantine Mary Celeste, found drifting at sea with no crew member aboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 4, 2019
A book you’re going to fall in love with...I recommend this one to all Sherlock Holmes fans! It’s totally worth the money! 1000000🌟🌟🌟
September 17, 2016
The Sherlock BBC show’s creators talk Sherlock Holmes…
My thanks to my contacts at Pegasus Books, Iris Blasi, Katie McGuire, and Maia Larson, for my advance reading copy of this book. You ladies rock!
Everyone who reads Sherlock Holmes, or has seen one of the many movies or TV shows, and especially the fans of the BBC drama, Sherlock— has their own favorite story. Yet Sherlockians worldwide have certain stories that they feel one must read in order to understand the Great Detective and how he works.
Not only Holmes, but there are stories to read to understand Doctor Watson, Mrs. Hudson, the detectives at Scotland Yard, the Baker Street Irregulars, and of course Irene Adler—the Woman.
Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat take time from their busy schedules to hand select a number of Holmes novels and short stories that they feel must be read to understand the characters as written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the pastiches Holmes is sometimes transported to alternate timelines. In some of them Holmes has different companions, from investigating with his cousin to solving crimes with his wife…
This is Holmes the original. I don’t think I need say more about the stories. I will just list them as they appear in this book.
A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of the Four
“A Scandal in Bohemia”
“The Red-Headed League”
“A Case of Identity”
“The Man with the Twisted Lip””The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle”
“The Adventure of the Speckled Band”
“Silver Blaze”
“The Yellow Face”
“The Musgrave Ritual”
“The Final Problem”
The Hound of the Baskervilles
“The Empty House”
“Charles Augustus Milverton”
“The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans”
“The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot”
“The Adventure of the Dying Detective”
These adventures cover Holmes’ greatest cases, his most dangerous opponents, and give an excellent picture of 221B and the team of Holmes and Watson! This book could only have a five stars plus rating!
Quoth the Raven…
My thanks to my contacts at Pegasus Books, Iris Blasi, Katie McGuire, and Maia Larson, for my advance reading copy of this book. You ladies rock!
Everyone who reads Sherlock Holmes, or has seen one of the many movies or TV shows, and especially the fans of the BBC drama, Sherlock— has their own favorite story. Yet Sherlockians worldwide have certain stories that they feel one must read in order to understand the Great Detective and how he works.
Not only Holmes, but there are stories to read to understand Doctor Watson, Mrs. Hudson, the detectives at Scotland Yard, the Baker Street Irregulars, and of course Irene Adler—the Woman.
Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat take time from their busy schedules to hand select a number of Holmes novels and short stories that they feel must be read to understand the characters as written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the pastiches Holmes is sometimes transported to alternate timelines. In some of them Holmes has different companions, from investigating with his cousin to solving crimes with his wife…
This is Holmes the original. I don’t think I need say more about the stories. I will just list them as they appear in this book.
A Study in Scarlet
The Sign of the Four
“A Scandal in Bohemia”
“The Red-Headed League”
“A Case of Identity”
“The Man with the Twisted Lip””The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle”
“The Adventure of the Speckled Band”
“Silver Blaze”
“The Yellow Face”
“The Musgrave Ritual”
“The Final Problem”
The Hound of the Baskervilles
“The Empty House”
“Charles Augustus Milverton”
“The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans”
“The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot”
“The Adventure of the Dying Detective”
These adventures cover Holmes’ greatest cases, his most dangerous opponents, and give an excellent picture of 221B and the team of Holmes and Watson! This book could only have a five stars plus rating!
Quoth the Raven…
March 2, 2023
Agatha Christie has always been my 'comfort read.' Make of that what you will! And here with Conan Doyle's Sherlock stories, I find another 'comfort author' - you know what you are going to get: familiar central characters and a nice bit of crime, murder, and mystery.
This collection is a tie-in with the BBC's Sherlock and features stories that were the basis for episodes of that series. I enjoyed comparing the stories with the TV episodes which brought them into the 21st Century.
Something I hadn't known before reading is that many of the Sherlock stories are action-packed - they are adventure stories as much as mysteries in some cases.
Enjoyed this and will happily read more Sherlock and Conan Doyle in the future!
This collection is a tie-in with the BBC's Sherlock and features stories that were the basis for episodes of that series. I enjoyed comparing the stories with the TV episodes which brought them into the 21st Century.
Something I hadn't known before reading is that many of the Sherlock stories are action-packed - they are adventure stories as much as mysteries in some cases.
Enjoyed this and will happily read more Sherlock and Conan Doyle in the future!
February 23, 2021
What a fab collation of all the greatest Sherlock Holmes stories! From some of the longer novels to the shorter cases, this was a brilliant collection of some of Arthur Conan Doyle’s finest works.
I loved the little advanced notes and sum ups prior to each story by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, where they would introduce the story about to be read (or listened to in my case. I listened to the audiobook which was brilliantly narrated and acted). It really helped set the tone before each story and laid a brief introduction to what the story was about, a few snippets about what to expect (without giving the game away) and why they picked that particular story.
This book contains some of my most favourite Sherlock cases and any Sherlock fan needs to have a copy is this on their shelves!
I loved the little advanced notes and sum ups prior to each story by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, where they would introduce the story about to be read (or listened to in my case. I listened to the audiobook which was brilliantly narrated and acted). It really helped set the tone before each story and laid a brief introduction to what the story was about, a few snippets about what to expect (without giving the game away) and why they picked that particular story.
This book contains some of my most favourite Sherlock cases and any Sherlock fan needs to have a copy is this on their shelves!
September 24, 2020
This is the book I’m reading to start my Sherlock Holmes marathon. I am going to rate and review each story individually so I can keep track of what I have read! Wish I had done this with Agatha Christie!!
My heart belongs to Hercule Poirot! I have tried but I really do not like Sherlock Holmes, he is a rude arrogant drug addict! So I am abandoning these short stories. Maybe I’ll try again at a later date, much later! DNF
My heart belongs to Hercule Poirot! I have tried but I really do not like Sherlock Holmes, he is a rude arrogant drug addict! So I am abandoning these short stories. Maybe I’ll try again at a later date, much later! DNF
August 20, 2017
-hugs book- it took a very long time to get through the whole collection, but I'm officially a Sherlock books fan.
May 5, 2022
Loved it. I finally read the original classics. I loved this because each story is prefaced by a little blurb from the people who put this collection together. They are also the creators of the TV series "Sherlock" which I loved. I read some and also listened to the audio...the audio is great because Steven Moffat, one of the creators of the show, narrates. He goes into a lot of detail explaining why they like each story...much more so than the book...so that was kind of fun. Since I've read several "Sherlock inspired" books and watched the TV series and also a movie, I was familiar with a lot of the material but it was nice to read/hear the original works of Arthur Conan Doyle. I'm sure I will re-visit this....I got this at Christmastime and spread it out over several months. Easy to do it this way and very enjoyable. I don't usually like short stories...but in this case(as they are somewhat connected and build on each other) I liked them very much.
January 30, 2023
I do not like that all the stories were told from Watson a point of view. It sometimes felt like the answers to the mysteries came out of nowhere because I didn’t see the train of thought. Just eh 🤷🏽♀️
February 29, 2012
I know. Who would ever DARE rate anything Sir Arthur Conan Doyle-ish a mere two stars? Well, I just couldn't get into it. One of the stories is The Red-Headed League, a story in our reading textbook at school, a story that I've read. I listened to it TWICE and I listened to all seven of these stories and I kept trying, but they just didn't hold my attention. Perhaps I would be better reading Sherlock Holmes rather than listening to someone else read Sherlock for me.
December 24, 2020
As the title notes, this is a collection of the essential Sherlock Holmes stories. Each story has a small introductory blurb from Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, producers of the show Sherlock. They explain what attracted them to each story and what makes a story adaptable to television.
The stories are classics for a reason, but reading them now it is easy to get distracted by the ideologies of the time. Arthur Conan Doyle wasn't immune to the racism, xenophobia, and sexism of this age, and neither are Sherlock and Watson. So while it is an enjoyable read, be prepared to encounter some outdated language and ideals.
The stories also jump around a bit chronologically, and I'm not familiar enough with the original publications to know if this is how the were first released or an editing decision from this particular volume. It does mean that as you go from story to story you might find yourself confused about where in their shared history the story takes place.
Fun to try and figure out the mysteries at the end, important to pay attention to the history.
The stories are classics for a reason, but reading them now it is easy to get distracted by the ideologies of the time. Arthur Conan Doyle wasn't immune to the racism, xenophobia, and sexism of this age, and neither are Sherlock and Watson. So while it is an enjoyable read, be prepared to encounter some outdated language and ideals.
The stories also jump around a bit chronologically, and I'm not familiar enough with the original publications to know if this is how the were first released or an editing decision from this particular volume. It does mean that as you go from story to story you might find yourself confused about where in their shared history the story takes place.
Fun to try and figure out the mysteries at the end, important to pay attention to the history.
March 27, 2018
This was so much fun. I'm a little in love with these characters, in large part due to the fabulous TV series on PBS. Listening to these stories and finally getting the source material for some many shows and movies I've enjoyed over the years (not least being "The Great Mouse Detective" which I just watched again with my daughter) was really enjoyable. The stories themselves are in turns sharp and clever and then downright implausible and silly. Regardless of the merits of the individual mysteries, the characters are pure delight. I appreciate Dr. Watson's stolid faith in his difficult friend and his generally being a stand-up sort of guy. But there is a reason Holmes has captivated people's imaginations for so long; it's not just that he's freakishly intelligent, but rather that he's such a lovable jerk and it's difficult to take your (metaphorical) eyes off of him. This was a wonderful collection of stories - highly recommend.
July 2, 2020
Brilliant. I couldn't have chosen a better book to read during a pandemic. Completely absorbing and transporting; London and environs late 1800's a pure delight with the iconic Holmes on the case, whatever that may be.
Trusty Dr. Watson chronicles Sherlock Holmes various cases from The Scarlet Letter (a real wow) to the gloriously nerve tingling The Hound of the Baskervilles. Making this very big book even more of a delight is the intro fronting each selected story by the creators of Sherlock, the series featuring Cumberbatch and Freeman, Mark Gatiss (who played Mycroft in the series) and Steven Moffat. Their devotion to all the things that made Conan Doyle's characters and storylines so darn good on the screen are found within, making 'the game's afoot' never more real.
As Sherlock himself would observe, 'We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.' Indeed.
Trusty Dr. Watson chronicles Sherlock Holmes various cases from The Scarlet Letter (a real wow) to the gloriously nerve tingling The Hound of the Baskervilles. Making this very big book even more of a delight is the intro fronting each selected story by the creators of Sherlock, the series featuring Cumberbatch and Freeman, Mark Gatiss (who played Mycroft in the series) and Steven Moffat. Their devotion to all the things that made Conan Doyle's characters and storylines so darn good on the screen are found within, making 'the game's afoot' never more real.
As Sherlock himself would observe, 'We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.' Indeed.
May 31, 2025
Ingenious writing marred by casual racism
Most delightful were the introductions before each story: witty and clever introductions by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat.
The stories were clever, the characters memorable, and the audiobook performances were just superb.
Not since high school had I reread any of these stories. So entertaining!
Yet the casual racism insinuated itself into every single story: Heaping teaspons in every cup of a story, between the social Darwinism, using "yellow faces" as shorthand for "evil", yeccch!
Being immersed in the world of these good ole boys -- the group of wealthy, educated, upper class white men of England at this time -- it felt suffocating.
RATING THIS BOOK, HOWEVER
Although I often cringed at that racism and classism, the stories still were excellent. Of course, FIVE STARS.
Most delightful were the introductions before each story: witty and clever introductions by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat.
The stories were clever, the characters memorable, and the audiobook performances were just superb.
Not since high school had I reread any of these stories. So entertaining!
Yet the casual racism insinuated itself into every single story: Heaping teaspons in every cup of a story, between the social Darwinism, using "yellow faces" as shorthand for "evil", yeccch!
Being immersed in the world of these good ole boys -- the group of wealthy, educated, upper class white men of England at this time -- it felt suffocating.
RATING THIS BOOK, HOWEVER
Although I often cringed at that racism and classism, the stories still were excellent. Of course, FIVE STARS.
July 24, 2018
Marking this book as "read" is a mystery in itself. I read eight of the stories: "A Study in Scarlet," "Sign of Four," "Scandal in Bohemia," "The Man with the Twisted Lip," "The Blue Carbuncle," "Adventures of the Speckled Band," "The Greek Interpreter," and "The Final Problem." For the most part the stories were enjoyable and surprising although there was some predictability and chilling elements. I love a good surprise and at times there were several twists I wasn't expecting especially in the "Twisted Lip" story.
The stories varied in length and the introduction to each story highlighted the key elements the reader could expect without giving too much away. A great "classic" for readers especially to try Sherlock Holmes out before really all works.
The stories varied in length and the introduction to each story highlighted the key elements the reader could expect without giving too much away. A great "classic" for readers especially to try Sherlock Holmes out before really all works.
December 31, 2021
“Of all ruins, that of a noble mind is the most deplorable.”
Gotta love the OG detective, it’s really interesting as re-reading these I can clearly see the basis for literally all other detective novels, from the curious incident of the dog in the night time to James Bond.
Absolute favourite story is between the dying detective and The adventure of the Bruce Partington plans, everyone please go read them please!
However, I do honestly think the BBC adaptation is by far better than the original books. One of the rare instances I think where the films etc are better than the books.
Also the weird fact that Moriarty literally turns up for one story and dies in that story is a bit shit considering he is the greatest nemesis.
Gotta love the OG detective, it’s really interesting as re-reading these I can clearly see the basis for literally all other detective novels, from the curious incident of the dog in the night time to James Bond.
Absolute favourite story is between the dying detective and The adventure of the Bruce Partington plans, everyone please go read them please!
However, I do honestly think the BBC adaptation is by far better than the original books. One of the rare instances I think where the films etc are better than the books.
Also the weird fact that Moriarty literally turns up for one story and dies in that story is a bit shit considering he is the greatest nemesis.
November 5, 2018
My personal review ratings are based upon the following: 1 Star, “I did not like it and wasted my time or couldn’t finish it”; 2 Stars, “I think it is just Ok, but I’ll never think about it again”; 3 Stars, “I think it is an entertaining , enjoyable book, and I’ll think about it again”; 4 Stars, “I really love this book, and I may read it again”; and 5 Stars, “I think this book is excellent, I will read it again, and it will stand the test of time.” Please note the intentional, repeated use of the pronoun “I,” for this is my opinion.
June 24, 2017
Commentary: 4⭐️
A Study in Scarlet: 3⭐️
The Sign of Four: 2⭐️
A Scandal in Bohemia: 4⭐️
The Red-Headed League: 4⭐️
A Case of Identity: 3⭐️
The Man with the Twisted Lip : 4⭐️
The Blue Carbuncle: 3⭐️
The Speckled Band: 4⭐️
Silver Blaze: 4⭐️
The Yellow Face: 2⭐️
The Musgrave Ritual: 3⭐️
The Greek Interpreter: 2⭐️
The Final Problem: 4⭐️
The Hound of the Baskervilles: 4⭐️
The Empty House: 3⭐️
Charles Augustus Milverton: 3⭐️
The Bruce-Partington Plans: 3⭐️
The Devil’s Foot: 3⭐️
The Dying Detective: 4⭐️
A Study in Scarlet: 3⭐️
The Sign of Four: 2⭐️
A Scandal in Bohemia: 4⭐️
The Red-Headed League: 4⭐️
A Case of Identity: 3⭐️
The Man with the Twisted Lip : 4⭐️
The Blue Carbuncle: 3⭐️
The Speckled Band: 4⭐️
Silver Blaze: 4⭐️
The Yellow Face: 2⭐️
The Musgrave Ritual: 3⭐️
The Greek Interpreter: 2⭐️
The Final Problem: 4⭐️
The Hound of the Baskervilles: 4⭐️
The Empty House: 3⭐️
Charles Augustus Milverton: 3⭐️
The Bruce-Partington Plans: 3⭐️
The Devil’s Foot: 3⭐️
The Dying Detective: 4⭐️
June 5, 2019
I really enjoyed the short stories and commentary. It was fascinating and interesting. Because there were so many short stories, it seemed like the book was much much longer. Really enjoyed reading it
February 20, 2020
This was the book that honestly made me fall back in love. There are the big, recognizable adventures in here that are famous for their adaptations along with smaller reads that are more intimate. This will never not have a place for my bookshelf.
March 13, 2021
A great and slightly unusual (in a good way) selection of Sherlock Holmes stories with a brief, but interesting, insight to the Sherlock programme makers as to why they chose them and its effect on the TV show. A pleasure to re-read these classic stories.
Want to read
September 17, 2022Hi I've been looking for the complete collection of the bbc sherlock ( by Mark gatiss) and came across this article and I was wondering does this focus more on the epsiodes for the BBC TV show or does it show Sir Arthur Doyle orignal work?
February 24, 2017
A nice collection of Sherlock Holmes. Enjoyed all of them!
June 27, 2017
I love Sherlock Holmes and this is a good way to get at the beginning of his relationship with Watson. A good companion to all the movies and TV shows but it's great to get right to the source.
June 4, 2017
He is such an engaging writer, and it's fun to go back and read the ones that inspired certain episodes or character development, but their intros are a disappointing 2-3 sentences.
April 21, 2019
I love sherlock! Enough said.
November 17, 2019
Great book, SH is my favorite character, I really love to read those books.
June 20, 2021
We cannot enjoy the workings of the mind of Sherlock Holmes?
December 11, 2021
Sherlock 's stories are simply classic literature from my point of view and I can never get tired of them! Nice compilation.
January 31, 2022
I only made it through the first story, A Study in Scarlet. It's only fair. I prefer the film and tv adaptations to be honest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews