Complete List Of Sherlock Holmes Stories

Complete list of Sherlock Holmes stories - a phrase that resonates with readers and fans of detective fiction alike. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is one of the most iconic literary characters in history. With his unparalleled deductive reasoning and keen observational skills, Holmes has captivated audiences since his first appearance in the late 19th century. This article presents a comprehensive list of all the stories featuring the legendary detective, detailing the collections they belong to and providing a glimpse into the world of Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson.

Understanding the Sherlock Holmes Canon

The Sherlock Holmes canon includes four full-length novels and fifty-six short stories, all written by Conan Doyle. The stories are typically categorized into four collections of short stories and two novels, with each entry showcasing Holmes's ability to solve complex mysteries. The tales are often narrated by Dr. Watson, providing readers with a personal insight into Holmes's character, methods, and the intricacies of the cases.

Novels Featuring Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes appears in four major novels, each contributing to the development of his character and the intricacies of his adventures. Below is a complete list of these novels:

1. A Study in Scarlet (1887) - The first novel introducing Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, which lays the foundation for their partnership.


2. The Sign of the Four (1890) - A tale of treasure, betrayal, and a mysterious pact, showcasing the deepening bond between Holmes and Watson.


3. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) - Perhaps the most famous of the novels, this story features a legendary curse and a spectral hound haunting the Baskerville family.


4. His Last Bow (1917) - Set against the backdrop of World War I, this novel sees Holmes in his final adventure, demonstrating his enduring intellect.

Short Story Collections

In addition to the novels, Sherlock Holmes has been featured in several collections of short stories. The complete list of these collections includes:

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Published in 1892, this collection contains twelve stories that introduce readers to Holmes’s methods and intellect. The stories are:

1. The Scandal in Bohemia


2. The Red-Headed League


3. A Case of Identity


4. The Boscombe Valley Mystery


5. The Five Orange Pips


6. The Man with the Twisted Lip


7. The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle


8. The Adventure of the Speckled Band


9. The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb


10. The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor


11. The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet


12. The Adventure of the Copper Beeches

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Published in 1893, this collection includes eleven stories, highlighting some of Holmes’s most intriguing cases. The stories are:

1. Silver Blaze


2. The Yellow Face


3. The Stockbroker's Clerk


4. The "Gloria Scott"


5. The Musgrave Ritual


6. The Reigate Squires


7. The Crooked Man


8. The Resident Patient


9. The Greek Interpreter


10. The Naval Treaty


11. The Final Problem

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

Published in 1905, this collection marks the return of the detective after the events of "The Final Problem." It includes thirteen stories, which are:

1. The Adventure of the Empty House


2. The Adventure of the Dancing Men


3. The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist


4. The Adventure of the Priory School


5. The Adventure of Black Peter


6. The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton


7. The Adventure of the Six Napoleons


8. The Adventure of the Three Students


9. The Adventure of the Golden Pince-Nez


10. The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter


11. The Adventure of the Abbey Grange


12. The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire


13. The Adventure of the Second Stain

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

Published in 1927, this is the last collection of Sherlock Holmes stories, containing twelve tales that delve into various mysteries. The stories are:

1. The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire


2. The Adventure of the Retired Colourman


3. The Adventure of the Lion's Mane


4. The Adventure of the Illustrious Client


5. The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier


6. The Adventure of the Tiger's Bride


7. The Adventure of the Creeping Man


8. The Adventure of the Three Gables


9. The Adventure of the Major Prize


10. The Adventure of the Cardboard Box


11. The Adventure of the Dying Detective


12. The Adventure of the Adventure of the Retired Colourman

Significance of Sherlock Holmes in Literature

The complete list of Sherlock Holmes stories not only showcases the genius of Conan Doyle but also highlights the evolution of detective fiction. Holmes's character has inspired countless adaptations, films, and television series, making him a timeless figure in popular culture. His methods of deduction, logical reasoning, and attention to detail have set a standard for future fictional detectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the complete list of Sherlock Holmes stories is a treasure trove for mystery enthusiasts and literature lovers. From the initial novel "A Study in Scarlet" to the final collection "The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes," each story contributes to the rich tapestry of detective fiction. These tales not only entertain but also challenge readers to engage in the art of deduction, making them enduring classics that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come. Whether you are a newcomer to the world of Holmes or a longtime fan, exploring these stories promises an exhilarating journey into the mind of one of literature's greatest detectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main Sherlock Holmes stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle?

The main Sherlock Holmes stories include four novels: 'A Study in Scarlet,' 'The Sign of the Four,' 'The Hound of the Baskervilles,' and 'The Valley of Fear,' along with 56 short stories collected in various volumes.

How many short stories are there in the Sherlock Holmes collection?

There are 56 short stories featuring Sherlock Holmes, published in five collections: 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,' 'The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes,' 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes,' 'His Last Bow,' and 'The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes.'

What is the first Sherlock Holmes story ever published?

The first Sherlock Holmes story ever published is 'A Study in Scarlet,' which appeared in 1887.

Which Sherlock Holmes story features the character of Professor Moriarty?

Professor Moriarty is prominently featured in 'The Final Problem' and is also mentioned in 'The Valley of Fear'.

Are there any Sherlock Holmes stories written by other authors?

Yes, there are numerous pastiches and adaptations of Sherlock Holmes stories written by other authors, as well as a variety of films, television series, and stage adaptations.

What are some of the most famous Sherlock Holmes stories?

Some of the most famous Sherlock Holmes stories include 'The Hound of the Baskervilles,' 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band,' and 'The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle.'

Which collection contains the story 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band'?

'The Adventure of the Speckled Band' is included in 'The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes,' published in 1893.

How did Arthur Conan Doyle come up with the character of Sherlock Holmes?

Arthur Conan Doyle was inspired by Dr. Joseph Bell, one of his medical school professors, who was known for his keen powers of observation and deduction.

Is there a chronological order to the Sherlock Holmes stories?

While the stories can be read independently, there is no strict chronological order, though some collections do group them by publication date or thematic links.