My love for the world’s greatest consulting detective began with BBC’s adaptation of Sherlock, and my life has truly never been the same.
Since that fateful day back in 2010, there has always been a part of my brain living in the fictional world of 221B Baker Street.
I mean, can you blame me?
The show’s cast, production quality, and modern day storytelling had me hooked from the very beginning.
Over Sherlock‘s seven year run, I read every novel and short story in the Sherlock Holmes canon—an easy thing to do while waiting two years between seasons. When I reached the end of Conan Doyle’s original works, I immediately looked for other Holmes inspired stories . . . and I never stopped reading them!
Spoiler alert: there are a lot of retellings to choose from.
Whether you’re a fan of the dynamic duo in their classic Victorian setting or you prefer Holmes and Watson in the modern world, there are plenty of stories to keep fans booked and busy.
Whatever your storytelling preference, the game is on: here are five books to read if you love Sherlock Holmes. While there are many Baker Street inspired tales to be found, these are some of my favorites!
Read at once if convenient. If inconvenient, read all the same.
1. The Lady Sherlock Series, Sherry Thomas
Great for: fans of period pieces, genderbends, slow burn romance
Set in Victorian London, this series puts a feminist twist on the traditional Holmes story. Charlotte Holmes is the “man behind the hat,” using made up character of Sherlock Holmes as a front to allow her access in a male-dominated field. With five books already published and more sequels on the way, there’s lots of great content to sink your teeth into here!
2. Stalking Jack the Ripper Series, Kerri Maniscalco
Great for: fans of YA, forensic science, historical fiction
Audrey Rose prefers to spend her days carving up cadavers as a student in her uncle’s forensics classes. When the world’s first (and most infamous) serial killer takes to the streets, she uses early forensic science to find the culprit terrorizing Victorian London. If you watched BBC’s Sherlock and found yourself shipping Sherlolly, you’ll fall head-over-heels for these books.
3. Charlotte Holmes Series, Brittany Cavallaro
Great for: fans of YA, modern Sherlock retellings, split narratives
Bringing Holmes and Watson to the next generation, this series follows the teenage descendants of the famed detectives. When Jamie and Charlotte meet for the first time at boarding school, they must learn to navigate their shared family histories along with their personal relationship dynamics… which aren’t exactly the most amicable.
4. A Study in Sherlock, Laurie R. King
Great for: fans of creative retellings, the Sherlock Holmes canon, short stories
One of the best things about Sherlock Holmes is that there have been so many unique interpretations of him over time. This collection of short stories gathers world-renowned authors and lets them loose on Baker Street, imagining new perspectives and insights to the beloved detective’s adventures. A Study in Sherlock proves a delight for both casual and dedicated Holmes fans.
5. The Sherlockian, Graham Moore
Great for: fans of historical fiction, traditional Sherlock Holmes stories, famous authors
A “present day” search for Arthur Conan Doyle’s missing diaries leads Harold to an unexpected murder investigation. As his investigation unfolds, the reader is transported back to Victorian London where Arthur Conan Doyle solves a mystery of his very own. The Sherlockian is a love letter to the fans of Baker Street, but you don’t have to know the classic stories to enjoy this fun take on history.
THE GAME IS ON
Ready to grab your deerstalker and a magnifying glass? Let me know if you end up reading any of these books! And if your favorite Sherlock Holmes inspired books weren’t listed here, be sure to let me know down in the comments—I’m always looking to add more detective stories to my reading list.
Cheers!
