Sherlock Holmes Stories in Chronological Order

Sherlock Holmes, the detective who could probably solve your life problems faster than you can find your missing keys, has been confusing readers for over a century. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote four novels and 56 short stories about Holmes, but not in any logical order. Because why make things easy, huh?

If you want to follow Holmes' timeline without feeling like you’re in a Victorian time-travel experiment, reading the stories in chronological order is your best bet. Let’s break it down.

Why Read Sherlock Holmes in Order?

Reading in chronological order means you’ll actually follow Holmes’ life as it happens; from the awkward new roommate phase with Watson to his increasingly questionable hobbies in retirement. You’ll see his brain get even sharper, while Watson writes it all down with varying degrees of awe and frustration.

Plus, watching Holmes outwit criminals while everyone else remains clueless is just better when you see how it all builds up.

Sherlock Holmes Stories in Chronological Order

Here’s how to read the Sherlock Holmes stories in order, starting with Holmes’ first case and ending with his dramatic retirement.

A Study in Scarlet (1887)

Holmes and Watson’s friendship kicks off with a murder case involving a mysterious message in blood. As far as introductions go, it’s pretty intense.

The Sign of the Four (1890)

Treasure, betrayal, and Watson falling for a client. Holmes solves the case, Watson solves his love life.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1892)