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Best 2022 Sherlock Holmes Books, Movies, DVDs, & More
By Randall Stock, November 3, 2022 (History)
Sherlock Holmes is more popular than ever, which means there are lots of new books, movies, and Sherlockiana. The reviews and recommendations below can help you focus on the best ones from 2022. If you're just getting started with Holmes, see the Top 10 Choices for New Fans. This site also reviews newer Sherlockian items to consider.
New in 2022: Top Holmes Items
| Category | # of Items |
|---|---|
| 2022 Holmes Fiction | 6 |
| 2022 Holmes DVDs, Movies, and Related | 2 |
| 2022 Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle | 5 |
Newer Recommended Sherlockiana and the Best Holmes books, DVDs, & Blu-Ray from other years
Best 2022 Sherlock Holmes Books – Fiction
The year's best fictional Holmes books published in 2022. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices and E-books.
Prices as of November 2022; subject to change.
A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany
While helping a friend cater a Sherlockian weekend at a nearby mansion, Gemma Doyle witnesses a murder and works to identify the killer. The seventh in a series of "cozy" mysteries involving Gemma and her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop in Cape Cod, it features useful clues, some clever deductions, and references to the Holmes stories and the BSI literary society. It can be read on its own, but I suggest starting with at least A Scandal in Scarlet (#4) for more background on the characters. ($26.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $17.59)
The Rediscovered Annals of Sherlock Holmes by Terry Golledge
The purest form of pastiche is a short story narrated by Watson and set in the late 1800s. Golledge does a very good job replicating the voice and style of Watson in these nine short stories and a novella. His plots fit nicely into the Canonical realm, although he is weak on the "puzzle" aspect of the stories and sometimes relies on coincidence. Some of the tales appeared previously in MX collections, but they will be new to most people. These short stories are just the right length for bedtime reading. ($18.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $18.95)
Sherlock Holmes - Masters of Lies by Philip Purser-Hallard
Murder, forgery, Mycroft Holmes and the British Government all intertwine in this complex and devious story. Set in London in 1898, Holmes and Watson investigate both espionage and the world of books. An excellent twist near the end of this fair-play puzzle raises the tale well above the typical pastiche. While some parts of the story seem like a stretch, it pays to keep reading and discover how it all ties together. ($15.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.39)
The Return of the Pharaoh by Nicholas Meyer
A missing nobleman and a pharaoh's treasure bring Holmes to Egypt in 1910. More of an adventure than a mystery, it builds somewhat slowly to an action-packed climax. Meyer nicely depicts the Holmes-Watson relationship while including famous historical figures and riffing on others. It's slightly better than his Peculiar Protocols, though without that novel's overarching theme. You can read Meyer's pastiches in any order, but his groundbreaking Seven-Per-Cent Solution remains a must-read for all Sherlockians. ($25.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $15.99)
The Strange Case of the Dutch Painter by Timothy Miller
Holmes goes to France in 1890 to investigate the forgery and theft of great paintings. This leads him to the unusual death of Vincent Van Gogh. Full of art history and real-life people, Miller rather believably blends together fact, fiction, and the Canon. He avoids imitating Watson by having a German art expert narrate the tale, and Holmes remains undercover as "Vernet" through most of the story. The French setting and the deep-dive into the world of art makes this an unconventional pastiche. ($17.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.59)
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade by Nancy Springer
Sir Eustace Alastair has imprisoned his daughter Cecily, and Enola once again comes to rescue. Springer is one of the best at blending historic facts into an entertaining and fast-paced story. While there is no central mystery, this tale includes disguises and ciphers plus lots of action and adventure. Sherlock plays a significant role, but his resourceful and slightly awkward teenage sister Enola remains the hero. This book can be read on its own, but I highly recommend the entire 8-volume series and suggest you start with The Missing Marquess. ($18.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $16.99)
See also the current Year's Best Holmes fiction and the Best Holmes fiction from other years for more excellent choices.
Or search just this website using Google for other reviews of authors or book titles:
Best 2022 Sherlock Holmes DVDs, Blu-ray Movies, and Related
The year's best DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, videos, movie-related and audio items released in 2022. See also About the Choices.
Prices as of November 2022; subject to change.
The Great Mouse Detective (Blu-ray & DVD Combo)
Perhaps the all-time best animated Holmes movie is available on Blu-ray and DVD for under $10. Based on the Basil of Baker Street children's books by Eve Titus, this 1986 Disney animated film is a fun adventure for both kids and adults. Professor Ratigan, superbly voiced by Vincent Price, is a classic Disney villain. Released on Blu-ray ten years ago, this Mystery in the Mist Edition is now a great value that includes both a Blu-ray and a DVD. Order with the Rathbone collection below and get free Amazon shipping. ($20.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $7.59)
The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection Starring Basil Rathbone (DVD)
Rathbone remains the iconic image of the great detective to many, and Amazon currently has this DVD boxed set on sale for less than $30. It includes all 14 of his Holmes movies on five discs, and features the highest quality UCLA-restored versions of the Universal films. See my extended Rathbone review for it with older packaging. While not a new release, the great price makes it a must-buy this year. The Blu-ray version is not significantly better than the DVDs. ($129.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $29.99 - Updated 11/3/22: Amazon might not have new copies in stock, but check anyway.)
To Be Released in November
Enola Holmes 2 Starring Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill
While streaming video can be convenient, discs generally offer a better experience. Unfortunately, after more than two years, Netflix has still not issued a disc with the first Enola Holmes movie. The sequel comes out on November 4 only via Netflix. Early reports indicate that it's not based on one of the Nancy Springer books, and that it's good but not as good as the first movie, which was based on The Case of the Missing Marquess.
Sherlock Hound Complete TV Series (Blu-ray)
This animated Japanese series from the 1980s features dogs as most of the characters. A DVD set has long been available, albeit with some glitches. The new Blu-ray version from Discotek Media will be released November 29, and was reportedly remastered with some added features. However, it's expensive and I have little confidence in the publisher since Discotek never responded to my questions. Consider Disney's Great Mouse Detective instead. For Sherlock Hound, wait to see reviews specific to its Blu-ray version. ($69.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $69.95)
See also the current Year's Best Holmes DVDs & movies and the Best Holmes movies from other years for more excellent choices.
Or search just this website using Google for other reviews of movie/TV material:
Best 2022 Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle
The year's best books about Holmes or Conan Doyle published in 2022. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices and E-books.
Prices as of November 2022; subject to change.
The e-Sherlock Holmes Journal Archive Version 2
All Sherlockians will find excellent articles in the Sherlock Holmes Journal, which is published twice a year by the Sherlock Holmes Society of London. It is an essential resource for anyone writing about Holmes or Doyle, but only a lucky few have a complete collection. The eSHJ Archive version 2 contains PDFs of all 140 issues from inception in 1952 through Summer 2021, including the special supplements. It adds almost 20 years of PDFs since version 1, including color photos and art in recent issues. Contact <george.vanderburgh@gmail.com> to order it; files will be sent to you electronically in a ZIP folder. ($150.00 new purchasers, $50.00 upgrades from version 1)
A Masterpiece of Villainy by Ross E. Davies (ed.)
The latest BSI volume reproduces the manuscript for "The Norwood Builder" in full color. The sharp and easily readable handwritten pages are supplemented with detailed annotations comparing its text to published versions, along with a history of its writing. Other well-written essays cover a wide range of interesting topics. While a new binding style makes the book harder to open and read, the color reproductions and the quality of the essays make it one of the better volumes of this series. ($39.95 SRP; not on Amazon; see BSI website)
Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Illustrations Vol. 2 by Mike Foy
Featuring more than 420 illustrations by six artists from 1891-1922, this 8.5x11 inch hardcover typically has one enlarged illustration per page. Some are sharp while others are a bit fuzzy. Klinger's New Annotated includes many but not all of these illustrations, albeit at smaller sizes. Artists include Grinham, Gutschmidt, Hutchinson, Nichols, Pallier, and Twidle. With minimal text and minor errata, it is a coffee table book organized by artist and best for those wanting to browse an artist's Sherlockian illustrations. A more-expensive third volume with some color illustrations is available November 10. ($34.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $34.95)
Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects by Cathy Miranker and Glen Miranker
This is without question the finest catalogue of rare Sherlockiana ever produced. You can enjoy the more 200 color photos on their own, or delve into the fascinating backstories for each item. The 9x12 hardcover allows for large detailed photos while still being comfortable to hold and read. Some will treasure its beauty, others its reference value, but everyone interested in Holmes should have a copy. See my longer review as part of my exhibition summary with photos of some of the rarities. ($80.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $60.00)
My Scientific Methods by Dana Richards (ed.)
Science advanced rapidly in the Victorian era, and often played an important role in the Holmes stories. While forensic science is clearly central to the Canon, other areas including chemistry, engineering, anthropology and psychology all tie directly to the tales. Written for the layperson by experts in their fields, almost all of the essays are very good and will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Canon. A new binding style is adequate but tighter and not as deluxe as in prior BSI books. ($39.95 SRP; not on Amazon; see BSI website)
See also the current Year's Best Books About Holmes & Doyle and the Best Books About Holmes & Doyle from other years for more fine choices.
Or search just this website using Google for other reviews of authors or book titles:
This site first published its "Best of Year" reviews and recommendations in 2009. See the current Year's Best Sherlock Holmes books and movies and the Other Years' Best Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs. People just getting started with Holmes should see the best choices for new Sherlockians.
This page's 2022 list was first posted on October 30, 2022. New information for one item was added on November 3, 2022.
About Kindle and Other E-books
A Kindle version of most of these books is available, but I don't list the e-book or its price unless it's hard to find on Amazon. Typically the Kindle Edition will be listed in the Formats box to the right of a book's cover photo.
When a book is available in both print and e-text, I review the print edition.
Return to Holmes Fiction or to Books About Holmes & Doyle.
My choices are based on 30+ years of reading and collecting Sherlockiana. I'm a member of the Baker Street Irregulars, have written numerous Sherlockian articles, and have spoken about Conan Doyle rarities for conferences at Harvard and the University of Minnesota.
I limited the number of items in order to make this list easier and faster for people to use. Items released near the end of 2022 may not be on this list, so be sure to check my 2023 recommendations as well. And see these details on my selection process and criteria.
In most cases I've given both the U.S. suggested retail price (SRP) and the price at Amazon as of November 2022; those prices are of course subject to change.
The 10 Best Gifts for New Sherlock Holmes Fans
The Current Year's Best Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs / Blu-ray
Best Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs / Blu-ray from prior years
The 10 Best Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes Movies and DVDs
The Best Sherlock Holmes Stories
The Top 10 Quotes from the Sherlock Holmes stories
Other Top 10 Lists for Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle
Vers. 2.1bx-RN Original work
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Randall Stock. All Rights Reserved.