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Best 2023 Sherlock Holmes Books, Movies, DVDs, & More
By Randall Stock, October 31, 2023 (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 2023. 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 2023: Top Holmes Items
| Category | # of Items |
|---|---|
| 2023 Holmes Fiction | 5 |
| 2023 Holmes DVDs, Movies, and Related | 2 |
| 2023 Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle | 3 |
Newer Recommended Sherlockiana and the Best Holmes books, DVDs, & Blu-Ray from other years
Best 2023 Sherlock Holmes Books – Fiction
The year's best fictional Holmes books published in 2023. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices and E-books.
Prices as of November 2023; subject to change.
Sherlock Holmes and Mr Hyde by Christian Klaver
Dr. Jekyll asks Holmes to exonerate Mr. Edward Hyde, who is a suspect in a series of brutal Ripper-style murders. Like the TV series Penny Dreadful, Klaver brings together classic monsters and characters in fundamentally new stories. His first Holmes book with Count Dracula is excellent and provides essential background for the Hyde novel, so I suggest reading his Dracula book first. Klaver includes a more rational layer to the monster/vampire mythos that lifts the tales above simplistic supernatural fantasy. ($16.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $16.95)
Sherlock Holmes and The Highgate Horrors by James Lovegrove
Lovegrove concludes his 4-volume Holmes- Cthulhu crossover series by filling in some gaps from his prior books, notably those involving Irene Adler. He again explores the macabre events that presumably inspired Watson's more mundane accounts like "The Illustrious Client" and several other Canonical stories. I particularly enjoyed his tale of madness and murder in the Arctic even though it is more Doylean than Sherlockian. The mix of supernatural and science fantasy should appeal to fans of those genres, while his earlier Christmas mystery is more geared to traditional Sherlockians. ($22.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $22.93)
Golden Age Bibliomysteries by Otto Penzler (ed.)
BSI and crime fiction expert Otto Penzler presents 14 mysteries involving the world of books. Stories by Anthony Boucher, James Gould Cozzens, C. Daly King, and Cornell Woolrich are excellent, and seven others get a grade of at least "A-". The anthology's first story is the weakest, so keep reading. The only Holmes tale is Starrett's widely reprinted "Unique Hamlet," but mystery lovers should enjoy this strong wide-ranging collection. Penzler's introduction to each story makes them even more interesting. ($27.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $20.35)
Sherlock Holmes - The Monster of the Mere by Philip Purser-Hallard
Holmes and Watson investigate a bizarre death in 1899 that might involve a legendary monster. This intensely atmospheric tale with reasonably authentic Watson style is more of an adventure-thriller than a mystery. The suspense builds nicely after a slow opening, although the resolution stretches plausibility. Parts of the story remind you of the Hound and of the Lost World. Last year's Masters of Lies by Purser-Hallard provided a very different type of Holmes story with an excellent plot twist. ($15.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.68)
Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer
A young American publisher disappears in London, and Enola must use all her resources to prevent a terrible death. While Sherlock and his slightly awkward teenage sister help each other with the investigation, the story centers on Enola. You can enjoy this book on its own, but it's even better if you read the entire series in order starting with The Missing Marquess. Springer's blend of action and history in a fast-paced adventure is hard to beat. ($20.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $20.00)
Holmes Coming by Kenneth Johnson
While it sometimes shows its roots in the 1993 TV movie that Johnson wrote, this novel gets included as one of the year's best books and fits in both the fiction and movie-related categories. See the entry below for my review of Holmes Coming.
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 2023 Sherlock Holmes DVDs, Blu-ray Movies, and Related
The year's best DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, videos, movie-related and audio items released in 2023. See also About the Choices.
Prices as of November 2023; subject to change.
Holmes Coming by Kenneth Johnson
After putting himself into suspended animation in 1899, Holmes awakens in 2022 San Francisco and faces new challenges in this novelization update of Johnson's 1993 TV movie Sherlock Holmes Returns. His premise works even better now that Holmes must deal with smartphones, the Internet and the social changes of the past 30 years. Johnson's clever use of the original Holmes in modern times makes for a fun and diverting story that nicely incorporates many elements of the Canon. ($25.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $18.69)
Conan Doyle: Mystery and Adventure by Mark Jones
Before he worked on the 1980s Holmes TV series with Jeremy Brett, John Hawkesworth developed a 1960s BBC2 series featuring non-Sherlockian stories by Conan Doyle. Mark Jones uses the BBC archives and Hawkesworth's papers to recount the history and afterlife of this "lost" series and key points in Hawkesworth's life. It has little Sherlockian material, but should appeal to Doyleans and those interested in TV production. ($35.00 SRP; not on Amazon; see Lulu or the UK publisher website)
Special Consideration
While not new releases, the following choices offer special values to consider this year:
Elementary: The Complete Series Starring Jonny Lee Miller (DVD)
With its consistently excellent writing and first-rate performances, Elementary stands far above the typical TV show. Its mix of strong character development with superior puzzles and twisty plots makes it a pleasure to watch. In 2019, CBS PR confirmed the Complete Series includes all 154 episodes on 39 DVDs, plus one more disc of extras that was previously available only at Target as a bonus disc with Season 1. A 2020 repackaged version is available from Amazon at a reduced price, making it a great value. ($86.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $54.44)
They Might Be Giants Starring George C. Scott (Blu-ray)
A retired judge in 1970s New York believes he is Sherlock Holmes and is placed under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Mildred Watson. While not a traditional Holmes mystery, Scott and Joanne Woodward are terrific actors in this offbeat movie. I have an older DVD, but this Blu-ray features several extra minutes not seen in theaters, English subtitles, and an 8-minute featurette at a reduced price from Amazon. Be sure to get the 2019 Special Edition Blu-ray version which works on standard USA disc players. ($29.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $19.99)
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 2023 Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle
The year's best books about Holmes or Conan Doyle published in 2023. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices and E-books.
Prices as of November 2023; subject to change.
The Haven Horror by Phillip G. Bergem (ed.)
This BSI book features a full-color reproduction of the manuscript of “The Retired Colourman” along with a precise transcription, detailed annotations, and the history of the manuscript. Essays on artificial limbs, the telephone, illustrations for the story, and a wide range of other topics will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the tale. ($39.95 SRP; not on Amazon, see the BSI website)
Stimulating Medicine by Robert S. Katz and Andrew L. Solberg (eds.)
Medicine plays a defining role in the Holmes stories. Conan Doyle trained as a physician, modeled Holmes on Dr. Joseph Bell, and used Dr. Watson as the narrator of the tales. This sequel to Nerve and Knowledge covers new topics with medical connections to the Canon. A few contributors return to this volume, but the 21 essays offer many new perspectives. ($39.95 SRP; not on Amazon, see the BSI website)
The Worlds of Sherlock Holmes by Andrew Lycett
Lycett mixes history, biography, and fandom in this uniquely appealing volume. Known for his outstanding Conan Doyle biography, he also produced a fine collection of Conan Doyle’s travel writings. Now Lycett explores the environment and influences that shaped Holmes originally and in later stage/screen adaptations and pastiches. He treats Holmes and Conan Doyle evenly, finding just the right balance between playing the game and actual history. Lycett also includes pictures on every page, many in color. This makes the book an excellent choice both for casual browsing or for more in-depth reading. ($32.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $27.98)
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 2023 list was first posted on October 31, 2023.
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 2023 may not be on this list, so be sure to check my 2024 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 2023; 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. 2.1ax-RN Original work
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Randall Stock. All Rights Reserved.