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The Best Sherlock Holmes Books, Movies, DVDs & More
By Randall Stock, October 31, 2024 (History)
There are hundreds of Holmes books, movies, and other Sherlockian items to consider. See the best choices for new fans, and a separate section with the best new items produced in 2024.
The Top 10 Gifts for New Sherlock Holmes Fans
| Category | # of Items |
|---|---|
| The Best Book of Sherlock Holmes Stories | 1 |
| More Stories of Sherlock Holmes | 2 |
| More by Conan Doyle | 1 |
| Holmes Movies | 2 |
| Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle | 4 |
| Free Bonus Items |
New in 2024: The Year's Best Sherlock Holmes Items
| Category | # of Items |
|---|---|
| New Holmes Fiction | 7 |
| New Holmes DVDs, Movies, and Related | 2 |
| New Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle | 4 |
Classic Sherlock Holmes Gifts for New Fans – The Essentials
The Best Sherlock Holmes Book for New Fans
For someone new to the Sherlock Holmes stories, the best place to start is by reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes followed by The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. These collections include the seven best Holmes short stories.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote 60 Holmes tales. These are available in at least 10 different complete collections, plus many other copies of individual books. Because most of the Holmes stories are out of copyright, there are numerous cheap, shoddy, or indifferent versions of the stories. However, there are a number of good-quality editions. Each has strengths and weaknesses. I've listed the ones that are the best for a new Holmes fan.
Best choice under $15 (12 stories, including 4 of the top 10 stories overall)
The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Leslie S. Klinger (ed.)
A classy and classic gift for anyone interested in Sherlock Holmes. The complete set includes all 60 original stories, accompanied by hundreds of illustrations and a wealth of notes by Klinger that explain the Victorian world and delve into the nuances of the tales. It consists of three large (10.4 x 9 inches) and heavy hardcover books. Some formats might only be available used, so check all the links below.
Best Complete Collection
Start with Volume 1 of the Short Stories, which has 24 stories including 7 of the top 10 Holmes tales. The printed version includes many illustrations and extensive annotations adjacent to the text, and so I think most users will find it more enjoyable than the e-book.
Slipcased Version of The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes
These hardcovers (as shown above) come with a handsome slipcase to display and protect the book when you're not reading it. However, you may only find used copies.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Oxford edition) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Richard Lancelyn Green (ed.)
Oxford paperback edition ($12.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $12.95)
If you want a paperback volume that's less expensive and easier to carry and hold, get this Oxford edition of The Adventures. It has 12 stories, including 4 of the top 10 Holmes tales. Conan Doyle expert Richard Lancelyn Green provides an excellent introduction and fine annotations that don't interfere with reading the story. It has no illustrations, but the overall quality of information and accurate text makes it the best paperback choice for a new fan.
The Amazon link above takes you to the Oxford paperback. Clicking other formats on that page can display different (non-Oxford) versions that I don't recommend. Get the version with a title page crediting Richard Lancelyn Green as the editor.
More Stories of Sherlock Holmes by Other Authors
There are more than a thousand Holmes or Holmes-related stories by other authors. Some of these "pastiches" are very good, but unfortunately many of them are marginal. Opinions of them diverge wildly, so I've just listed two (plus a bonus) that have been around for 30+ years and are especially notable.
The Exploits of Sherlock Holmes by Adrian Conan Doyle and John Dickson Carr
This book includes twelve short stories based on some of the untold tales in Sir Arthur's originals. The stories are written by his son and by noted mystery author John Dickson Carr. The book does not appear to be in print, but you will find some copies listed at Amazon US.
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer
On the New York Times bestseller list for more than
eight months, this classic sparked the Sherlock Holmes revival of the 1970s. We
learn the truth about Professor Moriarty, Holmes's cocaine addiction, and his
meeting with Sigmund Freud. A clever concept and brilliantly executed, Meyer
blends historical figures with Sherlockian insights and a bit of adventure.
The movie version on Blu-ray
is also nicely done and well worth watching.
($20.00 SRP;
Amazon US listing
$15.69)
Bonus: Almost Sherlock Holmes
The Solar Pons series by August Derleth
Set in London from 1919–1939, this spinoff version of Holmes features the detective Solar Pons, his partner Dr. Parker, a brother named Bancroft, and Mrs. Johnson the landlady. Highly recommended, with better stories, plots and puzzles than most Holmes pastiches.
Start with either the first or second book above. The Kindle versions are more affordable than the trade paperback. Or you can sometimes find used regular paperbacks at a lower price.
There are also other Solar Pons stories written by Basil Cooper and by David Marcum, but I have not read them. Marcum has published some excellent Holmes pastiches, and so after reading the Derleth tales, I'd try Marcum's Papers of Solar Pons.
More Stories by Conan Doyle
The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Conan Doyle's other classic creation took readers to a world of dinosaurs and adventure. It's a great adventure story and inspired numerous movies and books, including Jurassic Park. There are many basic paperback editions on Amazon. The best edition, now out of print, is the deluxe illustrated hardcover The Annotated Lost World edited by Roy Pilot and Alvin Rodin.
Holmes in the Movies
With his 2009 movie Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey, Jr. joined more than 70 actors who have played the great detective in over 200 films. That makes Holmes "the most portrayed literary human character" on screen according to Guinness World Records. New fans should see at least one of the top Rathbone films and one of the more recent depictions of Holmes noted below.
Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes
Rathbone is arguably the best-known Holmes of the movies. In part that's because he made 14 Holmes films, but it's also a reflection of his acting skill, his striking appearance, and the quality of at least some of these movies. All are on DVD, but there are many different versions. For extensive details, see my list of the Ten Best Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes Movies on DVD.
The best value for a new fan is a double-feature edition of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes / The Scarlet Claw. It gives you two of the top three Rathbone films, plus extras including audio commentary for both movies, a photo gallery, and a trailer for The Scarlet Claw. Ignore the color cover and Amazon details: these are in the original atmospheric black & white. ($19.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $9.53)
If you prefer a film based on a Holmes story, Rathbone's Hound of the Baskervilles is his second-best Holmes film and a reasonably faithful adaptation of Sherlock Holmes's most famous case. You can usually buy it in a special double-feature with the lower-rated Pursuit to Algiers for a few dollars more than the separate DVD version. The double-feature gets you an extra movie while the separate DVD has a nice booklet and might have a little better picture quality.
There is a Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection 5-DVD set for people who want a good deal on all 14 Rathbone movies. The Blu-ray version is not significantly better than the DVD version, so get the DVD set unless the Blu-ray is almost the same price.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in the 21st Century
Although not a movie, this new vision of Holmes in present-day London truly captures the sense and spirit of the Conan Doyle stories and characters. Sherlockians will delight in the clever use of elements from the originals, while casual viewers will enjoy the fast-paced modern mysteries and adventures. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman dazzle as Holmes and Watson. The two discs feature all three original uncut UK BBC episodes, which are each 8 minutes longer than the abridged versions shown by PBS in the USA. See my 2010 review of Sherlock: Season One for details on the disc Extras. The Blu-ray has the same content but in 1080i. Like the CSI TV series, some material might be too mature for children. ($34.98 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.37 DVD, Blu-ray/Multi-Format $20.95).
Series fans will also want to check out:
If instead you want a Victorian Holmes from the big screen, consider getting the 2010 release of the Robert Downey, Jr. Sherlock Holmes movie or my 2009 pick of Murder by Decree.
Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes Handbook: Second Edition by Christopher Redmond
This marvelous book offers the best introduction and general reference to the world of Sherlock Holmes. First get and read the original Conan Doyle stories – then get this book for a background to the tales and everything they've spawned. Besides covering all the stories, it discusses the characters, the themes, the movie and television versions, the Victorian era, Conan Doyle, and the entire Holmes phenomenon. It's an essential book if you don't have an annotated edition, and still useful even if you do have one. While there are other similar types of books, this one gets the facts right and is the best-written. Chris Redmond is a noted Sherlockian expert: be sure to get the 2009 second edition by him, not something by other authors with similar titles. ($32.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $24.00)
The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes: The Life and Times of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Andrew Lycett
This up-to-date, comprehensive biography of Conan Doyle is ideal for new fans and even seasoned Sherlockians. Lycett's careful research included access to the Conan Doyle archives, and unlike almost all other Conan Doyle biographies, it provides extensive source notes. ($32.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $26.39; also in hardcover)
Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters by Daniel Stashower, Jon Lellenberg, and Charles Foley
The first book of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's private letters provides a first-hand, unvarnished account of his life until 1920. See my detailed review of A Life in Letters. While a biography offers a broader view of his life and work, these letters reveal details of everyday life and give a more personal impression of Doyle the man. ($18.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.82; also in hardcover)
The Baker Street Journal / The Sherlock Holmes Journal
Anyone interested in Sherlock Holmes and Conan Doyle should consider subscribing to at least one of these two leading journals on the subject. The Baker Street Irregulars, an American literary society, has published The Baker Street Journal since 1946 and has an eBSJ 1946-2011 PDF Archive. The Sherlock Holmes Society of London publishes The Sherlock Holmes Journal and has an eSHJ 1952-2021 PDF Archive. To subscribe, see the BSI website and the SHSL website for details.
Free Sherlockian Newsletters
Peter E. Blau produces Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press, a monthly newsletter that is available in printed form or for free online via his Scuttlebutt web page. The newsletter of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, The District Messenger, is available free via email or online at the SHSL District Messenger webpage.
What's New in 2024: Top Holmes Gifts for Sherlockians
2024 Sherlock Holmes Books – Fiction
The year's best fictional Holmes books published in 2024. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices and E-books.
Prices as of November 2024; subject to change.
The Lantern's Dance by Laurie R. King
While Holmes deals with a threat to his son in France, Mary Russell decodes a journal with secrets involving Holmes's granduncle. King ties together many threads from the Sherlockian Canon and her prior 17 Mary Russell novels. Series newcomers should start at the beginning with The Beekeeper's Apprentice. The Holmes chapters in this latest volume are quite good, but series fans may prefer a more active Russell. King's fluid style is always appealing. ($28.99 SRP; Amazon Amazon US listing $19.99)
Sherlock Holmes and Dorian Gray by Christian Klaver
An extraordinary circus with performers dressed as half-human Egyptian gods leads Holmes into a case involving Dorian Gray and other classic Victorian characters. The story offers solid action and adventure, although a few plot holes and anachronisms hamper the second half. Klaver began this series with an excellent volume featuring Holmes and Dracula, and it provides essential background for this ongoing mash-up of Holmes with Victorian monsters and science fiction. ($25.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $24.17)
Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell by Nicholas Meyer
In the middle of World War I, Holmes must track down a telegram that could help Germany win the war. Meyer ably uses real people and real events in this espionage adventure. Those real events do constrain the story, and a bit more editing could have strengthened it. However, Meyer excels at depicting the Holmes-Watson relationship, and provides a touching view of the aging comrades. His brilliant and groundbreaking Seven-Per-Cent Solution is the best place to start reading his pastiches, although you can read them in any order. ($26.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $24.26)
Golden Age Whodunits by Otto Penzler (ed.)
Classic mysteries often focused on "whodunit," and this collection of 15 stories makes for very good reading. Mostly puzzle-type mysteries that are pretty clever, they include a wide range of setups, plots, and characters. All the stories get at least a B+, and half get an A or A+. Anthony Boucher and Stuart Palmer provide fine contributions, with very good stories by Ellery Queen, C. Daly King, Mary Roberts Rinehart, and Melville Davisson Post. A few of the stories are very dated but still enjoyable. While there are no Holmes tales, a number of the writers were BSI members, and the introductions to each story by BSI and crime fiction expert Otto Penzler add to the enjoyment. ($15.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $15.95)
The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
Inspired by reading the Holmes stories, four kids and a grandfather in Miami form the Sherlock Society Detective Agency. Their search for the long-lost treasure of Al Capone takes them to the Everglades, where they find yet another mystery to investigate. While written for a younger audience, this much older Sherlockian found it to be a lot of fun. Clever puzzles, quirky characters, and plenty of humor make this a must-read for all ages. ($18.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $16.99)
Holmes and Moriarty by Gareth Rubin
A conspiracy forces Holmes and Moriarty to work together. Watson and Colonel Moran use very different styles to narrate alternating chapters, and the Moran chapters are quite entertaining. Some parts of the story are very good, while others are rather weak. Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz is a better overall book about Holmes's nemesis, but Rubin provides lots of action and some good deductions in this imaginative take on the Holmes universe. ($23.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $19.78)
The Gentleman Burglar by Sam Siciliano
Holmes and the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin try to find a long-lost treasure in France. Sicliano uses elements from the 1909 Lupin novel The Hollow Needle and also draws on Jules Verne. A French cousin of Holmes narrates the tale. That simplifies some of the plotting, but one does miss Dr. Watson. It's a solid mashup, with the first half of the story as an engaging pastiche of Holmes and Lupin before it veers into more of a science fiction adventure. ($16.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $14.29)
See also the Best 2023 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:
2024 Sherlock Holmes DVDs, Blu-ray Movies, and Related
The year's best DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, videos, movie-related and audio items released in
2024. More About the
Choices.
See also the two best Holmes movies for new fans above. Prices as of November 2024; subject to change.
Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace Starring Christopher Lee (Blu-ray)
Professor Moriarty steals Cleopatra's necklace in a case that also borrows from The Valley of Fear. Lee provides a solid performance as Holmes, and Thorley Walters is a reasonable Watson, although often in the bumbling mode of Nigel Bruce. This 1962 German production dubbed the movie in both German and English without using Lee or Walters. The English dubs are adequate, but you don't get to hear Lee's compelling and recognizable voice. This Blu-ray includes English and German audio as well as optional English and German subtitles. (Before playing the movie, choose Setup and select your language and subtitle preferences. Be sure to set English subtitles to Off if you don't want them on-screen.) The black and white film looks very good indeed with a first-rate transfer that preserves fine details. Extras include an audio commentary, an interview with the director, and a very good 26-minute presentation about the director. Many elements, including structure, plot and setting, reminded me of a Rathbone Holmes movie from the 1940s. That certainly makes it worth watching, and it's now easy to get with this first authorized disc in the U.S.A. ($29.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $22.99 Blu-ray)
Sherlock Holmes Starring Peter Cushing (Blu-ray 2-Disc Special Edition)
After the success of their 1964-65 Holmes series with Douglas Wilmer, the BBC commissioned a 1968 TV series starring Peter Cushing and Nigel Stock. They produced 16 episodes in color, but only 6 survive. Made for TV on a mix of videotape and film, some shots appear sharp and colorful while others look faded or slightly fuzzy. The overall picture quality is reasonable for a 1960s TV show. The video and audio of this Blu-ray is comparable to the earlier DVD release. That DVD set did not offer subtitles, but did include a nice A&E Biography episode about Holmes that featured David Burke. This Blu-ray has optional English subtitles, audio commentaries for each episode, an illustrated audio interview with Cushing, and an 8-minute "lost segments" featurette with brief clips from six of the lost episodes. Cushing is quite good as Holmes, with a performance that is believable but subdued compared to Jeremy Brett. The 2-part Hound is the best of set, but I especially enjoyed the rarely-adapted Study in Scarlet. ($34.95 SRP; Amazon US listing $28.37 Blu-ray)
Special Consideration
While not new releases, the following offer special values to consider this year:
Sherlock Holmes Collection Starring Robert Downey Jr. (Blu-ray)
Released 15 years ago, Downey's first Holmes movie got blockbuster treatment, with high production values and lots of action and spectacle. A 2011 sequel earned even more at the box office. Both are better on a second or third viewing, where you notice plot points and performances that sometimes get overwhelmed in the theater. Downey and Jude Law have terrific chemistry, and Jared Harris gives a strong performance as Moriarty in the sequel. Amazon has a great deal on the 2009 movie in new packaging (Amazon US listing $9.99 Blu-ray). You can also get both movies together at a low price, but the combo pack seems to be a single disc and it's not clear if it has the same picture quality and all the extras from the separate offerings (Amazon US listing $15.24 Blu-ray combo)
See also the Best 2023 Holmes DVDs and 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:
2024 Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle
The year's best books about Holmes or Conan Doyle published in 2024. Listed in order by author; more About the Choices and E-books.
See also the best books about Holmes & Conan Doyle for new fans above. Prices as of November 2024; subject to change.
Sherlock Holmes and the British Empire by Ross E. Davies (ed.)
Conference collections like this can be hit or miss. Fortunately, this one is almost all hits, with only a couple misses. The conference's broad theme allowed for both Sherlockian and Doylean material. Everyone should find at least a few papers that will appeal to them. Many cover new or little-discussed topics. Unlike prior BSI conference books, this one is profusely illustrated and includes a recap of the event. Like the conference itself, this volume is supremely well-executed. ($29.95 SRP; not on Amazon, see the BSI website)
Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party by Edward Dolnick
Conan Doyle famously brought dinosaurs to life in The Lost World. Dolnick discusses what it was like when people first learned about the great lizards. While touching on paleontology and fossils, he focuses on history and Victorian culture rather than science. This entertaining volume is full of interesting people, amusing anecdotes and surprising factoids. Written with wit and humor, it provides a background to the culture and philosophies that would influence Doyle's work. ($30.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $22.79)
Clutches of a Fiend by Steven T. Doyle (ed.)
Conan Doyle rated "The Illustrious Client" as one of the six best Holmes stories, and its manuscript reveals some surprising revisions. An annotated transcription and a history of the story accompany the full-color manuscript reproduction. Interesting essays delve into some of the gritty parts of this post-Victorian tale. While the binding is less than ideal, this remains a book you should add to your collection. ($44.95 SRP; not on Amazon, see the BSI website)
The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum by Margalit Fox
Called a "female Moriarty," Fredericka Mandelbaum was a criminal mastermind who organized bank robbers, housebreakers and shoplifters to supply her business of selling stolen goods. Like her excellent book on Conan Doyle and Oscar Slater, Fox goes beyond just Mandelbaum to provide the context and background for crime in America during the last half of the 1800s. She tells great stories of colorful criminals and lawyers, backed up with contemporary newspaper reports and extensive sourcing. Her footnotes are full of fascinating details, so it's easier to read the printed book rather than the Kindle version. ($32.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $19.79)
See also the Best 2023 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 all the previous best Holmes books and DVDs / Blu-ray selections. People just getting started with Holmes should see the best choices for new Sherlockians at the top of the current page.
This page's 2024 list was first posted on October 31, 2024.
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.
The good news for people interested in Sherlock Holmes is that there are so many books and related items beyond the original 60 tales. The bad news is there are so many items – how do you choose what to get? I've tried to simplify things by highlighting the best material for a new Sherlockian, and the best new items for long-time Sherlockians.
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.
Selection criteria include my personal evaluation, other reviews, and price/value considerations. I read numerous Sherlockian publications for recommended new material and try to examine their top choices. For very new or unpublished items, I try to get advance copies or enough information to render a judgment. However, in order to publish this review before the holidays, items released after October 15 are usually evaluated for next year's list.
I've found all the items on this page to be enjoyable and/or useful, and place them among the best in their category. They've also received strong positive reviews from Sherlockian and/or general publications. Finally, in selecting items I consider both quality and price/value.
I limit the number of items in order to make this list easier and faster for people to use. However, that does mean there are some very good items that didn't quite make my list. And it's possible that I simply didn't get a chance to evaluate some 2024 items – feel free to send me email if you think there is something that should be on the list.
In most cases I've given both the U.S. suggested retail price (SRP) and the price at Amazon as of November 2024; those prices are of course subject to change.
The Best 2023 Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs / Blu-ray
All Prior Year's Best Sherlock Holmes books and DVDs / Blu-ray
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. 2.1mx-RN Original work
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Randall Stock. All Rights Reserved.