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The Best Sherlock Holmes Books, Movies, DVDs & More
By Randall Stock, October 29, 2026 (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 2026.
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 2026: The Year's Best Sherlock Holmes Items
| Category | # of Items |
|---|---|
| New Holmes Fiction | 5 |
| New Holmes DVDs, Movies, and Related | 4 |
| New Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle | 5 |
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 the Holmes stories are out of copyright, there are numerous cheap, shoddy, or indifferent versions of them. 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 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 versions that I don't recommend. Get the version with a title page crediting Richard Lancelyn Green as the editor.
The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Leslie S. Klinger (ed.)
This wonderful collection is no longer in print, but if you don't need it to be brand-new, consider getting used copies if you can find them at an affordable price. 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.
These were sold both as separate volumes and in slipcases. You can use the Amazon links below to look for used copies, or check used bookstores and eBay.
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.
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
$17.73)
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. Warning: the link takes you to Amazon's double-feature page, but Amazon also lists other DVDs on that page that are not the double-feature and that are not recommended. ($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 newer vision of Holmes in present-day London truly captures the sense and spirit of the Conan Doyle stories and characters, especially in Season One. 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 $9.00 DVD, Blu-ray/Multi-Format $11.48).
You can also see my reviews for:
Looking for a bigger and better BBC Sherlock gift? I have not personally examined it, but there is a BBC Sherlock Complete Series on Blu-ray set on Amazon US for $49.89.
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 the 2025 Special Edition Blu-ray 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 $25.62)
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 $18.85; 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. ($30.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $18.00; 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 produced the 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 2026: Top Holmes Gifts for Sherlockians
2026 Sherlock Holmes Books – Fiction
The year's best fictional Holmes books published in 2026. Listed in order by author, see also About the Choices and E-books.
Prices as of November 2026; subject to change.
The Return of Moriarty by Jack Anderson
What might have happened if Holmes had died at Reichenbach and Moriarty had survived? With his criminal empire in ruins, Moriarty relies on his wits and his ruthlessness to build a new life. The very twisty plot includes many surprises and some good puzzles. Anderson borrows a key element from another famous mystery and switches narrators too often, but overall it's a reasonable mystery and a nice change from mediocre Holmes pastiches. A sequel The Mark of Moriarty will be published Nov. 11. ($29.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $23.91)
The Devil in the Details by Vicki Delany
Wherever Gemma Doyle goes, it seems like someone is murdered. This time it happens at a pre-wedding party for her friend Jayne Wilson. Gemma, owner of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop, once again finds the killer. Like the others in this "cozy" mystery series, it mixes detection with humor along with some Sherlockian and bookstore references. Newcomers might want to start with an earlier volume like A Scandal in Scarlet to see how the characters evolve. ($29.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $21.95)
The Final Problem by Arturo Pérez-Reverte
Ormond Basil, an actor who played Holmes in 15 movies, is dragged into solving a locked-room murder on an isolated Greek island in 1960. This delightful homage to Holmes and old Hollywood is also an excellent mystery, with good clues and deductions and two fine locked-room puzzles. Its many allusions and meta elements are extremely well-done, adding to the enjoyment while not dominating. A near-perfect entertainment, it is a must-read for all Sherlockians and everyone who likes golden age mysteries. ($29.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $15.99)
Art Attack by James Ponti
Four middle school kids and a grandfather formed the Sherlock Society Detective Agency in present-day Miami. They now embark on their third adventure: finding a famous but anonymous local graffiti artist. This outstanding series began with The Sherlock Society (2024). Read that first: it sets up the characters and has more Sherlockian references. Their latest adventure is fast-paced and fun, with clever plot twists and plenty of humor. This series would be a great gift for ages 8-12, but the stories are so well-written that adults will enjoy them as well. ($18.99 SRP; Amazon US listing $18.99)
Enola Holmes and the Clanging Coffin by Nancy Springer
While other writers have tried to capitalize on the success of the Enola Holmes concept, Springer still outshines them all. This time the slightly awkward teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes rescues a prematurely-buried young woman, and helps to uncover her past. Sherlockians will enjoy how this story blends into and builds on an original Holmes tale. My quibble with the book is that it really needed some drawings to clarify the Fibonacci math clues. Read the entire series in order, starting with The Missing Marquess. Springer excels at blending history and mystery with a delightful main character. ($14.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $10.50 paperback)
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
It's not new and has only a very tenuous Sherlock connection, but if you also enjoy science fiction or fantasy, try the first book in this outstanding urban fantasy series involving private investigator and wizard Harry Dresden. Set largely in present-day Chicago, Dresden is a consultant to the police department and assists with cases that might involve the supernatural. Although Butcher's other series don't have the same mystery investigator component, they might be even better. Start with Furies of Calderon for a more traditional fantasy series (now complete) or The Aeronaut's Windlass for a steampunk-inspired series. ($30.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $19.16 )
See also the Best 2025 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:
2026 Sherlock Holmes DVDs, Blu-ray Movies, and Related
The year's best DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, videos, movie-related and audio items released in
2026. More About the
Choices.
See also the two best Holmes movies for new fans above. Prices as of November 2026; subject to change.
Streaming versus Discs
While streaming is convenient, video and audio quality can be inconsistent. With discs, you get reliable quality and you own the content. You pay once and can watch it whenever and wherever you want. You can loan a disc to friend, or sell it. Streaming companies can edit or remove the show, or restrict access to it. Many discs include extras that add to your experience, and discs are almost always a better value. I choose and review discs whenever possible. However, with no compelling new DVDs or Blu-rays this year, I decided to include streaming options.
Young Sherlock Starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin (Amazon Prime Video)
The 1985 movie Young Sherlock Holmes involved Holmes and Watson at boarding school in a sort of precursor to Harry Potter. Guy Ritchie took a new approach to Holmes with his two Robert Downey movies, and this new series about a teenage Holmes at Oxford in the 1870s shows many similar touches. This stylish and action-packed adventure features an outstanding and charismatic cast. It looks great, and the costume design is wonderful. The plot includes some nice twists but at times loses plausibility, and the ending is a mixed bag. Despite that, the cast and overall production make this eight-episode season enjoyable, and the next season is in the works. Unfortunately it is not available on disc as of October 24. If you don't have Amazon Prime, in the USA you can get a month of standalone Amazon Prime Video for $8.99 (and I recommend adding Prime Video Ultra for $4.99 to remove ads). You also get to watch other shows on Prime during the 30-day period, and it is easy to cancel before day 30. (Amazon Prime Video)
Enola Holmes 3 Starring Millie Bobby Brown (Netflix)
The first Enola Holmes movie was excellent. Millie Bobby Brown made an ideal Enola, Henry Cavill was a surprisingly reasonable Sherlock, and the film really captured the spirit and essence of the books. The sequel was good but weaker. It is not adapted from an Enola book and loses some of the first movie's magic. Enola Holmes 3 is merely ok but nothing special, with a plot and characters that feel even less like the books. The films would be worth buying on disc, but don't get Netflix just for Enola. Netflix has become another privacy-invading corporate data harvester, and treats people more like criminals than customers. If you do sign-up, getting the "no ads" plan will reduce but not eliminate Netflix tracking. (Netflix)
The Final Problem Starring José Coronado (Netflix)
This fine Spanish adaptation of the top-rated novel features a stylish setting, appealing actors, and a twisty plot. Unlike Young Sherlock and the Enola movies, this 3-hour miniseries is a traditional whodunnit that emphasizes mystery and characters rather than action. You can choose English audio dubbing, which is clear and reasonable, and/or English subtitles. The book offers more Sherlockiana and a bit more depth on the characters and puzzles. I read the novel first and still enjoyed the miniseries despite knowing the solution. As noted above, subscribing to Netflix comes with downsides. (Netflix)
Watson: Season Two Starring Morris Chestnut (Paramount+)
The first season of Watson, a medical mystery series, featured strong performances by Morris Chestnut (Watson), Rochelle Aytes (Mary Morstan) and Ritchie Coster (Shinwell Johnson), and these continue in season two, albeit with Coster missing from some episodes. Robert Carlyle is a new highlight when he joins as Sherlock Holmes in a recurring role. The second season is better than the first, but House, M.D. is a more entertaining medical series, and the crime procedural Elementary offers many more Sherlockian treats. With CBS now cancelling Watson, it seems unlikely that the 20-episode season two will appear on disc. I watched it on CBS, but have not viewed the streaming version. You can get Paramount+ for free with Walmart+, or a 7-day free trial via Amazon Prime Video.
See also the Best 2025 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:
2026 Books About Holmes & Conan Doyle
The year's best books about Holmes or Conan Doyle published in 2026. 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 2026; subject to change.
The Sherlock Holmes Society of London 75th Anniversary
This lavishly illustrated volume celebrates the society's resurrection in 1951. It provides an excellent overview of the group's founding, its publications, and its activities and excursions. The oversized (12 x 8.5 inches) 78-page volume features numerous color photos with informative captions. Like a coffee table book, many of the pages are primarily devoted to photos. See the 1951 Sherlock Holmes Exhibition website for more about that associated event, but get this book for broader coverage of the Society. (£30.00 SRP; not on Amazon, see the SHSL website)
The Murder Game by John Curran
Curran examines the "fair play" mystery that dominated the genre from 1920 to 1945, including the "rules for mysteries" created by Knox and Van Dine. He includes some interesting references to Conan Doyle, but that is not his focus. As someone who greatly enjoys the puzzle aspects of mysteries, the topic is interesting and Curran provides extensive examples and citations. However, this is not an introductory guide and those examples often include spoilers, which can be problematic given the twisty surprises in many of these mysteries. ($30.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $16.99)
Regulation & Imagination ("One Crowded Hour") by Ross E. Davies (ed.)
Despite a rather obscure title, this volume provides a color facsimile of Conan Doyle's manuscript for his short story "One Crowded Hour." It also includes a transcription and a history of the manuscript, a full reproduction of the story as published in The Strand Magazine, and a number of essays about topics related to the story. These essays are quite good, and Geisser's history of Conan Doyle's involvement with automobiles and Behren's manuscript history are especially rewarding. Unlike BSI manuscript volumes, it is a paperback, but at 8.5 x 11 inches, it is larger than the BSI books and its photos (including the manuscript) often look sharper. However, the BSI places an annotated transcription facing each manuscript page, which is more useful and provides more information. While the story itself is less compelling than a Holmes tale, this first-rate facsimile is well worth getting both for the manuscript and for the informative essays. ($50.00 SRP including postage; not on Amazon, see the Green Bag website)
Sleuth-Hound by Lindsey Fitzharris
Conan Doyle based Sherlock Holmes primarily on Dr. Joe Bell, a surgeon with what Fitzharris calls "superhuman diagnostic methods." Bell worked with police surgeon Henry Duncan Littlejohn on high-profile murder cases, including the Ardlamont mystery. Fitzharris mixes biography, the history of forensics, and various real murder cases to tell an engaging story that should appeal to both Sherlockians and true-crime fans. ($30.00 SRP; Amazon US listing $26.40)
Irregular Chronicles of the Early 'Fifties by Julie McKuras and Bill Mason
After a 25-year hiatus, the BSI resumes the archival history series pioneered by the late Jon Lellenberg. While the early volumes featured hard-to-find records, the BSI digitized their archives and posted them online via the BSI Trust website more than 10 years ago. With many of the primary sources now readily available, the main value of this volume is the larger narrative that provides additional context to those records. It has a larger format (10 x 7 inches) than prior volumes and includes more photos, some in color. The authors tell the story well, although more specific references and footnotes would have helped future researchers. That's especially true since some errors inevitably sneak in, like identifying a Steele drawing as the Slathering Hound. ($34.95 SRP; not on Amazon, see the BSI website)
See also the Best 2025 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:
History
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 2026 list was first posted on October 29, 2026.
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 the page.
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.
About the Choices
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 2026 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 2026; those prices are of course subject to change.
The Best 2025 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. 2.2bx-RN Original work
Copyright ©2026
Randall Stock. All Rights Reserved.