The Most Popular Sherlock Holmes Book, Ranked

Choose the book you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:49
Sherlock Holmes, the iconic detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been a beloved character in the literary world for generations. With numerous adventures capturing the essence of Victorian detective work, fans often discuss which of these stories stands out as the most enthralling. Ranking these books helps new and old readers alike find consensus on which adventures are deemed essential. By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic and community-driven ranking. This not only aids others in discovering which Sherlock Holmes books may suit their taste but also adds your voice to a larger community of enthusiasts. Whether a seasoned admirer or a curious newcomer, your vote matters in shaping the collective opinion and guiding the unacquainted towards the best of Holmes’ exploits.

What Is the Most Popular Sherlock Holmes Book?

  1. 1
    72
    votes
    The Hound of the Baskervilles
    Sidney Paget · Public domain

    The Hound of the Baskervilles

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    This novel is widely considered to be one of the best Sherlock Holmes stories ever written. It has a compelling plot, a memorable villain, and a spooky setting that captures readers' imaginations. The novel is also notable for featuring Holmes at his most analytical and Holmesian, as he puts his deductive skills to the test to solve a seemingly supernatural mystery.
    The Hound of the Baskervilles is a detective novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and is one of the most popular Sherlock Holmes books. It was first published in 1902 and is set in Dartmoor, England. The story follows Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson as they investigate the mysterious deaths surrounding the cursed Baskerville family. The novel is known for its Gothic atmosphere, gripping plot, and iconic characters.
    • Publication Year: 1902
    • Genre: Detective fiction
    • Setting: Dartmoor, England
    • Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson
    • Themes: Mystery, superstition, family curse
    The Hound of the Baskervilles in other rankings
  2. 2
    25
    votes
    A Study in Scarlet
    Arthur Conan Doyle · Public domain

    A Study in Scarlet

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    This is the first novel to feature Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, and it introduces readers to the iconic detective and his methods. The novel is notable for its intricate plot, which involves a murder in London and a backstory set in the American West.
    A Study in Scarlet is the first novel featuring the iconic character Sherlock Holmes. It was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and published in 1887. The story is set in London and revolves around the murder of a man found in an abandoned house. The book introduces the brilliant detective Holmes and his trusted companion Dr. John Watson, who team up to solve the mysterious crime. A Study in Scarlet is known for its intricate plot, engaging storytelling, and the introduction of Holmes' unique deductive reasoning. The novel also provides insight into the early life of Holmes, his eccentricities, and his methods of investigation.
    • Genre: Mystery, Detective fiction
    • Publication Date: 1887
    • Setting: London, England
    • Detective: Sherlock Holmes
    • Sidekick: Dr. John Watson
  3. 3
    15
    votes

    The Sign of Four

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    This novel features Holmes and Watson investigating a complex case involving stolen treasure, a secret pact, and a mysterious woman. The novel is notable for its richly detailed descriptions of Victorian London and for the chemistry between Holmes and Watson.
    The Sign of Four is a detective novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and featuring his famous detective character Sherlock Holmes. It was first published in 1890 and is considered one of the most popular books in the Sherlock Holmes series.
    • Publication Year: 1890
    • Genre: Detective fiction
    • Setting: London, England
    • Protagonist: Sherlock Holmes
    • Supporting Characters: Dr. John Watson, Mary Morstan, Jonathan Small
    The Sign of Four in other rankings
  4. 4
    33
    votes
    The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
    ΛΦΠ · Public domain

    The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    This collection of short stories features some of the most iconic cases solved by Holmes and Watson, including "A Scandal in Bohemia," "The Red-Headed League," and "The Speckled Band." The stories are notable for their intricate plots, vivid descriptions, and memorable characters.
    The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of twelve short stories featuring the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson. These stories were written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and were originally published between 1891 and 1892.
    • Publication Date: 1891-1892
    • Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction
    • Setting: Late 19th-century London, England
    • Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson
    • Narrative Style: First-person (Watson's point of view)
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
    Rtrace · Public domain

    The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    This collection of short stories features some of the most famous cases solved by Holmes and Watson, including "The Adventure of the Final Problem," in which Holmes faces off against his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty. The stories are notable for their complex plots, vivid descriptions, and emotional depth.
    The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of short stories featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was first published in 1894 and is considered one of the most popular books in the Sherlock Holmes series.
    • Publication Year: 1894
    • Genre: Detective fiction
    • Number of Stories: 11
    • Narrative Style: First-person perspective by Dr. John Watson
    • Setting: Late 19th-century England
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    This collection of short stories features Holmes returning from the dead to solve new cases with Watson. The stories are notable for their intricate plots, memorable characters, and the psychological depth of Holmes and Watson's relationship.
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    The Valley of Fear
    Arthur I. Keller · Public domain

    The Valley of Fear

    Arthur Conan Doyle
    This novel features Holmes and Watson investigating a murder that seems to be linked to a secret society in America. The novel is notable for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and the way it explores the darker side of human nature.
    The Valley of Fear is a detective novel featuring Sherlock Holmes written by Arthur Conan Doyle. It was originally serialized in Strand Magazine from September 1914 to May 1915 and later published as a book in 1915.
    • Length: Approximately 104,000 words
    • Publication Date: 1915
    • Genre: Detective Fiction
    • Setting: England, United States
    • Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    His Last Bow
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

    His Last Bow

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    This collection of short stories features Holmes and Watson solving cases during World War I. The stories are notable for their historical context, vivid descriptions, and the way they show Holmes adapting to changing times.
    His Last Bow is a collection of seven Sherlock Holmes short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It was originally published in September 1917. The stories follow the adventures of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson. The title story, 'His Last Bow', takes place during World War I and marks Holmes' final appearance. The collection is known for its thrilling mysteries, clever deductions, and intricate plot twists.
    • Publication Date: September 1917
    • Number of Stories: 7
    • Setting: London, England and various locations
    • Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson
    • Theme: Mystery and Detective Fiction
  9. 9
    4
    votes

    The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
    This collection of short stories features some of the most complex and challenging cases ever faced by Holmes and Watson, including "The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire" and "The Adventure of the Creeping Man." The stories are notable for their intricate plots, vivid descriptions, and the way they showcase Holmes's deductive prowess.
    The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of twelve short stories featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The stories were first published in 1927 and are considered the final adventures of Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson. The collection includes some of Holmes' most intriguing and complex cases, showcasing his exceptional deductive reasoning and attention to detail.
    • Publication Year: 1927
    • Number of Stories: 12
    • Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction
    • Setting: Late 19th and early 20th century London
    • Protagonist: Sherlock Holmes
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    This is a comprehensive collection of all of the Sherlock Holmes novels and short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It includes all of the novels listed above, as well as dozens of other short stories and novellas. This collection is notable for its breadth and depth, as well as its status as the definitive collection of Sherlock Holmes stories.
    Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories is a collection that brings together all the 56 short stories and 4 novels featuring the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The collection is a comprehensive and authoritative edition that provides readers with a complete immersion into the world of Sherlock Holmes.
    • Publication Date: 1887-1927
    • Genre: Detective fiction
    • Setting: Late 19th to early 20th century England
    • Protagonist: Sherlock Holmes
    • Sidekick: Dr. John Watson

Missing your favorite book?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular book

  1. Sales figures
    The number of copies sold can be a good indicator of a book's popularity.
  2. Critical acclaim
    Positive reviews from critics can also help measure a book's popularity.
  3. Fan popularity
    The opinions and ratings of readers can also reflect a book's popularity.
  4. Cultural impact
    The impact a book has on popular culture, such as adaptations in film, TV, and other media can also indicate its popularity.
  5. Enduring appeal
    The book's relevance and enduring popularity over time can also be a good measure of its overall popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Sherlock Holmes book. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or book is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1566 views
  • 197 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each book once every 24 hours. The rank of each book is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular sherlock holmes book

Sherlock Holmes, the iconic detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been captivating readers for over a century. With numerous adaptations in film, television, and other media, it's no surprise that his books remain popular to this day. But which Sherlock Holmes book is the most beloved by fans? That's the question we set out to answer with our poll on StrawPoll. From the classic "A Study in Scarlet" to the thrilling "The Hound of the Baskervilles," there are many contenders for the title of most popular Sherlock Holmes book. Let's dive into the world of this beloved detective and explore the favorites of his devoted fanbase.

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