12 Best Sherlock Holmes Fiction Books and Retellings

The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s estate is more than 125 years old and yet this is the first book they authorized in all that time to be written about Sherlock Holmes. And their waiting paid off!

Anthony Horowitz brings Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson back to life in this story in a way that evokes Sir Arthur’s writing style. In it, an art dealer comes to Holmes claiming a criminal is stalking him and later that day, he is robbed.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg. The case includes murdered children, an opium den, and Holmes accused of murder. I was transported to Dr. Watson’s London and felt as if I was reading a canon story. This is easily one of the best Sherlock Holmes fiction stories in existence.

The Baker Street Letters by Michael Robertson

The first in a series of modern Sherlock Holmes retellings, this story is about Nigel and Reggie, brothers that own a law firm at 221b Baker Street in present-day London. When they receive a letter from a young girl in LA, they suddenly get involved in solving mysteries.

I love the spin on Sherlock and the way Nigel and Reggie work together to solve the case.

The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

This modern Sherlock Holmes fiction book is also historical fiction because it’s a dual-timeline adventure. It’s less about Sherlock than it is about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the 2010 narrative, Harold is trying to find the killer of a man who had the missing diary of Sir Arthur.

Meanwhile, in the 1901 narrative that overlaps the missing diary years, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is seeking a murderer of his own. It was a cleverly done mystery novel I think Holmes himself would enjoy.

The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes by Leonard Goldberg

This is the first in a series of Sherlock Holmes fiction set in 1914 and stars Sherlock’s daughter! Joanna Blalock is a nurse whose keen observational skills are required by an elderly Dr. Watson and his handsome son.

Together, the three set off to solve a case of missing treasure and murder. The game is once again afoot in this delightful rendition that continues Sherlock’s legacy.

The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Gross

It’s no wonder this book won an Audie Award in 2018, it’s one of the most unique Sherlock Holmes retellings I’ve ever read. It melds together the stories of Dr. Jekyll, Frankenstein, and Sherlock all in one!

Penniless after her mother’s death, Mary Jekyll is set on a mysterious path to hunt down Mr. Hyde but finds his daughter instead. Soon she’s roped Sherlock and Watson into her quest to uncover a secret society. Along the way, she meets the female creations of the mad scientists of the world.

This YA Fantasy retelling is so unique. it’s unlike any other Sherlock Holmes books on this list.

The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you can get your kid started on their journey with this modern Sherlock Holmes retelling. In this one, 6th grader Shelby is a detective in her Harlem neighborhood.

She doesn’t have many friends until John Watson moves in downstairs. Soon the duo are working together to solve a dog napping case. It’s one of our favorite children’s mystery book series.

Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer

Now a hit Netflix movie, Enola Holmes has taken the world by storm. She is the youngest Holmes child and she’s trying to come into her own as a detective in Victorian England.

In this debut mystery book for kids, Enlola steps out of her brother’s shadow and solves some mysteries of her own.