Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, published his personal ranking of his five favourite Holmes stories in The Strand Magazine in 1927. Notably, The Hound of the Baskervilles, one of the most famous tales, did not make the list. The stories first appeared in print in 1887 with A Study in Scarlet, and the canon includes 56 short stories and four novels. Conan Doyle's list provides a guide for readers unsure where to start.
5. A Scandal in Bohemia
This story, the first short story in the series, features Holmes hired by the King of Bohemia to recover blackmail evidence from Irene Adler, a woman the king once promised to marry. Conan Doyle said it “opened the path for the others” and noted that “it has more female interest than is usual.”
4. The Final Problem
In this story, Holmes confronts his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty, leading to a showdown at the Reichenbach Falls. Conan Doyle explained: “We could hardly leave out the story which deals with the only foe who ever really extended Holmes, and which deceived the public (and Watson) into the erroneous inference of his death.”
3. The Adventure of the Dancing Men
This 1903 story involves Mr. Hilton Cubitt seeking Holmes's help after mysterious drawings of dancing men appear at his home, terrifying his wife. Conan Doyle praised the “originality of the plot” for this and his second choice.
2. The Redheaded League
Jabez Wilson hires Holmes after the Red-Headed League dissolves abruptly. Holmes uncovers a plot by Wilson's assistant, John Clay, to rob a bank via a tunnel. Conan Doyle rated it second due to its inventive premise.
1. The Adventure of the Speckled Band
Holmes investigates the death of Helen Stoner's twin sister, Julia, who died after hearing a low whistle and metallic clang. Conan Doyle called it “a grim story” that “I am sure will be on every list.”
