5 Unmissable Books Like The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle revolutionized detective fiction with his creation of the brilliant and eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes. His stories, published as “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” capture readers’ imaginations with their intricate plots, unforgettable characters, and immersive atmosphere. If you’re a fan of the world’s most famous consulting detective, you’re in luck! Here are five unmissable books like “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” that will surely delight any fan of detective fiction.

1. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

One of the first detective novels ever published, “The Moonstone” is a classic and essential read for fans of investigative fiction. The story revolves around the theft of an enormous diamond from a young woman’s estate, with each character having their own motives and secrets.

Told from multiple perspectives and featuring a unique narrative structure, “The Moonstone” offers a complex and gripping mystery. It’s no wonder it has been credited with inspiring elements of Sherlock Holmes’ character and style.

Read or listen to “The Moonstone” by buying it on Amazon

2. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

If you enjoy the noir atmosphere and wit of Sherlock Holmes, Raymond Chandler’s “The Big Sleep” is a must-read. Private investigator Philip Marlowe navigates the seedy underbelly of 1930s Los Angeles in this thrilling detective novel, unearthing a tangled web of deceit and murder.

Chandler’s hardboiled prose and biting humor pair perfectly with his labyrinthine plot, leaving readers guessing until the very end. Marlowe’s dogged quest for truth often draws comparisons to Holmes’ own unrelenting pursuit of justice.

Read or listen to “The Big Sleep” by buying it on Amazon

3. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

For a unique spin on the detective genre, dive into “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith. Set in Botswana, the series follows Precious Ramotswe as she opens the country’s first all-female detective agency.

Mma Ramotswe’s warmth, wit, and wisdom make her an unforgettable protagonist, as she uncovers the truth behind various mysteries while exploring the culture and politics of her homeland. With a emphasis on character development, McCall Smith’s series is a perfect choice for readers who appreciate Sherlock Holmes’ blend of intellect and compassion.

Read or listen to “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by buying it on Amazon

4. A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas

In this gender-swapped reimagining of Sherlock Holmes, Charlotte Holmes investigates a string of high-society murders under the guise of her male alter ego, Sherlock. This creative twist on a classic tale offers a fresh and engaging interpretation of Holmes’ character while still paying homage to the original works.

Thomas skillfully blends elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction as she delves into nineteenth-century English society. Fans of Sherlock Holmes will enjoy this new take on a beloved character and the suspenseful mysteries she uncovers.

Read or listen to “A Study in Scarlet Women” by buying it on Amazon

5. The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

“The Cuckoo’s Calling” introduces readers to Cormoran Strike, a private detective with a troubled past who investigates the suspicious death of a famous supermodel. J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, expertly weaves a gripping and intricate mystery in this modern-day detective novel.

With well-developed characters and a strong sense of London’s atmosphere, “The Cuckoo’s Calling” will enthrall fans of Sherlock Holmes and detective fiction alike.

Read or listen to “The Cuckoo’s Calling” by buying it on Amazon