The 12 Best Sherlock Holmes Stories (as Chosen by the Author)

In 1927, the popular London magazine “Strand” decided to put an end to the many disputes about which Sherlock Holmes story was the very best. The editor-in-chief turned to the literary “father” of the famous detective and asked him to serve as judge and say his decisive word—one that would forever end critics’ speculation. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle compiled a list of 12 stories. In the accompanying article, he emphasized that each work in this dozen deserves first place, and explained the criteria used to make the choice. First and foremost, he considered the audience’s responses—letters came in from all over the world, including Russia, where Holmes already had many fans in the early 20th century. The stories that were praised by women had a better chance of making the list; for the writer, this was especially important. Thus, out of sixty plots, twenty-five were chosen.

“ I began rereading the stories I had set aside, thinking—with a fair share of frivolity—that choosing the very best from among them would be easy. But you can’t even imagine how difficult a task I set myself,” the writer admitted. “For the final selection I used two criteria: the drama of the plot and the intricacy of the crime. I can say with a clear conscience that in these 12 stories Sherlock Holmes demonstrates and explains his method most fully, and also shows astonishing inventiveness. The main hero and his friend, Dr. Watson, are revealed from an unexpected side. Besides, in some stories I lifted the veil on Holmes’s earlier life, and gave readers the chance to see much more than just investigations of crimes. I have never claimed to be worthy of the glory of a great man of letters, but all these stories are as good as I was able to write them.”

After this article, Sir Arthur wrote not a single word about Sherlock Holmes. Three years later, the writer died of a heart attack.