There are few literary characters so well known that they are instantly recognized. Sherlock Holmes, the Victorian detective, created by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887 is one of them. Through the course of four novels and 56 short stories from Dr. Watson’s journal Sherlock Holmes became the modern precursor to today’s crime fiction. His stories of the detective are so popular that “Baker St. Societies” exist all over the world where readers continue to enjoy and discuss the stories. The name comes from Holmes lodging at 221B Baker St.

    In December of 1893 wishing to dedicate more time to his historical novels A. Conan Doyle killed off the famous detective in the well known “The Final Problem “. Here Holmes and his arch nemesis, Professor Moriarty, plunge to their deaths over the Reichenback Falls. So great was the public outcry that Doyle was forced to resurrect the Detective in 1901.

    The demand for Sherlock Holmes stories remains unabated, and today numerous authors continue to publish Sherlock Holmes mysteries in the tradition of Doyle.

Anthony Horowitz, a Sherlock Homes expert, has written one of the few novels that is sanctioned by the estate of A.C. Doyle. “ The House of Silk” continues the tradition and atmosphere of Victorian London as the famous sleuth unravels another knotty mystery.

    In “The improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” 28 tales of mystery are assembled from some celebrated authors such as Stephen King, Anne Perry, Neil Gaiman, Michael Moorcock and man more. Edited by John Joseph Adams the collection takes Holmes into realms that Doyle never imagined but is fun reading for fans.

    One  of the best small collections of additional stories is “The Lost Stories of Sherlock Holmes” by Tony Reynolds. Purported to be recently discovered unpublished stories from the estate of Dr. Watson these short stories remain very close to the original in tone.

    One of the most recent series that has attracted followers is the series by Laurie King. Not only has she resurrected the great detective but she has given him a wife! Her novels of the travels and adventures of Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, continue to provide a great sense of adventure and fresh stories for fans of all ages.