9 Mystery Book Series set in the World of Sherlock Holmes

Undoubtedly the most famous detective in the world, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is also one of the most influential literary figures of all time. Having been in the public domain for some time now, Holmes and his ever-loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, have been reimagined by countless authors. Their adventures have taken them beyond traditional whodunits into supernatural mysteries, alternative timelines, and settings that range from historical to modern-day—though the Victorian era remains the most popular backdrop.

By now, one might expect Sherlock Holmes fatigue to set in, but that hasn’t happened. His brilliance, deductive prowess, and the richly detailed world he inhabits continue to inspire creators across all forms of media. Today, we’re focusing on the literary world, exploring some of the fresh perspectives and unique twists that authors have brought to Holmes through modern book series.

1. The Mary Russell Series by Laurie R. King – Mary Russell is a young, brilliant, and fiercely independent woman who becomes both the protégé and eventual partner of a retired Sherlock Holmes. Introduced in Laurie R. King’s The Beekeeper’s Apprentice (1994), Mary proves to be more than a match for the legendary detective, bringing her own sharp intellect and fresh perspective to their investigations. Set primarily between 1915 and the late 1920s, the series follows Russell and Holmes as they take on a wide range of mysteries and criminal cases, blending classic Holmesian deduction with historical intrigue. Their dynamic evolves from mentorship to true partnership, offering a fresh and engaging take on the Great Detective’s later years.
2. The Enola Holmes Series by Nancy Springer – Set in Victorian England, the Enola Holmes series follows the daring adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister, Enola. Created by Nancy Springer, Enola is just 14 years old when she discovers that her mother has mysteriously vanished. Refusing to accept the life her older brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, have planned for her, Enola embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. Along the way, she proves herself to be every bit as clever and resourceful as her famous brother, using her sharp mind and keen instincts to solve cases while evading those who wish to control her fate. As she carves out her own identity, Enola becomes a detective in her own right, tackling mysteries that often highlight the challenges faced by women in Victorian society.
3. The Holmes and Hudson Series by Martin Davies – In this Victorian crime series, Mrs. Hudson is far more than just the housekeeper of 221B Baker Street—she’s a detective in her own right. While she dutifully manages the household for the famous Sherlock Holmes, she also takes on her own secret investigations, solving complex mysteries right under his nose. Aiding her in these clandestine endeavors is Flotsam, a resourceful orphan she rescued from the streets of London. Together, they navigate the dark underbelly of Victorian society, uncovering secrets that even Holmes himself might overlook. This fresh take on the Holmes mythos gives Mrs. Hudson a long-overdue spotlight, proving that sharp deduction isn’t exclusive to the Great Detective.
4. The Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas – In this gender-flipped reimagining of the classic detective, Charlotte Holmes is every bit as brilliant as her male counterpart—sharp-witted, observant, and a master of deduction. However, as a woman in Victorian society, she faces obstacles her male counterpart never had to. To navigate these restrictions, she creates the persona of “Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective,” allowing her to work behind the scenes while the world believes in the existence of her fictional brother. With the support of a clever and resourceful female benefactor, as well as the assistance of a dashing gentleman, Charlotte carves out a space for herself in the world of crime-solving. As she unravels mysteries in a society that underestimates her, this fresh take on Holmes challenges the conventions of the era while delivering all the intrigue and intellectual thrills expected of a great detective story.
5. The Sholto Lestrade Series by M.J. Trow – This series offers a fresh perspective on Scotland Yard’s own Inspector Lestrade, placing him at the center of Victorian London’s most perplexing crimes. No longer just the oft-maligned detective overshadowed by Sherlock Holmes, Lestrade takes the lead as the primary investigator, using his own skills and experience to solve mysteries. Spanning from 1879 to 1923, the series follows Lestrade’s career as he tackles complex cases across a changing London. As time passes and he reaches retirement, the detective work doesn’t end—his daughter steps in to carry on his legacy, proving that sharp investigative instincts run in the family. This unique take on the Holmesian world gives Lestrade the credit he deserves while expanding his story beyond his usual supporting role.

6. The Young Sherlock Holmes Series by Andrew Lane – As the title suggests, this young adult book series delves into the early life and adventures of the legendary Sherlock Holmes. Set during his formative years, we follow the young detective as he faces a variety of mysteries and adversaries, each one shaping his growth. These early experiences help him hone his legendary deductive reasoning, sharp observational skills, and other traits that will later define him as the great detective we know and love. Throughout the series, we see a young Holmes navigating the challenges of adolescence while slowly becoming the brilliant, eccentric figure who will go on to crack some of history’s most puzzling cases. This exploration of his youth offers readers a unique opportunity to witness the making of one of fiction’s most iconic detectives.
7. The Mycroft Holmes Series by Quinn Fawcett – Mycroft Holmes, the older brother of the famous Sherlock Holmes, is reimagined in this series as a capable and highly intelligent detective in his own right. Unlike his younger sibling, Mycroft operates primarily in the world of espionage, political machinations, and international intrigue. Tasked with safeguarding the interests of the British government, he navigates complex, high-stakes cases that often involve matters of national security and global diplomacy. While Sherlock is known for his keen observational skills and hands-on detective work, Mycroft’s strength lies in his ability to analyze information from a broader, more strategic perspective. His involvement in covert government affairs adds a new layer of complexity to the Holmes family dynamic, showcasing his own brand of deductive reasoning and intellect.
8. The Irene Adler Series by Carole Nelson Douglas – Known for her captivating take on the character introduced in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Scandal in Bohemia, Irene Adler is reimagined as a bold, intelligent, and resourceful detective in her own right. The series chronicles her adventures as she navigates the complex and often dangerous worlds of espionage, political schemes, and high society—always managing to stay one step ahead of even the most brilliant minds, including the great Sherlock Holmes. In this series, Irene is no longer just the opera singer who bested Holmes. She is a multifaceted character—an adventurer, a strategist, and a sleuth—who uses her wit, charm, and sharp intellect to solve a wide array of mysteries. From thrilling cases that involve international intrigue to personal vendettas that test her resolve, Irene proves herself to be a formidable detective who deserves a place alongside the iconic figures of the genre.
9. The Baker Street Boys Series by Anthony Read – This young adult mystery series is a thrilling collection of adventures that brings new life to the world of Sherlock Holmes. This series shifts the focus from the famous detective himself to a group of young street urchins—The Baker Street Boys—who serve as his unofficial eyes and ears around the city. United by their loyalty to Holmes and their sharp street smarts, these boys find themselves solving mysteries and uncovering secrets that even the great detective may have missed. Set in the shadowy streets of London, the series follows a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique skills and backgrounds. Led by the resourceful and determined Wiggins, the boys often find themselves embroiled in cases that require a combination of wit, bravery, and cunning. While Sherlock Holmes remains a figure of immense influence in their world, it is the Boys who take center stage, using their knowledge of the city and its underbelly to solve crimes, track down criminals, and navigate the social complexities of Victorian life.

With hundreds of articles published on HowToRead.Me, it is clear that navigating through the different reading orders is becoming a bit arduous. To try to help, why not try to sort the series by genre (or sub-genres)? This will take some time, but if you want to ask for a particular list, leave a comment.