Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous detective. If you love stories full of mystery, clever deductions, and Victorian London settings, you might be interested in authors who write books that are similar.
Agatha Christie is one of the most beloved mystery writers, famous for plots full of clever twists and memorable detective characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
If you’re a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle, Christie’s storytelling might have exactly what you’re looking for in detective fiction. One of her classics, “Murder on the Orient Express,” begins with luxury travel aboard a lavish train suddenly halted by heavy snow.
A passenger is found dead overnight, and it’s soon clear that the murderer must still be on board.
Detective Hercule Poirot finds himself trapped along with an intriguing cast of suspects, and he must rely on sharp reasoning and observation to solve this puzzling murder before the train moves again and the culprit escapes.
G.K. Chesterton was an English writer known for creating the clever and lovable detective Father Brown. Fans of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle often find Chesterton’s stories appealing because of their ingenious plots and witty observations.
In the collection “The Innocence of Father Brown,” Chesterton introduces Father Brown, a humble priest whose sharp wit allows him to unravel complex mysteries.
In the standout story “The Blue Cross,” Father Brown quietly notices details that even professional detectives overlook, leading the reader through a trail of subtle clues and surprising revelations.
Chesterton’s talent lies in providing intriguing puzzles while thoughtfully exploring human nature and morality.
Dorothy L. Sayers was an English author famous for her clever crime novels, especially those featuring the witty detective Lord Peter Wimsey. Readers who enjoy the mysteries of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes will likely appreciate her novel “Whose Body?”.
In this intriguing story, Lord Peter Wimsey investigates the mysterious appearance of an unknown man’s body found in a bathtub. Sayers carefully crafts a puzzling scenario filled with hidden clues, sharp dialogue, and insightful character study.
Fans of puzzle-solving detectives and detailed storytelling may find Dorothy L. Sayers’ detective novels a rewarding experience.
Readers who enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories often find Raymond Chandler equally fascinating. Chandler brings his detective Philip Marlowe to life in vivid crime mysteries set against the gritty backdrop of 1940s Los Angeles.
In “The Big Sleep,” Marlowe investigates a blackmail case at the request of an aging millionaire named General Sternwood. What begins as a simple assignment soon uncovers dark secrets involving wealthy family members, shady criminals, and unexpected murders.
Marlowe’s sharp observations and clever deductions create an engaging narrative reminiscent of Holmes, but with a more modern, noir atmosphere. Chandler’s storytelling quickly draws in readers who appreciate intelligent mysteries with charismatic private detectives.
Dashiell Hammett is an American writer known for his sharp detective stories and gritty mysteries. If you’ve enjoyed Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, Hammett offers a detective style that’s straightforward, witty and distinctly American.
In his novel “The Maltese Falcon,” private detective Sam Spade navigates San Francisco’s foggy streets and shadowed alleys. The story unfolds as Spade investigates the murder of his partner and searches for a priceless, jeweled falcon statuette.
He must deal with cunning criminals and deceptive allies, never quite sure who to trust, while using his quick mind and dry humor to stay ahead. The book shows a detective who’s tough, realistic, and sharp-edged, a welcome read if you’ve enjoyed Holmes’s adventures.
Readers who enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories might find Ellery Queen intriguing. Ellery Queen is both the pen name for cousins Frederic Dannay and Manfred Bennington Lee and their fictional detective character.
Queen’s mysteries often showcase clever puzzles, detailed logic, and clear storytelling reminiscent of Doyle’s style. One great book to start with is “The Greek Coffin Mystery,” where detective Ellery Queen investigates a missing will connected to a wealthy man’s death.
The case seems straightforward at first but quickly grows more complex as secrets unravel and multiple twists challenge Queen’s skill for deduction.
This novel stands out for its engaging atmosphere and logical clues carefully placed to tease the reader and reward close attention.
John Dickson Carr was an American author famous for his clever locked-room mysteries and detective stories. If you enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes tales, Carr’s mysteries share a similar charm and puzzling atmosphere.
One of his standout novels is “The Hollow Man,” which features his brilliant detective, Dr. Gideon Fell. In this story, a man is found murdered inside a locked room, with no clear way for a murderer to enter or exit.
Dr. Fell carefully examines clues that seem impossible, while readers are drawn into a tight web of logical challenges and surprising revelations. Fans of Holmes’ deductions and intricate logic puzzles will find Carr’s storytelling style both familiar and satisfying.
Readers who enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novels may also appreciate P.D. James. She was a British author known for her sharp, intelligent mysteries set in contemporary England.
One of her well-known novels, “Cover Her Face,” introduces readers to Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh. This novel revolves around the suspicious death of a young maid named Sally Jupp, found murdered behind a locked door in a quiet English village.
As Dalgliesh investigates, family secrets and hidden motives surface, leading to twists and surprises along the way. Fans of Conan Doyle will find plenty of satisfying deductions and engaging dialogue in James’ careful plotting and character development.
If you enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mysteries, Rex Stout is an author worth checking out. Stout created detective Nero Wolfe, a reclusive genius who solves cases mostly from the comfort of his New York brownstone.
Wolfe loves fine dining, orchids, and solving complex crimes, assisted by his smart-mouthed investigator, Archie Goodwin. A good example is “Fer-de-Lance,” where Wolfe tackles a puzzling murder involving a deadly snake and skillfully navigates through deceit and hidden motives.
The story features sharp dialogue, clever observations, and a satisfying resolution reminiscent of classic Sherlock Holmes tales.
Wilkie Collins was an English novelist best known for his exciting mysteries and suspense-filled plots. If you enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, you’ll likely appreciate Collins’ novel “The Moonstone”.
In this classic, Rachel Verinder inherits a precious diamond called the Moonstone. After her birthday party, the diamond mysteriously vanishes. As suspicion spreads among friends, guests, and staff, secrets and hidden motives gradually emerge.
Collins weaves humor and insightful social commentary into the mystery, vividly portraying each character’s perspective, with twists and surprises that pull readers into the heart of the puzzle.
Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer known for his dark mysteries and clever storytelling, qualities readers of Arthur Conan Doyle might find enjoyable. Poe’s work often explored the darker side of the human mind and crafted atmospheric mysteries layered with suspense.
One story especially worth checking out is “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” It follows the detective C. Auguste Dupin through Paris, where he solves a disturbing double murder that leaves the city puzzled.
Dupin’s ability to spot details everyone else misses makes for an absorbing read. If you enjoy smart detectives and challenging puzzles, Poe’s mysteries could be just what you’re looking for.
E.C. Bentley was an English novelist famous for his classic detective fiction and clever puzzles. If you enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, Bentley’s “Trent’s Last Case” offers another smart and intriguing mystery.
The novel follows artist and amateur detective Philip Trent, who investigates the surprising murder of wealthy financier Sigsbee Manderson. Trent methodically uncovers clues, reveals hidden motives, and makes sharp deductions, but there’s a twist that even he doesn’t see coming.
Bentley’s storytelling is witty and imaginative, filled with colorful characters and surprising turns, and will appeal to fans of traditional detective stories.
Books by Ngaio Marsh offer detective stories that readers of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes would thoroughly enjoy. Marsh, a New Zealand author, created detective Roderick Alleyn, who appears in mysteries filled with clever puzzles and well-crafted characters.
In “A Man Lay Dead,” Alleyn attends a weekend gathering in an English country house. What begins as an entertaining murder game soon turns into a real crime when one of the guests is discovered dead.
Detective Alleyn carefully sifts through alibis, motives, and hidden secrets to uncover the culprit. Fans of Holmes’s logical reasoning and intriguing storylines will find Marsh’s detective novels equally satisfying.
Josephine Tey was a Scottish author known for her sharp-witted detective novels and intriguing plots. If you’re a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle and prefer mysteries with clever twists, Tey’s “The Daughter of Time” is worth a read.
In this unconventional detective story, Inspector Alan Grant solves a centuries-old mystery from his hospital bed. Stumbling across a portrait of Richard III, Grant doubts the king’s role as a villain and murderer.
Driven by curiosity, he pores over historical records and evidence, questioning accepted truths about mystery, history, and justice in the process. Fans of Holmes’ careful reasoning will find plenty to enjoy and puzzle over here.
If you enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective Sherlock Holmes, then you might appreciate the detective novels of S.S. Van Dine. Van Dine created the stylish and sharp-thinking detective Philo Vance, who solves crimes with logic and great flair.
In “The Benson Murder Case,” Philo Vance is called in to investigate the puzzling murder of Alvin Benson, a wealthy stockbroker with many enemies.
The evidence is confusing, the settings are elegant New York apartments, and the clues—cigarette butts, a toupee, and an expensive car—lead Vance through a trail of suspects, motives, and suspenseful twists.
It’s an intriguing mystery that invites readers to follow along, observe carefully, and see if they can crack the case before the clever detective solves it.