A Study in Scarlet

Explore this on the mapTrace its ancestors and descendants live in the tree.

the brilliant, eccentric detective and his loyal chronicler the novel-length detective narrative, use of red herrings the development of a recurring detective character and short story format

It cemented the archetype of the consulting detective and his loyal chronicler, popularizing the use of forensic science and deductive reasoning.

What it is

This novel introduces the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. John Watson, as they investigate a murder in London with ties to a past tragedy.

↑Inherited from(2)

The Murders in the Rue Morgue· 1841↑ open

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson clearly echo Dupin and his unnamed companion in their dynamic, intellectual prowess, and narrative structure.

The Moonstone· 1868↑ open

"The Moonstone" established many conventions of the full-length detective novel, including a complex plot with misdirections, which Doyle later adopted and refined.

↓Passed on to(1)

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes· 1892↓ open

The success of "A Study in Scarlet" led directly to the popular short stories that further cemented Holmes's character and methods in episodic form.