Study in Scarlet: The first Sherlock Holmes story, published in 1887, introduces readers to the iconic detective and his friend, Dr. John Watson. The story begins with Watson arriving in London and searching for a place to stay. He meets Holmes, who is looking for a roommate to share expenses at 221B Baker Street.
A Scandal in Bohemia: In this story, Watson and Holmes are approached by a European king who seeks Holmes' help in retrieving compromising photographs from a woman named Irene Adler. Holmes and Watson devise a clever plan to outwit Adler and recover the photographs.
The Sign of the Four: Another early Sherlock Holmes story, The Sign of the Four, involves a group of former army comrades who become embroiled in a dangerous plot involving treasure, murder, and revenge. Holmes and Watson must use their skills of deduction and investigation to unravel the mystery.
In each of these early stories, readers are introduced to the core elements of the Sherlock Holmes universe, including the detective's deductive reasoning, his close partnership with Watson, and their encounters with various criminals, villains, and fascinating cases.