The Best Sherlock Holmes Stories for Escape Room Fans

Back in 2014, we named our company Sherlocked as an ode to the ultimate detective, known for his razor-sharp intellect, keen observation, and superhuman talents of deduction -skills that every great escape room player needs.

We called ourselves Sherlocked for a few reasons:

1. In the early days of escape rooms, the focus was on being locked in* and puzzling your way out (*not actually locked in, just suggested). We liked the play on words - you're not just locked, you're Sherlocked. 
2. We wanted our players to feel like Sherlock. By laying out threads for them to pull at, we wanted to give people to chance to feel as clever as the famous detective and experience that rush over connecting the dots. To this day, seeing that joy in players is still our favourite part of the job. 

In honor of our great inspiration, we've collected some of our favourite stories. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or just love a good mystery, these tales are liable to transport you into the world of cunning criminals and devious deductions:

The Adventure of the Six Napoleons

A seemingly bizarre crime involving shattered statues turns into a thrilling treasure hunt—ideal for escape room players who love tracking down hidden objects and making surprising discoveries. Also, for fans of the BBC show starring Benedict Cumberbatch, this story adds the extra layer of detective fun in figuring out the similarities and differences between book and show.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

A blend of supernatural horror and detective work, this novel is perfect for those who love escape rooms with a touch of the paranormal. The eerie moors and hidden clues make it an atmospheric thriller. The Sherlock series gave this classic a modern twist, making it one of the most memorable episodes.

The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle

A stolen gem, a mistaken identity, and an unusual hiding place—this story offers the kind of twisty mystery that escape room players thrive on, where every small clue could unlock the bigger picture.

The Adventure of the Dancing Men

Secret codes and cryptic messages are a staple of many escape rooms, and this story delivers both in spades. Holmes must crack a mysterious code before it’s too late, much like players racing against the clock.

The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb

Trapped in a mechanical nightmare, the protagonist must escape from a sinister situation before it’s too late. The ticking-clock tension mirrors the thrill of a high-stakes escape room challenge.

The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual

This story revolves around an ancient family riddle that leads to a buried secret—an ideal narrative for those who love deciphering hidden meanings and following cryptic instructions in an escape room. Sherlock gave this tale a subtle nod with its own version of cryptic challenges.

The Adventure of the Priory School

A missing person case with a trail of hidden clues, this mystery will appeal to those who enjoy escape rooms that require following a series of interconnected leads to solve a grand puzzle.

The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans

A secret mission, hidden blueprints, and espionage—this Holmes adventure is perfect for fans of heist-themed escape rooms, where every detail matters and the stakes are high. A version of this tale appeared in Sherlock, merging espionage with modern technology.

A Scandal in Bohemia

With disguises, deception, and a clever opponent, this story highlights strategic thinking and out-of-the-box problem-solving—key skills for any escape room enthusiast. This story also inspired the thrilling Sherlock episode featuring Irene Adler.

The Adventure of the Speckled Band

A locked-room mystery at its finest, this story features a deadly secret hidden within the walls of an old mansion. Escape room fans will appreciate the eerie atmosphere and the need to decipher a life-or-death puzzle. This chilling tale was also adapted in Sherlock, bringing new life to its tension-filled mystery.

Your turn to Sherlock...

Want to put your deduction skills to the test in real life? Visit our award-winning Amsterdam escape rooms and step in Sherlock's shoes yourself! Check out our Sherlock-Sherlocked comparison page to see which of our immersive escape rooms most suit your tastes.