BBC Books to develop series around TV's Sherlock

BBC Books is to launch a publishing programme around Bafta-winning TV series "Sherlock", which was inspired by the adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle's Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes. The titles will each feature the show's branding and introductions by key members of the "Sherlock" team, including co-founders Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.

The first title will be Conan Doyle's Sherlock: A Study in Scarlet, with an introduction by Moffat. BBC Books will publish as a £6.99 b-format paperback on 15th September. Conan Doyle's Sherlock: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes will follow on 27th October, also as a £6.99 b-format paperback, with an introduction by Gatiss.

Albert de Petrillo, BBC Books editorial director, acquired world rights from Sue Vertue at Hartswood Films. He said: "Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss are two of the most exciting talents in television today . . . Their individual accomplishments are tremendous, and together they have created something very special with 'Sherlock'. It's a privilege to publish against such a rich and innovative show, and one with such international appeal. It's a perfect fit for the BBC list."

Three more titles will follow in spring next year: Sherlock: The Sign of Four; Sherlock: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes; and Sherlock: The Hound of the Baskervilles. In autumn 2012, BBC Books will publish Sherlock: The Casebook as a £14.99 hardback gift guide, revisiting all the mysteries solved throughout the TV series.

A contemporary reimagining of Conan Doyle's detective tales, the first three-part BBC1 series averaged nine million viewers per episode in the UK. A second series is due, with transmission date to be confirmed.