The Conan novels are typically numbered in the order of their publication. However, different editions might vary slightly. Generally, you can start with the earliest published ones to follow the development of the story and characters over time.
Conan Doyle's detective novels were written in the following order:
Conan Doyle was born in London, England, in 1881.
In 1895, he began to write the detective novel, The Mysterious Island, the first volume of The Complete Sherlock Holmes.
In 1900, the first volume of Sherlock Holmes, Mysterious Island, and the second volume, Watson's Character, were published at the same time.
In 1902, the second volume of Sherlock Holmes, Watson's Character, was published.
In 1903, the third volume of Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty's Treasure, was published.
In 1907, the fourth volume of Sherlock Holmes, A Study of the Scarlet Letter, was published.
In 1912, the last volume of Sherlock Holmes, The Great Hunt, was published.
Conan Doyle's detective novel The Complete Sherlock Holmes was regarded as the foundation of modern detective novels and had a profound influence on the later detective novels.
Personally, I think starting with the most popular Conan stories is a great idea. 'Red Nails' is often considered one of the best. By starting with the popular ones, you get immediately hooked on Conan's world. These stories usually have the most engaging plots and the best - developed settings. After reading the popular ones, you can then explore the lesser - known stories which can give you a more in - depth understanding of the Conan universe.
One way could be to start with the earliest published ones. This allows you to follow the development of the characters and the storylines from the very beginning. For example, start with the first volume and progress chronologically.
The order of Detective Conan was as follows:
The Specter of Becker Street (2004)
The Labyrinth's Crossroads (2005)
Silver Wing's Magician (2006)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (2007)
The Detective's Requiem (2008)
6 Trembling Music Score (2009)
15 Minutes of Silence (2010)
Countdown to Heaven (2011)
The Labyrinth of the Crossroads (15th edition) (2012)
Silver Wing's Magician (15th edition) (2013)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (15th edition) (2014)
Requiem for the Detective (15th edition) (2015)
15 Minutes of Silence (15th edition) (2016)
Countdown to Heaven (15th edition) (2017)
The Labyrinth of the Crossroads (17th edition) (2018)
Silver Wing's Magician (17th edition) (2019)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (17th edition) (2020)
Requiem for the Detective (17th edition) (2021)
15 Minutes of Silence (17th edition) (2022)
Countdown to Heaven (17th edition) (2023)
The Crossroads of the Maze (18th edition) (2024)
Silver Wing's Magician (18th edition) (2025)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (18th edition) (2026)
Requiem for the Detective (18th edition) (2027)
15 Minutes of Silence (18th edition) (2028)
Countdown to Heaven (18th edition) (2029)
The Crossroads of the Maze (19th edition) (2030)
Silver Wing's Magician (19th edition) (2031)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (19th edition) (2032)
30 Requiem for the Detective (19th edition) (2033)
15 Minutes of Silence (19th edition) (2034)
32 Countdown to Heaven (19th edition) (2035)
The Crossroads of the Maze (20th edition) (2036)
Silver Wing's Magician (20th edition) (2037)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (20th edition) (2038)
Requiem for the Detective (20th edition) (2039)
15 Minutes of Silence (20th edition) (2040)
Countdown to Heaven (20th edition) (2041)
The Labyrinth's Crossroads (21st edition) (2042)
Silver Wing's Magician (21st edition) (2043)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (21st edition) (2044)
Requiem for the Detective (21st edition) (2045)
15 Minutes of Silence (21st Version) (2046)
Countdown to Heaven (21st edition) (2047)
The Crossroads of the Maze (22nd edition) (2048)
Silver Wing's Magician (22) (2049)
Murder on the Horizontal Line (22nd edition) (2050)
Requiem for the Detective (22nd edition) (2051)
15 Minutes of Silence (22nd edition) (2052)
Countdown to Heaven (22nd edition) (2053)
Look for anthologies or collections that are already arranged in a logical order. Some editors have put together Conan stories in an order that they think is the best for new readers. You can trust their judgment and start with those. Also, consider reading reviews or asking other Conan fans. They might have their own preferred order based on their reading experience, and you can get some great insights from them.
You could read them in the order of their original publication. This way, you experience the evolution of Holmes as a character and Doyle's writing style over time. For instance, 'A Study in Scarlet' was the first, so starting there gives you a foundation.
Robert Howard's initial Conan stories begin chronologically with 'The Phoenix on the Sword'. This story introduces many of the key elements and themes that would become characteristic of the Conan series. The subsequent stories continue to expand and develop the Conan universe.