Helpful Score: 2
The plot involves Sherlock Holmes and Watson becoming involved in investigating the murder of Sir Charles Baskerville, who seemingly died of fright outside his home one evening, but a disturbing family legend/ curse makes people question whether it was an accident or not. The heir to the estate, Henry Baskerville, is brought in from Canada and family friend Dr. Mortimer wants to make sure nothing happens to him. Holmes sends Watson to stay with Baskerville and to send back reports of anything that might help him solve the case. A suspicious married couple (the butler and housekeeper at Baskerville Hall), an escaped convict on the run, and a few slightly eccentric neighbors give Watson enough information to fill his reports and keep him on his toes. But will they discover who or what is out to get Henry Baskerville before it is too late! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle really knows how to create imagery in his books. There is a lot of description of landscape, so you can really picture the moor, Baskerville Hall, etc. What I found interesting is that Sherlock Holmes is pretty much absent for the bulk of the story. Watson is sent to investigate since Holmes states that he cannot leave London at the moment due to other cases, so we hear much of the story from Watson's investigative POV. I enjoyed that because many movie versions portray Watson as a bumbling fool but this novel illustrates that he is an accomplished investigator in his own right.
Back cover: "It's an ugly business, Watson, an ugly, dangerous business, and the more I see of it the less I like it..." Holmes is referring to the recent death of Sir Charles Baskerville. For the "luminous, ghastly, and spectral" hound of family legend has been seen roaming the moors at night, and it appears that the new baronet, Sir Henry has inherited, along with the ancient home and vast wealth of his family, a dreadful destiny....
An easy read; in a way it reminded me of every Scooby-Doo episode I've ever seen (though I won't spoil the ending). Great, dark imagery and an engaging mystery.
Excelent story, a real thrill!
Could the sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville have been caused by the gigantic ghostly hound which is said to have haunted his family for generations? Arch-rationalist Sherlock Holmes characteristically dismisses the theory as nonsense. Claiming to be immersed in another case, he sends Watson to Devon to protect the Baskerville heir and to observe the suspects at close hand.
This is mostly a review of the 2009 Penguin Classics hardcover version. (But I also give the actual novel five stars as well.) This edition has a 29 page introduction by Mr. Frayling that goes into extensive details about the history behind the genesis of the story, outlining Doyle's travels around the time, and his inspiration for the book. In the back are 28 pages of notes (psuedo-footnotes but not appearing on the actual pages they are referenced on). The book it beautifully produced and even has a fabric bookmark -- like in church missals. Also contains a Further Reading recommendation and a timeline of Doyle's life.
Should be required reading for all ages! This is a fun book. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead of mysterious causes, Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson must investigate the age-old rumors that a hound haunts the Baskerville estate and the eerie lands of the Dartmouth moors.
I just finished this book. I enjoyed reading this one. I found it hard to put down. The narration by Watson was great.
"The best known of the Sherlock Holmes adventures."
This is perhaps my favorite of the Sherlock Holmes mystery. With Holmes sidekick, Dr. Watson, taking center stage, it's dark gothic setting is wonderfully eerie and entertaining with an English moor, escaped killer on the loose, and, of course, the deadly hound of the Baskervilles. Definitely a good place to start in reading the Sherlock Holmes novels by Doyle
This is an older Berkley Medallion Book 1971 Edition. --- and it only cost 60 cents in its "Hey" day. The story is complete and is an authorized edition. It is the only book length Sherlock Holmes tale Arthur Conan Doyle wrote. The story is ageless....
