Classic Review: The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Sherlock Holmes, 5) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, October 8, 2002 (originally published April 1, 1902). 208 pages. Published by Modern Library. Source: Bought/own.

The most famous of the Sherlock Holmes stories, The Hound of the Baskervilles features the phantom dog of Dartmoor, which, according to an ancient legend, has haunted the Baskervilles for generations. When Sir Charles Baskerville dies suddenly of a heart attack on the grounds of the family’s estate, the locals are convinced that the spectral hound is responsible, and Holmes is called in. “Conan Doyle triumphed and triumphed deservedly,” G. K. Chesterton wrote, “because he took his art seriously, because he lavished a hundred little touches of real knowledge and genuine picturesqueness on the police novelette.”

First Sentence

Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who was usually very late in the mornings, save upon those not infrequent occasions when he was up all night, was seated at the breakfast table.

Honestly, I cannot even say whether or not I have previously read The Hound of the Baskervilles. Part of me says I have, yet the half says that I'm thinking of the episode of Sherlock that was loosely based upon the book. Either way, it was intensely fascinating and

• For me, there have always been three reasons that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherloc Holmes books have repeatably been enjoyable. The first being that Sherlock's genius is entertaining, even when he goes off his rocker (be it as he deduces the answer or when he, you know, took too many drugs [unarguably my least favorite aspect of the series]). Secondly, the bantering between Sherlock and John is top-notch! Seriously though, if you like the relationship between them on BBC's Sherlock, then you must read The Hound of the Baskervilles as it is just (if not better) as good as that of the show. Thirdly, book Watson may just be my favorite Watson from all the incarnations of the franchise. 

• One of the things I liked best about the mystery surrounding the Baskervilles was the question of whether the hound was a natural or supernatural menace. It was thrilling, even though I knew how it would play out, to see how the setting affected Watson and Henry (as Sherlock was only there briefly). The setting, bleak moor in Devonshire, just really pulls you into the dark atmosphere; it definitely makes it easier to see how it could lead one to surmise that they were going crazy.... Setting/Plot, SO GOOD!! 

• If you have not read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, for whatever reason, this would be the one I'd suggest you read first. Sure, it's the fifth book in the series...but it highlights his storytelling and writing so well, as well, as that of the relationship between Holmes and Watson (like best buddy read ever). The mystery is well written and, well, all the flails because excellent mystery book is excellent. 

Final Verdict: Hound of the Baskervilles-  The mystery and bantering between Sherlock and Watson is top-notch in this one. It was both riveting and hilarious!

Hound of the Baskervilles earns

A copy of this book was purchased by me. All thoughts are my own.