The Hound of the Baskervilles (Sherlock Holmes, #5) in 23 Short Classics

From the Bookshelf of 23 Short Classics…

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Sherlock Holmes, #5)

Arthur Conan Doyle

Start date: February 1, 2014

Finish date: February 28, 2014

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Mar 02, 2014 Betsy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Well, if you are looking for an all action book, this isn't the one for you. However, if you enjoy reading a story with a slow build up, this is it.

The story started off with Sherlock and Dr Watson discussing a stick left behind by a visitor. They began to surmise his profile based on various clues engraved on a stick. Shortly after, they received a visit from a Dr James Mortimer, who presented a manuscript given to him by Sir Charles Baskerville, whose sudden death stirred up great excitement Well, if you are looking for an all action book, this isn't the one for you. However, if you enjoy reading a story with a slow build up, this is it.

The story started off with Sherlock and Dr Watson discussing a stick left behind by a visitor. They began to surmise his profile based on various clues engraved on a stick. Shortly after, they received a visit from a Dr James Mortimer, who presented a manuscript given to him by Sir Charles Baskerville, whose sudden death stirred up great excitement in Derbyshire. It contained the statement of a certain legend which runs in the Baskerville family. It all began with Hugo Baskerville, who fell in love with a young maiden who did not return his favour, so he set about removing her forcibly from her home and imprisoned her in a room at Baskerville Hall. While he was in a state of intoxication she escaped and in anger he set after her, with his hounds. As a result the maiden fell to her death out of fear and fatigue but that wasn't the most terrifying scene, it was the terrifying sight of Hugo Baskerville's dead body. Standing over him was a huge, black hound tearing his throat out and because of his foolish actions, it has plagued his family ever since, resulting in horrific and horrifying deaths.

Next in line to inherit Baskerville Hall is Mr Henry Baskerville. the last of the Baskervilles. Mr Mortimer is concerned that he too will meet a tragic end and so an appointment was arranged for Holmes to meet with Henry. The events of the story begins to take shape, starting with a missing boot and an impersonation of the great detective.

The story then moved on with Dr Watson travelling to Derbyshire and Holmes staying behind in London. Watson was to report back to Sherlock anything pertinent to the case. The events of the story is told through Dr Watson and his correspondents to Holmes. Watson's vivid description of the moors added depth and atmosphere to the story. We are introduced to some of the secondary characters, who play a pivotal role in the story but are unaware of the bigger picture. It's only until the last few chapters we begin to see the events coming together and leading up to a climax. The story might be slow but its worth reading to the end. If you are not familiar with Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, I thoroughly recommend reading this book, you will be pleasantly surprised. ...more

Like · see review