The Hound of the Baskervilles
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Book Summary
Any Baskerville who dares to set foot upon the moorland will die at the paws of a gigantic black hellhound. An old family curse threatens the life of Mr. Henry Baskerville after the death of his predecessor, Sir Charles Baskerville. The renowned detective Sherlock Holmes is called upon to investigate this, seemingly supernatural, problem. He sends his colleague, Dr. Watson to investigate from within the walls of Baskerville Hall. It seems that there is no case to solve if it is truly a hound of hell preying on the Baskervilles. Holmes is not inclined to think in those terms. With many suspects proved innocent and all pieces of practical evidence proved useless, signs of the Hound keep presenting themselves. Is the Hound really acting on the Devil's word? Or is there a killer behind the Hound? A mortal demon?
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Sherlock Holmes
The famous and eccentric detective that we have all heard of. He is absent in the story until the Climax, except in the introduction to the case. With Deerstalker cap and Pipe in tow, he seemingly appears out of nowhere,(as per usual) upon the moor.
Dr. John Watson
The retired Army Doctor and Sherlock Holmes' greatest colleague. He is sent to Baskerville Hall after a visit from Dr. Mortimer. He gathers much of the evidence used in the case and gives you his thoughts on various other characters he meets. The story is told from his point of view.
Sir Henry Baskerville
The heir to the Baskerville fortune and, according to legend, the next to die at the jaws of the great beast. He is also the victim of petty theft as the story begins. Generally he is conveyed as hardy, alert man. He is described as being small and sturdy. Observed to be about 30 years old.
Other Important Characters...
Include Mr. Jack Stapelton, Sir Charles Baskerville, Dr. Mortimer, Miss Stapelton, The Convict, The Barrymores(John and Eliza) and Sir Hugo Baskerville
favourite Passage
"The moon was shinging bright upon the clearing, and there in the centre lay the unhappy maid where she had fallen, dead of fear and of fatigue. But it was not the sight of her body, nor yet was it that of the body of Hugo Baskerville lying near her, which raised the hair upon the heads of these three daredevil roysterers, but it was that, standing over Hugo, and plucking at his throat, there stood a foul think, a great, black beast, shaped like a hound, yet larger than any hound that ever mortal eye has rested upon. And even as they looked the thing tore the throat out of Hugo Baskerville, on which, as it turned its blazing eyes and dripping jaws upon them, the three shrieked with fear and rode for dear life, still screaming, across the moor."
Review
The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of Sherlock Holmes' most famous cases. The story takes many turns. Just when you begin to believe you've found the killer, evidence appears and points the finger at someone you hadn't even considered yet. The legend of the Hound begins to weave itself into every new suspect Watson considers and it does the same to you. This is one of my favorite Sherlock Holmes novels. Its filled with action and lots of suspense. The ending is quite a surprise. Even the friendliest of people in this book can become suspects faster than you could say "Baskerville". If you are new to reading Sherlock Holmes mystery novels I suggest reading this book after The Study In Scarlet.
works cited
-"Sherlock Holmes (2009 Film) Holmes." Holmes. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2013
- "RolePlayGateway." Dr. John H. Watson. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2013
- "Better Holmes & Gardens: Some Thoughts on Character: Sir Henry Baskerville." Better Holmes & Gardens: Some Thoughts on Character: Sir Henry Baskerville. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2013 (2 Pictures, Same Website)
-Doyle, Arthur C. "The Hound of Baskervilles". N.p.: George Newnes, 1902. Print.