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The Hound of the Baskervilles Book Summary

Another Adventure of Sherlock Holmes

by Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Another Adventure of Sherlock Holmes

Arthur Conan Doyle

TL;DR

In the eerie and desolate moors of Dartmoor, a dark legend of a demonic hound haunts the Baskerville family. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the famed detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion Dr. Watson are called upon to unravel the enigma. As they delve into the secrets of the Baskerville family and the desolate landscape, they encounter a cast of suspicious characters, treacherous terrain, and the ever-present fear of the supernatural hound.


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Author & Writing Background

Arthur Conan Doyle, a British writer and physician, is renowned as the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. Drawing inspiration from his medical background and keen observation skills, Doyle crafted intricate mysteries that captivated readers worldwide. His writing style is characterized by its logical deductions, suspenseful plots, and vivid descriptions, making him a master of the detective fiction genre. The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of his most celebrated works, showcasing the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes and the eerie atmosphere of the English moors.

Key Takeaways

The Curse of the Baskervilles

A centuries-old legend tells of a demonic hound that haunts the Baskerville family, bringing death and misfortune upon them.

The Mysterious Death of Sir Charles

The sudden and unexplained demise of Sir Charles Baskerville under suspicious circumstances sets the stage for the investigation.

Enter Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson

The renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson take on the case to uncover the truth behind the Baskerville curse.

The Grimpen Mire and the Desolate Moors

The treacherous landscape of Dartmoor, with its desolate moors and the dangerous Grimpen Mire, adds an eerie and atmospheric element to the story.

A Cast of Suspicious Characters

The investigation leads Holmes and Watson to encounter a variety of individuals with their own secrets and motives, each a potential suspect.

The Hound’s Appearance

The terrifying and seemingly supernatural hound makes its presence known, striking fear into the hearts of the Baskervilles and the investigators.

Holmes’ Deductive Reasoning

Through keen observation, logical deduction, and his understanding of human nature, Holmes unravels the complex web of clues and identifies the true culprit.

The Resolution and the Triumph of Justice

The mystery is solved, the curse is lifted, and justice prevails as the mastermind behind the Baskerville hound is exposed.

FAQ about The Hound of the Baskervilles

Is The Hound of the Baskervilles a horror novel?

While it contains elements of suspense and the supernatural, it is primarily classified as a detective novel with a focus on mystery and investigation.

Who is the main villain in the story?

To avoid spoilers, let’s just say that the true villain is a cunning and manipulative individual with a personal vendetta against the Baskerville family.

Is there a real-life inspiration for the Hound of the Baskervilles?

The legend of a demonic dog is prevalent in many cultures, and Doyle may have drawn inspiration from local folklore and legends of the Dartmoor area.

What is the significance of the Grimpen Mire?

The Grimpen Mire serves as a treacherous and dangerous location in the story, adding to the atmosphere of mystery and suspense.

The Hound of the Baskervilles Quotes

  • ”Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!"
  • "How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?"
  • "The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.”