Summary of The Hound of the Baskervilles
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are approached by Dr Mortimer, who seeks their help in investigating mysterious events on Dartmoor in south-west England. The case centres on the sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville, whose body was discovered with an expression of terror on his face. Close by, the paw prints of a giant dog were found. Dr Mortimer, the executor of Sir Charles’ will, fears that the death may be linked to an old local legend of a demonic hound. Holmes sends Watson to Dartmoor to examine the case and to keep watch over Sir Henry, the newly arrived heir of the Baskervilles.
Reasons to read The Hound of the Baskervilles
“The Hound of the Baskervilles” is widely regarded as the finest and most beloved of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories. It has inspired many adaptations for film, television, and the stage. Scottish writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote three other full-length novels featuring Sherlock Holmes (“A Study in Scarlet”, “The Sign of the Four”, and “The Valley of Fear”) as well as 56 short stories.
Setting: Dartmoor (England, UK)
The story is set on Dartmoor (see Fox Tor mire) in Devon, in southwest England. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote much of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” while staying at the Duchy Hotel in Princetown—today home to the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre.
Original title: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Year of publication: 1902
Nr of pages: 210
