Review: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Hound of the Baskervilles, written in 1902 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is one of those stories everyone knows, or at least has heard of.  I loved matching the old movies of it as a little girl, and I finally sat down to read the book.  Sherlock Holmes has been enlisted to help Sir Henry Baskerville, the new owner of Baskerville Hall following the death of Sir Charles Baskerville.  What he needs from Holmes?  Protection.  And the truth behind an old family legend about a hell hound killing off each owner of the estate.  Holmes quickly assigns Watson to accompany Sir Henry back to Baskerville Hall.  He knows that Sir Henry may face real danger, not something paranormal.  Watson reports back to Holmes how things are transpiring until Holmes can get out there himself.  Will Sir Henry fall victim to the hell hound, like many of his ancestors before hime?

I adore Sherlock Holmes, I really do.  The Hound of the Baskervilles was a great read and definitely lived up to my high expectations.  Holmes is just as irritable as always.  I loved Dr. Watson's role in this story.  He has a big part-protecting Sir Henry from whatever may be lurking out on the moors.  And Watson does his duty well.  I thought he was a great friend to Sir Henry and showed how much he values his friendship with Holmes through all the letters he wrote him.  Dr. Watson really isn't as stupid as the movies sometimes make him out to be.  He is friendly with everyone, yet is secretly recounting to his friend in London anything suspicious or out of the ordinary going on.

Holmes was as brilliant as ever.  Even though he doesn't really come into the story until near the end, his presence is felt through the whole thing because Watson is constantly talking to him through his letters.

I was surprised by how intense the story was.  I mean, I've known the story of the Baskervilles well since I was little because of the many movies, but even so I was on the edge of my seat while reading.  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle definitely has a way with words.

Have you read The Hound of the Baskervilles or seen any of the movies?  Let me know what you thought!

Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date of Publication: 1902 originally, my copy is from 2003
Number of Pages: 124
Genre: Fiction
Source: Personal Copy