The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1902) is one of Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous Sherlock Holmes novels. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Dartmoor moors, the novel blends elements of gothic horror with a classic detective story, featuring a chilling legend, a family curse, and Holmes's brilliant deductive reasoning.

The story begins with Dr. Watson narrating. Dr. James Mortimer, a country physician, visits Holmes and Watson at 221B Baker Street with a strange case. He recounts the legend of the Baskerville family, which involves a ghostly, monstrous hound that supposedly killed Sir Hugo Baskerville, a cruel and reckless ancestor, centuries ago. The legend claims the hound haunts the family, and now, the recent death of Sir Charles Baskerville on the moors appears to lend credibility to the curse. Sir Charles was found dead, apparently from fright, with large paw prints nearby.

Sir Henry Baskerville, the new heir to the Baskerville estate, is arriving from Canada. Mortimer fears for his safety and seeks Holmes's help.

Published after Holmes's "death" in The Final Problem, The Hound of the Baskervilles is set before that event, marking a triumphant return for the character. It remains one of the most beloved and widely read Holmes stories, celebrated for its masterful suspense, vivid setting, and intriguing mystery.