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The Hound of the Baskervilles



Sir Arthur Conan Doyle delivers a truly chilling Holmes and Watson tale. This book is the literary embodiment of Halloween. The setting is the most important and well written part of the story. 

Summary

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a truly harrowing tale. It has the best setting of any mystery novel I have ever read. It is almost horror because of the setting. The Moor and the Grimpen Mire are described with death and dark imagery. 

Holmes and Watson meet Sir Henry Baskerville, the next in the line of inheritance for the famous Baskerville estate. The land is not famous for its beauty, however. Every Baskerville that has ever lived on it has perished by the infamous Hound of the Baskervilles. The baronet does not think the Hound really exists, but enlists the help of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson after receiving threat letters and being followed through London before he was to take abode on the estate. Mysteriously, without telling his intentions to Dr. Watson, Holmes sends only Watson to the Baskerville estate with the baronet. Watson has strict instructions never to let Henry Baskerville go anywhere, especially the Moor, alone, as the previous heir of the Baskervilles died of fright of the Hound, as the legend tells it. 

Soon, through the night, howls ring through the foggy Grimpen Mire, a convict is found to live on the Moor, a man is left dead, and Henry Baskerville fears for his life. 

Review

I listened to this book on Spotify with "Phoebe Reads a Mystery". I liked this book. It isn't my favorite mystery book I have ever read, but this setting is the most mysterious, ominous, dangerous, and strangely beautiful (but absolutely somewhere you do not want to be at night or, even, during the day). Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did a wonderful job with the setting, but I will say it is not my favorite mystery, nor Sherlock Holmes story. I can see why it is a true classic book, though. The setting and language are truly phenomenal. 


Happy Reading! Comment what I should read down below. Questions? Comment them!
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Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 27, 2020 at 10:54 AM

    Maybe take a look at The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan. It looks pretty good! Thanks!! Love the post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJuly 27, 2020 at 11:18 AM

      If I am not mistaken, I believe this was made into an Alfred Hitchcock film. After reading, we should check it out!

      Delete

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