Sunday 29 January 2012

Book Review - The Hound of The Baskervilles

Title: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Series: Sherlock Holmes
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Release Date: 6 Mar 2008 (this versions) Originally Published in 1902
ISBN-13: 978-0141034324

Synopsis
Some blame the sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville on the legend of a fearsome and ghostly hound that is said to have haunted his Devonshire family for generations.
So when the services of famed detective Sherlock Holmes are engaged to ensure the safety of Baskerville heir Sir Henry – recently arrived from America – Dr Watson is surprised to find his friend dismissive of the matter. In fact, Watson is dispatched alone to accompany Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall in Devon while Holmes deals with another case.
Yet Watson finds the wild moors are a far cry from the orderly streets of London, and in the cold night a savage and bestial howl may be heard...


My Review
I am a fan of the Sherlock Holmes books and I am slowly making my way through them in order. This has recently been on TV but I missed it, however a lot of requests started coming in for the book and I will admit this has been in my locker at work since October (approx 3/4 months) oops! So I thought I had better read it so I could send it out to fill the requests. At only 214 pages I managed to complete it in one day and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles is a haunting tale, it is said a Demon Dog runs the moors in Devon-shire and lurks round the grounds of the Baskervilles manor waiting for it's next attack. Genereations of fmaily members have been plagued by the story, but no-one knows if it is really true, but then Sir Charles is found dead in the grounds, terrified to death. The cause of death is blamed on the dreaded Hound, but why was he wandering the grounds by himself in the first place?
Holmes is called in to handle the case, Sir Henry has inherited the estate and is being warned off by a mysterious stranger. Watson accompanies Sir Henry back to the house and tries to solve the crime. 
As always this book is just plain Brilliant! Sir Arthur really thinks things through and knows how to tell a gripping tale. Throughout I was guessing who was guilty, whether there really was a hound and when Holmes would appear.
Every time I had thought I had figured out who was behind it, a twist would happen and I would have to re-think. I like Watson's clear narrative and his explanations, I love to see how he thinks things thorugh and comes to a conclusion. It's sweet when he beams at the praise Sherlock gives him, liek a child waiting for the parent to say 'well done.' I will agree that Sherlock doesn't give him half the credit he deserves.
Full of suspense and mystery these books will capture your heart and mind. Sir Arthur really did have a talent. Holmes is such a legend and so real, with such a brilliant mind. It's just genius.

My Rating
 

7 comments:

roro said...

i need more classics
tnx 4 reviewing

Anonymous said...

I loved this book. It scared the crap out of me. I loved all the Sherlock Holmes stories. I think it's why I've never watched TV shows or movies based on Holmes. The books remain the best in my mind.

barmybex said...

I agree the books are always much better. I love anything to do with Sherlock normally but I will admit I didn't like the new movie version.

BukPro said...

I love this book! Take a look at its new format - a poster-book - it is amazing! Can not miss it! http://www.spinelessclassics.net/the-hound-of-the-baskervilles-sherlock-holmes-poster-107.htm

Arun said...

The Hound of Baskervilles is one of my favorite novels. 'The Valley of Fear' is my personal favorite though.

I would highly recommend it if you have not already read it.

Always a pleasure to meet a fan of Sherlock Holmes.

Cheers!

barmybex said...

Valley of Fear is next on my list in the Sherlock books. Hope to read it soon.
Thanks for stopping by. It is indeed nice to meet other Holme's fans. :D

Unknown said...

intersting novel with lots of twists
super novel