Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles is the Sherlock Holmes' novel that I read back in high school. Dr. Mortimer comes to Holmes for advice after the death of his good friend Sir Charles. The Baskerville family have a legend of an especially wicked ancestor in their line who was killed out on the moor by a hound of Hell while pursuing a young maiden that had escaped from his clutches as well as a history of deaths in the family. The body of the late Sir Charles had been discovered out on the grounds. Mortimer related that the man had apparently stood waiting at the gate, then run in terror down a hedgerow before dying of a heart attack. Several feet away from the body, Mortimer observed the paw print of a very large dog. The doctor is concerned for the safety of the Sir Henry Baskerville, who is arriving shortly, and is uncertain that he should take the young man out to the hall given the strange nature of the previous occupant's death. The next day, the doctor returns with Sir Henry, who has a strange letter warning him not to come to the hall. After the men leave, Holmes spots a man following them but is unable to apprehend him. It is decided that Watson will accompany Sir Henry home, find out about nearby neighbors, and report his observations to Holmes. The story continues with his observations until Holmes appears, and in typical Holmes fashion wraps up the case.
Another book I highly recommend and thoroughly enjoy. I'd put the age at 13 and up. If you have a Kindle, check Amazon. I found a complete a compilation called The Complete Sherlock Holmes for free and am looking forward to enjoying the other titles in the coming weeks.
No comments:
Post a Comment