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The Hound of the Baskervilles Novel Summary: A Deep Dive into Conan Doyle's Classic Mystery
Are you intrigued by the chilling legend of a monstrous hound, a desolate moor, and a family cursed by a dark secret? Then you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide offers a detailed Hound of the Baskervilles novel summary, exploring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's masterpiece of suspense and unraveling its intricate plot twists. We'll delve into the key characters, the central mystery, and the satisfying conclusion, ensuring you grasp every nuance of this timeless tale. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey to Dartmoor!
I. The Mysterious Case of the Baskervilles: Setting the Stage
The novel opens with a chilling letter detailing the death of Sir Charles Baskerville, seemingly a victim of a supernatural force – a gigantic, spectral hound. This sets the stage for the central mystery surrounding the Baskerville family curse and the ominous shadow cast by their ancestral home. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are immediately drawn into the case, intrigued by the seemingly inexplicable circumstances. The initial investigation focuses on the legend itself, exploring its origins and the possibility of a rational explanation behind the seemingly supernatural events. The atmosphere is thick with suspense, cleverly built by Doyle's masterful storytelling. We’re introduced to the eerie landscape of Dartmoor, a crucial element in creating the overall sense of dread and mystery. The early chapters establish the central conflict and the main players, leaving the reader hooked and eager to uncover the truth.
II. Introducing the Key Players: Characters Who Shape the Narrative
The cast of characters is rich and complex, each contributing to the unfolding mystery. We have:
Sherlock Holmes: The brilliant detective, renowned for his powers of observation and deduction, is the driving force behind solving the case. His analytical mind cuts through the supernatural façade, uncovering the rational explanation.
Dr. Watson: Holmes’ loyal companion and narrator, providing a crucial perspective and grounding the narrative in a relatable voice. Watson’s observations are essential, allowing the reader to share in the unfolding mystery.
Sir Henry Baskerville: The heir to the Baskerville estate, he becomes the central victim of the alleged curse, making him both a suspect and a target. His vulnerability and courage are key to the narrative.
Jack Stapleton: A seemingly harmless naturalist residing near the Baskerville manor, his role is initially obscured by a veil of normalcy. He proves to be a master manipulator and a key player in the unfolding events.
Mrs. Laura Lyons: A seemingly innocent woman embroiled in a web of deceit, her involvement adds another layer to the complexity of the case. Her actions and motivations are slowly revealed, adding to the suspense.
Selden (the escaped convict): Though seemingly a minor character, Selden adds to the intrigue and complexity of the overall plot.
III. Unraveling the Mystery: Clues, Red Herrings, and Deduction
The central mystery revolves around the death of Sir Charles and the threat to Sir Henry. Holmes methodically dissects the evidence, meticulously examining footprints, analyzing the hound's tracks (or lack thereof), and interpreting the details surrounding Sir Charles’s death. Doyle expertly plants red herrings, leading the reader down several possible paths before revealing the truth. The investigation involves painstaking fieldwork, astute observations, and clever deduction. Holmes’ brilliance shines as he pieces together the clues, seemingly insignificant details transforming into crucial pieces of the puzzle. The unraveling of the mystery is a masterclass in detective fiction, showcasing Conan Doyle’s exceptional skill.
IV. The Hound and the Revelation: Unmasking the Truth
The "Hound of the Baskervilles" itself proves to be more than just a legendary beast. Holmes' investigation reveals a cunning plan orchestrated by Stapleton, utilizing both the legend and a real, albeit trained, hound to carry out his heinous scheme. The climax involves a confrontation on the moor, a thrilling chase, and a showdown that exposes Stapleton’s true motives and his elaborate deception. The revelation is both shocking and satisfying, providing a rational explanation for the seemingly supernatural events. The final confrontation emphasizes the importance of logic and careful observation over superstition and fear.
V. Resolution and Aftermath: Justice Served and Lessons Learned
The conclusion brings a sense of closure, with Stapleton's machinations exposed and justice served. The threat to Sir Henry is neutralized, and the Baskerville family's future, at least for the moment, is secure. The resolution is not only about solving the immediate mystery but also about dispelling the fear and superstition surrounding the Baskerville legend. The story ends on a note of triumph for Holmes and a reminder of the power of reason and careful investigation in overcoming even the most daunting of mysteries.
VI. Detailed Outline of "The Hound of the Baskervilles"
I. Introduction:
The chilling death of Sir Charles Baskerville
The legend of the hound
Holmes and Watson's involvement
II. Main Chapters (summarized):
Arrival at Baskerville Hall: Meeting Sir Henry and exploring the estate.
Investigation on Dartmoor: Tracking clues and encountering suspicious characters.
The Hound's Appearance: Witnessing or experiencing the terrifying presence of the hound (or a close call).
Stapleton's Deception: Uncovering Stapleton’s identity and his motives.
The Moorland Chase: The dramatic confrontation and pursuit on Dartmoor.
III. Conclusion:
The unmasking of Stapleton's plan
Justice served
The future of the Baskerville family
VII. Explanation of the Outline Points
I. Introduction: This sets the scene, introducing the central mystery and the key players. The ominous atmosphere is established, drawing the reader into the story.
II. Main Chapters: This section details the unfolding investigation, focusing on key plot points like the exploration of Baskerville Hall, encounters with suspicious individuals, and the culminating confrontation on the moor. Each point represents a significant progression in the narrative.
III. Conclusion: This section brings the narrative to a satisfying end, with the resolution of the mystery and the aftermath of Stapleton’s actions. It provides closure and leaves the reader with a sense of justice being served.
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is The Hound of the Baskervilles a horror story? While it contains elements of horror, it’s primarily a detective story with suspenseful and eerie elements.
2. Is the hound real or supernatural? The hound is ultimately revealed to be a real dog, skillfully trained and used as part of Stapleton's scheme.
3. What is Stapleton's motive? Stapleton desires the Baskerville estate and aims to eliminate Sir Henry to inherit it.
4. What role does the Dartmoor setting play? The desolate and eerie landscape of Dartmoor contributes significantly to the novel's atmosphere of suspense and mystery.
5. How does Holmes solve the mystery? Through keen observation, deduction, and meticulous investigation, Holmes unravels Stapleton's carefully constructed plan.
6. Is Sir Henry Baskerville in danger throughout the entire novel? Yes, Sir Henry is the primary target of Stapleton's plan and faces constant threat throughout much of the narrative.
7. What is the significance of the Baskerville family curse? The curse is a crucial element in creating suspense and serves as a catalyst for the events in the novel.
8. What is the role of Mrs. Lyons in the story? Mrs. Lyons is a pawn in Stapleton's plan, initially unaware of his true intentions.
9. Is there a romantic subplot in The Hound of the Baskervilles? While not a central theme, there are hints of romantic interest between Sir Henry and a female character, adding a subtle layer to the narrative.
IX. Related Articles:
1. Sherlock Holmes' Greatest Cases: A comparative analysis of Holmes' most famous investigations.
2. The History of Detective Fiction: An exploration of the genre's evolution and its influence.
3. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Life and Works: A biography of the author and an overview of his literary contributions.
4. Analyzing Sherlock Holmes' Deductive Methods: A deep dive into Holmes’ intellectual prowess and his techniques.
5. The Literary Significance of The Hound of the Baskervilles: An examination of its impact on literature and popular culture.
6. Adaptations of The Hound of the Baskervilles: A review of various film and television versions of the novel.
7. The Setting of Dartmoor in Literature: An exploration of Dartmoor's role in other literary works.
8. The Theme of Superstition vs. Reason in The Hound of the Baskervilles: A thematic analysis of the central conflict within the story.
9. Creating Suspense and Atmosphere in Fiction: Lessons from Conan Doyle: A writing guide inspired by Conan Doyle's techniques.
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Hound of the Baskervilles Illustrated Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 2021 The Hound of the Baskervilles is the third of the four crime novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the detective Sherlock Holmes. Originally serialised in The Strand Magazine from August 1901 to April 1902, it is set largely on Dartmoor in Devon in England's West Country and tells the story of an attempted murder inspired by the legend of a fearsome, diabolical hound of supernatural origin. Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson investigate the case. This was the first appearance of Holmes since his apparent death in The Final Problem, and the success of The Hound of the Baskervilles led to the character's eventual revival |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Mark Haddon, 2009-02-24 A bestselling modern classic—both poignant and funny—narrated by a fifteen year old autistic savant obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, this dazzling novel weaves together an old-fashioned mystery, a contemporary coming-of-age story, and a fascinating excursion into a mind incapable of processing emotions. Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, Christopher is autistic. Everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning for him. At fifteen, Christopher’s carefully constructed world falls apart when he finds his neighbour’s dog Wellington impaled on a garden fork, and he is initially blamed for the killing. Christopher decides that he will track down the real killer, and turns to his favourite fictional character, the impeccably logical Sherlock Holmes, for inspiration. But the investigation leads him down some unexpected paths and ultimately brings him face to face with the dissolution of his parents’ marriage. As Christopher tries to deal with the crisis within his own family, the narrative draws readers into the workings of Christopher’s mind. And herein lies the key to the brilliance of Mark Haddon’s choice of narrator: The most wrenching of emotional moments are chronicled by a boy who cannot fathom emotions. The effect is dazzling, making for one of the freshest debut in years: a comedy, a tearjerker, a mystery story, a novel of exceptional literary merit that is great fun to read. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Hound Arthur Conan Doyle, Lorne Dixon, 2010-01 Doctor Watson is dispatched to gloomy Dartmoor to investigate the savage murder of Sir Charles Baskerville--but even the great detective Sherlock Holmes could not anticipate the dark secrets they will uncover. A monster haunts the dark countryside that surrounds the Baskerville estate, a creature whose existence will challenge the rational beliefs at Holmes's core. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Arthur Conan Doyle’s Art of Fiction Nils Clausson, 2019-01-22 This groundbreaking book rescues Arthur Conan Doyle from the sub-literary category of popular fiction and from the myth of Sherlock Holmes. Instead of following new historicists and postcolonialists and asking what Conan Doyle’s fiction reveals about its author and what it tells us about Victorian attitudes to crime, class, Empire and gender, this provocative and convincingly argued literary study shifts the critical emphasis to the neglected art of the novels, tales and stories. It demonstrates through close reading that they can be read the same way as canonical literary fiction. Unapologetically polemical and written in an accessible, jargon-free style, this book will stimulate debate and provoke counterarguments, but most importantly it will send readers, both within and outside the academy, back to the fiction with heightened understanding and renewed pleasure. At a time when evaluation has virtually disappeared from literary studies, this iconoclastic book returns it to the centre. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Warlock Holmes - A Study in Brimstone G.S. Denning, 2016-05-17 Sherlock Holmes is a warlock—and an idiot—in book 1 of this hilarious fantasy series twist on the classic detective novels Sherlock Holmes is an unparalleled genius. Warlock Holmes is an idiot. A font of arcane power, certainly. But he’s brilliantly dim. Frankly, he couldn’t deduce his way out of a paper bag. The only thing he has really got going for him are the might of a thousand demons and his stalwart companion. Thankfully, Dr. Watson is always there to aid him through the treacherous shoals of Victorian propriety… and save him from a gruesome death every now and again. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: A Study in Scarlet, and, the Sign of the Four Arthur Conan Doyle, 1904 |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Adventure of the Speckled Band Arthur Conan Doyle, 2024-09-27 The Adventure of the Speckled Band by Arthur Conan Doyle follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious death of a woman in a locked room. Her sister, fearing for her life, seeks Holmes' help. The clues point to a chilling family secret and a strange sound in the night, leading Holmes to uncover a sinister plot hidden in plain sight. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Imperfectionists Tom Rachman, 2010-04-06 From the author of The Italian Teacher, this acclaimed debut novel set in Rome follows the topsy-turvy lives of the denizens of an English language newspaper. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Janet Maslin, The New York Times • The Economist • NPR • Slate • The Christian Science Monitor • Financial Times • The Plain Dealer • Minneapolis Star Tribune • St. Louis Post-Dispatch • The Kansas City Star • The Globe and Mail • Publishers Weekly Look in the back of the book for a conversation between Tom Rachman and Malcolm Gladwell Fifty years and many changes have ensued since the paper was founded by an enigmatic millionaire, and now, amid the stained carpeting and dingy office furniture, the staff’s personal dramas seem far more important than the daily headlines. Kathleen, the imperious editor in chief, is smarting from a betrayal in her open marriage; Arthur, the lazy obituary writer, is transformed by a personal tragedy; Abby, the embattled financial officer, discovers that her job cuts and her love life are intertwined in a most unexpected way. Out in the field, a veteran Paris freelancer goes to desperate lengths for his next byline, while the new Cairo stringer is mercilessly manipulated by an outrageous war correspondent with an outsize ego. And in the shadows is the isolated young publisher who pays more attention to his prized basset hound, Schopenhauer, than to the fate of his family’s quirky newspaper. As the era of print news gives way to the Internet age and this imperfect crew stumbles toward an uncertain future, the paper’s rich history is revealed, including the surprising truth about its founder’s intentions. Spirited, moving, and highly original, The Imperfectionists will establish Tom Rachman as one of our most perceptive, assured literary talents. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: A Case of Identity Arthur Conan Doyle, 2024-08-01 A Case of Identity is a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery by Arthur Conan Doyle. Miss Mary Sutherland seeks Holmes' help to find her missing fiancé, Mr. Hosmer Angel, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. As Holmes investigates, he uncovers a web of deceit and familial intrigue that reveals unexpected truths. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Elementary, She Read Vicki Delany, 2017-03-14 A “fast, fun” cozy mystery series “full of Sherlockian lore”—set at a Cape Cod bookshop run by a “charming, intelligent heroine as observant as the Great Detective himself” (Carolyn Hart, New York Times–bestselling author) When murder pays a visit to Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Gemma Doyle must use the powers of deduction to find the killer—and clear her own name. Gemma Doyle, a transplanted Englishwoman, has returned to the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod to manage her Great Uncle Arthur’s Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium. The shop—located at 222 Baker Street—specializes in the Holmes canon and pastiche, and is also home to Moriarty the cat. When Gemma finds a rare and potentially valuable magazine containing the first Sherlock Homes story hidden in the bookshop, she and her friend Jayne (who runs the adjoining Mrs. Hudson’s Tea Room) set off to find the owner, only to stumble upon a dead body. Gemma is the police’s first suspect, so she puts her consummate powers of deduction to work to clear her name, investigating a handsome rare books expert, the dead woman’s suspiciously unmoved son, and a whole family of greedy characters desperate to cash in on their inheritance. But when Gemma and Jayne accidentally place themselves at a second murder scene, it’s a race to uncover the truth before the detectives lock them up for good. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Hound of the Baskervilles Arthur Conan Doyle, Malvina G. Vogel, 2005 Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson travel to the bleak wastes of Dartmoor to solve the mystery surrounding the late Sir Charles Baskerville and a ghostly hound. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Sherlock Holmes Book DK, 2015-10-20 The Sherlock Holmes Book, the latest in DK's award-winning Big Ideas Simply Explained series, tackles the most elementary of subjects--the world of Sherlock Holmes, as told by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The Sherlock Holmes Book is packed with witty illustrations, clear graphics, and memorable quotes that make it the perfect Sherlock Holmes guide, covering every case of the world's greatest detective, from A Study in Scarlet to The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place, placing the sorties in a wider context. Stories include at-a-glance flowcharts that show how Holmes reaches his conclusions through deductive reasoning, and character guides provide handy reference for readers and an invaluable resource for fans of the Sherlock Holmes films and TV series. The Sherlock Holmes Book holds a magnifying glass to the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 2009-07-30 These are the last twelve stories Conan Doyle wrote about Holmes and Watson. They reflect the disillusioned world of the 1920s and also include some of the wittiest passages in the series. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Hound of the Baskervilles Annotated Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 2021-04-19 The rich landowner Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead in the park of his manor surrounded by the grim moor of Dartmoor, in the county of Devon. His death seems to have been caused by a heart attack, but the victim's best friend, Dr. Mortimer, is convinced that the strike was due to a supernatural creature, which haunts the moor in the shape of an enormous hound, with blazing eyes and jaws. In order to protect Baskerville's heir, Sir Henry, who's arriving to London from Canada, Dr. Mortimer asks for Sherlock Holmes' help, telling him also of the so-called Baskervilles' curse, according to which a monstrous hound has been haunting and killing the family males for centuries, in revenge for the misdeeds of one Sir Hugo Baskerville, who lived at the time of Oliver Cromwell. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Adventure of the Empty House Arthur Conan Doyle, 2020-09-28 Ronald Adair, a quiet young man whose only hobby was playing cards, got killed. Watson attempted to crack the case but with no success. One day he decided to examine the area around the victim’s house and then he ran into a strange old man. Who is he? Can it be the murderer who came back to the crime scene in disguise? Or the old man is simply a witness? Will Watson find out what happened by applying Holmes’ methods or this will not be enough? You can find the answers in The Adventure of the Empty House which is a part of The Return of Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Moonstone Wilkie Collins, 2012-03-27 Suspense, humor, and romance abound in this 1868 mystery, in which a gem stolen from a Hindu shrine resurfaces in an English country home — with a trio of watchful Brahmins hot on its trail. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Beneath the Shadows Sara Foster, 2012-06-05 In this thrilling gothic suspense debut by Sara Foster in the tradition of Rosamund Lupton and Sophie Hannah, a young mother searches Yorkshire's windswept moors for the truth behind her husband's mysterious disappearance. THE ANSWERS ARE HIDING BENEATH THE SHADOWS When Grace's husband, Adam, inherits an isolated North Yorkshire cottage, they leave the bustle of London behind to try a new life. A week later, Adam vanishes without a trace, leaving their baby daughter, Millie, in her stroller on the doorstep. The following year, Grace returns to the tiny village on the untamed heath. Everyone—the police, her parents, even her best friend and younger sister—is convinced that Adam left her. But Grace, unable to let go of her memories of their love and life together, cannot accept this explanation. She is desperate for answers, but the slumbering, deeply superstitious hamlet is unwilling to give up its secrets. As Grace hunts through forgotten corners of the cottage searching for clues, and digs deeper into the lives of the locals, strange dreams begin to haunt her. Are the villagers hiding something, or is she becoming increasingly paranoid? Only as snowfall threatens to cut her and Millie off from the rest of the world does Grace make a terrible discovery. She has been looking in the wrong place for answers all along, and she and her daughter will be in terrible danger if she cannot get them away in time. A haunting tale of loss and one woman's search for the truth no matter the consequences. This vividly written novel will leave you breathless and as chilled as the starkly beautiful North Yorkshire moors where this compelling story unfolds. –Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of These Things Hidden |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Lights, Camera . . . Carolyn Keene, 2004-05 Nancy has a part in a film reenactment of the heist that gave her town its name. When the cameras start rolling trouble begins. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Sphinx Without a Secret Oscar Wilde, 2024-05-30 »The Sphinx Without a Secret« is a short story by Oscar Wilde, originally published in 1891. OSCAR WILDE, born in 1854 in Dublin, died in 1900 in Paris, was an Irish prose writer, playwright, essayist, and poet. Wilde's significance as a symbol for persecuted homosexuals around the world is immeasurable. Wilde himself was sentenced to prison and hard labour, his works were boycotted, theatrical productions were shut down, and he was publicly vilified. The Picture of Dorian Gray [1890] is his most famous work. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Confederate Approach on Harrisburg Cooper H. Wingert, 2012 In June 1863, Harrisburg braced for an invasion as the Confederate troops of Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell steadily moved toward the Pennsylvania capital. Capturing Carlisle en route, Ewell sent forth a brigade of cavalry under Brigadier General Albert Gallatin Jenkins. After occupying Mechanicsburg for two days, Jenkins's troops skirmished with Union militia near Harrisburg. Jenkins then reported back to Ewell that Harrisburg was vulnerable. Ewell, however, received orders from army commander Lee to concentrate southward--toward Gettysburg--immediately. Left in front of Harrisburg, Jenkins had to fight his way out at the Battle of Sporting Hill. The following day, Jeb Stuart's Confederate cavalry made its way to Carlisle and began the infamous shelling of its Union defenders and civilian population. Running out of ammunition and finally making contact with Lee, Stuart also retired south toward Gettysburg. Author Cooper H. Wingert traces the Confederates to the gates of Harrisburg in these northernmost actions of the Gettysburg Campaign. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Warlock Holmes: The Hell-Hound of the Baskervilles G.S. Denning, 2017-05-16 The game’s afoot once more as the long-suffering Dr. John Watson and a partially-decomposed Warlock Holmes (though he’s getting better) face off against Moriarty’s gang, the Pinkertons, flesh-eating horses, a parliament of imps, boredom, Surrey, a succubus, an overly-Canadian aristocrat, a tricycle-fight to the death and the dreaded Pumpcrow. Oh, and a hell-hound, one assumes. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Man of the Crowd Edgar Allan Poe, 2024-02-05 In The Man of the Crowd by Edgar Allan Poe, the narrator becomes obsessed with following a mysterious old man through the bustling streets of London, intrigued by his enigmatic presence. This pursuit reveals the complexity of human nature and the impenetrability of urban anonymity. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle (Book Analysis) Bright Summaries, 2016-10-12 Unlock the more straightforward side of The Hound of the Baskervilles with this concise and insightful summary and analysis! This engaging summary presents an analysis of The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle, which tells the tale of the Baskerville family who have been cursed by an evil spirit. Following the death of a member of this family, Sherlock Holmes comes on the case to try and find the truth behind this evil spirit and put an end to the curse. Packed with suspense, crime and psychological analysis, it is clear to see why Conan Doyle’s novel continues to be loved decades later. In fact, Conan Doyle's character has become so famous that he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most portrayed movie character in history. Find out everything you need to know about The Hound of the Baskervilles in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: • A complete plot summary • Character studies • Key themes and symbols • Questions for further reflection Why choose BrightSummaries.com? Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you in your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time. See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com! |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Darwin Affair Tim Mason, 2019-06-11 London circa 1860. An attempt on Queen Victoria’s life. A plot against evolutionist Charles Darwin. A madman on the loose. And a police detective made famous by Charles Dickens. When Inspector Charles Field (based on the real London policeman immortalized by Dickens as Inspector Bucket in Bleak House) sets out to find who was behind the failed attempt on Queen Victoria’s life, he comes to believe the plot may have originated with some ranking members of the Church of England, the scientific establishment, and highly placed representatives of the Empire. Many were alarmed because the Queen had chosen to offer a knighthood to Charles Darwin, author of the newly published—and very controversial—On the Origin of Species, widely viewed as antichurch, anti-Empire, and an act of heresy. That Darwin was indeed on a list of men to be knighted by Queen Victoria is a recorded fact. History also shows that it was an honor he would never receive. In this fast-paced Victorian thriller, debut novelist Tim Mason unfurls a gripping, richly atmospheric tale. Beginning with a murder of a small-time underworld figure in London—followed by the kidnapping of a butcher’s boy, the death of a divinity student from Oxford, the discovery of a ring of body snatchers, and a royal visit to Bavaria that turns deadly—and ending with a spectacular London fire, Inspector Field suffers wounds to his body and blows to his ego. Nothing, however, stops his pursuit of a psychotic surgeon known as the Chorister. The Chorister, for very personal reasons, is intent not only on killing Darwin but also on making sure his theories of evolution die with him. Rich in period color and detail, and with many twists and turns to its plot, The DarwinAffair combines historical fact with vividly realized fiction to create an immersive reading experience that will captivate fans of such writers as Matthew Pearl and Alan Furst. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Sittaford Mystery Agatha Christie, 2009-03-17 The Sittaford Mystery is Dame Agatha at her most intriguing, as a séance in a snowbound house predicts a particularly grisly murder. In a remote house in the middle of Dartmoor, six shadowy figures huddle around a table for a seance. Tension rises as the spirits spell out a chilling message: Captain Trevelyan . . . dead . . . murder. Is this black magic or simply a macabre joke? The only way to be certain is to locate Captain Trevelyan. Unfortunately, his home is six miles away and, with snowdrifts blocking the roads, someone will have to make the journey on foot. . . . |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 2014-08-01 No mystery is too challenging for the infamous detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner, Dr. Watson. Holmes is at his best when the job seems impossible—or just plain absurd. From cases involving a strange group for red-headed men to a missing thumb, Holmes uses his powers of observation and deduction to solve even the weirdest mysteries. Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published his first twelve original Sherlock Holmes short stories as serials in the UK's Strand Magazine from 1891-1892. This unabridged collection of the stories is taken from the book form, originally published in 1892. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Sherlockian Graham Moore, 2010-12-01 Hurtling from present day New York to Victorian London, The Sherlockian weaves the history of Sherlock Holmes and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into an inspired and entertaining double mystery that proves to be anything but elementary. In December 1893, Sherlock Holmes-adoring Londoners eagerly opened their Strand magazines, anticipating the detective's next adventure, only to find the unthinkable: his creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, had killed their hero off. London spiraled into mourning-crowds sported black armbands in grief-and railed against Conan Doyle as his assassin. Then in 1901, just as abruptly as Conan Doyle had murdered Holmes in The Final Problem, he resurrected him. Though the writer kept detailed diaries of his days and work, Conan Doyle never explained this sudden change of heart. After his death, one of his journals from the interim period was discovered to be missing, and in the decades since, has never been found.... Or has it? When literary researcher Harold White is inducted into the preeminent Sherlock Holmes enthusiast society, The Baker Street Irregulars, he never imagines he's about to be thrust onto the hunt for the holy grail of Holmes-ophiles: the missing diary. But when the world's leading Doylean scholar is found murdered in his hotel room, it is Harold-using wisdom and methods gleaned from countless detective stories-who takes up the search, both for the diary and for the killer. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Adventure of the Illustrious Client Arthur Conan Doyle, 2020-09-29 Sir James comes to 221B Baker Street in the name of an anonymous but illustrious client. It concerns General de Merville’s daughter, Violet, who has fallen for the Baron Adelbert Gruner. The man has a bad reputation and Sir James hopes that if his misbehaviours can be proven by Holmes Violet will agree to break off the union. Just how bad the Baron’s actions have been and how to prove it is what Sherlock Holmes will have to find out. The Adventure of the Illustrious Client is part of The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was born in Scotland and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. After his studies, he worked as a ship’s surgeon on various boats. During the Second Boer War, he was an army doctor in South Africa. When he came back to the United Kingdom, he opened his own practice and started writing crime books. He is best known for his thrilling stories about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He published four novels and more than 50 short-stories starring the detective and Dr Watson, and they play an important role in the history of crime fiction. Other than the Sherlock Holmes series, Doyle wrote around thirty more books, in genres such as science-fiction, fantasy, historical novels, but also poetry, plays, and non-fiction. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Moor Laurie R. King, 2001 When Mary Russell is summoned by her partner and husband Sherlock Holmes to the scene of his most celebrated case, that of the Hound of the Baskervilles, there is more to the matter than a phantom hound. Sightings of a spectral coach carrying a long-dead noblewoman over the moonlit moor have heralded a corpse surrounded by oversized paw prints. As Russell and Holmes anticipate, a rational explanation lies beneath the supernatural events--but one far darker than they ever imagined. Martin's Press. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Hound of the Baskervilles Arthur Conan Doyle, 2010-02-16 This is a beautifully-designed new edition of Arthur Conan Doyle's novel-length Sherlock Holmes mystery, The Hound of the Baskervilles. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Hound of the Baskervilles Tim Kelly, 1976 FROM THE CLASSIC THRILLER OF SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Novels and Stories Volume I Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 2013-06-26 Since his first appearance in Beeton’s Christmas Annual in 1887, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes has been one of the most beloved fictional characters ever created. Now, in two paperback volumes, Bantam presents all fifty-six short stories and four novels featuring Conan Doyle’s classic hero--a truly complete collection of Sherlock Holmes’s adventures in crime! Volume I includes the early novel A Study in Scarlet, which introduced the eccentric genius of Sherlock Holmes to the world. This baffling murder mystery, with the cryptic word Rache written in blood, first brought Holmes together with Dr. John Watson. Next, The Sign of Four presents Holmes’s famous “seven percent solution” and the strange puzzle of Mary Morstan in the quintessential locked-room mystery. Also included are Holmes’s feats of extraordinary detection in such famous cases as the chilling “ The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” the baffling riddle of “The Musgrave Ritual,” and the ingeniously plotted “The Five Orange Pips,” tales that bring to life a Victorian England of horse-drawn cabs, fogs, and the famous lodgings at 221B Baker Street, where Sherlock Holmes earned his undisputed reputation as the greatest fictional detective of all time. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Valley of Fear Ian Edginton, 2017-09 I have been in the Valley of Fear... I am not out of it yet. There - is - danger! The warning message decrypted by Sherlock Holmes arrives too late to save John Douglas of Birlstone Manor, Sussex, an American gentleman gruesomely murdered in his study by person or persons unknown. But who was John Douglas, why wasn't he wearing his wedding-ring, and what is the crucial significance of the missing dumb-bell? This atmospheric graphic novel adaptation by Ian Edginton and I.N.J. Culbard - the team behind this series' acclaimed A Study in Scarlet, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Sign of the Four - will keep you guessing. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Miss Jane Austen's Guide to Modern Life's Dilemmas Rebecca Smith, 2012-11-08 Is the man I’m dating Mr. Darcy in disguise. . . or simply a jerk? It’s been two centuries since Jane Austen penned Pride & Prejudice and her many other classic novels, yet her adroit observations on the social landscape and profound insights into human nature are as relevant now as they were in her time. If only those of us in need of some good advice today had the opportunity to sit down and tap even a few drops from Austen’s great reservoirs of wisdom. Well, now we do. . . . In Miss Jane Austen’s Guide to Modern Life’s Dilemmas, Rebecca Smith channels her great-great-great-great-great aunt’s sense—and, of course, her sensibility—to help readers navigate their most pressing problems. Drawing on Austen’s novels, letters, and unpublished writings, Smith supplies readers with wise and wonderful counsel for living well in the 21st century. From instruction on how to gracefully “unfriend” someone on Facebook to answers for such timeless questions as “Can a man ever really change?” this book enables readers to nimbly navigate life’s most tricky terrain with the good sense, good manners, and abundant humor that are the mark of any great Austen heroine. Sensible, savvy, and funny, Miss Jane Austen’s Guide to Modern Life’s Dilemmas cleverly answers every Austen fan’s most earnest question: What would Jane do? Replete with lovely Austen-inspired color illustrations, as well as quotes from Austen’s various novels to support the advice given, this book is the ideal gift for the Jane Austen fanatic in your life. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The New Catacomb Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir, 2014-03-27 Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle DL (22 May 1859 - 7 July 1930) was a Scottish physician and writer who is most noted for his fictional stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, which are generally considered milestones in the field of crime fiction. He is also known for writing the fictional adventures of a second character he invented, Professor Challenger, and for popularising the mystery of the Mary Celeste. He was a prolific writer whose other works include fantasy and science fiction stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh Medical School. A London-based consulting detective whose abilities border on the fantastic, Holmes is famous for his astute logical reasoning, his ability to adopt almost any disguise, and his use of forensic science skills to solve difficult cases. Holmes, who first appeared in publication in 1887, was featured in four novels and 56 short stories. The first novel, A Study in Scarlet, appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual in 1887 and the second, The Sign of the Four, in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. The character grew tremendously in popularity with the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine, beginning with A Scandal in Bohemia in 1891; further series of short stories and two novels published in serial form appeared between then and 1927. The stories cover a period from around 1880 up to 1914. All but four stories are narrated by Holmes's friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself (The Blanched Soldier and The Lion's Mane) and two others are written in the third person (The Mazarin Stone and His Last Bow). In two stories (The Musgrave Ritual and The Gloria Scott), Holmes tells Watson the main story from his memories, while Watson becomes the narrator of the frame story. The first and fourth novels, A Study in Scarlet and The Valley of Fear, each include a long interval of omniscient narration recounting events unknown to either Holmes or Watson. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Sherlock Holmes Investigates Arthur Conan Doyle, 2013-02-18 CRIME Sherlock Holmes is at work in three stories: solving the problem of a hat and a goose in 'The Blue Carbuncle'; finding a missing fiancé in 'A Case of Identity'; and discovering the identity of a strange creature in 'The Yellow Face'. Dossiers: Conan Doyle Defends the Crew of the 'Titanic' Arthur Defends the Underdog |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Revenge of the Hound Michael Hardwick, 1999 A sleeping derelict is savaged by a huge hound. The headless skeleton of Oliver Cromwell is stolen. A Chinese ship's steward is mysteriously murdered. And the King of England is threatened with blackmail. A sinister game is afoot, and it's up to Sherlock Holmes and his devoted cony and chronicler Dr. John Watson to put the pieces of the bizarre puzzle together, in order to keep the British Empire from being torn apart! |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: Silver Blaze Arthur Conan Doyle, 2014-06-24 About the Author-Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle KStJ, DL (22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) was a Scottish physician and writer who is most noted for his fictional stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, which are generally considered milestones in the field of crime fiction. He is also known for writing the fictional adventures of a second character he invented, Professor Challenger, and for popularising the mystery of the Mary Celeste.He was a prolific writer whose other works include fantasy and science fiction stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction, and historical novels.-Wikipedia |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: IQ Joe Ide, 2017-04-06 'Joe Ide is the best new discovery I've come across in a long time. And Isaiah Quintabe is the kind of sleuth not seen on the mystery landscape before.' Michael Connelly SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA JOHN CREASEY (new blood) DAGGER THE TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH: 'Full of humour, originality and high-quality writing' East Long Beach. The LAPD is barely keeping up with the high crime rate. Murders go unsolved, the elderly are being mugged, children go missing. But word has spread: if you've got a case the police can't - or won't - touch, Isaiah Quintabe will help you out. They call him IQ. He's a loner and a high school dropout, his unassuming nature disguising a relentless determination and a fierce intelligence. His clients pay him whatever they can afford, a new set of tyres or some homemade muffins. But now he needs a client who can pay. And the only way to that client is through a jive-talking, low-life drug dealer he thought he'd left behind. Then there's the case itself. A drug-addled rap star surrounded by a crew of flunkies who believes his life is in danger; and a hit man who even other hit men say is a lunatic. If he solves this case, IQ can put right a mistake he made long ago. If not it won't just be the hit man coming after him ... WINNER of the ANTHONY AWARD for Best Debut, the SHAMUS AWARD for BEST FIRST P.I. NOVEL. the MACAVITY AWARD for Best First Novel; SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2017 EDGAR AWARD and STRAND CRITICS AWARD. |
the hound of the baskervilles novel summary: The Hound of the Baskervilles Arthur Doyle, 2020-12-31 The rich landowner Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead in the park of his manor surrounded by the grim moor of Dartmoor, in the county of Devon. His death seems to have been caused by a heart attack, but the victim's best friend, Dr. Mortimer, is convinced that the strike was due to a supernatural creature, which haunts the moor in the shape of an enormous hound, with blazing eyes and jaws. In order to protect Baskerville's heir, Sir Henry, who's arriving to London from Canada, Dr. Mortimer asks for Sherlock Holmes' help, telling him also of the so-called Baskervilles' curse, according to which a monstrous hound has been haunting and killing the family males for centuries, in revenge for the misdeeds of one Sir Hugo Baskerville, who lived at the time of Oliver Cromwell. |