The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 18 February 1998
by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The great detective Sherlock Holmes has attained mythical status since his introduction over a hundred years ago. His acute powers of deduction appeal to the scientist and lover-of-mysteries in all of us. This book is one of the longer classic tales of this character. The Baskerville family is haunted by an ancient curse brought upon them by the cruel behavior of one of their ancestors. Sir Charles Baskerville dies in mysterious circumstances, apparently run to death by a spectral hound from the foggy moors of England. Holmes and Watson are called in by Baskerville's latest heir, to solve what Holmes calls one of their most complicated mysteries yet. Like most mysteries, though, the plot hinges on some terrific coincidences and convenient surprises. Holmes is his remarkably arrogant self, and Dr. Watson a helpful and intelligent investigator in his own right. As a classic, the book brings in many familiar aspects of classic mystery writing. It is intelligently written, articulate and with smooth flow of language.