Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

The Hound of the Baskervilles is the third of the four crime novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the detective Sherlock Holmes. 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.

One of the most famous stories ever written, in 2003, the book was listed as number 128 of 200 on the BBC's The Big Read poll of the UK's "best-loved novel". In 1999, it was listed as the top Holmes novel, with a perfect rating from Sherlockian scholars of 100. (256 pages)

E Book: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2852/...

One of Member Jamie's favorite read!
Suggested read from Member Jacquie, thank you Jacquie.

Anyone have this one on your read list for this month?

If I have time,I may read this for the third time.

The audiobook is wonderful - it definitely adds to the intense setting. My brain puts Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law into the characters though, lol.

I might read this for the third time too.

Absolutely my favorite Sherlock Holmes story!

Have read it over ten times have fun with it!

I love this book, I can’t wait to read it again. I’ll start it later this month as I’m trying to fit in a few of the group reads.

Mike wrote: "Absolutely my favorite Sherlock Holmes story!"

Mine too, Mike. And I think it is the best Sherlock Holmes story of all.

Sad:
Sir Doyle believed in Fairies!

When a photograph surfaced purportedly showing a young girl surrounded by fairies, Doyle enthusiastically hailed its authenticity and believed it was clear evidence of psychic phenomena. He even wrote a book called The Coming of the Fairies in 1922 and spent north of a million dollars promoting their validity. It wasn’t until long after Doyle’s death that the girl pictured eventually admitted it was a hoax.

Lesle wrote: "Sad:
Sir Doyle believed in Fairies!

When a photograph surfaced purportedly showing a young girl surrounded by fairies, Doyle enthusiastically hailed its authenticity and believed it was clear evid..."

Oh, I remember that photo from a class at school on 'deception in publication' or something like that. I think it more 'romantic' than 'sad' that he believed! (Although, for such an analytical mind, this fact is strange...)
I WILL be reading this one, even if I don't get to it in the time-frame of this group read. --Jen from Quebec :0)

Oh Jen I was more sad that it was not true for him!

Hope you enjoy Hounds!

I remember that picture too! I’ve always found it strange that someone who believed in the supernatural and spiritualism so much could come up with such a logical and scientific character as Sherlock Holmes.

That's kind of funny since Holmes is so completely against a supernatural explanation in the book.

I’ve just finished this one again and it’s like returning to an old friend. I love the plot, the characters and the writing style, still 5 stars from me.

Georgina it is great when you reread a 5 star and they dont disappoint on the following read. I always worry about that.

Glad you enjoyed it this time too!

Did you know:

Conan Doyle was not the first writer to feature a cerebral detective. Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins both had characters solve mysteries with reason. But Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is the one who has captured the world’s imagination.

When read alongside other writer’s stories of the 1880s and 1890s, you will see how advanced Doyle’s writing style was for his times. It is closer to the more readable, stripped-down style of 20th century writers.

I don't think I've ever read any Sherlock Holmes. I just started this one yesterday - through Chapter 4 - and am enjoying it so far. I've watched enough Holmes in all varieties on television that I am reading something into even the tiniest detail. Looking forward to the journey.

Glad you could join us, Karen. I enjoy the way Doyle writes. As Lesle said above, he is not as wordy as other authors of the time.

Started reading for my third time. This time I want to read it slowly and savor it. Even though it is my third read, I'm so much excited. I can even feel butterflies in my stomach. Sounds crazy, I know. :)

However, I was really struck hard by Sherlock's arrogance. It is almost to the point of rudeness. I cannot remember observing it before.

I've finished the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope to read more Doyle in future.

Is it arrogance or brilliance? Having never read any other Holmes exploits I can only go on television versions that I've seen. I don't know that Sherlock is intentionally arrogant - his brilliance preempts or precludes social skills. But either way, for those in his way, even Watson who has learned to accept many of Sherlock's quirks, hurt feelings do occur.

The story was well drawn and did raise the hairs on the back of my neck from time to time. I was sorry that (view spoiler)[the convict had to die as collateral damage in furthering the plot and that he was more or less considered expendable and other than the presence of the boot in the bog I'm not sure how they can be so sure that Stapleton didn't manage to flee overnight for the coast and back to South America (hide spoiler)] but all's well that ends well. I hope that the Barrymores opted to stay on at Baskerville Hall.

Yes, Karen, it is his brilliance that makes him arrogant. And I agree that it is unintentional. What I meant is it struck me new this time around. (This is my third reading). It also brings to my mind Hercule Poirot and his "modesty". :)

I finished reading last night. It was a fascinating reread. I so love this book. I've not read a murder-mystery that thrilled me so much. And I really think that this is the best of Sherlock Holmes.

During this read, I appreciated more the plot twist of the story with the introduction of the escaped convict. Just brilliant!

I read this a few years ago and didn't enjoy it much, so am passing on rereading it.

No problem Karin!
There are so many many Classics out there to read.

I was hoping to finish a reread of this last night, but didn't quite make it. This time I was really paying attention to his descriptions of the moor to get into a suitable mysterious mood since I remember most of the plot- but not all.

I finished it today. It's a good one. As usual, my favourite character is Doctor Watson.