Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a classic mystery novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes. The novel is set in the gloomy and desolate moors of Dartmoor, in the southwestern part of England, where the Baskerville family is haunted by an ancient curse. The book is divided into fifteen chapters, each of which is further divided into sub-sections that provide a detailed and nuanced account of the story.

The novel begins with the arrival of Dr. James Mortimer, a friend of the Baskerville family, who recounts the story of Sir Charles Baskerville, who died under mysterious circumstances. Mortimer believes that the death was caused by the curse that has been haunting the Baskerville family for generations, and he fears that the same fate will befall the new heir, Sir Henry Baskerville. This sets the stage for the arrival of the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, who is tasked with investigating the death of Sir Charles Baskerville and protecting Sir Henry Baskerville from the curse.

Holmes is initially skeptical of the supernatural aspects of the case, but he agrees to take it on after hearing the details of the case from Dr. Mortimer. Holmes sends his loyal friend and assistant, Dr. John Watson, to Dartmoor to keep an eye on Sir Henry Baskerville and report back to him with any relevant information.

As Watson begins his investigation, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including the enigmatic Barrymore family, who are the caretakers of the Baskerville estate, and the mysterious and beautiful Miss Stapleton, who lives in a nearby village. Watson also experiences several strange and eerie events, such as a warning note, the appearance of a strange bearded man, and the discovery of a boot with strange markings.

As the investigation progresses, Holmes and Watson uncover a web of lies and deceit, and they come closer to solving the mystery of the hound. They discover that the curse is not supernatural in nature, but rather the work of a cunning and diabolical criminal mastermind, who is using the legend of the hound to cover up his crimes. The mastermind is revealed to be none other than Jack Stapleton, Miss Stapleton's brother, who is motivated by greed and a desire for revenge against the Baskerville family.

In the final chapters, the detectives confront Stapleton and reveal his true identity. The novel ends with a thrilling chase across the moors, as Holmes and Watson race to save the life of the last surviving member of the Baskerville family. The hound is revealed to be a trained dog, used by Stapleton to scare and kill his victims.

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a gripping and suspenseful novel that explores the themes of greed, deceit, and the supernatural. It is a testament to Arthur Conan Doyle's skill as a writer, and to his ability to create memorable characters and intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel also highlights the brilliance and deductive skills of Sherlock Holmes, who remains one of the most iconic and beloved fictional characters of all time.

Overall, "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its thrilling story, vivid characters, and atmospheric setting. It is a must-read for anyone who loves mystery, detective fiction, or simply great storytelling.