Usborne: Classics Retold

This book contains the following story:

The Hound of the Baskervilles

"The Hound of the Baskervilles" is a famous detective novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring his iconic detective character Sherlock Holmes. The novel was first serialized in "The Strand Magazine" from August 1901 to April 1902 and was later published as a book in 1902. Here's a summary of the plot:

The story is set in the moorlands of Devonshire, England. It begins with Dr. John Watson, the friend and biographer of Sherlock Holmes, narrating a mysterious case to Holmes. The case revolves around the Baskerville family, who live in the eerie Baskerville Hall on the desolate moors. Sir Charles Baskerville, the head of the family, has recently died under mysterious circumstances, and his heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, has returned from America to take over the family estate.

Dr. Mortimer, a friend of the Baskerville family, is concerned about the safety of Sir Henry and seeks Holmes' help in investigating the death of Sir Charles. According to legend, the Baskerville family is cursed by a supernatural hound that haunts the moors and is responsible for the deaths of several family members.

Holmes sends Watson to accompany Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall and investigate the mysterious occurrences. As Watson delves into the case, he encounters various suspects and uncovers a complex web of secrets and motives. The story takes a suspenseful turn as Watson and Sir Henry navigate the eerie landscape of the moors, encountering strange and terrifying events.

Holmes, meanwhile, conducts his own investigation in London and eventually joins Watson and Sir Henry in Devonshire. Through a series of clever deductions and observations, Holmes uncovers the truth behind the legend of the hound and reveals the identity of the culprit, who is using the legend to cover up a sinister plot for personal gain.

In the end, Holmes' brilliant detective work saves Sir Henry from the same fate as his ancestors, and the true villain is brought to justice. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is celebrated for its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and the brilliant deduction skills of Sherlock Holmes.

This book is in the following series:

Usborne Stories

Usborne Classics Retold
These simplified and shortened retellings make great literary classics accessible. Each remains faithful to the original text in the treatment of the story.

Classics Retold

This book features the following characters:

Sherlock Holmes
This book features Conan Doyle's character, Sherlock Holmes, the brilliant and eccentric detective known for his logical reasoning, keen observation skills, and deductive abilities. Holmes is the central character around whom the Sherlock Holmes stories revolve.

Dr John Watson
Dr John Watson is Sherlock Holmes's assistant, friend and flatmate in the Arthur Conan Doyle stories about the fictional detective. Watson is a medical doctor and often accompanies Holmes on his cases. He narrates most of the stories, providing the reader with insight into Holmes's methods and the cases they undertake.

Mrs Hudson
Mrs Hudson is Holmes and Watson's landlady, who takes care of their residence at 221B Baker Street. She appears occasionally in the stories.

Charles Baskerville
This book features the character Charles Baskerville.