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TL;DR: Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the moor near his home, his face twisted in terror, with the footprints of a gigantic hound nearby. A legend says a demon hound haunts the family. Sherlock Holmes sends Dr. Watson to Dartmoor to protect the heir, Sir Henry, and uncovers a very human plot.
Table of Contents
The Hound of the Baskervilles at a Glance
| Author | Arthur Conan Doyle |
| First published | 1902 |
| Type | Novel |
| Best for | readers who want a classic, atmospheric Sherlock Holmes mystery |
The Hound of the Baskervilles is a Sherlock Holmes novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, serialized in 1901 and 1902. It is the most famous Holmes story. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it. Note that this summary reveals the solution.
Content note: Includes death and animal cruelty.
Main Characters
- Sherlock Holmes: The brilliant detective.
- Dr. John Watson: Holmes's friend and the narrator.
- Sir Henry Baskerville: The heir to Baskerville Hall.
- Jack Stapleton: A naturalist living on the moor.
- Dr. James Mortimer: Sir Charles's friend, who brings the case.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The legend
Dr. Mortimer visits Holmes with an old manuscript describing the wicked Hugo Baskerville, killed by a demon hound centuries ago. Sir Charles Baskerville has died of a heart attack on the moor, and gigantic paw prints were found near his body.
Sir Henry
The heir, Sir Henry, arrives from Canada. In London, one of his boots is stolen, and he receives a warning to keep away from the moor. Holmes, claiming to be busy, sends Watson with Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall in Devon.
The moor
Watson reports on the Barrymores, the hall's servants, and an escaped convict named Selden, who is Mrs. Barrymore's brother. He meets the naturalist Stapleton and his “sister,” Beryl, who secretly warns Sir Henry to leave. Watson discovers that Holmes has been hiding on the moor all along.
The plot
Selden dies falling from rocks while wearing Sir Henry's old clothes, chased by the hound. Holmes realizes that Stapleton is a Baskerville relative in line to inherit, and that Beryl is his wife. Stapleton used a huge dog painted with phosphorus to frighten Sir Charles to death.
The ending
Holmes uses Sir Henry as bait. As the glowing hound attacks Sir Henry on the moor, Holmes and Watson shoot it. Stapleton flees into the Grimpen Mire, a deadly bog, and is presumed drowned. Sir Henry recovers on a long voyage.
5 Key Takeaways
- Logic triumphs over superstition.
- Greed can wear a friendly face.
- Atmosphere builds suspense.
- Patience is essential to detection.
- Fear can be used as a weapon.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The world is full of obvious things which nobody observes.
- Legends can hide human crimes.
- Look past fear to find the truth.
Who Should Read The Hound of the Baskervilles?
Read The Hound of the Baskervilles if you want a spooky, classic detective story. It suits readers aged 12 and up.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of The Hound of the Baskervilles:
- Why does Holmes send Watson alone?
- How does Doyle create suspense?
- Is the hound supernatural?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether The Hound of the Baskervilles is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of The Hound of the Baskervilles, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is the most atmospheric Holmes story and a perfect introduction to the series. Holmes is absent for much of the middle, which gives Watson more of a role, and the misty moor makes it feel almost like a gothic novel. It is short enough to read in a weekend.
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What to Read Next
- The Sign of the Four by Arthur Conan Doyle: another Holmes novel
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle: classic Holmes short stories
- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: another atmospheric mystery
Related: 15 Books Like The Hound of the Baskervilles You’ll Love · The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hound of the Baskervilles about?
Holmes and Watson investigate a legendary hound haunting a family.
Is the hound supernatural?
No. It is a real dog made to glow with phosphorus.
Who is the villain?
Jack Stapleton.
Where is it set?
Dartmoor, in Devon, England.
Who is Selden?
An escaped convict hiding on the moor.
What happens to Stapleton?
He is presumed drowned in the Grimpen Mire.
How long is it?
About 250 pages.
Is it a good first Holmes book?
Yes, it is one of the best introductions.
Who are the main characters in The Hound of the Baskervilles?
The main characters are Sherlock Holmes, Dr. John Watson, Sir Henry Baskerville, Jack Stapleton and Dr. James Mortimer. Sherlock Holmes: The brilliant detective. Dr. John Watson: Holmes's friend and the narrator. Sir Henry Baskerville: The heir to Baskerville Hall.
Is The Hound of the Baskervilles worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a classic, atmospheric Sherlock Holmes mystery. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.