The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
#5 in The Sherlock Holmes Children’S Collection: Creatures, Codes And Curious Cases (Easy Classics) Series
on Goodreads (367,835)
What’s inside...
The country doctor had come to 221B Baker Street, the famous lodgings of Sherlock Holmes, with an eerie tale-the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles, the devil-beast that haunted the lonely moors around the Baskervilles' ancestral home. The tale warned the descendants of that ancient family never to venture out on the moor. But Sir Charles Baskerville was now dead-and the footprints of a giant hound have been found near his body. Would the new heir of the Baskervilles meet the same dreadful fate? Sherlock Holmes and his faithful friend, Dr. Watson, are faced with their most terrifying case in this wonderful classic of masterful detection and bone-chilling suspense. The Hound of the Baskervilles is the third of the four crime novels written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the detective Sherlock Holmes. Originally serialised in The Strand Magazine from August 1901 to April 1902, 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. This was the first appearance of Holmes since his apparent death in 'The Final Problem', and the success of The Hound of the Baskervilles led to the character's eventual revival. 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.
Character compass
Sherlock Holmes
Sir Henry Baskerville
Eliza Barrymore
Miss Beryl Stapleton
John Barrymore
Dr. James Mortimer
Dr. John Watson
Mr. Jack Stapleton
Henry Baskerville
James Mortimer
Mr. Perkins
Mr. Frankland
Jack Stapleton
Beryl Stapleton
James Desmond
Mr. Selden
Laura Lyons
Charles Baskerville
John Clayton
John Watson
Discussion points
How do you think Sherlock Holmes solves mysteries using his observations?
What feelings do you think the characters experienced throughout the mystery?
Why is trust important among the characters in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem like Sherlock Holmes?
What would you have done differently if you were in Sherlock Holmes' place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think like a detective, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to details just like Sherlock Holmes.
Discuss the moral choices characters face to enhance ethical understanding and critical thinking.
Use examples from the book to discuss the cause and effect of certain actions or decisions made by the characters.
Relate the suspense and elements of mystery in the book to everyday mysteries that arise in life to make the reading more relatable.
Ask your child to predict future events in the story to promote analytical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Sherlock Holmes demonstrates exceptional analytical skills and critical thinking, as he uncovers the mystery behind the fearsome legend of the hound.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking to solve problems at school or to understand complex scenarios, fostering a sense of curiosity and a quest for knowledge in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: The Value of Observation and Deduction
Explanation: Sherlock Holmes uses his keen sense of observation to gather clues that seem trivial to an untrained eye. His ability to deduce deeper meanings from these observations is pivotal in solving the case.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to pay attention to detail and to not overlook small bits of information, which could be crucial in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The characters face dangerous situations bravely, especially when confronting the legendary beast or navigating the moor's treacherous bogs.
Real-World Application: This lesson supports children in facing their fears and challenges courageously, whether it be during school presentations, standing up for friends, or trying out new activities.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: The relationship between Dr. John Watson and Sherlock Holmes is marked by trust and loyalty, as Watson often follows Holmes into perilous situations without hesitation.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of supporting friends and remaining dependable in their relationships, ultimately leading to stronger and more trustworthy friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving Through Collaboration
Explanation: Holmes and Watson frequently collaborate to piece together the mystery, utilizing each other's strengths to achieve their goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of teamwork and acknowledging diverse perspectives in solving problems, be it in group school projects or family activities.