The Hound Of Baskervilles

It is strange to consider that, although The Hound of the Baskervilles is Conan Doyle’s most popular novel, his hero is absent for much of the time. Notice how he sets up an atmosphere of supernatural horror right from the start through Dr Mortimer’s reading of the ancient curse, and how he then presents as assortment of bizarre clues – in particular, the riddle of the missing boots – which Holmes will have to unravel. As the story progresses, red herrings are thrown up to put Holmes and Watson – and the listener – off the scent, so that interest is sustained throughout.