Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of Baskervilles

Graphic Novel title: Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of Baskervilles
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Publisher: Arcturus Publishing Limited
ISBN: 978-1-78404-357-5
Print run: 3280
Cost: $ 8.95.
Published in: 2014
Reviewed by: Allen Kilingelhoets

I do not know who rewrote or who was artist for abridged version. I got story through inter-library loan. The graphic novel consisted of 31 pages. The pages were drawn in full color images.

Sherlock Holmes was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s super detective. The story is based on the original book text. I did not know how Sherlock Holmes was going to solve the crime of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Doctor Watson is in story to help Sherlock Holmes in investigation of The Hound of Baskervilles. The story even starts off at 228 Baker Street the London residence of Sherlock Holmes. I liked how shown as reader Sherlock Holmes had amazing deduction skills and noticed even subtle clues. The clues to solving case are shown throughout graphic novel. I think the story was during late 1800’s. There are horses and carriages. Yet a train is shown in one scene taking Dr. Watson. Sir. Henry, and Dr. Jared Moritimoor to Dartmoor . They left from very real Pattington Station. I read that journey was not very long by train. I liked how scenery was described from towering brick to lush vistas of green grass. The mystery of Dartmoor involved a supernatural glowing large hound dog. I really liked how author and artist of graphic novel worked very hard to tell story without giving to many spoilers. The story made me want to go out and read actual novel.

I think one of my favorite art scenes of graphic novel was when drew Baskerville Hall. The image though did not take away from story of mystery of The Hound of Baskervilles.

I am not sure with such a small print readers can find this young adult graphic novel. I would suggest library services to find copy to read. Sherlock Holmes is before the time of Batman, Ellery Queen, Agatha Christie, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mystery stories. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle opened doors for other authors to write mystery stories. The Hound of the Baskervilles is a true mystery classic faithfully told in graphic novel format by Arturus Publishing Limited. I also liked that publisher was alsolocated in London. I think this gave them better feel for being London home for fictional character Sherlock Holmes.

I also wonder if Robert Howard was influenced by works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? Robert E. Howard created stories with character named Conan. Both authors lived in similar time periods. Conan though was a Cimmerian Barbarian not a detective.


Reviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets