Doyle's classic story is accompanied by undistinguished full-page ink and watercolor illustrations in blue and red tones. Occasional spot-art breaks up the text, making it more accessible to a younger audience. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Of all Doyle's stories about the redoubtable Sherlock Holmes and his faithful friend and chronicler Dr. John Watson, arguably the best known is their investigation into what appears to be a homicidal "gigantic hound" pursuing the Baskerville clan. There have been numerous film, radio, and television adaptations, but rarely has one been as flat-out entertaining as this radio-like full-cast performance, directed by Alexis Jacknow and recorded before a live audience. Much of this is due to the clever script by Pichette and Wright, which includes most of Doyle's original plot but manages to be as humorous as it is thrilling and, though set in Victorian times, ends with a refreshingly contemporary noirish twist. Assisted by splendid sound effects, the cast performs with energy, enthusiasm, and invention. For example, Moira Quirk portrays the 221B Baker Street housekeeper, Mrs. Hudson, with an amusingly flippant attitude. Seamus Dever is a sharp-witted and sharp-tongued Holmes, but, as in the novel, the character spends quite a bit of time observing events from afar (and is therefore often away from the mike). In his absence, Watson and potential victim Sir Henry Baskerville carry the plot, with Geoffrey Arend presenting the good doctor as a capable and humane straight man considerably out-charmed by actor James Marsters's Sir Henry. The production also features comments by Leslie S. Klinger, editor of the Edgar Allan Poe Award-winning New Annotated Sherlock Holmes. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 9 Up-In what is arguably both the best Sherlock Holmes story in the canon and one of the classic all-time mystery novels, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle parlays his interest in the occult with keen scientific detection in a story that prominently showcases Dr. Watson. Upon hearing Dr. James Mortimer's saga of the haunted Baskerville family and the recent death of family head Sir Charles Baskerville, apparently from the hound of the legend, Holmes and Watson begin their investigation. When the estate's heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, arrives in London from Canada strange things immediately occur and Holmes dispatches Watson to accompany Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall. Situated in Dartmoor in Devonshire, the estate borders a tremendous moor that includes Grimpen Mire, the deadly quicksand-like bog, and provides the Gothic atmosphere that so beautifully saturates the storyÄthe oppressive manor and nightly sounds of a wailing woman, Neolithic ruins and monoliths throughout the moor, a mysterious butler and his agitated wife, an escaped killer at-large on the moor, and the spectral and murderous hound. This expurgated version is wonderfully conceived and executed in every aspect, but particularly in the dexterous delivery of veteran British actor, Tony Britton. His diverse and distinctive portrayal of over a dozen characters is singularly commanding. This literary masterwork that has found its simpatico audio incarnation should be an obligatory purchase for all audio collections.-Barry X. Miller, Austin Public Library, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The Illustrated Classics graphic-novel series takes on the master of deduction with this invigorating slant on one of Conan Doyle's best-loved works. The story unfolds faithfully: Dr. Mortimer arrives at 221B Baker Street to rope Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson into the strange case of Charles Baskerville, who recently (and quite mysteriously!) became the latest in his lineage to die, possibly at the hands of the legendary beast who haunts the grounds. Holmes, as depicted by Culbard, is a long-faced, dagger-nosed, boulder-chinned aristocrat a caricature, but one still agile enough to exude pleasure when uttering that the case presents some features of interest. Each character's features are similarly comic yet present fun counterparts to the verbose untanglings. The large word balloons are often the only visual breaks from the warm/cold colors that balance each page except, of course, when the hound bounds onto the stage in glowing greens. The fascinating back matter includes early designs for Holmes and Watson, an overhead schema of their office, and a preview of the upcoming A Study in Scarlet.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2009 Booklist

Originally published as a magazine serial in 1901, this is one of the best-known Sherlock Holmes stories. Decades ago, Sir Hugo Baskerville was killed on the moor, ostensibly by a huge, slavering hound. Now his descendant Sir Charles has been found dead on the grounds at Baskerville Hall. Will the curse be visited on Sir Henry Baskerville, recently arrived from Canada to claim his inheritance? Watson travels to Dartmoor to investigate. He meets the neighbors, including a brother and sister named Stapleton, and learns that an escaped convict is on the loose. Meanwhile, in London, Holmes conducts inquiries and finds connections between Sir Charles and Mr. Stapleton. This adaptation reimagines the classic tale as an energetic radio drama. The dialog is lively, and the sound effects include storms, howling hounds, creaking doors, and train whistles. The performance is followed by a live audience talkback with Leslie Klinger, editor of the New Annotated Sherlock Holmes, who puts the story into literary and historical context. An excellent companion to the original text. VERDICT Recommended for middle and high school students as well as the general public.-Nann Blaine Hilyard, formerly with Zion-Benton P.L., IL (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.