Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this retelling of HoB, and its approach to the ACD canon. I appreciated the author's attention to depicting the South American experience in-depth, as well as to weaving in details from the original. I found the main character engaging, although could have done with a little less of his inner monologue, which could have given a tighter narrative overall.
A different twist from the standpoint of a character that Sherlock Holmes dealt with in "The Hound of the Baskerville".
I love all the spin off's of Sherlock Holmes but never one quite like this.... Read from the journal of Rodger Baskerville, whom was supposedly killed in the classic novel, he survived and this is his backstory.
Atmospheric and engaging with historical era research well done, could not put it down until the end! Looking forward to more by this author!
I wanted to enjoy this novel and there were parts of the descriptions that were both atmospheric and gave insight into some locations.
But overall I found the main character disappointing. It needed the reader to have read Conan Doyle's original 'The Hound of the Baskerville's' and unfortunately just made me feel more inclined to turn to the original instead.
I am sorry the concept didn't live up to my expectations but others may enjoy it.
This book is written in the format of a journal, narrated by Roger Baskerville. Of course, it's a different take on the original story, the Hound of the Baskervilles, and I think it's always interesting to see stories like this. Conan Doyle's original work is timeless, and will always inspire other authors.
I think there is something about the format of a journal that helps the reader to feel more connected to the protagonist, and I had the sense of an enigmatic narrator who wasn't entirely truthful.
If you like Sherlock Holmes-esque books, you might want to give this a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
1888 Jack Stapleton has died on Grimpen Mire. Or has he. Rodger Baskerville tells his story from being born in Brazil. Detailing the travels and events that take him eventually to Devon and Baskerville Hall making the man that he became.
An enjoyable story though not really any likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Backstory of the character of Stapleton from Conan Doyle's "Hound of the Baskervilles". Very well done and in keeping with Conan Doyle's story. The events are told through the eyes of Stapleton / Baskerville and are written in a way to elicit empathy for the narrator.
Heartily recommended for lovers of Holmes and those looking to add to their own SH collections. Definitely one for my own!
A Man Named Baskerville is a well written alternate retelling of the aftermath of the Hound of the Baskervilles from the point of view of "Stapleton" (the villain of the story), who survives being lost in the Grimpen swamp. Released 10th April 2022, it's 218 pages (paperback) and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
Holmes stories have been perennially loved and revered for over a century. There are innumerable Holmes and Watson pastiches which vary widely in quality and readability. This is an entirely credible example. The prose and descriptions are true to period, but accessible to modern readers' sensibilities.
It's *not* Conan Doyle, how could it be? It is quite readable and enjoyable however, and an interesting twist on the classic story. Recommended for fans of Sherlock Holmes, and pastiches of the great detective.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
I really enjoyed A Man named Baskerville. The author has created a great story with the Sherlock Holmes story The Hound of the Baskervilles as the the center point. In A Man named Baskerville we read about the life of Jack Stapleton who is ultimately the villain in The Hound. Jack's story of how he believed he was the heir to the Baskerville title and estate and how he ultimately tries to achieve what he believes he's owed, starts in South America and winds its way from Brazil to Costa Rica, and on to London and Dartmoor. In a way its sad, he is the heir but, at the same time, Jack swindles and cons his way trying to achieve his goal, no matter what. The author has done his research and tied in all the links to the original story. Very well paced and well written. I would recommend that if you aren't familiar with The Hound of the Baskervilles, you read that first. Then you'll get a real feel for how everything fits together!
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
What makes a villain? This is the journal of Rodger Baskerville, the villain of the famous Sherlock Holmes story. Initially, I thought he would be a sympathetic character but he is completely lost to his hatred and envy. I thought the author did an excellent job portraying the character's thoughts and impulses. The book provided a rich background from Brazil to England. An interesting read. And a history for the Hound.
I would like to thank NetGalley for a copy of the book.
Got this book for review on Netgally.
It was an interesting take on Sherlock Holmes story and while the story was engaging I didn't quite fall in live with the story. I like reading retellings of other known works of literature and so on and this was a good version of Hound of Baskerville.