Hound of the Baskervilles

by Adam McOmber

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Publisher: ‎Lethe Press
Publication date: ‎September 25, 2022

This is a retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. The story follows Sherlock Holmes’ associate, Dr. John Watson. Dr. Watson is invited to Baskerville’s estate to help solve the murder mystery of Sir Charles Baskerville, who died in a very strange way. He is told that the murder has something to do with the rumors of a ghostly hound that haunts the mansion. Once Dr. Watson arrives there, he is overwhelmed with all kinds of feelings and desires. He begins his investigation by questioning the people involved, and along the way, he experiences both strangeness and horror. But will he be able to prevent more murders from happening? that you need to read to find out.

I have not read the original classic yet, so this tale is completely new to me. One of the most fantastic aspects of this novel is its atmosphere. The gothic atmosphere that this book creates is really amazing. The eerie and unpleasant events that take place are perfectly complemented by the environment, which is a mansion that is pitch black and intimidating. The author does a good job of creating a sense of dread and unease throughout the story, which keeps the reader on edge the whole time. The characters are convoluted in nature and hard to figure out, which adds to the general feeling of unease throughout the story. The use of descriptive language creates vivid images of the dark and decaying surroundings, which makes it easy for the reader to see himself or herself as a participant in the story. Murder and the supernatural add to the gothic feel, making for a spine-chilling and unforgettable reading experience. The entire gothic mood in this book is masterfully crafted, and it contributes immensely to the overall enjoyment of the story.

Mr. McOmber should be complimented on how tastefully he wrote the queer erotic scenes. They are not only skillfully written and beautifully detailed but also serve the purpose of enhancing the main theme of the book. The author has successfully integrated the erotic scenes into the narrative so that they come across as a natural extension of the plot rather than something that is superfluous or out of place. These scenes aren’t just there to get readers excited. They also help readers connect with the characters and understand the story’s main idea better. 

The author did a great job of mixing mystery and horror throughout this work. This kept the reader guessing right up until the end of the story. It is amazing that the plot was able to keep the same feeling of dread and suspense throughout the whole book. This was a really fantastic read. I think for the best effect, this should be read at night. I don’t want to forget to mention how awesome that cover is as well. It represents the story perfectly. I loved this tale a lot. 

Many thanks to the author and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book. 

Themes:

  • Mystery
  • Erotic Horror
  • Retelling
  • Fantasy
  • Gothic