A legendary curse involving a spectral hound threatens the heir of the Baskerville estate, forcing Sherlock Holmes to confront a mystery that blurs the line between superstition and cold-blooded murder. Tasked with protecting Sir Henry Baskerville, Holmes and Dr. Watson navigate the desolate, fog-shrouded landscape of Dartmoor. The narrative unfolds primarily through Watson's detailed journals, documenting the investigation as they encounter suspicious locals, hidden fugitives, and the looming threat of an unseen predator. The duo must apply rigorous logical deduction to dismantle the supernatural facade surrounding the Baskerville family history.

Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of the Dartmoor setting in establishing a pervasive sense of unease throughout the investigation. Discussion often centers on the balance between Holmes's clinical detachment and the visceral, atmospheric horror of the hound's presence. Critics often point to the novel as a definitive example of the detective genre successfully incorporating gothic elements without sacrificing logical rigor. The pacing is widely regarded as masterful, building tension steadily until the final confrontation on the moor. Many readers appreciate how the story challenges the protagonist's reliance on pure reason when faced with seemingly impossible phenomena.