A legendary curse involving a spectral hound threatens the heir to the Baskerville estate, prompting Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to investigate the moorlands of Devon. Tasked with protecting Sir Henry Baskerville, the protagonist must navigate the treacherous landscape of Dartmoor while deciphering the motives of those surrounding the estate. The narrative framework utilizes Dr. Watson's perspective, documenting the logical deduction and investigative process required to separate local superstition from human malice. The story operates within the constraints of Victorian-era forensic limitations, relying heavily on observation, witness testimony, and physical evidence found within the isolated, fog-laden environment.

Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of the Dartmoor setting in establishing a sense of dread that persists throughout the investigation. Discussion often centers on the balance between the supernatural premise of the spectral hound and the grounded, scientific approach employed by Holmes to resolve the case. Critics often note the structural precision of the plot, which manages to maintain tension despite the absence of the protagonist for significant portions of the narrative. The work is widely regarded as a definitive example of the detective genre, praised for its atmospheric density and the interplay between the rational mind and the unknown.