The Revenge of the Hound

The Revenge of the Hound is a 1987 Sherlock Holmes novel authorized by the Conan Doyle estate and written by Michael Hardwick. The story serves as a semi-sequel to the classic The Hound of the Baskervilles, continuing threads from the original tale. Holmes and Watson face a new mystery that brings them back to the atmospheric setting of Dartmoor. The investigation leads them through Victorian London's streets and into the windswept moors as they pursue a case with connections to their previous Baskerville adventure. Following the style of Arthur Conan Doyle, the novel maintains the first-person narration of Dr. Watson and features the familiar dynamic between the two protagonists. The plot incorporates period details of 1890s England while presenting fresh challenges for the detective duo. The book stands as both homage and extension to Conan Doyle's work, exploring themes of vengeance, justice, and the lasting consequences of past events. It captures the Gothic elements and rational deduction that characterized the original Holmes stories.

Readers describe this as a solid Holmes pastiche that captures Conan Doyle's writing style and atmosphere. The 1987 novel draws mixed reader responses. Readers appreciated: - Authentic Victorian London details - Maintains Watson's narrative voice - Incorporates real historical events - Fast-paced action sequences - Connection to the original Hound of the Baskervilles Common criticisms: - Plot becomes convoluted in places - Some scenes feel rushed - A few historical inaccuracies noted - Less psychological depth than Conan Doyle's work Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (168 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (23 reviews) Several reviewers noted it reads "like a true Sherlock Holmes adventure" though "not quite reaching the master's level." One reader called it "entertaining but forgettable," while another praised its "atmospheric portrayal of 1902 London." Multiple reviews mention the book works best for readers already familiar with the Holmes canon.

The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz A Sherlock Holmes novel authorized by the Conan Doyle estate that follows Watson and Holmes through Victorian London as they uncover a criminal conspiracy with ties to their past cases.

Dust and Shadow by Lyndsay Faye This Holmes pastiche places the detective and Watson on the trail of Jack the Ripper through the streets of Whitechapel in 1888.

The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer Holmes and Watson join forces with Sigmund Freud in Vienna to solve a complex mystery while confronting demons from Holmes's past.

The Italian Secretary by Caleb Carr Holmes and Watson travel to Edinburgh's Holyrood Palace at the request of Queen Victoria to investigate murders connected to a centuries-old royal tragedy.

The Last Sherlock Holmes Story by Michael Dibdin A dark reimagining of the Holmes canon that connects multiple cases from Watson's chronicles into one interconnected investigation.

🔍 Authorized continuations of Sherlock Holmes stories were strictly controlled by the Conan Doyle Estate until 2000, making this novel's official status particularly noteworthy. 🎭 Michael Hardwick was a respected BBC scriptwriter who also wrote the official novelization of the Royal Shakespeare Company's stage adaptation of "Nicholas Nickleby." 🌫️ The book's 1986 publication coincided with a renewed interest in Victorian-era mysteries, sparked by Granada Television's highly successful Sherlock Holmes series starring Jeremy Brett. 🗺️ The Devon setting holds special significance in Holmes lore - Conan Doyle was inspired to write "The Hound of the Baskervilles" after hearing local legends during a stay in Dartmoor. 📚 Hardwick wrote several other Holmes-related works, including "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes" and "Prisoner of the Devil," establishing himself as a trusted voice in Holmes continuation fiction.