Should I Read 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' Before 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes'?

Choosing to read The Hound of the Baskervilles before The Return of Sherlock Holmes can greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the renowned detective stories, depending on your reading preferences. Both are highly regarded works in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series, and each offers a unique experience for readers. Let's explore the considerations to help you decide which order to read them in.

Standalone vs. Chronological Order

It is perfectly acceptable to read The Hound of the Baskervilles before The Return of Sherlock Holmes. Despite the novel The Hound of the Baskervilles having been published after several short stories collected in the book The Return of Sherlock Holmes, it stands as a standalone work. The novel can be enjoyed independently of the short stories, providing a unique and engaging experience for readers.

Conversely, if you prefer to engage with the stories in their original chronological order, it might be more fulfilling to start with The Return of Sherlock Holmes. This collection of short stories is a part of a series and follows the detective's adventures before the events of The Hound of the Baskervilles. Understanding the background can add layers of depth to your reading experience as it unfolds the characters and the stories in a more linear narrative.

Mystery Versus Suspense

While both works are enthralling, they offer different narrative structures and atmospheres. The Hound of the Baskervilles is renowned for its atmospheric storytelling and suspense, creating an eerie and captivating setting. This mystery novel is set in the English countryside and explores the legend of a spectral hound that threatens the Baskerville family. You can dive into the novel for an immersive and thrilling experience, only to discover the detective's journey and the truth behind the legend later when the original short stories are chosen to read.

On the other hand, The Return of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of individually published short stories. Each story provides a snapshot of Holmes's life and work, offering a diverse range of puzzles and cases. These stories often intertwine, but also stand alone as separate narratives, enriching the overall experience by presenting a multifaceted view of the detective and his methods.

Personal Preference

The choice between reading The Hound of the Baskervilles or The Return of Sherlock Holmes ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a single, immersive work that introduces you to the Baskerville mystery and the detective's methods in one continuous narrative, The Hound of the Baskervilles might be the better choice. Conversely, if you enjoy the gradual building of the detective's character and the diverse range of cases throughout his career, The Return of Sherlock Holmes could provide a more satisfying experience.

For those who enjoy a mix of both, starting with The Hound of the Baskervilles can serve as an excellent introduction before delving into the short stories. Alternatively, reading the short stories can build anticipation for the detailed exploration of the legend in the novel, creating a cycle of suspense and mystery.

Conclusion

The decision to read The Hound of the Baskervilles before The Return of Sherlock Holmes is a matter of preference. Whether you seek a singular, suspenseful narrative or a diverse collection of individual cases, both works are worthy of your attention. By considering the format, narrative style, and your personal reading habits, you can enhance your experience with Sherlock Holmes to the fullest.