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A Man Named Baskerville
He took on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and he lost. Now he wants revenge.
In 1888, Sherlock Holmes slayed the spectral hound haunting the Devonshire moor, thereby laying to rest the curse of the Baskervilles once and for all. The perpetrator escaped into the night and was presumed drowned, consumed by the murky bog...
In truth, the criminal mastermind survived the night to nurse his wounds and plot his revenge against Sherlock Holmes.
A MAN NAMED BASKERVILLE recounts the life and times of Rodger Baskerville, exiled heir to the esteemed family's fortune. His journal records his adventures from the Amazon rainforests to the beaches of Costa Rica to Victorian England, where he attempts to take his rightful place at Baskerville Hall. Along the way, he peels back the layers of family secrets and scandals untold in Dr. Watson's account of the demonic hound haunting the Baskervilles.
Most of all, he describes a Sherlock Holmes unlike the legendary detective you think you know.
A MAN NAMED BASKERVILLE retells the infamous Arthur Conan Doyle mystery in a way you've never read before. It's a sizzling new take on a classic hailed as a masterpiece of the English language, named one of the most influential books ever by the BBC and Le Monde, and beloved by Sherlock Holmes fans worldwide for over a century.
It's a rousing adventure, from start to finish. What's more—it's a Sherlock Holmes story unlike any you've read before.
In 1888, Sherlock Holmes slayed the spectral hound haunting the Devonshire moor, thereby laying to rest the curse of the Baskervilles once and for all. The perpetrator escaped into the night and was presumed drowned, consumed by the murky bog...
In truth, the criminal mastermind survived the night to nurse his wounds and plot his revenge against Sherlock Holmes.
A MAN NAMED BASKERVILLE recounts the life and times of Rodger Baskerville, exiled heir to the esteemed family's fortune. His journal records his adventures from the Amazon rainforests to the beaches of Costa Rica to Victorian England, where he attempts to take his rightful place at Baskerville Hall. Along the way, he peels back the layers of family secrets and scandals untold in Dr. Watson's account of the demonic hound haunting the Baskervilles.
Most of all, he describes a Sherlock Holmes unlike the legendary detective you think you know.
A MAN NAMED BASKERVILLE retells the infamous Arthur Conan Doyle mystery in a way you've never read before. It's a sizzling new take on a classic hailed as a masterpiece of the English language, named one of the most influential books ever by the BBC and Le Monde, and beloved by Sherlock Holmes fans worldwide for over a century.
It's a rousing adventure, from start to finish. What's more—it's a Sherlock Holmes story unlike any you've read before.
212 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2025
11 people are currently reading
1001 people want to read
About the author
Jim Nelson
10 books66 followersJim Nelson’s novels include the Bridge Daughter Cycle (Bridge Daughter, Hagar's Mother, & Stranger Son) and In My Memory Locked. His latest is A Man Named Baskerville.
He divides his time between San Francisco and Tokyo.
He divides his time between San Francisco and Tokyo.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 10, 2024
Got this book for review on Netgally.
It was an interesting take on Sherlock Holmes story and while the story was engaging I didn't quite fall in live with the story. I like reading retellings of other known works of literature and so on and this was a good version of Hound of Baskerville.
It was an interesting take on Sherlock Holmes story and while the story was engaging I didn't quite fall in live with the story. I like reading retellings of other known works of literature and so on and this was a good version of Hound of Baskerville.
June 23, 2022
4/5 Stars
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Our Intellect may distinguish us from the Animal kingdom, but it is nothing more than economics that separates us from it’s savagery.”
This Sherlock Holmes retelling was immersive, with a compelling main character. Jim Nelson captured the tone of a Sherlock Holmes story but with a twist. This story is told from the criminals journal. The criminal in question, is one “Jack Stapleton” from Doyle’s The Hound of Baskerville. Stapleton, or rather, Rodger Baskerville, attempts to correct what he assumes will be Dr. Watson’s fabrications about the circumstances of the Hound of Baskerville when his plans are thwarted by Holmes and Watson.
Through this journal we follow the Rodger Baskerville from his youth in the New World to a young man in his travels to England. The tale begins with Rodger assumed to be dead, lost to the moors, by Sherlock Holmes. Hiding his survival he writes of the circumstances that lead to this point and what comes after.
I loved this take on the story! The writing style was eloquent and brought the feeling of Victorian era novels. With the story being told from Rodgers journal, there’s in depth look into his thoughts and logic behind his choices. How he views the world, his relationships with others, had me wanting to analyze this character more. This only pulled me further into the book.
While the story is dense in descriptions of places, it never felt boring. I found it to be engaging, and easy to read. This did feel more character focused to me, with the story being driven by the character, rather than the plot directing the characters choices (if that makes sense).
As such, it was a quick read, and just under 300 pages. There were spots that seemed to be slower paced but built up quickly to fast in others. Though I enjoyed the detail it went into, some areas of the story did become a bit repetitive for my taste with the choices Rodger comes to make.
Jim Nelson is a new author to me but I would love to read more of his writing.
I would recommend this for any Doyle fans or classic readers out there.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Our Intellect may distinguish us from the Animal kingdom, but it is nothing more than economics that separates us from it’s savagery.”
This Sherlock Holmes retelling was immersive, with a compelling main character. Jim Nelson captured the tone of a Sherlock Holmes story but with a twist. This story is told from the criminals journal. The criminal in question, is one “Jack Stapleton” from Doyle’s The Hound of Baskerville. Stapleton, or rather, Rodger Baskerville, attempts to correct what he assumes will be Dr. Watson’s fabrications about the circumstances of the Hound of Baskerville when his plans are thwarted by Holmes and Watson.
Through this journal we follow the Rodger Baskerville from his youth in the New World to a young man in his travels to England. The tale begins with Rodger assumed to be dead, lost to the moors, by Sherlock Holmes. Hiding his survival he writes of the circumstances that lead to this point and what comes after.
I loved this take on the story! The writing style was eloquent and brought the feeling of Victorian era novels. With the story being told from Rodgers journal, there’s in depth look into his thoughts and logic behind his choices. How he views the world, his relationships with others, had me wanting to analyze this character more. This only pulled me further into the book.
While the story is dense in descriptions of places, it never felt boring. I found it to be engaging, and easy to read. This did feel more character focused to me, with the story being driven by the character, rather than the plot directing the characters choices (if that makes sense).
As such, it was a quick read, and just under 300 pages. There were spots that seemed to be slower paced but built up quickly to fast in others. Though I enjoyed the detail it went into, some areas of the story did become a bit repetitive for my taste with the choices Rodger comes to make.
Jim Nelson is a new author to me but I would love to read more of his writing.
I would recommend this for any Doyle fans or classic readers out there.
January 22, 2024
Backstory of the character of Stapleton from Conan Doyle's "Hound of the Baskervilles". Very well done and in keeping with Conan Doyle's story. The events are told through the eyes of Stapleton / Baskerville and are written in a way to elicit empathy for the narrator.
Heartily recommended for lovers of Holmes and those looking to add to their own SH collections. Definitely one for my own!
Heartily recommended for lovers of Holmes and those looking to add to their own SH collections. Definitely one for my own!
March 21, 2022
The Man from Baskerville by Jim Nelson is a rousing adventure, from start to finish. It is tale of intrigue, suspense, mystery, and powerful, ruthless enemies. What's more—it's a Sherlock Holmes story unlike any you've read before. Baskerville took on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, and he lost. All thought he had drown in the Devonshire moor, ending the curse of Baskerville once and for all. But he didn’t die he escaped into the night, he survived and now he wants revenge. Nelson is one of those writers that is gifted to create intrigue and suspense. The story is a delight to read, and I am not sure that even the famous Sherlock Holmes would have been able to figure out this tale until it was too late. Will you? A great story that I would recommend to all readers. I can not wait to read another tale by Jim Nelson, this is one of those books that you are going to read over and over, catching the little innuendos that you missed the first time around, then the light bulb goes off, or maybe you will miss it again. I received this novel from BookFunnel. This is my true and honest review.
April 28, 2022
In
A Man Called Baskerville
, Jim Nelson expands on Arthur Conan Doyle’s short backstory of the botanist Stapleton, the villain in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Nelson has put together an engrossing tale, which he says comes from the journal Stapleton kept in his final days. In fact, the story begins with the line - “Let this journal stand as the one true account of the events in and around Dartmoor and the estate known as Baskerville Hall”.
It’s been ages since I read the Hound of the Baskervilles, but that didn’t distract at all from my enjoyment of Nelson’s story. It’s not an attempt to retell the Hound. Nor is it meant to be a new Sherlock Holmes story. In fact, Holmes and Watson aren’t central to the book at all, but merely bit players.
In Conan Doyle’s story, Stapleton disappears at the end and is presumed to have died while trying to escape into the bogs. In Nelson’s telling, he did not die in the bogs, but survived at least long enough to have penned his journal.
The book is told through flashbacks as Stapleton lays out his life story. He is, in fact, the son of Roger, the disowned brother of Lord Charles Baskerville, and feels himself to be the rightful heir to Baskerville Hall and the baronetcy that goes along with it. Raised in Brazil by his drunken father as young Roger Baskerville, he pieces together the family story and determines to one day claim the title.
It is not a straightforward journey, but an adventure of the wrongs done to young Roger and the criminal path they set him on. From Brazil the story continues on into Costa Rica, then to Yorkshire in England, and finally to Dartmoor and Baskerville Hall, where the events of Conan Doyle’s Hound unfold.
As the story progresses, Nelson makes sure to incorporate pieces from the Stapleton life story that Sherlock Holmes relays in the final chapter of The Hound of the Baskervilles. But Nelson also fills in many of the blanks. The result is some adventurous storytelling.
The plot is well planned and the way the flashbacks are organized helps to build the story and keep your interest high. Nelson has also done a pretty good job with the characters. You get a strong sense of who Roger Baskerville is, not only from what he says directly in his journal, but from how he records others reacting to him. His wife Beryl and companion Antonio are also well fleshed out. The hounds, Agrippina and Nero, also have their own personalities.
At the start of the book it seemed like Nelson was embarking on a “sympathy for the devil” type of story, but as Roger’s tale progressed things got darker and darker until whatever sympathy I may have had for him is gone by the book’s end.
This was a great read. As I said, I don’t think you have to have the Conan Doyle story fresh in your mind to enjoy this book. But once you’re done you may be tempted to go dig out the original story. Especially after reading Nelson’s Afterword, in which he describes his own discovery of The Hound of the Baskervilles, and how he was inspired to write this book.
I give A Man Named Baskerville Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s been ages since I read the Hound of the Baskervilles, but that didn’t distract at all from my enjoyment of Nelson’s story. It’s not an attempt to retell the Hound. Nor is it meant to be a new Sherlock Holmes story. In fact, Holmes and Watson aren’t central to the book at all, but merely bit players.
In Conan Doyle’s story, Stapleton disappears at the end and is presumed to have died while trying to escape into the bogs. In Nelson’s telling, he did not die in the bogs, but survived at least long enough to have penned his journal.
The book is told through flashbacks as Stapleton lays out his life story. He is, in fact, the son of Roger, the disowned brother of Lord Charles Baskerville, and feels himself to be the rightful heir to Baskerville Hall and the baronetcy that goes along with it. Raised in Brazil by his drunken father as young Roger Baskerville, he pieces together the family story and determines to one day claim the title.
It is not a straightforward journey, but an adventure of the wrongs done to young Roger and the criminal path they set him on. From Brazil the story continues on into Costa Rica, then to Yorkshire in England, and finally to Dartmoor and Baskerville Hall, where the events of Conan Doyle’s Hound unfold.
As the story progresses, Nelson makes sure to incorporate pieces from the Stapleton life story that Sherlock Holmes relays in the final chapter of The Hound of the Baskervilles. But Nelson also fills in many of the blanks. The result is some adventurous storytelling.
The plot is well planned and the way the flashbacks are organized helps to build the story and keep your interest high. Nelson has also done a pretty good job with the characters. You get a strong sense of who Roger Baskerville is, not only from what he says directly in his journal, but from how he records others reacting to him. His wife Beryl and companion Antonio are also well fleshed out. The hounds, Agrippina and Nero, also have their own personalities.
At the start of the book it seemed like Nelson was embarking on a “sympathy for the devil” type of story, but as Roger’s tale progressed things got darker and darker until whatever sympathy I may have had for him is gone by the book’s end.
This was a great read. As I said, I don’t think you have to have the Conan Doyle story fresh in your mind to enjoy this book. But once you’re done you may be tempted to go dig out the original story. Especially after reading Nelson’s Afterword, in which he describes his own discovery of The Hound of the Baskervilles, and how he was inspired to write this book.
I give A Man Named Baskerville Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 5, 2022
A Man Named Baskerville gives an account of one of Sherlock Holmes’ most famous cases from the perspective of the criminal whose murderous plans were thwarted by the detective. The ending of Doyle’s novel sees a triumphant Sherlock tying up the loose ends of the Baskerville case for Dr. Watson as they relax in their favorite armchairs in front of a roaring fire at Baker Street. Their client has survived, albeit quite shaken by his encounter with the fabled hound, and everyone is convinced that the hound’s master shared the animal’s fate and met his terrible end in the deadly Grimpen Mire.
But what if the man whose razor-sharp cunning was admired by Holmes himself survived the dangers of the moor? After all, Doyle’s novel sets it up so wonderfully, since we know for a fact he could navigate the treacherous mire flawlessly. What if he found all the right footholds at the critical moment, what if his fate was a daring escape and not a cold, lonely death? What if he’s ready to wipe the smugness off the face of the world’s number one two one consulting detective?
Rodger Baskerville, alias Jack Stapleton, alias Lord Vandeleur, alias several other aliases, a man with an astounding butterfly collection and a collection of broken hearts to match. The avid lepidopterist who planned and executed an almost perfect murder, getting rid of Sir Charles Baskerville and blaming it on the family curse of the Baskervilles. And he would have done away with Sir Henry Baskerville, too, if it hadn’t been for that pesky detective and his trusted sidekick.
For the first time, A Man Named Baskerville gives this fascinating character a voice. From his multilingual journal, written in haste in a leather-bound pocket notebook saved for emergencies, we finally find out what makes this man tick, in his own words. The background and the motivation for scheming to get at the Baskerville title and treasure by getting rid of his relatives, only hinted at in Doyle’s book, see the light of day here. Furthermore, no account of a crime can be as detailed as that given by the perpetrator himself, and Baskerville likes to share his methods at least as much as Holmes.
Nelson’s style is convincing and engaging, and places his novel firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sherlock Holmes canon. The attention to detail and careful references to the established course of events are striking, and the character of Baskerville is portrayed with startling humanity. By far best of all is the way Baskerville refers to Holmes and Watson, and those passages are delightful to read.
This well-researched, carefully crafted, and absorbing read will delight mystery aficionados and Sherlock Holmes fans, and would very likely give Doyle himself immense joy, not least of all for the treatment of his storied detective. “It’s time someone said it,” he would surely exclaim.
Rereading Doyle’s novel in advance is recommended for an elevated experience, but Nelson’s lovingly crafted expansion of the story can surely stand on its own.
But what if the man whose razor-sharp cunning was admired by Holmes himself survived the dangers of the moor? After all, Doyle’s novel sets it up so wonderfully, since we know for a fact he could navigate the treacherous mire flawlessly. What if he found all the right footholds at the critical moment, what if his fate was a daring escape and not a cold, lonely death? What if he’s ready to wipe the smugness off the face of the world’s number one two one consulting detective?
Rodger Baskerville, alias Jack Stapleton, alias Lord Vandeleur, alias several other aliases, a man with an astounding butterfly collection and a collection of broken hearts to match. The avid lepidopterist who planned and executed an almost perfect murder, getting rid of Sir Charles Baskerville and blaming it on the family curse of the Baskervilles. And he would have done away with Sir Henry Baskerville, too, if it hadn’t been for that pesky detective and his trusted sidekick.
For the first time, A Man Named Baskerville gives this fascinating character a voice. From his multilingual journal, written in haste in a leather-bound pocket notebook saved for emergencies, we finally find out what makes this man tick, in his own words. The background and the motivation for scheming to get at the Baskerville title and treasure by getting rid of his relatives, only hinted at in Doyle’s book, see the light of day here. Furthermore, no account of a crime can be as detailed as that given by the perpetrator himself, and Baskerville likes to share his methods at least as much as Holmes.
Nelson’s style is convincing and engaging, and places his novel firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with the Sherlock Holmes canon. The attention to detail and careful references to the established course of events are striking, and the character of Baskerville is portrayed with startling humanity. By far best of all is the way Baskerville refers to Holmes and Watson, and those passages are delightful to read.
This well-researched, carefully crafted, and absorbing read will delight mystery aficionados and Sherlock Holmes fans, and would very likely give Doyle himself immense joy, not least of all for the treatment of his storied detective. “It’s time someone said it,” he would surely exclaim.
Rereading Doyle’s novel in advance is recommended for an elevated experience, but Nelson’s lovingly crafted expansion of the story can surely stand on its own.
January 26, 2025
In Conan Doyle's classic, The Hound of the Baskervilles, an unknown heir to the Baskerville estate, (Rodger Baskerville, the son of a Baskerville who had fled to South America,) settles in the neighborhood of Baskerville Hall as "Jack Stapleton," and schemes to employ the family legend of a spectral hell-hound to eliminate the two Baskervilles who precede him to the Baskerville fortune.
Author Jim Nelson does not write a pastiche, but rather creates Stapleton's narrative, beginning with his flight from Holmes after his attempt on the life of Henry Baskerville is thwarted, and then going back to his early years in Brazil, his flight from crime, his meeting with the Costa Rican beauty Beryl Garcia and their escape to England and the plot to claim the Baskerville estate.
This had me wavering between 4 and 5 stars, and I decided after some thought to go with 5. I thought that, though this was not a pastiche, I would have preferred a more canonical depiction of Holmes (who doesn't always come off well here) And there was a scene where Baskerville/Stapleton takes revenge on his father's former schoolteacher, which I found a bit distracting.
But, the solid writing, especially the backstory that takes place in Latin America, as well as the excellent rendering of the Grimpen Mire, pushes this to five stars. The concept of creating the narration of one of the most interesting canonical villains was bold and very well done, and when I finished the book, I wondered what this very skilled author might do with other Holmes antagonists,someone like Baron Gruner, perhaps.
A page turner of an adventure, an interesting addition to the category of new Holmes fiction but not restricted to readers of Sherlock Holmes.
Author Jim Nelson does not write a pastiche, but rather creates Stapleton's narrative, beginning with his flight from Holmes after his attempt on the life of Henry Baskerville is thwarted, and then going back to his early years in Brazil, his flight from crime, his meeting with the Costa Rican beauty Beryl Garcia and their escape to England and the plot to claim the Baskerville estate.
This had me wavering between 4 and 5 stars, and I decided after some thought to go with 5. I thought that, though this was not a pastiche, I would have preferred a more canonical depiction of Holmes (who doesn't always come off well here) And there was a scene where Baskerville/Stapleton takes revenge on his father's former schoolteacher, which I found a bit distracting.
But, the solid writing, especially the backstory that takes place in Latin America, as well as the excellent rendering of the Grimpen Mire, pushes this to five stars. The concept of creating the narration of one of the most interesting canonical villains was bold and very well done, and when I finished the book, I wondered what this very skilled author might do with other Holmes antagonists,someone like Baron Gruner, perhaps.
A page turner of an adventure, an interesting addition to the category of new Holmes fiction but not restricted to readers of Sherlock Holmes.
July 20, 2025
I was given a copy of A Man Named Baskerville to review by MX Publishing who are my publishers.
The book tells the story of Roger Baskerville II known in the Sherlock Holmes novel the “Hound of the Baskervilles” as Jack Stapleton. It works on several levels and explores one of the most fundamental questions we face, that of nature versus nurture when considering human behaviour.
It should be noted that if you have read The Hound of the Baskervilles then reading “A Man Named Baskerville” will be easier, however I wouldn’t say it’s essential. The majority of the book actually covers events prior to that adventure either in South America or Northern England. What emerges is a picture of a man so obsessed with an idea that he is prepared to sacrifice anyone and anything to achieve it. Including those closest to him. The idea is his willingness to to do anything to destroy the Baskerville lineage.
When I stated reading the book I thought this would be some kind of re-instatement of Roger Baskerville, a sympathetic portrait of him to explain why he does what he does. It’s far from that, if anything by the end of the book I had less sympathy for him than when I started. This is a hallmark of good writing, creating a good villain which was actually missing in the original book because Dr. Watson largely glosses over Jack Stapleton and his motives for the hound attacks.
The book is presented as a journal, and I feel that it is more of an autobiography, or a memoir. I felt it unrealistic at times that he could have written as much as he did in the time stated. It’s a thoroughly great read full of great detail and insights into Victorian South America in particular. As a result, I’ve given it a solid 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to any Sherlock Holmes fan or anyone who is interested in how human obsession develops into psychopathy.
The book tells the story of Roger Baskerville II known in the Sherlock Holmes novel the “Hound of the Baskervilles” as Jack Stapleton. It works on several levels and explores one of the most fundamental questions we face, that of nature versus nurture when considering human behaviour.
It should be noted that if you have read The Hound of the Baskervilles then reading “A Man Named Baskerville” will be easier, however I wouldn’t say it’s essential. The majority of the book actually covers events prior to that adventure either in South America or Northern England. What emerges is a picture of a man so obsessed with an idea that he is prepared to sacrifice anyone and anything to achieve it. Including those closest to him. The idea is his willingness to to do anything to destroy the Baskerville lineage.
When I stated reading the book I thought this would be some kind of re-instatement of Roger Baskerville, a sympathetic portrait of him to explain why he does what he does. It’s far from that, if anything by the end of the book I had less sympathy for him than when I started. This is a hallmark of good writing, creating a good villain which was actually missing in the original book because Dr. Watson largely glosses over Jack Stapleton and his motives for the hound attacks.
The book is presented as a journal, and I feel that it is more of an autobiography, or a memoir. I felt it unrealistic at times that he could have written as much as he did in the time stated. It’s a thoroughly great read full of great detail and insights into Victorian South America in particular. As a result, I’ve given it a solid 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to any Sherlock Holmes fan or anyone who is interested in how human obsession develops into psychopathy.
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January 21, 2024Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Man Named Baskerville is a well written alternate retelling of the aftermath of the Hound of the Baskervilles from the point of view of "Stapleton" (the villain of the story), who survives being lost in the Grimpen swamp. Released 10th April 2022, it's 218 pages (paperback) and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
Holmes stories have been perennially loved and revered for over a century. There are innumerable Holmes and Watson pastiches which vary widely in quality and readability. This is an entirely credible example. The prose and descriptions are true to period, but accessible to modern readers' sensibilities.
It's *not* Conan Doyle, how could it be? It is quite readable and enjoyable however, and an interesting twist on the classic story. Recommended for fans of Sherlock Holmes, and pastiches of the great detective.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Man Named Baskerville is a well written alternate retelling of the aftermath of the Hound of the Baskervilles from the point of view of "Stapleton" (the villain of the story), who survives being lost in the Grimpen swamp. Released 10th April 2022, it's 218 pages (paperback) and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
Holmes stories have been perennially loved and revered for over a century. There are innumerable Holmes and Watson pastiches which vary widely in quality and readability. This is an entirely credible example. The prose and descriptions are true to period, but accessible to modern readers' sensibilities.
It's *not* Conan Doyle, how could it be? It is quite readable and enjoyable however, and an interesting twist on the classic story. Recommended for fans of Sherlock Holmes, and pastiches of the great detective.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 20, 2024
This book is written in the format of a journal, narrated by Roger Baskerville. Of course, it's a different take on the original story, the Hound of the Baskervilles, and I think it's always interesting to see stories like this. Conan Doyle's original work is timeless, and will always inspire other authors.
I think there is something about the format of a journal that helps the reader to feel more connected to the protagonist, and I had the sense of an enigmatic narrator who wasn't entirely truthful.
If you like Sherlock Holmes-esque books, you might want to give this a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
I think there is something about the format of a journal that helps the reader to feel more connected to the protagonist, and I had the sense of an enigmatic narrator who wasn't entirely truthful.
If you like Sherlock Holmes-esque books, you might want to give this a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
February 25, 2025
The son of a disgraced son of a second son to Baskerville Hall and raised in Brasil. We have a rare insight of the thoughts and actions of the criminal of the story.
October 24, 2022
This is such a great read.
Seeing things from the other perspective is very clever.
Seeing things from the other perspective is very clever.
April 25, 2022
Deciding where to start with this book is difficult. On one hand, it is a love letter to Victorian-era novels, absolutely rife with flowing, flowery language and heavy descriptions regarding meals and Baskerville’s surroundings. On the other, it was a refreshing, modern take on a classic Sherlock Holmes tale, even if it wasn’t the most exciting read in the world.
To begin, I want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself getting lost in the vivid descriptions of life in 19th-century South America. For me, those were the better parts of the book. At least, that was the case until the climax. But this is a spoiler-free zone, so I won’t go too deeply into that. I will mention that I found the portions taking place in England familiar. I’ve only read a few Holmes tales, Baskerville unfortunately not being one of them, but I have read other classics written in the same time period. I found A Man Named Baskerville to be a worthy descendant of these novels (including Dracula and Jane Eyre) and a fitting addition to any classic lover’s shelf. My love for classics is similar to that of anyone who studied English in college. My love for literature started there but has moved past them since. However, this book transported me back to why I fell in love with them in the first place. It possesses a sense of renewed vigor and admiration for life in Victorian England, right before the Industrial Revolution changed the landscape forever. Not only that, it is a fun retelling of a detective classic that we’ve come to know and love.
Having a villain as a protagonist is a bold choice. I found myself almost rooting for Baskerville as he continued to make questionable choice after choice. I was still in his corner after LITERALLY MURDERING PEOPLE. I don’t know what that says about me as a person, but it definitely cements the fact that Nelson is a damn good writer. It also posits Sherlock as a kind of dimwit (and if you love Benedict Cumberbatch as I do, it was hard to swallow—at first) which is certainly an interesting take on the famed sleuth. His deductive reasoning had holes and it wasn’t something I was used to seeing in representations of the character. I found it as almost a Wizard of Oz moment, the proverbial pulling back of the curtain to reveal that the Wizard is only a man. Nevertheless, he cements himself firmly as Baskerville’s enemy, though it is exaggerated.
The true villain of the story, however, is Baskerville’s ego. Presented with several opportunities to change course and be the better man, he chooses to feed into his anger and hatred of the aristocracy. It makes him sympathetic in the eyes of the reader. I mean, let’s face it. If you had a title and fortune dangled in your face, only to be told that you were not worthy of it because of something that had nothing to do with you, it would probably drive you a little batty. Now, most of us would not be driven to the extremes that Baskerville goes to, but we can all understand the deep need to belong. And that, I think, is Nelson’s point. When someone is deprived of their sense of belonging, what lengths will they go to in order to get it back?
I mentioned in the beginning that A Man Named Baskerville is a love letter. And it is, in the way that it flows. It’s hard to articulate exactly what I mean without giving away anything, but the epistolary nature of the work is reminiscent of Frankenstein, even if that is technically pre-Victorian. There are time jumps and rather than being distracting, they are most effective for bringing Baskerville full circle as a character. Understanding the nuances of the man makes his misdeeds almost seem justified. In his mind, they are. The rest is for you to decide.
Overall, I found Baskerville to be an enjoyable read. While it isn’t particularly fast-paced, it is still a solid story with compelling characters, an intriguing story arc, and a deep love for Brazilian food. Any reader of the classics will surely enjoy A Man Named Baskerville.
To begin, I want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself getting lost in the vivid descriptions of life in 19th-century South America. For me, those were the better parts of the book. At least, that was the case until the climax. But this is a spoiler-free zone, so I won’t go too deeply into that. I will mention that I found the portions taking place in England familiar. I’ve only read a few Holmes tales, Baskerville unfortunately not being one of them, but I have read other classics written in the same time period. I found A Man Named Baskerville to be a worthy descendant of these novels (including Dracula and Jane Eyre) and a fitting addition to any classic lover’s shelf. My love for classics is similar to that of anyone who studied English in college. My love for literature started there but has moved past them since. However, this book transported me back to why I fell in love with them in the first place. It possesses a sense of renewed vigor and admiration for life in Victorian England, right before the Industrial Revolution changed the landscape forever. Not only that, it is a fun retelling of a detective classic that we’ve come to know and love.
Having a villain as a protagonist is a bold choice. I found myself almost rooting for Baskerville as he continued to make questionable choice after choice. I was still in his corner after LITERALLY MURDERING PEOPLE. I don’t know what that says about me as a person, but it definitely cements the fact that Nelson is a damn good writer. It also posits Sherlock as a kind of dimwit (and if you love Benedict Cumberbatch as I do, it was hard to swallow—at first) which is certainly an interesting take on the famed sleuth. His deductive reasoning had holes and it wasn’t something I was used to seeing in representations of the character. I found it as almost a Wizard of Oz moment, the proverbial pulling back of the curtain to reveal that the Wizard is only a man. Nevertheless, he cements himself firmly as Baskerville’s enemy, though it is exaggerated.
The true villain of the story, however, is Baskerville’s ego. Presented with several opportunities to change course and be the better man, he chooses to feed into his anger and hatred of the aristocracy. It makes him sympathetic in the eyes of the reader. I mean, let’s face it. If you had a title and fortune dangled in your face, only to be told that you were not worthy of it because of something that had nothing to do with you, it would probably drive you a little batty. Now, most of us would not be driven to the extremes that Baskerville goes to, but we can all understand the deep need to belong. And that, I think, is Nelson’s point. When someone is deprived of their sense of belonging, what lengths will they go to in order to get it back?
I mentioned in the beginning that A Man Named Baskerville is a love letter. And it is, in the way that it flows. It’s hard to articulate exactly what I mean without giving away anything, but the epistolary nature of the work is reminiscent of Frankenstein, even if that is technically pre-Victorian. There are time jumps and rather than being distracting, they are most effective for bringing Baskerville full circle as a character. Understanding the nuances of the man makes his misdeeds almost seem justified. In his mind, they are. The rest is for you to decide.
Overall, I found Baskerville to be an enjoyable read. While it isn’t particularly fast-paced, it is still a solid story with compelling characters, an intriguing story arc, and a deep love for Brazilian food. Any reader of the classics will surely enjoy A Man Named Baskerville.
November 27, 2022
“Watson, the games afoot.” is probably one of the most misquoted sentences. The actual quote is, “The game is afoot.” spoken by Holmes to Watson in The Adventure of the Abbey Grange by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The reason I mention this here is very simple I was reminded of it while reading this book because once again Sherlock Holmes refers to a game, “I smell a game being played here.” and the reason I mention it is there is a game being played, so Sherlock was correct.
I am a Sherlock fan since I acquired the double volume of The Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Four Novels and Fifty-Six Short Stories, Complete.
Now, I enjoyed this book which is a different take on The Hound of The Baskervilles. It is from the view point of Roger Baskerville, outcast of the Baskerville family who decides to seek out his Uncle in England and claim his rightful place. Of course, this does not work out the way he thought it would. Sherlock fans will know Roger eventually must resort to revenge as told by Conan Doyle but this was a very interesting and clever take on a very classic Sherlock Holmes story that you may have read or perhaps seen one of the film versions.
The main characters were clearly written and the storyline was different and drew me in. I was a bit skeptical when I started to read but I was pleased with the amount of background that explained so much about Roger and how he ended up the villain. I felt sorry for him for there was no winning of this game for Roger.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Jim Nelson.
I am a Sherlock fan since I acquired the double volume of The Annotated Sherlock Holmes: The Four Novels and Fifty-Six Short Stories, Complete.
Now, I enjoyed this book which is a different take on The Hound of The Baskervilles. It is from the view point of Roger Baskerville, outcast of the Baskerville family who decides to seek out his Uncle in England and claim his rightful place. Of course, this does not work out the way he thought it would. Sherlock fans will know Roger eventually must resort to revenge as told by Conan Doyle but this was a very interesting and clever take on a very classic Sherlock Holmes story that you may have read or perhaps seen one of the film versions.
The main characters were clearly written and the storyline was different and drew me in. I was a bit skeptical when I started to read but I was pleased with the amount of background that explained so much about Roger and how he ended up the villain. I felt sorry for him for there was no winning of this game for Roger.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Jim Nelson.
January 14, 2024
I really enjoyed A Man named Baskerville. The author has created a great story with the Sherlock Holmes story The Hound of the Baskervilles as the the center point. In A Man named Baskerville we read about the life of Jack Stapleton who is ultimately the villain in The Hound. Jack's story of how he believed he was the heir to the Baskerville title and estate and how he ultimately tries to achieve what he believes he's owed, starts in South America and winds its way from Brazil to Costa Rica, and on to London and Dartmoor. In a way its sad, he is the heir but, at the same time, Jack swindles and cons his way trying to achieve his goal, no matter what. The author has done his research and tied in all the links to the original story. Very well paced and well written. I would recommend that if you aren't familiar with The Hound of the Baskervilles, you read that first. Then you'll get a real feel for how everything fits together!
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
Is The Hound of the Baskervilles one of your favorite Sherlock Holmes stories? Or are you a Sherlock Holmes “junkie?” If you’re either one of these, this book may be for you.
You remember the sinister end of The Hound of the Baskervilles, don’t you? It was an inside job traced to Jack Stapleton (alias Rodger Baskerville II).
Jack proved to be the knave who killed his uncle, Sir Charles Baskerville, in an attempt to inherit Baskerville's estate.
That’s all we know as of now. But what was Jack’s motive? Was he just an indolent aristocrat who didn’t want to work for a living, preferring instead to live on inherited riches? Did he do it suddenly, without warning or out of desperation, after all attempts to get his share by just means failed?
Read this book to find out. It will fill you in with some unpleasant history of the Baskerville family and the reasons why Jack killed his uncle so craftily.
You remember the sinister end of The Hound of the Baskervilles, don’t you? It was an inside job traced to Jack Stapleton (alias Rodger Baskerville II).
Jack proved to be the knave who killed his uncle, Sir Charles Baskerville, in an attempt to inherit Baskerville's estate.
That’s all we know as of now. But what was Jack’s motive? Was he just an indolent aristocrat who didn’t want to work for a living, preferring instead to live on inherited riches? Did he do it suddenly, without warning or out of desperation, after all attempts to get his share by just means failed?
Read this book to find out. It will fill you in with some unpleasant history of the Baskerville family and the reasons why Jack killed his uncle so craftily.
January 11, 2023
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Author Jim Nelson whisks the reader back to Victorian times in this companion book to Doyle's 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. In 'A Man Named Baskerville' the reader gets to view the story through the eyes of Roger Baskerville. Both exhilarating and inventive, Nelson recreates the tone of Doyle's original tome. The reader will learn young Baskerville's history, his growing hatred for his Father's family, and his resolve to let nothing stop him from exacting revenge on the ones responsible for his father's exile. Once again the reader will wade through the moors of Devon and face the frightening appearance of the Hellhounds.
Author Jim Nelson whisks the reader back to Victorian times in this companion book to Doyle's 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. In 'A Man Named Baskerville' the reader gets to view the story through the eyes of Roger Baskerville. Both exhilarating and inventive, Nelson recreates the tone of Doyle's original tome. The reader will learn young Baskerville's history, his growing hatred for his Father's family, and his resolve to let nothing stop him from exacting revenge on the ones responsible for his father's exile. Once again the reader will wade through the moors of Devon and face the frightening appearance of the Hellhounds.
April 18, 2023
This is a rich back-story to the the most recognized Sherlock adventures, The Hound of the Baskervilles. However, it is not a retelling, but the perspective of Rodger Baskerville, or Jack Stapleton, or Lord Vandeleur the exiled heir to the Baskerville fortune. He recounts his plans to claim his place in Victorian society.
From the moors to Central & South America and back again, we are told a tale of a hardened man and a different view of Doyle’s famous character. Remarkably interesting story. 4 Stars.
From the moors to Central & South America and back again, we are told a tale of a hardened man and a different view of Doyle’s famous character. Remarkably interesting story. 4 Stars.
April 17, 2022
I struggled a bit to get through this book. It is overlong and Rodger Baskerville is a distinctly unsympathetic character. The writing and pacing is similar to Conan Doyle’s and, of course, takes as its outline Conan Doyle’s “Hound of the Baskervilles”. Perhaps that outline is what made the tale overlong and convoluted. I don’t know. As I said, good but not great.
I received an arc copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received an arc copy of the book in return for an honest review.
June 27, 2022
An interesting take on The Hound Of The Baskervilles told from the perspective of Rodger Baskerville instead of Dr. Watson. Convinced that he is the misunderstood hero and that the Baskervilles, Dr. Watson, and Holmes are the villains. We learn his family history, how he learned to control his hound, and how he came up with the plot to destroy the other Baskervilles. This is an interesting read.
May 24, 2023
A most enjoyable work of historical fiction
I have read of Sherlock Holmes and Watson...but only of their names and reputations, so I was intrigued when I had read the book's description. Thus, I entered for the win of this work of historical fiction sponsored by Goodreads. I was not disappointed. The book was free of publishing errors, as well. I personally think this book should be read in English literature classes. I heartily recommend it.
I have read of Sherlock Holmes and Watson...but only of their names and reputations, so I was intrigued when I had read the book's description. Thus, I entered for the win of this work of historical fiction sponsored by Goodreads. I was not disappointed. The book was free of publishing errors, as well. I personally think this book should be read in English literature classes. I heartily recommend it.
March 5, 2024
A different twist from the standpoint of a character that Sherlock Holmes dealt with in "The Hound of the Baskerville".
I love all the spin off's of Sherlock Holmes but never one quite like this.... Read from the journal of Rodger Baskerville, whom was supposedly killed in the classic novel, he survived and this is his backstory.
Atmospheric and engaging with historical era research well done, could not put it down until the end! Looking forward to more by this author!
I love all the spin off's of Sherlock Holmes but never one quite like this.... Read from the journal of Rodger Baskerville, whom was supposedly killed in the classic novel, he survived and this is his backstory.
Atmospheric and engaging with historical era research well done, could not put it down until the end! Looking forward to more by this author!
May 2, 2022
This is the journal of Rodger Baskerville and his encounter with Sherlock Holmes. It is the opposing view of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson’s The Hounds of Baskerville. You see Holmes and Watson in a different light. Also you get details not in their account of the story. I found myself lost in this adventure and couldn’t put it down.
January 26, 2024
1888 Jack Stapleton has died on Grimpen Mire. Or has he. Rodger Baskerville tells his story from being born in Brazil. Detailing the travels and events that take him eventually to Devon and Baskerville Hall making the man that he became.
An enjoyable story though not really any likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An enjoyable story though not really any likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
giveaways
February 4, 2023I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My review is forthcoming!
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