Sir Charles Baskerville dies in unexplained circumstances, a strange expression of terror on his face. Legend suggests that a wild beast haunting the nearby moors may be responsible.

Local people are terrified by the story of a curse brought upon the family by Hugo Baskerville. Dr James Mortimer, a friend of the late Sir Charles, and Henry, heir to the Baskerville Hall estate, decide to seek the help of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.

Nothing goes as smoothly as Sherlock and Watson expect. Watson has to investigate alone at the scene for a time. Threatening letters, hostile neighbours, unexpected twists and, above all, mysterious howling on the Devon moors complicate their enquiries.

What will explain Sir Charles's mysterious death? Is the legendary beast merely a local invention or a real danger? Should the Baskerville heir fear for his life? Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion Dr Watson take on the case.