A Man Named Baskerville, by Jim Nelson

[J.]

I just finished a book called "A Man Named Baskerville" that is a first person narrative of Stapleton, beginning with his successful escape into a hideout in the Grimpen Mire, then flashback into his history, his parentage, meeting Antonio (Anthony) and Beryl, their flight to England, up to and just beyond the events covered in HOUN.
The plus was that it was a very original side view of HOUN, well written with a credible with a well thought-out biography created for Stapleton. I might have preferred the author to be more faithful to Doyle's characters, and, of course, as a dog owner of long standing, anything that smacks of mistreatment of dogs does not set well.
But high marks for originality. It's rare to see a tale told from the point of view of one of the "supporting cast" with Holmes relegated to a minor player.

[Barbara]

I read your story A Rucastles Pawn that was The Copper Beeches told from another point of view - I liked it and will have to check out A Man Named Baskerville. (I also don't like to see dogs treated badly).
The idea sounds interesting - I read two HOUN sequels - Revenge of the Hound and one called The Beast of the Stapleton's and really didn't like either one that much. This one sounds better.

[J.]

Reflecting on this book, and learning recently that it was to be brought into physical print (I read it as an e-book) I edited my commentary to be even more favorable. (I did give a positive review after I read it.) I have read some Holmes novels since, but this was one of the few that I remembered, and I think that says something for the writing and the originality of the take on the character.
I plan to buy a copy when it's released.