Such a true classic. One of the most often referenced and redone mysteries of all time. 
 Sherlock Holmes really shows out in this standalone--where he comes up against one of his more cunning and worthy foes in a race to solve a suspicious death, and prevent the murder of an heir. But is his opponent simply a man, a beast, or a less tangible curse that's long stalked a family lineage? 
 Holmes' ever-present deductive reasoning is complimented by his plotting, misdirection, artful use of disguise, and delegation of duties to a largely unwitting Watson. In fact, a good deal of the book is dominated by Dr. Watson as he plays questionably competent bodyguard to a love-struck Baskerville heir, and more successfully reports back to Sherlock on his continued investigation into the previous estate holder's bizarre death. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's clean, precise prose is elegant as ever, conveying both characters and the eeriness of the moorland with picturesque insight. 
 Most interesting to this reader was the depth that came out in Holmes' character--a passion not only for his work but for protecting his client form certain peril. I won't give anything too critical away here (can one spoiler a story this old?), but there did come a point where, when believing he'd failed in his mission to preserve a life, Holmes displayed a rawness of feeling and regret that flies in the face of the frequent (and more modern) portrayals of him as coldly calculating and emotionally detached. 
 A pleasure to finally read at an age when I can appreciate the layers of genius behind such a piece.