The Hound of the Baskervilles

Storyteller Jim Weiss narrates this adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery about a suspicious death, an inheritance, and the legend of the hound of the Baskervilles. Weiss gives an assured performance in even tones that suit the logical Holmes as well as his colleague, Dr. Watson, the point-of-view character who throws himself into gathering facts about the residents and neighbors of Baskerville Hall. Weiss's British accents are strong, but his characterizations aren't always distinct, which is occasionally confusing in a complicated that requires listeners to pay attention to detail. Still, Weiss's reading is engaging, and this is a great way to introduce families and casual listeners to a classic of the genre. A.F. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

L.A. Theatre Works delivers a lively and funny full-cast adaptation of Doyle's best-known Sherlock Holmes tale. Of course, Watson is the main character, and Geoffrey Arend gives him a gentlemanly and wry air that carries the story. Seamus Dever's mercurial Holmes and James Marsters's fish-out-of-water Henry Baskerville play off Watson's steadiness, which generates humor but also illuminates character. The plot revolves around an inheritance, a family's shame, and a mythic curse. As a dynamic Beryl Stapleton, Sarah Drew makes the character's manipulations entirely believable. The reactions of the live audience add depth and immediacy to the performances, making for a production that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. A.F. 2015 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine