Books at Bedtime by Calming Anxiety - The Hound of the Baskervilles - Chapter 8

Sleep Story for Insomnia — The Hound of the Baskervilles, Chapter 8: First Report of Dr Watson | Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Books at Bedtime



A calming bedtime story for sleep and insomnia, read slowly and softly for anyone lying awake in the dark.



Tonight, Books at Bedtime continues The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with Chapter 8 — the First Report of Dr Watson.



The narrative changes shape here. Holmes has stayed behind in London, and from this point onward Watson tells the story through his own letters, written by candlelight from Baskerville Hall and dated the thirteenth of October.



He writes of the moor and how its vastness sinks into the soul. Of the prehistoric huts scattered across the hillsides. Of the escaped convict who has not been seen for a fortnight and is surely long gone. Of Sir Henry's growing attachment to Miss Stapleton, and of the curious look of disapproval that crosses her brother's face whenever the baronet pays her attention.



There is a walk to the two great weathered stones where the legend of the wicked Hugo is said to have begun. A lunch at Merripit House. An introduction to Mr Frankland of Lafter Hall — red-faced, choleric, ruinously fond of a lawsuit, and lately to be found on his own roof with a telescope, sweeping the moor for a glimpse of the convict.



And then, at two o'clock in the morning, a stealthy step in the corridor. A long black shadow. A candle held against the glass of an empty room, and Barrymore staring out into the blackness of the moor.



There is some secret business going on in this house of gloom.



This is a full-length classic audiobook chapter, read as a sleep story — no sudden music, no jarring endings. Just a familiar Victorian mystery, told at a pace made for drifting off. If you fall asleep before Watson finishes his letter, that is exactly as it should be. The chapter will still be here tomorrow night.



Read by Martin Hewlett, clinical hypnotherapist, former paramedic and host of Calming Anxiety — the daily 10-minute guided meditation podcast. Books at Bedtime and Coffee Break for the Soul are the story companions to the daily show, made for the small hours.



The Hound of the Baskervilles is in the public domain.



Sleep well, my friend. In everything, be kind.



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Ready for More Calm?Thank you for listening to the Calming Anxiety Podcast, featuring guided meditation, mindfulness, and sleep hypnosis sessions with Martin Hewlett. Our mission is to provide you with proven tools for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and a path toward deep relaxation. Use this episode anytime you need to calm your mind and feel more at ease.