Black Hound of Death
The narrative follows Kirby Garfield, who ventures into a dark, isolated region known as Egypt to warn Richard Brent, a reclusive white man, about a dangerous escaped convict named Tope Braxton. As Kirby navigates the ominous pine woods, he encounters Jim Tike, a terrified black man who has been brutally attacked and killed by a mysterious assailant. This attacker is later revealed to be Adam Grimm, a man with a horrific past linked to Brent. Brent, who has been living in seclusion, is haunted by his past actions during an expedition in Inner Mongolia, where he betrayed Grimm to save himself from a group of devil-worshippers. Grimm, presumed dead, has returned, transformed into a monstrous being through dark sorcery, seeking vengeance against Brent. The tension escalates as Kirby attempts to warn Brent, but Brent's paranoia leads him to suspect Kirby is in league with Grimm. As the night unfolds, Kirby learns that Brent's niece, Gloria, has arrived unexpectedly, summoned by a telegram that Brent denies sending. The atmosphere thickens with dread as Grimm's presence looms closer. Kirby, determined to protect Gloria, decides to stay near the cabin despite Brent's hostility. The situation deteriorates when Grimm attacks, using a bomb to incapacitate Brent and Gloria. In the ensuing chaos, Kirby confronts Tope Braxton, ultimately killing him in a brutal fight. However, the real horror unfolds as Grimm, now revealed as a werewolf-like creature, breaks into the cabin, intent on torturing Brent and Gloria. In a desperate attempt to save them, Kirby returns to the cabin, only to witness the horrific scene of Grimm attacking Brent. Despite shooting Grimm multiple times, the creature's unnatural resilience allows it to reach Brent, leading to a gruesome climax where Grimm kills Brent before succumbing to his own injuries. The story culminates in a chilling exploration of betrayal, vengeance, and the monstrous transformation of a man driven by a thirst for revenge, leaving a haunting impression of the darkness that can reside within humanity.
By Robert E. Howard · First published 1936 · Genre: Horror, Thriller, Dark Fantasy · 4 chapters · 11,935 words
First lines
_A grim tale of stark horror -- of the terrible disfigurement inflicted upon Adam Grimm by the dark priests of Inner Mongolia, and the frightful vengeance that pursued his enemy to the United States._
Egyptian darkness! The phrase is too vivid for complete comfort, suggesting not only blackness, but unseen things lurking in that blackness; things that skulk in the deep shadows and shun the light of day; slinking figures that prowl beyond the edge of normal life.
What this Textopian page supports
Black Hound of Death is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert E. Howard, dated 1936 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Robert E. Howard
- Date: 1936 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Thriller, Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
- Length: 11,935 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 195 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Black Hound of Death by Robert E. Howard
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Black Hound of Death?
- How does this novel by Robert E. Howard fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Horror — The story is centered around themes of fear, violence, and the supernatural, featuring a grotesque transformation and a relentless pursuit that embodies classic horror elements.
- Thriller — The narrative involves suspenseful elements, including a manhunt and the imminent threat of violence, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the story.
- Dark Fantasy — The presence of supernatural beings and dark magic, along with the transformation of a man into a beast, aligns the story with dark fantasy themes.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a perilous journey through a dangerous wilderness, facing physical and psychological challenges.
Tags
horror · fantasy · adventure · mystery · supernatural · suspense · dark fantasy · mythology · occult · thriller · action · pulp fiction