When the World Screamed  (Hardcover, Arthur Conan Doyle)

"When the World Screamed" is a unique departure from Conan Doyle's more famous detective fiction. It ventures into the realm of science fiction and explores the concept of an enormous sentient creature, referred to as the "World Creature," which resides deep within the Earth's core. The story follows the protagonist, Professor Challenger, a brilliant and eccentric scientist who claims to have made a remarkable discovery—the existence of a living entity within the Earth. Challenger devises a plan to communicate with this entity and prove its sentience to the world. He organizes a group of scientists to join him on an expedition into the Earth's depths, where they intend to drill a borehole and make contact with the World Creature. As the story unfolds, Challenger and his team face numerous challenges and dangers, both physical and intellectual. They confront the immense power and intelligence of the World Creature, leading to thrilling and suspenseful encounters. "When the World Screamed" explores themes such as scientific curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the limits of human understanding. It offers an imaginative and thrilling narrative, showcasing Conan Doyle's skill in creating tension and capturing the awe-inspiring and mysterious aspects of the natural world. While "When the World Screamed" may not be as widely known as Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, it remains a fascinating example of his versatility as a writer and his ability to craft engaging narratives across different genres.