In the thrilling and exciting conclusion to the middle grade adventure that is the Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall trilogy, Arthur travels to the Lakes, a place more mysterious than the enchanting Baskerville Hall itself, and must do the unthinkable: betray his friends and Sherlock Holmes or pay the ultimate price. Perfect for fans of the Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor series and the Mysterious Benedict Society series.

Arthur should be happier than ever. Professor Sherlock Holmes has accepted him into the esteemed Circle of Light, and his friendships are stronger than ever. However, Dinah Grey’s ominous letter and her dangerous hold over his little sister, Mary, have left Arthur riddled with anxiety. After the annual first-year retreat to the storied Lake District is announced, another letter arrives and makes the key to Mary’s salvation clear: Arthur needs to insert himself in Sherlock’s upcoming investigation…as Dinah’s spy.

While sticking close to Holmes on the trip, Arthur meets George Rankin, one in a long line of protectors of the Brazen Head, a powerful relic whose wearer can ask any question and have it answered. But there are more eyes on Sherlock and the relic than just Grey’s. Arthur will have to walk the thin line between truth and deception in order to save his sister, but it might cost him more than he realizes.

The story itself is straightforward - Professor Sherlock Holmes is asked by a friend to help him find the mythical Brazen Head, an artifact that is said to be able to answer any question about anything - past, present or future.  Professor Grey, the nemesis from the last book, returns having kidnapped Arthur’s little sister Mary in order to force Arthur to insert himself in Sherlock’s case and find the Head first.  As the Hall’s first year student go on their annual spring trip to the estate of Holmes’ friend Arthur is expected to insert himself into Professor Holmes’ search  without telling anyone he has to find the Head to save his sister. 

This is an interesting alternate history take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s childhood; mixing steampunk elements, fantastic creatures with characters whose names we recognize from Doyle’s real world stories - Professor Challenger, Mrs Hudson and, of course, James Moriarty.  Young readers will enjoy Arthur’s adventures and his circle of friends while adults will enjoy the references to the characters from Doyle’s real world works and the Indiana Jones-reminiscent underground search for the treasure.   This book is said to be the end of the series but there is certainly room for many more adventures Arthur and his friends could have so hopefully we will get a second trilogy for Arthur’s second year. Highly recommended. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

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