The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish
ISBN: 0063275570
Pages: 310
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

“Arthur hadn’t known what he had set in motion the afternoon back in Edinburgh… One never knew where one’s choices might lead.  All one could do was make the right choice in the moment.”  A chance encounter between a young Arthur Conan Doyle and a mysterious man begins this adventure tale of mystery, secret societies, science fiction, and a little fantasy.  Arthur is whisked off to a secret school for brilliant young minds called Baskerville Hall.  Together with a familiar crew of friends (and enemies) he must follow the clues to keep the truth from falling into the wrong hands.

This novel is one that keeps readers guessing right up to the end.  Those familiar with the Sherlock Holmes series and characters will truly appreciate the creativity that went into weaving this tale, while those not acquainted with the world of Holmes could become lost.  Standish has partnered with the Conan Doyle estate for the creation of this series.  Fans of Harry Potter and The Mysterious Benedict Society will enjoy this multilayered historical mystery filled with intricate details and nods to Doyle’s real life childhood.  Recommended for readers aged nine to fourteen.

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School (ESVM Library), Rockport, ME.