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The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall #3
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall Book 3: The Valley of Lies
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 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 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.
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 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.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2025
8 people are currently reading
2579 people want to read
About the author
Ali Standish
19 books333 followersAli Standish, author of the critically acclaimed The Ethan I Was Before, split her time growing up between North Carolina and several imaginary worlds. The only award she ever won in school was for messiest desk, but that didn’t stop her from going on to get degrees from Pomona College, Hollins University and and the University of Cambridge. She still spends most of her time in her imagination, but you might just spot her walking her two rescue dogs with her Finnish husband around her neighborhood in Raleigh. You can visit her online at www.alistandish.com.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 14, 2025
I enjoyed what I believe is the final book of the series. I like what the author did with the ending; a nice twist. As always, it's interesting to read facts on the real Doyle and as always, reading these puts me in the mood for Sherlock & Watson books/movies!
November 17, 2025
Well-paced, but a bit of a letdown compared to the first two books in the series.
I loved the concept behind Standish’s Holmes and Doyle interpretation, and that holds true throughout the series, even if the last book missed on most counts when weighed against the first two.
The mystery here is fine, and I liked the sort of riddle-based adventure at the climax of the story. The characters (Arthur in particular) also make some difficult decisions, unusual in a kids mystery and especially as a sort of concluding encounter to the series with the character. This is odd in a good way, and shows some range in terms of character evolution on the part of Standish.
But I think it was a mistake to take the series away from Baskerville Hall for its final installment, as that’s been the best part of the series. Removing pretty much any sense of place is hard on a book like this, especially in its concluding installment.
Aside from the climactic scenes at the end, the atmosphere is pretty thin here, and both that and a less well-developed story left me wanting at the end of what was otherwise a well-crafted kids series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved the concept behind Standish’s Holmes and Doyle interpretation, and that holds true throughout the series, even if the last book missed on most counts when weighed against the first two.
The mystery here is fine, and I liked the sort of riddle-based adventure at the climax of the story. The characters (Arthur in particular) also make some difficult decisions, unusual in a kids mystery and especially as a sort of concluding encounter to the series with the character. This is odd in a good way, and shows some range in terms of character evolution on the part of Standish.
But I think it was a mistake to take the series away from Baskerville Hall for its final installment, as that’s been the best part of the series. Removing pretty much any sense of place is hard on a book like this, especially in its concluding installment.
Aside from the climactic scenes at the end, the atmosphere is pretty thin here, and both that and a less well-developed story left me wanting at the end of what was otherwise a well-crafted kids series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
October 29, 2025
This has quickly become one of my favorite middle-grade series—but honestly, any Sherlock Holmes fan could enjoy it, no matter their age. Ali Standish does such a clever job weaving Holmesian lore into the mischievous adventures of these young students at Baskerville Hall.
I’ve been wondering since book one how Arthur’s roommate Jimmie (whose last name happens to belong to a famous Holmes villain), might one day become an enemy. This book finally delivers that answer in a big, emotional way. Poor Arthur had me worried from start to finish as he struggled under the weight of blackmail and isolation, refusing to reach out to friends or teachers for help.
Fans will appreciate the subtle nods to The Adventure of the Speckled Band and The Final Problem. I probably missed other references since it’s been a while since I’ve read any Holmes.
I just learned this might be the final book in the trilogy, and I truly hope it isn’t the last we see of Baskerville Hall. The world and its characters deserve more mysteries to solve!
Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s/HarperCollins for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve been wondering since book one how Arthur’s roommate Jimmie (whose last name happens to belong to a famous Holmes villain), might one day become an enemy. This book finally delivers that answer in a big, emotional way. Poor Arthur had me worried from start to finish as he struggled under the weight of blackmail and isolation, refusing to reach out to friends or teachers for help.
Fans will appreciate the subtle nods to The Adventure of the Speckled Band and The Final Problem. I probably missed other references since it’s been a while since I’ve read any Holmes.
I just learned this might be the final book in the trilogy, and I truly hope it isn’t the last we see of Baskerville Hall. The world and its characters deserve more mysteries to solve!
Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s/HarperCollins for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 28, 2026
I don't love the conclusion to this series since it felt like some loose threads were left hanging as the author rushed to the ending. I also don't love Arthur's decisions through this book as it felt more out of character, especially for it being the third book in the series when relationships are so much deeper.
Still, I think my readers will enjoy it, especially for exploring a new world outside of Baskerville Hall.
Still, I think my readers will enjoy it, especially for exploring a new world outside of Baskerville Hall.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews