What if young Arthur Conan Doyle really went to a secret school for extraordinarily gifted children called Baskerville Hall? When a mysterious man with a pipe notices young Arthur’s incredible deductive skills, Arthur’s offered a spot at the esteemed Baskerville Hall and a chance to lift his family out of poverty. There Arthur makes quick friends with Irene Eagle, a girl who boldly strides into any adventure and Jimmie Moriarty, a boy whose brilliance rivals Arthur’s own. But he makes enemies, too, who want Arthur expelled . . . or worse.

Soon Arthur and his friends (and enemies!) are invited into a powerful secret society called the Clover. In order to be accepted into the illustrious social club, they must pass three tests, but along the way, Arthur uncovers a mystery that will lead to grand adventure . . . and even greater danger. Arthur will need all the help he can get to solve the puzzle and keep a shocking truth from falling into the wrong hands. Meanwhile, he will finally meet the man who becomes his greatest mentor: Professor Sherlock Holmes.

A young Arthur Conan Doyle has an encounter on an Edinburgh road that results in his invitation to study at an unusual private school.  There he meets fellow students Irene Eagle and Jimmie Moriarty, is invited to join a powerful secret society and is drawn into a mystery.

This is a quick and delightful read, a sort of steampunk reimagining of Doyle’s childhood with Arthur being whisked off the school in an inexplicably speedy airship. The various characters are named for people who will show up later in the real Doyle’s various books - Headmaster Challenger, Headmistress Mrs. Hudson, Jimmie Moriarty, Brigadier Gerard, Sebastian Moran, and, of course, Professor Sherlock Holmes.  As Arthur makes friends and enemies he learns one of the secrets lurking in the school and along with his friends will find themselves drawn into the continuing mystery concerning the Green Knight.  I thoroughly enjoyed this though, obviously, I am not the primary age group it is aimed at. Young readers will enjoy Arthur’s adventures; especially with Kipper, and older readers will enjoy all the allusions to Doyle’s famous works of fiction. I look forward to the next book in the series and hope we will not have to wait too long. Highly recommended. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

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