Book Series · 3 Books

Lock and Key Books

In order from The Initiation to The Final Step.

The Lock and Key series is a set of 3 chapter books by Ridley Pearson, published between 2016 and 2018. Written for ages 8–12, most books run about 400 pages.

The Initiation

The Downward Spiral

The Final Step

The Initiation

The Downward Spiral

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

The Initiation

Sale price

$999

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Initiation

By Ridley Pearson

A missing heirloom, a secret society, and a young Holmes. Can James Moriarty solve the mystery?

384 pages

Paperback

Summary: Young James Moriarty, a trouble-prone boy from Boston, is thrust into a boarding school where he rooms with the brilliant Sherlock Holmes. When a valuable family Bible vanishes, the school locks down, and strange clues lead James into a web of intrigue. As a secret society looms, can James and Sherlock unravel the mystery before it's too late? Discover the origins of their legendary rivalry through the eyes of James's perceptive sister, Moria, in this thrilling reimagining of classic foes.

In reading order

Lock and Key Series

3 books · Published 2016–2018

#1

The Initiation

Sale price

$999

The Initiation

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

A missing heirloom, a secret society, and a young Holmes. Can James Moriarty solve the mystery?

#2

The Downward Spiral

Sale price

$1799

The Downward Spiral

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

A mysterious death forces unlikely allies to uncover dark secrets and hidden betrayals.

#3

The Final Step

Sale price

$1697

The Final Step

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

A sister unravels deadly secrets at Baskerville Academy as her brother changes mysteriously.

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Lock and Key series?

There are 3 books in the Lock and Key series. It began with The Initiation in 2016, and the newest book, The Final Step, was published in 2018.

What order should you read the Lock and Key books in?

Start with The Initiation and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.

What ages are the Lock and Key books best for?

The series is best for ages 8–12, based on the age ranges of the individual books.

The people

The Creative Behind the Books

The people who bring Lock and Key to life.

Ridley Pearson

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