Starred review from June 17, 2024
Inspired in part by their last name, 12-year-old Alex Sherlock and his 13-year-old sister Zoe, joined by their retired reporter grandfather and friends Yadi and Lina, found the Sherlock Society detective agency in a bid to earn money over the summer. When their initial attempts to rustle up business fail, they pivot toward investigating one of Grandpa’s cold cases surrounding Al Capone’s legendary lost fortune “buried somewhere in south Florida.” As they follow decades-old clues across Miami and into the Everglades, the Sherlock Society encounters contemporary crimes pertaining to illegal waste dumping, prompting them to seek out the culprits. While Grandpa instructs the Sherlock
Society in the ways of reporting and investigation, Ponti (Mission Manhattan) keeps things authentic with the invocation of
laws and proper procedure in their pursuit to take down a powerful, wealthy foe. With an eye for atmosphere, history, and lively humor, Ponti brings the South Florida setting, as well as its quick-witted inhabitants, to vivid life, making for a worthy successor to classic kid mysteries that’s entertaining, educational, and exciting. Yadi cues as being of Cuban heritage; other characters read as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio.
August 1, 2024
Toxic waste dumped in the Everglades gives a quartet of middle school sleuths their first case. Leading Carl Hiaasen fans over familiar ground, Ponti pitches 12-year-old Alex Sherlock and his 13-year-old sister, Zoe, with school friends Lina and Yadi as sidekicks, into a summer caper. It all begins with the hunt for a supposed fortune buried decades ago by Al Capone, culminates in a narrow escape from an exploding yacht, and ultimately exposes a smooth-talking bad actor shady enough to bring in even federal authorities. As the kids' live-in Grandpa, a retired investigative reporter, delivers pointers on how to conduct interviews and sift evidence while grandly driving them around South Florida in his classic Cadillac, Roberta, the budding detectives display sharp wits, eyes, and negotiating skills. The last come in particularly useful when they're dealing with their lawyer...who's also their mom. Both the plot and the chain of evidence take logical courses, and since Dad is a marine biologist and Lina's a recent transplant from Wyoming, Ponti is able to use their dialogue to highlight the local culture and larger ecological issues. Main characters present white, apart from tech wiz Yadi, who is cued Latine. An environmental mystery featuring lots of clever detecting, a bit of danger, and real felonies to investigate.(Mystery. 9-13)
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Starred review from November 2, 2024
Gr 3-7-Twelve-year-old Alex and his older sister Zoe, along with Grandpa Sherlock, are floating in the ocean after a dramatic escape from an exploding boat. This gripping start sets the tone for a summer of twists and turns. What begins as a simple summer job quickly spirals into a quest for Al Capone's buried treasure, blending historical intrigue with contemporary adventure. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami, the narrative unfolds through Alex's first-person perspective, allowing readers to experience the thrill of the hunt alongside him. Joining Alex and Zoe on their quest are friends Yadi and Lina, who bring their unique skills and perspectives. Together, they form a dynamic team, showcasing the power of friendship and collaboration as they navigate challenges and unravel clues. The quest takes them all over the city, interviewing old acquaintances of Al Capone, each encounter revealing tidbits of history and adding depth to their investigation. Grandpa Sherlock's old journalist notes are a catalyst for their treasure hunt, connecting the past with the present. Ponti skillfully weaves humor and suspense; the characters are relatable and engaging. The pacing is brisk, while the rich descriptions of Miami's coastal landscape immerse readers in the setting. This story is particularly great for tweens interested in unsolved mysteries and digging into history, encouraging them to explore the past while enjoying a thrilling narrative. VERDICT A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.-Haley Amendt
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