Even better than the first! Sherlock Society is back again, but their mystery hits closer to home as Grandpa knew the murder victim personally. With a little back and forth through time we get to know Grandpa when he was Alex’s age. The game is afoot and it is even more intense than before. I love the way the kids work together as well as with some new older generation characters to solve this over 60-year-old mystery. I think this is exactly the kind of mystery kids are looking for and we can’t wait for more!

I absolutely loved this addition to the Sherlock Society series. When a hurricane is headed towards Miami Beach, it uncovers a body of the bell captain at the Moroccan Hotel from decades ago. Grandpa happens to remember the disappearance of the bell hop years ago when he was a boy. Everyone believed he ran off with jewels from a movie that was being filmed. The Sherlock Society members seem to be the only ones who care about the bell captain and dig back through Grandpa's old files to solve the crime. Through James Ponti's great writing and fabulous characters, the reader is really drawn into this story. This was definitely a book that I couldn't put down.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The second installment in the Sherlock Society series by James Ponti, HURRICANE HEIST picks up the action almost immediately after the close of the first book. A hurricane has taken aim at Miami and in the aftermath, the body of the person thought to be responsible for a jewelry heist during another hurricane sixty years before surfaces, destroying the theory that he was the culprit. Applying their investigative skills with tutelage and transportation support from Grandpa Pete, the crew pieces together the evidence to find the real mastermind behind the theft.

Ponti continues to develop the characters introduced in the first book and shows how each uses their strengths to contribute to the group’s cause. Their relationship with Grandpa Pete shines again and we learn more about him as his journalist background plays a large role in this story. This mystery has plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged before the satisfying conclusion.

Hurricane Heist is the second book in The Sherlock Society—James Ponti's latest middle-grade series. It's set a couple weeks after the end of the first book, just as a hurricane threatens to rip through Florida in the waning days of summer. But this literal hurricane is not the focus of the book—Hurricane Heist was the name of a movie filmed in the 60s at the famed Moroccan Hotel. The jewelry-heist film used real jewels as a publicity stunt during production, and— wouldn't you know it?—they are stolen the night a hurricane hits the set. This is the mystery The Sherlock Society (TSS) sets out to solve in book two.

It's fun, funny, and surreptitiously educational. One of the things I appreciate about Ponti's books is how he sneaks in historical, technical, and "worldly" types of information. It's generally done seamlessly, so learning something new is a by-product of something fun. All of Ponti's books tend to be heavier on exposition compared to other middle-grade works. This isn't bad in itself and is mostly a result of the complexity of mysteries in the books. However, it seemed like Hurricane Heist was even more exposition-heavy than usual. Much of the book is debating suspects and strategies. Poking holes in each other's theories. Riffing on another's ideas. Fun stuff, to me. But could be a bit much for more action-oriented readers. For those readers, there's still drone reconnaissance, running from dogs and rhinos, hurricane destruction, and sneaking into secret compounds. So maybe it evens out.

Ponti is simply one of the best middle-grade authors at work right now. I've read a few books from his City Spies series as well; some commonalities between the two series: complex mysteries, smart kids, humor, and a (mostly) responsible but cool adult who shepherds them around.

A couple key differences: "place" plays a much larger role in TSS. Florida, specifically the area around Miami, is almost a character in the series. Everything from the mysteries they solve, the food they eat, their parents' jobs, the architecture, and, yes, the weather, is grounded in the swampland and sunny beaches of southeastern Florida. Another difference is that parents and family play a much larger role in this series. They aren't helicopter parents, of course. (Adventurous kids books could not exist with those joy-wreckers.) But in City Spies, the children are all orphans, and our protagonist in TSS shares the group with his sister and grandfather (the cool adult). Still, if you've read City Spies and liked it, you'll like The Sherlock Society.

This second installment in the series is even better than the first….and the first was terrific. Ponti is highly skilled in developing characters and the connections between them. As the Society tackles a decades old cold case, damaging preconceptions come to light. This is a wonderful multigenerational mystery that is hard to put down once begun. Cannot wait for the next adventure!

This book picks up almost immediately after the previous book. The Society is still disappointed about not finding Al Capone’s treasure. School is about to start, but first they have to get through a hurricane. Wyoming transplant Lina is quite nervous about her first hurricane. There’s also a flashback to 1964, when Grandpa Pete was a youngster going through a similar hurricane.

And now the scene is set for a new mystery, one that’s very personal to Grandpa.

I love watching the kids learn to research and form hypothesis, then work on proving them. It’s a wonderful process to watch. Grandpa is such a patient teacher, knowing when to lead and when to get out of the kids’ way.

The kids themselves complement each other in their abilities and personalities. It’s especially interesting watching Zoe balance between her popular friends and her enjoyment of solving mysteries.

Ponti has created vibrant personalities and given them interesting challenges. As always, Ponti brings us another winner.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Dangerous situations, a possible murder (in the past), mention of the Cuban Revolution, climate change, and segregation. Perilous situations.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

#NetGalley #Biblioquacious #BookReview #SherlockSociety #JamesPonti #MiddleGrades #Mystery

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2025/09/james-ponti-does-it-again-in-his-new.html

These covers always confuse me a little. I want to say The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist every time I see one -- and I get that this is the best way to market any series novel aimed specifically at children -- but the fact that the series name is so large in comparison with the actual title always throws me off. It even keeps me from fully appreciating how terrific the art is on the cover, which is a pity since Yaoyao Ma Van As captures the vibe of this Florida-set mystery perfectly.

And that's pretty much the only complaint I have about this entertaining book, the second in James Ponti's latest mystery-adventure series for children. Written as an homage to his Florida home, this latest installment follows Alex, Zoe, Yadi and Lina as they prepare for Hurricane Clyde... and work to solve a decades-old mystery uncovered in its aftermath.

Alex is feeling a little bummed that summer is coming to a close and his Sherlock Society has only solved one case, to little acclaim. But Al Capone's millions are still hidden somewhere in the state, and maybe he and the gang can find the money before Hurricane Clyde hits. Lina, having recently moved to Florida from Wisconsin, is especially nervous about the incoming storm, as everyone prepares to ride it out.

Fortunately, the Sherlock Society and their loved ones get through the bad weather relatively unscathed. The same can't be said for the glamorous Moroccan Hotel. Part of the pool construction crumbles, revealing a body that's been buried there for over sixty years, ever since the night Hurricane Cleo made landfall. Alex's grandpa Peter knows this because he was there that day, as an eleven year-old delivering last minute supplies with his dad, who owned a hardware store. He didn't see the murder or the body but he's pretty sure he knows who it is, as the case has been troubling him ever since he learned about it.

At the time of Peter's visit, the Moroccan had been hosting a film crew for a heist movie. With the hurricane incoming, the creative minds behind the film decided to incorporate the bad weather into the proceedings. What they hadn't accounted for, however, was someone using the storm as cover to steal the valuable artwork and jewels that the director had insisted on using for the sake of verisimilitude.

It seemed like an open-and-shut case, as hotel Bell Captain Ignacio "Doc" Gonzalez had disappeared at the same time the theft was discovered. Peter, however, had been certain that Doc would never have stolen the items, and certainly not fled the country as people claimed. The present-day discovery of Doc's body vindicates Peter's belief, as he and the rest of the Sherlock Society decide to take on the case to see who really stole the valuables and let poor Doc take the fall.

As this is a middle grade novel, everything stays age-appropriate/PG-rated without shying away from difficult subjects like segregation and how much to trust the feds. There are theories aplenty as the members of the Sherlock Society methodically examine all the clues and suspects, and come up with rational reasons for and against each theory. There's also a little personal drama, and tons of engrossing facts about heists and Southern Florida.

I've loved all the James Ponti books I've read so far, and would've absolutely devoured them even more enthusiastically as a kid than I do as an adult. They're smart and funny, with realistic characters engaged in the kind of adventures I've always wanted to go on myself. This is only the latest in a terrific oeuvre, and one I recommend whole-heartedly to any reader who loves a clever mystery with heart.

Hurricane Heist by James Ponti was published today September 2 2025 by Aladdin and is available from all good booksellers, including <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15382/9781665932561">Bookshop!</a>

As always, I learn something new with James Ponti's books. I actually loved this one but the ending was not as satisfying to me as the previous book. I know kids need to learn that not everything works out at the end but I would have loved a "happier" ending.

The second book in a great new series by James Ponti. Perfect for mystery lovers! The book begins with the situation the characters are in at the end. You are immediately hooked by the craziness that the story eventually becomes and then looped around to how it got there. The Sherlock Society members are a great range of characters and the stories enjoyable by all ages!

What a clever and funny mystery—this book is an absolute hoot to unravel! It kicks off in the middle of action (love that) and then comes back to show how the gang got there. With Miami’s history, culture, and energy woven in, the story is equal parts educationally entertaining.

The characters shine just as much as the plot. Lina, the shy bookworm with detective chops, totally steals the spotlight. Zoe brings smarts and charm, Yadi adds laughs and creativity, and Alex is the puzzle-solving glue that holds them together. Grandpa Pete? He’s hilarious in every scene—basically the MVP.

If you’re after a mystery that’s fast-paced, funny, and full of heart, this one hits the sweet spot.

2 hurricanes hit Miami, one created a mystery and the other uncovered it. At the center of both were curious kids who couldn’t let a mystery go unsolved.

In this second installment of The Sherlock Society, we get to go deep into the past and the life of Grandpa Pete to find a mystery only the Sherlock Society can solve. When Hurricane Cleo hit Miami in 1964, Pete Lassiter was 12-years-old and a man he thought of as a friend disappeared along with a treasure of art and jewels. The FBI closed the case. Then in the present, Hurricane Clyde hit Miami and uncovered proof that Pete was right - his friend’s body was uncovered in the aftermath showing he had never left town as the FBI thought.

But the statue of limitations on theft is long passed, so the only ones who want to solve this mystery are The Sherlock Society. And they are dedicated to finding the truth!

Overall, I really enjoyed this next installment in the Sherlock Society series! I especially loved to get some more detail and input from various characters - like Yadi helping with Spanish translations and Nina being the sounding board for hurricane preparedness. But really, this felt like Grandpa’s story. Not only did we get to experience flashbacks to when he was 12 and the beginning of the mystery they worked to solve, we also got more information about his life in the present.

I especially enjoyed the storyline that explored his dreams and future because it emphasizes that anyone can have dreams and want change - even when they are retired. In fact, much of this story felt like an exploration of aging and the passage of time. Grandpa’s life is changing, and the retired federal agents from the past are living in a retirement community, and the main characters are dealing with the looming changes of high school.

This was my first James Ponti books! I recently discovered him and I’m OBSESSED! This story follows a Grandpa, his grand children, & their friends. The story starts off quickly and interesting, I was wanting more. Together they create this group called “The Sherlock Society”, to work together to solve a crime at a hotel during a Hurricane. Grandpa is hoping this time with the help of the children this time around it will truly get solved.

I had so much fun! The relationship between everyone was enjoyable and also super hilarious. It was cool seeing the Adult listen and take advice from the kids. Shows that teamwork is important, they wouldn’t have done it without each other.

I’m super excited for more of his reads, I went to Barnes recently and purchase some more of his series! I’m a 25 year old mommy & truly enjoyed this story. I say that to say.. DON’T let genres scare you away.

Thank you NetGalley & James Ponti for giving me the opportunity to read this Arc.

I just love middle grade mysteries and James Ponti writes some of the best. The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist is his newest. It is the 2nd book in the series about 4 kids and a lovable Grandpa who form the Sherlock Society and work together to solve crimes.

In Hurricane Heist….60 years ago, a man and a million dollars worth of jewelry and art disappeared during a hurricane, and it’s up to the Sherlock Society to find out what happened!

Things I loved:
💨 The suspense of 2 hurricanes-one in 1964 and one in present day.
🌴 Miami setting-the setting is an integral part of the story.
💎 Jewel Heist-need I say more?
🔎 James Ponti does such a great job walking us through the clues and keeping the mystery going until the very end.
🌊 The banter-smart kids, a funny Grandpa, and just enough sarcasm to keep things interesting.

✨ I really enjoyed this book. It’s perfect for fans of City Spies and Mysterious Benedict Society!

My 10 year old loves James Ponti’s books! He has read all of City Spies and Framed series. He was so excited to read the second in the Sherlock Society series. It was an age appropriate mystery that kept him engaged and the characters were great. He’s telling all his friends they need to read it!

My 11-year-old and I love James Ponti's fast-paced, funny writing and so, it comes as no surprise that we loved reading the second book in the Sherlock Society series! The mysery was great, the characters are folks you find yourself rooting for and we can't wait for the next book.

The second in the series of The Sherlock Society, a group of kids and one Grandpa with his Cadillac are solving crimes- this one taking them back to 1964 when Hurricane Cleo struck Florida and during that time a heist of art and jewelry from a hotel went missing. The problem is that the wrong person went down for the crime, so leave it to our detectives to put the pieces together.

They are always enriching and fun to put the pieces together with feel-good moments, a few pieces of history, and plenty of humor. It's a new series to follow that is enchanting.

James Ponti is always a solid choice for middle-grade novels. I've enjoyed all of Ponte's efforts, but this newest series is by far my favorite. I love the characters, and the relationship the children have with their grandfather. I love the connection to real mysteries such as Al Capone's buried treasure, and the students studying primary source documents to solve the mysteries. I always half-way expect the kids to solve a real-life mystery through the storyline, but Ponti artfully veers from the real life mystery to the fictitious one without the reader being aware.

Highly recommend as addition to upper elementary and middle school libraries and for any reader who enjoys a mystery that is full of action and hard to put down.

Review of The Sherlock Society: Hurricane Heist by James Ponti

James Ponti’s Hurricane Heist, the second book in the Sherlock Society series, is another clever, funny, and heartfelt mystery that proves this series has real staying power.

The story opens in the middle of the action, and then circles back to show how the characters arrived there. It’s a narrative choice Ponti has used before in the Framed! series, and it works brilliantly—it mirrors the feeling of solving a case, retracing steps and re-examining clues. Interestingly, it’s a technique he doesn’t lean on as much in City Spies, showing how carefully he tailors his storytelling to each series.

This installment blends history, humor, and family with Miami’s vibrant setting. Ponti brings the city to life—its energy, culture, and atmosphere are woven into the mystery, making it both educational and entertaining. My favorite detail was “The Bureau,” a nursing home that’s both playful and clever in name. Even little Easter eggs, like giving Lina’s mom the last name Glaser (a nod to author Karina Yan Glaser), reflect the thoughtful touches Ponti layers in.

The characters continue to shine. Lina, shy but brilliant, is a standout—she’s a big reader and natural investigator whose curiosity drives the team forward. Zoe balances intelligence with social flair, Yadi adds creativity and humor through his filmmaker’s perspective, and Alex has the puzzle-solving instincts that tie everything together. Grandpa Pete is as funny and wise as ever, often stealing the scene with his humor and heart.

The pacing is strongest in the middle, where the clue-hunting and teamwork are at their peak. Even without spoilers, I can say this: it’s clever, full of heart, and so much fun to unravel.

And I’m not the only one who loved it—my sister read it too and said she’d give it six stars if she could. I’d happily agree.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and yes, an honorary sixth star from my sister!)

Hurricane Heist is the second Sherlock Society middle grade novel by James Ponti. This book picks up where the last left off but with a new mystery. After a hurricane plows through Miami, the Sherlock Society realizes that a body found in the aftermath of the hurricane is actually related to a case from Grandpa’s childhood over 60 years ago!

Ponti works his middle grade magic with this books to bring in relevant themes and experiences for middle grade students as well as making the story fun! Definitely will purchase for my school library!

As a mystery lover, this book was delightful! Pulling readers back in with our old friends from the Sherlock society, Ponti touches on friendship issues and we dive back into cold cases. The flashbacks were such a fun way to see what Grandpa went through and I loved the hurricanes lining up! There was mention of the first book but not so much that you HAVE to read it first and I felt much better with the closed case on this one!