The second book in the series features more detective work undertaken by the four memorable characters of The Sherlock Society. There’s 12-year-old Alex Sherlock, his older sister Zoe, best friend Yadi, and blue-haired Lina. Grandpa Pete is the adult character with a journalism background who helps keep the group focused.
Book one had them trying to discover where Al Capone hid a large amount of money in the vibrant setting of Miami, Florida. You don’t have to read this first as each story has its’ own plot.
In Hurricane Heist they revisit a closed case where a large amount of jewelry and art work were stolen during 1964’s Hurricane Cleo. Grandpa was a twelve at the time helping his father deliver materials from their family’s hardware store. He was actually at the crime scene that week and later spent many years as a newspaper writer trying to uncover the truth.
Like the first book, the story starts at the climatic ending scene This opening has the five running through the woods while being chased by security dogs and an escaped rhino. It’s a great way to reveal the plot with the group’s sleuthing skills eventually filling in what happened beforehand.
It’s a mystery since the body of person believed to be guilty at the time is found after a present day hurricane reveals his location in an unexpected place. The scenes in the present are narrated by Alex and the flashback chapters are all in third person. The history of Miami comes to life in many of the chapters.
Hurricane Heist is an engaging and fun tale perfect for middle grade readers who enjoy detective style mysteries.
PAGES: 320 BOOK BIRTHDAY: September 2, 2025
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY HURRICANE HEIST by James Ponti
- The facts about hurricanes and 1960’s Miami were fascinating. Now if I could just get the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” out of my head as I go down a bumpy road near my home…
- Grandpa Pete at 73 is such a wonderful mentor to these kids. Having the generational connection in the plot added to the levels of enjoyment and many memorable scenes.
- The kids are all very different but except for a little drama between Zoe and Lina, they work together each using their strengths to break the case open.
- The story involves a murder mystery but that never drags down the fun aspect of these kids trying to figure out who-dunnit.
- You know you are in good hands when an author has you wishing for more books in the series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Ponti is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of four middle grade book series, including City Spies and The Sherlock Society. His novels have been named to forty-five state award lists, optioned by Hollywood, and translated into fifteen languages. He’s a two-time Edgar Award-nominee, winning in 2018 for Vanished. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida.
!!!!!!!GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!
This is the third day of my Lucky 13 Giveaway. You can find the other GIVEAWAYS by visiting the first post to find out why it is my Lucky 13, and the second post with 10 TRUTHS ABOUT JAMES PONTI.
Leave a comment today to be entered to win a copy of THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY HURRICANE HEIST and Books 4-6 in the CITY SPIES series (U.S. Addresses only). That’s 4 brand new hard backs to add to your collection! Leave a comment on each of the three days and your entries will be doubled. The deadline to enter is 11pm EDT on Sept. 4th. Good luck and Happy MMGM!
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BE SURE TO VISIT ALL THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 
These books all sound like so much fun. Who doesn’t love mysteries? Win or not, I’ll be reading some of Mr. Ponti’s books. Thanks for the posts and the chance.
I really enjoyed Hurricane Heist too. I really like Grandpa Pete and the mysteries they have to solve. I’ll let someone else win the books.
I also love when older adults have a caring role in kids’ lives. Grandpa Pete sounds like a grandparent I wished I’d had. Mysteries have always been a favorite of mine and I’m excited to read more of James’ books. Thank you for 13 years! I actually found the email with the link to your post announcing you were taking over MMGM (yes, I tend not to delete…) Danielle Hammelef
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This really does sound like a great series. Putting them on my list.
Great review, Greg. COunt me in on the giveaway. I love that a grandpa is a helpful mentor!
This sounds like a fun book and a great series, When it is done well (as here), opening with a climatic ending is such an engaging way to start a story (chased by a rhino??? 🙂 )and is so satisfying to read what follows and watch all the pieces come together. Sounds great, thanks for the review and recommendation!
I’ve read several books by this author and loved them all. Can’t wait to spend time with the Sherlock Society characters.