BOOK REVIEW: The Sherlock Society: Art Attack

 

THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY: ART ATTACK
by James Ponti
Available September 8

I've been on a bit of a mystery kick lately, likely because the 'ber months are kicking off and it just feels right. So Art Attack, the latest installment in James Ponti's middle-grade mystery series The Sherlock Society, hit at the perfect time. And once again, The Sherlock Society does for detective fiction what Ponti's City Spies did for spy fiction.

For those late to the party, the Sherlock Society is a group of five: Alex Sherlock, his sister Zoe, his school friends Lina and Yadi, and his retired journalist grandfather. Together, the unlikely group scours Miami for cases cold and hot. They're even being called on to solve cases for others. But one catches their eye: a behest to find Funky Munky, an anonymous graffiti artist whose "guerilla gorilla" has earned them both fans and notoriety across the city. With Miami Art Week coming up, a hotel developer wants to hire Funky Munky to paint a mural for him, and he's willing to pay top dollar to both the artist and the detectives. After all, if anyone can find an unfindable artist, it's the Sherlock Society!

As Alex and his friends immerse themselves in the Miami art scene, they continue to hone their detective skills. Alex and Yadi even learn to do detective work without the aid of the Internet, thanks to getting grounded after pulling an especially dangerous stunt. But when they finally do track down Funky Munky, there are bigger problems afoot. Like the arsons spreading across the city. And the true intentions of the Society's latest client.

I love Ponti's City Spies because they're a gentle but competent introduction to the wider world of spy fiction. And The Sherlock Society does the same for detective stories: presenting mysteries that are both entertaining and relatable, while teaching young readers critical thinking skills of their own. As educational as these books are about the sleuthing process, they never feel like they're talking down to readers of any age. The stakes are the exact right height for young readers new to the genre: dramatic and meaningful without being outright deadly.

It's also exceptionally rare for adult writers to write kids well. I've been reading a lot of middle-grade and teen fiction lately, and so many stories are packed with kids who are nothing but cutting-edge, trendy, and TikTok-obsessed. Each member of the Society has their own interests and priorities, with mysteries being their common interest. The narrative is more interested in presenting believable, well-rounded characters than getting modern kids "right" — and thus it achieves both.

I'm hopeful that The Sherlock Society will go on for a long time. Both of Ponti's series are so enjoyable regardless of age, accessible no matter where you start, and a great way to introduce young family members to a beloved genre.

TEA PAIRING: Sunrise Breakfast
While Chapters does have a Sherlock Holmes-themed tea on offer, it's not coming out 'til later in the month. In the meantime, Sunrise Breakfast is my perfect pairing for this latest read. It's a simple and straightforward black tea that works well on its own, iced, or as a latte, while also keeping you nice and awake for whatever new mystery awaits. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired tea blends from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Moriarty's Mind Games
While the Sherlock Society might not have their own Moriarty equivalent (yet), this smoky candle just feels appropriate. The blend of oud, tobacco, and rain brings to mind a dark parlor where crimes are solved... or perhaps schemed. Check out Frostbeard Studio for more bookish candles!