The Sherlock Society

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel opens in medias res with Alex, Zoe, and their grandfather in Biscayne Bay after a yacht explosion. What was your initial reaction to starting the story at a moment of high crisis instead of at the beginning of the investigation?

2. How does this novel compare to James Ponti’s other series, such as City Spies or TOAST? Did you notice any similarities in his writing style, character dynamics, or mystery structure? If this was your first Ponti book, are you interested in reading more of his work?

3. What did you think of the way the story blended classic detective methods, like Grandpa’s five Ws, with modern technology like drones and digital forensics?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Zoe’s friendships evolve from the superficial dynamic she has with her camp friends to the deep, supportive bond she forms with the Sherlock Society. Has a shared project or challenging experience ever changed the nature of a friendship for you?

2. Grandpa acts as a mentor, teaching the kids to think like journalists and see the world in a new way. Have you ever had a mentor who introduced you to a skill or a perspective that changed how you approach challenges? What was the most valuable lesson you learned?

3. The family motto, “Do what’s right, not what’s easy,” becomes a guiding principle for the group. Can you think of a time when you saw this idea play out, either in your own life or in the world around you?

4. What is your take on Dad’s “mimic octopus” analogy, which suggests that people often adopt the behaviors of those around them as a survival skill? Do you think this is an accurate way to describe social pressure, especially for young people? How does Zoe’s journey throughout the novel either support or challenge this idea?

5. The search for Capone’s treasure begins as a fun adventure for profit but shifts into a serious mission for justice after the discovery of the illegal dump site. Has a hobby or interest of yours ever taken on a deeper or more significant meaning than you initially expected?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Grandpa describes Miami as a “sunny place filled with shady people,” reflecting the city’s dual identity built on both glamour and corruption. To what extent do you think this is true of most major American cities?      

2. What real-world events suggest that the book’s messages      about corporate accountability and environmental justice are important ones? How does the story portray the role young people can play in confronting powerful polluters when official systems fall short? Does this seem realistic in a real-world context?

3. The novel highlights the importance of investigative journalism through characters like Grandpa and Joe Moody. What are some real-world examples of journalists as truth-tellers in a world of corporate spin and deception?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The narrative begins in medias res, flashes back to the origins of the detective agency, and eventually returns to the yacht explosion. How did this non-chronological structure affect your reading experience and your understanding of the story’s stakes?

2. How does Zoe’s character arc embody the theme of transitioning from self-interest to civic responsibility?

3. Grandpa’s storage unit, “the vault,” functions as a key symbol in the novel. What does it represent in terms of the connection between generations and the value of history in solving present-day problems?

4. In what ways does the recurring motif of the five Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) give structure to the plot and shape the group’s collaborative problem-solving process?

5. What is the effect of having the entire Capone treasure hunt ultimately serve as a red herring for the real mystery involving Morris Kane?

6. How does The Sherlock Society fit into the long literary tradition of Sherlock Holmes adaptations, especially modern versions like the BBC series Sherlock?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you joined the Sherlock Society, which of the five Ws would you want to be responsible for, and what special skill do you think you would bring to the team?

2. Yadi’s plan to create a fake documentary was a clever way to gain access to Morris Kane. Can you brainstorm another creative, unconventional strategy the group could have used to get close to Kane and gather evidence?

3. The book ends on a cliffhanger, with the team about to investigate a new potential Capone treasure site in the Florida Keys. What do you imagine happens next? What kind of mystery might they uncover there?