The Sherlock Society

Trace Zoe’s character development. How does the novel chart her movement toward embodying the collaborative values of the Sherlock Society, and what key events catalyze this transformation?

Analyze Grandpa’s complex role as a mentor. Argue whether he functions primarily as a responsible guardian or a reckless enabler, using textual evidence to support your claim.

How does the novel use the history and geography of South Florida to develop the theme of deceptive appearances articulated in Grandpa’s warning that Miami is a “sunny place filled with shady people”?

Beyond superficial references, how does The Sherlock Society update or challenge the classic Holmesian detective formula for a 21st-century audience?

The counterfeit money is only one example of things in the novel that have deceptive surface appearances. What are some other examples of this? How do these objects, characters, or settings support the novel’s themes and its structure as a mystery?

By comparing the Sherlock Society’s benevolent deceptions with Morris Kane’s malevolent ones, what does the novel argue about the ethics of truth and falsehood?

Discuss the narrative effect of the novel’s in medias res opening and subsequent flashback structure. How does this framing device impact your experience of the story?

Grandpa is highlighted as a mentor figure in the novel—but Alex and Zoe’s parents are also important mentors to the children. What values and skills do they pass on to Alex and Zoe? Why are these important aspects of Alex’s and Zoe’s characterizations?