Gr 3–7 —Twelve-year-old Alex and his older sister Zoe, along with Grandpa Sherlock, are floating in the ocean after a dramatic escape from an exploding boat. This gripping start sets the tone for a summer of twists and turns. What begins as a simple summer job quickly spirals into a quest for Al Capone's buried treasure, blending historical intrigue with contemporary adventure. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami, the narrative unfolds through Alex's first-person perspective, allowing readers to experience the thrill of the hunt alongside him. Joining Alex and Zoe on their quest are friends Yadi and Lina, who bring their unique skills and perspectives. Together, they form a dynamic team, showcasing the power of friendship and collaboration as they navigate challenges and unravel clues. The quest takes them all over the city, interviewing old acquaintances of Al Capone, each encounter revealing tidbits of history and adding depth to their investigation. Grandpa Sherlock's old journalist notes are a catalyst for their treasure hunt, connecting the past with the present. Ponti skillfully weaves humor and suspense; the characters are relatable and engaging. The pacing is brisk, while the rich descriptions of Miami's coastal landscape immerse readers in the setting. This story is particularly great for tweens interested in unsolved mysteries and digging into history, encouraging them to explore the past while enjoying a thrilling narrative. VERDICT A must-read; Ponti has crafted a delightful tale that combines humor, history, and heart into one captivating adventure.—Haley Amendt

Toxic waste dumped in the Everglades gives a quartet of middle school sleuths their first caseLeading Carl Hiaasen fans over familiar ground, Ponti pitches 12-year-old Alex Sherlock and his 13-year-old sister, Zoe, with school friends Lina and Yadi as sidekicks, into a summer caper. It all begins with the hunt for a supposed fortune buried decades ago by Al Capone, culminates in a narrow escape from an exploding yacht, and ultimately exposes a smooth-talking bad actor shady enough to bring in even federal authorities. As the kids' live-in Grandpa, a retired investigative reporter, delivers pointers on how to conduct interviews and sift evidence while grandly driving them around South Florida in his classic Cadillac, Roberta, the budding detectives display sharp wits, eyes, and negotiating skills. The last come in particularly useful when they're dealing with their lawyer…who's also their mom. Both the plot and the chain of evidence take logical courses, and since Dad is a marine biologist and Lina's a recent transplant from Wyoming, Ponti is able to use their dialogue to highlight the local culture and larger ecological issues. Main characters present white, apart from tech wiz Yadi, who is cued Latine.An environmental mystery featuring lots of clever detecting, a bit of danger, and real felonies to investigate.(Mystery. 9-13)