REVIEW Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society #2) by James Ponti

Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society #2) by James Ponti
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Format: Audiobook
Publisher: Aladdin 

Hurricane Heist by James Ponti, the second book in The Sherlock Society series, was another engaging caper for the group to solve. It was fun how the author featured not one but two hurricanes in this book, with flashbacks to the original one that Grandpa witnessed when he was 12 and then the one in present day.

When the present day hurricane unearths the body of someone thought to have committed a crime during the original hurricane so many years ago, the Sherlock society is originally the only ones interested in taking up the case (especially since the statue of limitations has expired). However, as more information is revealed more people join in on the investigation and it was fun to try and solve the mystery right along side them. I really appreciated how relatable the characters are. Alex and Zoe had multiple stereotypical sibling disputes. Grandpa's investigative journalist background really came into play with this one. And it was funny to see all of the retirees get so into the case, partially out of sheer boredom in their retirement.

Overall, this was a great read and perfect for younger mystery fans. I highly recommend it to those who are already fans of one of the authors other series, City Spies. Audiobook narrator Mark Sanderlin did an excellent job bringing the story to lfie with his performance. As the statue of limitations did run out, the ending isn't quite as satisfying as the first book but I still enjoyed the ride.

REVIEW The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

The Court of the Dead: A Nico Di Angelo Adventure by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Format: Audiobook and Hardcover
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

The Court of the Dead by Mark Oshiro and Rick Riordan, second book in the Nico DiAngelo adventures and set in the same world as the Percy Jackson universe, was the perfect follow up to The Sun and the Star. As someone who's been a lifelong fan of the stories in this universe, I really appreciated getting to see the characters’ growth and development from the first time each of them appeared on the page.

For this story to feature monsters who don't want to be monsters anymore (and instead prefer the term "mythics"), it felt like a full circle moment. For Asterion, or the Minotaur, to be one of the monsters leading the efforts for integration, that also felt like a full circle moment as he is one of the first monsters Percy meets in The Lightning Thief. All of the campers in this book, Nico and Will included, have to deal with complex emotions. Yes, monsters are known for killing demigods. Yes, they have been trained by their respective camps to kill monsters for most of their lives. But these specific monsters are not responsible for their troubles, and shouldn't really be held accountable for others' decisions in that way. There is less action in this book, and a lot more moments with the fan favorite characters and as a reader I appreciated that. Not every book has to be them fighting for their lives. Sometimes being a teenage demigod is dealing with really complex emotions, and having to learn to deal with other people as they deal with their complex emotions.

Overall, another fantastic addition to the world of Percy Jackson. I really enjoyed all of the Solangelo moments in this book, as well as the sibling relationship between Hazel and Nico. Audiobook narrators AJ Beckles and Mieko Gavia did an excellent job with their performances and bringing the story to life.