Art Attack (The Sherlock Society #3) by James Ponti

REVIEW Art Attack (The Sherlock Society #3) by James Ponti
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library, Libro.fm)
Publisher: Aladdin

Art Attack, the third book in James Ponti's The Sherlock Society series, was a fun mystery with a satisfying denouement. Whereas in the second book (Hurricane Heist), the team is not able to do much to the bad guys due to how much time has passed, I was quite entertained and engaged with how this book ended. The book is aimed at middle grade readers, but as an adult I was quite invested so I think it would be suitable for all ages across that spectrum.

Mark Sanderlin was excellent with bringing all of the characters to life in the audiobook narration. While the focus is on the kids of the Sherlock Society and Grandpa Pete (a retired investigative reporter), there is quite the colorful cast of supporting characters. I loved the extended members of the Sherlock Society.

Since the book focuses on unmasking an artist similar to Banksy, there was a focus on the line between legal murals and what officials consider vandalism on public property(even if the artist considers them more statement pieces). The amount of research the author shared on the graffiti scene, such as the different types, colors, and the ‘honor among thieves’ really helped immerse myself in the mystery. There are some more intense scenes (like the children running from sketchy adults), but I think it's balanced well with humorous ones, like poor Alex not knowing how to interpret the themes for his school's spirit week. The pacing was great, and I found myself not wanting to stop listening.

Overall, an excellent book and I look forward to the next one in the series.

REVIEW Terror at the Gates (Blood of Lilith #1) by Scarlett St. CLAIR

 Terror at the Gates (Blood of Lilith #1) by Scarlett St. Clair
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: July 8 2025
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library) + eARC (NetGalley)
Publisher: Bloom Books

“We were not responsible for lust in men. We existed, and they desired.”

I just finished Scarlett St. Clair's Terror at the Gates, the first of the Blood of Lilith series, and I definitely think it's a case of the right book at the right time. I would recommend this book to adult urban fantasy readers who enjoy slow burn romance and feminine rage (primarily at the failure of those in power to protect those who should have been under their protection). There is a lot going on, with dark themes, so if anyone is sensitive I would recommend checking the content warnings before diving in.

First of all, I want to say that the audiobook narrators Laura Horowitz and Tristan Warden did an excellent job bringing Lilith and Zahariev to life. The chemistry is electric. And I think the contrast between Zahariev and most of the other male figures in positions of power throughout the city in the book is striking. Zahariev is ready to burn the world down for Lilith as soon as she asks, no matter what it costs her. Lilith's father, on the other hand, doesn't even bother to ask what drove her away from their home until she forces him to face his failure to protect her.

As I'm writing this, the news keeps handing women reasons to be enraged. The Cornell 7 case is blowing up in particular (metaphorically speaking), and I think it's an important reminder that the impetus shouldn't just be on women to defend themselves. It's also on men not being something that women have to defend themselves from.

I loved the worldbuilding in this book. Religion is a central theme, but while there are general story archetypes appearing it's not really clearly based on any one religion. The magic system doesn’t get as much time to shine, but I didn’t mind as it wasn’t as important to the events of this book.

Overall, no notes. Amazing read, amazing author, amazing storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The heroine is fierce and the love interest is a consent king. I'm curious to see how the author will expand the world in Book 2 of the series, Coiled at the Roots.