Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 10/01/2025 Gr 5–8—Opening mid-action with a wild chase along the Florida coast, this follow-up to The Sherlock Society once again finds the team hot on the trail of another historical mystery. Sixty-one years ago, a young Grandpa Pete was devastated when Ignacio "Doc" Gonzalez, the Bell Captain of the ritzy Moroccan Hotel, went missing and was subsequently blamed for a multimillion-dollar jewel heist. Now, when a hurricane reveals Doc's remains buried on the grounds of the hotel, it's up to the Sherlock Society to set the record straight. Though meeting becomes complicated with the start of their final years in middle school, Zoe, Alex, Lina, and Yadi are joined by the investigated reporting skills of the always-enthusiastic Grandpa Pete as well as a team of retired federal agents from a local Miami retirement home. Effortlessly weaving in kid-friendly information about hurricanes, fact-checking strategies, and logical deduction, this series is a celebration of intellectual reasoning power to solve problems and build connections with others. Though at times light on action, it will appeal to readers who enjoy puzzles and heartwarming family dynamics. They will relish the slow-building suspense and gratifying conclusion. Yadi is Cuban American, while the other characters are white. VERDICT Highly recommended for middle school libraries. - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

School Library Journal - 10/03/2025 Gr 4–8—Ponti's sequel to The Sherlock Society reunites the eponymous gang of kids and two siblings' grandfather in another action-filled mystery with a touch of humor set in the Miami, FL, area. When a massive jewel theft occurs during Hurricane Cleo in 1964, the case goes unsolved for decades. Sixty years later, Pete Lassiter's grandson and his friends—the Sherlock Society—discover new clues linking the theft to a shadowy local resort with a missing staff member. As they follow the trail, their investigation plunges them into danger, from escaping guard dogs and navigating the Florida wilderness to uncovering secrets powerful people want to keep buried. The narrative shifts between the past and present, revealing how the massive storm set events in motion that rippled through time. Ponti's signature humor and well-drawn characters once again shine, balancing high-stakes suspense with warmth and wit. The intergenerational mystery adds depth, while hurricane lore and Florida history are seamlessly woven into the plot. Short, punchy chapters keep the pace brisk, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. With clever twists and a satisfying mix of heart and action, this is an engaging read perfect for fans of teamwork-driven mysteries and real-world intrigue. Society member Yadi is Cuban American; the rest of the crew are minimally described. VERDICT A winning mix of history, humor, and high-stakes sleuthing for returning fans of the series or new readers.—Jessica Bushore - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.