James Ponti, a New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning children’s author, has just released the first book in a new series, “The Sherlock Society.” Those who have enjoyed his “CIty Spies” series will devour this new series, which is set in Ponti’s home state of Florida. The new series features a brother and sister, Alex and Zoe Sherlock, who start a detective agency to make extra money one summer. Helping them are two of Alex’s friends, Lina and Yadi.

Each of the four kids is very likable, and each has a special talent that helps with their new endeavor. Lina is a bookworm, Yadi was a one-time kid star (in a very popular commercial) and now is an aspiring cinematographer. Alex and Zoe’s grandfather is a former journalist, and he is their biggest cheerleader as he teaches them about investigative techniques and presents them with intriguing mysteries they might want to solve.

Along the way, they find a spot in the Everglades where toxic materials were dumped, killing animals and polluting the water in the area. Ponti’s love of Florida and its incredibly unique ecosystem, the Everglades, the “river of grass,” comes through loud and clear in his writing. Alligator Alley is a term that Floridians and those who might winter there or visit know well, that strip of pavement that joins the east coast of Florida with the west coast and runs along the Miccosukee reservation and north of the Everglades National Park. (Note: I adore the Everglades and took my children there to stay in the hotel Flamingo at the tip of the national park before a hurricane destroyed it. We remember the incredible views from the restaurant and being devoured by gigantic hordes of mosquitoes, but also the fabulous, informative boat rides in the mangrove swamps.)

The mystery is well done, and there are twists that clever minds will catch before the unraveling, but what Ponti also does is create characters who grow and change over the course of the story. Zoe begins the novel angry with her parents because they didn’t let her go to an expensive camp with her two best friends. What she comes to realize over the course of the novel is what true friendship means and who her true friends really are. We learn, through Alex’s eyes as he is the first person narrator, about how fragile the Everglade ecosystem is and how careless or intention release of toxic chemicals into the system can destroy that pristine part of Florida.

There’s enough action to please any thrill-seeker, but also a clever mystery for problem-solvers to work on. Alex and Zoe’s parents are a lawyer and a marine biologist, both working in fields to help others. While the kids start their adventure hoping to find Al Capone’s buried treasure (and make money), they end up emulating their parents and helping make the world a better place. It’s a real feel-good story with plenty of action. Kids will love it. And best of all, it’s just the first in a series, so there will be plenty more action to come.

Please note: This review is based on the final, hardcover book provided by the publisher, Aladdin/ Simon & Schuster, for review purposes.