Publisher: Aladdin
Publishing: September 8th, 2026
Format Read: E-ARC via NetGalley
Number of pages: 320 pages
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Opening Lines: "Late November in Miami can be colder than most people would think, but my hoodie was still soaked in sweat."
Art Attack is the third book in James Ponti's bestselling middle grade series The Sherlock Society. This time Alex, Zoe, Lina and Yadi are going undercover in Miami to track down an anonymous graffiti artist known only as Funky Munky. A property development company wants to hire the artist to paint a mural on the side of one of their buildings, but there's one problem, no one knows who Funky Munky is.
Because the artist has gone to great lengths to hide their identity, the gang decides their first step is to negotiate a firewall deal with the developer. This protects Funky Munky's anonymity while allowing the team to present an offer directly to them. If the artist isn't interested, they can decline without revealing their identity. With only four weeks to locate the mysterious artist and Miami Art Week happening at the same time, the team has their work cut out for them. Will the clues hidden in the city's street art lead them to the right person, or will they need a more elaborate plan?
Art Attack is a super clever mystery with an engaging plot. I loved seeing Alex and Zoe's grandpa join the investigation, and thought the book provided a fascinating look into the world of graffiti art, everything from "tags, throwies to pieces," along with the artists motivations behind their temporary works on structures and buildings. Banksy immediately came to mind, since their art also blends creativity with political or social commentary.
I appreciated the way the friends support each other, and how Alex and Yadi experienced real consequences when they took a drone into an empty building without telling their parents first. The details about the Miami art scene were interesting and the mystery of Funky Munky's identity kept me guessing right up to the end.
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