Ponti, James. Framed! A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery.

Ponti, James.  Framed! A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery.  Simon & Schuster/ Aladdin  2016 292p  $16.99  ISBN 978-1-4814-3630-4  Mystery/Detective   elem/ms   Mystery  VG

Florian Bates is a middle-schooler who observes small things that go unnoticed by others. He has developed a technique called T.O.A.S.T. (Theory of All Things Small) that he uses to solve life’s little mysteries. He uses this technique in his small world, only to discover it has broader connections to the adult criminal world.
    

The two characters, Florian and his friend Mary, are dynamic and strong representatives of their genders. The story itself moves quickly, presenting the plot in an easily understood and anticipated manner. Readers won’t want to put it down until they finish it. Readers will also be clamoring for the next episode in the lives of these two sleuths.

Summary: Florian Bates is the only middle-schooler on the FBI director’s speed dial, as well as the hit list of some international criminals. This is Book One in a new middle-grade mystery series.
     

Mystery-Fiction                                       --Linda McNeil   

Ponti, James. Blue Moon.

Ponti, James.  Blue Moon.  (Dead City)    Simon & Schuster/Aladdin  2013  336p  ISBN 978-1-4424-4131-6      ms/jr VG-BN  Fantasy    

Molly Bigelow is a member of a secret society (Omega) that protects Manhattan from zombies. It appears that there is going to be an uprising of zombies this year during the New Year celebrations. Molly and three friends risk censure by their school when they try to stop zombies from overtaking NYC.  

Molly and her friends, Natalie, Grayson, and Alex, are suspended because Molly looked in the Book of Secrets and saw the zombies called the Unlucky 13.  They were given that title when Milton Blackwell (one of the thirteen men digging the first subway tunnels in Manhattan) put in too much gunpowder when he tried to blow up some rocks that were blocking their path.  Since the undead can only live underground in Manhattan, the group had to go down into the subways and tunnels to solve the intricacies of the situation.

Readers will enjoy a fast-paced, action-filled storyline.  The characters get into and out of many unusual and scary situations that will keep the pages turning in anticipation.  Some unexpected events will keep the suspense to the very last page.

Summary: Molly Bigelow is a member of a secret society (Omega) that protects Manhattan from zombies. It appears that there is going to be an uprising of zombies this year during the New Year celebrations. Molly and three friends risk censure by their school when they try to stop zombies from overtaking NYC.  

 
Zombies-Fiction                                          --Linda McNeil