Book Review: Framed! by James Ponti (Framed! #1)

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Fun characters and an interesting plot

Cons: Set up, while fun, does slow down the beginning

The Bottom Line:

Solving an art heist

Book does take time with setup

But overall fun

Can Florian Solve an Art Heist?

James Ponti’s Framed! series has been on my radar since I found his books years ago. But I finally sat down and read the first, also called Framed! I’m not at all surprised that I enjoyed it. 

The book introduces us to Florian Bates. His parents have worked for various art museums, so he’s moved around his whole life. The family has now landed in Washington DC, with both parents working for the National Gallery. Before Florian even starts at the local middle school, he meets his neighbor Margaret, and the two become fast friends. 

One of the things they bond over is Florian’s ability to pick up on small details that help him piece together bigger things. It’s a game until some paintings are stolen from the National Gallery and Florian realizes that he’s got some clues that could help. But can he and Margaret piece together what really happened?

I have to start where the book does because, yep, my least favorite storytelling technique is on display here.  We start with an exciting scene and then flash back to see how Florian got into that predicament.  In some ways, it feels even worse since there is some set up in this book.

Now, don’t get me wrong, that set up is still entertaining, but it does mean it takes a bit to get to the heart of the mystery.  I enjoyed my time meeting Florian and Margaret and the supporting players.  I love Florian and Margaret’s friendship, and watching them play off each other was great.  I’m happy knowing we get two more books with them, and I’m anxious to find out what happens to them next.

And the story, once it got going, was very interesting.  We had some good twists and a very fun climax.  I did find a twist at the end a little hard to buy into as I was reading, but as I thought about it more, it didn’t bother me as much.  I’m guessing the target middle grade audience won’t be bothered by it at all.

Those familiar with the mystery genre will quickly identify Florian’s ability as being a direct descendent from Sherlock Holmes.  I found it a fun homage, and I didn’t feel like the author dragged out the reasoning behind Florian’s deductions any more than needed.  I also liked the fact that Florian did get it wrong occasionally and have to backtrack to figure things out.

As I already said, I’m happy to know there are two other books with these characters for me to enjoy.  If you or your middle grader has missed this series, be sure to pick up Framed! today.