tishreads's review
5.0
Florian Bates becomes a covert member of the FBI when he's only 12 years old. He solves mysteries using the T.O.A.S.T. Method, also known as the Theory of All Small Things. Alongside his best friend Margaret, Florian works to uncover who managed to steal three (or is it four!?) paintings from the art museum.
Florian is a young Sherlock who is able to deduce a lot about those he meets and the world around him through careful observation and analysis. This is sure to be a fun series for middle-grade mystery lovers!
Florian is a young Sherlock who is able to deduce a lot about those he meets and the world around him through careful observation and analysis. This is sure to be a fun series for middle-grade mystery lovers!
caitcosentino's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
3.8 ⭐️
Very cute
Very cute
Minor: Kidnapping
nicolelovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely love Florian and Margaret and how they use T.O.A.S.T (the theory of all small things) to help the FBI solve mysteries. These are totally unrealistic in some ways but also completely delightful and enjoyable, and also well-plotted mysteries. The adult FBI characters are also a great addition (sort of like in Stuart Gibbs’ Charlie Thorne series, another favorite of mine, but these focus more on the mystery and less on the action/adventure/science). The mystery related to the art world will appeal to fans of Chasing Vermeer and Masterpiece.
jcarsrud's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
James Ponti writes such fun books! If you liked “City Spies,” you should read this!
elinacre's review against another edition
5.0
super fun series starter! i'm totally digging TOAST and florian and margaret. the fast pace and fun characters and unique setting remind me of stuart gibbs's middle grade novels (which i love!).
llomlfoml's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
peachani's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Violence and Kidnapping
embe94's review against another edition
5.0
A fun, adventurous book that kids are sure to love. A great take on the Holmesian habit of taking details to form a picture of someone or something. I loved how the first chapter was introducing a problem and hooked you in, then immediately delved into flashbacks.
gpjaxono's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
elliesienk's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75