The Sherlock Society: Chapters 10–14

by James Ponti
Alex and Zoe Sherlock, with friends Lina and Yadi, start a detective agency in Miami. Helped by their grandfather and guided by the family motto "Do what's right, not what's easy," their first case entails a notorious crime boss, corporate corruption, and a near escape from a burning yacht; but do they have enough evidence to solve the case?

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–4, Chapters 5–9, Chapters 10–14, Chapters 15–24, Chapters 25–35
15 words 7 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Definition First
Print Flashcards

Other learning activities

Answer a few questions about each word. Use this to prep for your next quiz! Compete with other teams in real time to see who answers the most questions correctly! Test your spelling acumen. Read the definition, listen to the word and try spelling it!

Teaching tools

Create and assign quizzes to your students to test their vocabulary. Assign learning activities including Practice, Vocabulary Jams and Spelling Bees to your students, and monitor their progress in real-time.

Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. timeline
    a sequence of events arranged in chronological order
    “That means you’re in charge of the timeline. We’ll all help come up with it, but you’re going to memorize it and know it inside and out. When we’re in the field and need a date, we won’t have to look it up, because you’ll know it instantly. If there’s a discrepancy, you’ll spot it.”
  2. discrepancy
    a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
    “That means you’re in charge of the timeline. We’ll all help come up with it, but you’re going to memorize it and know it inside and out. When we’re in the field and need a date, we won’t have to look it up, because you’ll know it instantly. If there’s a discrepancy, you’ll spot it.”
  3. conspiracy
    a secret agreement to perform an unlawful act
    “We need to figure out exactly what this treasure was. Where did it come from? Was it cash? Gold? This is a conspiracy, so you can use that conspiratorial mindset of yours to put the pieces together.”
  4. tantalizing
    arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable
    “So, as you can see, these are tantalizing bits of information,” Grandpa said. “But they’re too vague to start digging anywhere.”
  5. wispy
    thin and weak
    We stopped at the gate, and out stepped a guard wearing a dark blue uniform. He had a wispy mustache, and the name embroidered above his pocket identified him as Officer Jensen.
  6. discretion
    knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
    “Our firm guarantees complete privacy and discretion. This client is involved in a contentious divorce, and I have some important documents to give her. It’s essential she get these today.”
  7. contentious
    showing an inclination to disagree
    “Our firm guarantees complete privacy and discretion. This client is involved in a contentious divorce, and I have some important documents to give her. It’s essential she get these today.”
  8. cover story
    a made-up account to hide the truth or one's identity
    “If you’re a detective, then who are the kids?” he asked skeptically.
    “A key element of my cover story,” Grandpa replied, as if it were obvious. “...The kids are to help me blend in.”
  9. testament
    strong evidence for something
    “Were you at the funeral?” she asked.
    “I was,” he answered. “At Greater Bethel in Overtown. Then the wake back here at the house. There were people everywhere. What a testament to a life well lived.”
  10. cusp
    the point of transition when something happens or changes
    "Mr. Capone saw how hard he worked and offered him a permanent job. My grandfather was torn. He knew what kind of man Capone was. But it was the cusp of the Great Depression. A good job was hard to find."
  11. tarnish
    place under suspicion; make less respected
    “He built a good life and provided for his family. He didn’t want to tarnish that. He was able to send my daddy to college. My sister and I went too. Our family’s done well without any buried treasure.”
  12. meticulous
    marked by extreme care in treatment of details
    I opened the diary, which was filled with meticulous handwriting, and read an entry aloud. “‘April 8, 1932. Philodendron, philodendron giganteum. Taken from KB seventy-eight paces from beach, planted at PI along northeast edge of guesthouse.’”
  13. bona fide
    not counterfeit or copied
    Lina carefully unfolded it to reveal a map drawn in thick pencil on onionskin paper.
    “It’s a bona fide treasure map,” Yadi said breathlessly.
  14. wryly
    in a humorously sarcastic or mocking manner
    "Is it just me? Or does this feel like something out of a Jurassic Park movie?"
    “Yeah, you better be careful,” Yadi said wryly. “Their teeth are sharp as razors.”
  15. spellbound
    having your attention fixated as though witchcraft
    “An island on an island!” Yadi said excited. “With palms like in the illustration.”
    I turned to Grandpa, and he looked equally spellbound by the possibility.
    “Could it be?” I asked.
Created on Fri Jul 24 20:39:10 EDT 2026 (updated Tue Aug 25 13:08:12 EDT 2026)

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.