The Details
Titles:
- The Case of the Missing Marquess (2006)
- The Case of the Left-Handed Lady (2007)
- The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets (2008)
- The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan (2008)
- The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (2009)
- The Case of the Gypsy Goodbye (2010)
Author: Nancy Springer
Series: Enola Holmes Mysteries
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Publication Date: 2006-2010
Original Publisher: Philomel Books (Penguin Young Readers Group)
Current Publisher: Penguin Young Readers (U.S.)
Format Used: Audiobook
Source: Audible
Reviewer: Allie
Score: 4.75/5 ⭐’s
Spoiler Level: None
Why I Picked Up These Books
I am a huge fan of all things Sherlock Holmes. I have listened to the entire canon of A.C. Doyle’s works twice (Stephen Fry’s narration is 🤌💋), and will listen again in October. I’ve watched pretty much every Sherlock Holmes TV series available, and all the movies.
Obsessed.
I’m also a big fan of Millie Bobbie Brown in Stranger Things, and when I saw that she was starring as Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister I was like, “Sign me up.”
Loved the movies.
And when I found out there were books… it was game over.
The Premise
After the disappearance of her mother, Enola Holmes refuses to accept the restrictive future Victorian society has planned for her. Armed with intelligence, disguises, and a talent for solving mysteries, Enola sets out to create her own life while taking on cases that challenge even the famous Holmes family.
The series follows her journey as she fights for independence, uncovers secrets, and proves that being Sherlock Holmes’ younger sister is only part of who she is.
The Broad Breakdown
So, I will start by saying I’m immediately biased toward this series as I’m a huge fan of mysteries and the Sherlock Holmes creative universe. My introduction to mystery novels was my mother’s original collection of Nancy Drew books that I read in 4th or 5th grade. So, naturally, a character like Enola Holmes is after my own heart.
I chose the audiobook version, as this is the best format for my current situation in life. And man, am I so glad that I did. The narrator, Katherine Kellgren, who narrates all six books, is an amazing voice actress who rivals Stephen Fry’s narrations of Sherlock’s adventures.
Being a young adult series, the books are short and sweet, averaging about a four-hour listen per book. Perfect length for a day of doing chores or working on projects. They are not incredibly complicated stories, which also makes for a fun, easy listen highlighted by Kellgren’s character voices.
I love the “voice” that Springer uses in writing the books. It harkens back to classic literature authors of the period, such as Jane Austen, but is definitely toned down for a younger reader. You feel like you’re stepping into Victorian England without needing a dictionary sitting next to you.
What Worked
These are all solid, entertaining stories that are easy to follow for those times when you don’t have the mental bandwidth to follow a deep, winding plot. The narration was on point and so fun to listen to. Truly one of the best narrations I’ve experienced with audiobooks.
What Didn’t Work
I will say that I do prefer mystery writing when you are given a more in-depth look into the minds of the protagonists and their discovery process, or vice versa, the minds of the antagonists. There are moments when you just have to suspend disbelief about how Enola deduces things, and chalk it up to her upbringing under her mother’s tutelage.
Character Corner
The relationship between Enola and her brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft, is endearing, especially as you get further into the series. Sherlock is portrayed closely to his original roots in Doyle’s writing: positively socially aloof, and downright unrelenting when it comes to solving a mystery.
Springer’s portrayal of Mycroft is a bit lackluster. His reaction to Enola, I feel, undermines his actual intellect as Doyle had wrote him. Although, she does give him some opportunities to shine here and there, they are few and far between.
I love Enola. She’s spunky, spry, a little clumsy, and hopelessly wired to solve problems. I relate to her in a lot of ways, as I always need to get to the bottom of things when I have questions. I’m an avid researcher on any topic that serves my interests at the time.
Tropes & Themes
Tropes
🔎 Young Detective / Amateur Sleuth
🔎 Hidden Clues & Secret Codes
🔎 Disguise & Hidden Identity
Themes
🔎 Finding Your Own Identity
🔎 Independence vs. Societal Expectations
🔎 Family, Loyalty, and Understanding
The Emotional Damage Report
This series is a comforting and fun read. Perfect for keeping your mind company if listening to the audiobook, or for a quick palate cleanser between denser reads.
Favorite Moment
All my favorite moments are between Enola and Sherlock. I really loved how their relationship blossomed and how their mutual respect developed.
Who Should Read This?
These books are definitely great for the age group they are written for, especially young adults who love mysteries and historical fiction. If you love quick reads or listens, this is definitely for you. The audiobooks would also be great for playing in the car on road trips or around the house as an alternative to watching movies. I could imagine sitting down to do a puzzle with my kids while listening and having a cup of coffee or tea.
If you need more depth of story, worldbuilding, or intense character development, this series is not for you.
The Broad Honesty
Again, I’m totally biased and predisposed to love this series, so it is hard for me to speak ill of it.
I have read some comments about Springer’s writing that I would like to address. One was just complaining about her writing, without ever really getting into what exactly rubbed them the wrong way. Here are my thoughts on why they may not like the writing.
Possibly, it’s the Victorian period writing style, or that of the British manner of speaking, which is very different and can take some time to acclimate to hearing or reading if you are not already familiar. I personally am very familiar with this by reading period books and watching a lot of British comedy. But this is just my conjecture.
If you are used to a more contemporary style of writing, I could see this series possibly being frustrating for you.
Shelf Status
📕 Permanent Shelf
Loved it. Will reread. Needs a place of honor.
Final Scorecard
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Worldbuilding/Setting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reread Potential: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Final Verdict
Loved it! The collection is currently on my bookshelf wish list so that I can own physical copies.
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