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Enola Holmes #8
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade
Nachdem Enola Holmes bereits in ihrem zweiten Fall die linkshändige Lady Cecily aus den Fängen ihres Entführers befreit hatte, hätte es eigentlich ein glückliches Ende für ihre Freundin geben können – wäre da nicht Cecilys strenger Vater! Durch den Skandal um seine Tochter sieht er den Ruf seiner ganzen Familie beschädigt. Um weitere Gerüchte und Dramen zu vermeiden, sieht er nur einen Ausweg und hält seine eigene Tochter im Haus gefangen.
Höchste Zeit für Enola, selbst zur Entführerin zu werden und um die Freiheit ihrer Freundin zu kämpfen! Dabei stößt sie auf ein dunkles Familiengeheimnis, das schon lange im Verborgenen schlummert. Wird sie Lady Cecily aus den Fängen und den hinterhältigen Plänen ihres Vaters befreien können?
Höchste Zeit für Enola, selbst zur Entführerin zu werden und um die Freiheit ihrer Freundin zu kämpfen! Dabei stößt sie auf ein dunkles Familiengeheimnis, das schon lange im Verborgenen schlummert. Wird sie Lady Cecily aus den Fängen und den hinterhältigen Plänen ihres Vaters befreien können?
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
158 people are currently reading
8674 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Springer
193 books2,298 followersBIO -- NANCY SPRINGER
Nancy Springer has passed the fifty-book milestone, having written that many novels for adults, young adults and children, in genres including mythic fantasy, contemporary fiction, magical realism, horror, and mystery -- although she did not realize she wrote mystery until she won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America two years in succession. DARK LIE, recently released from NAL, is her first venture into mass-market psychological suspense.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Nancy Springer moved with her family to Gettysburg, of Civil War fame, when she was thirteen. She spent the next forty-six years in Pennsylvania, raising two children (Jonathan, now 38, and Nora, 34), writing, horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching. In 2007 she surprised her friends and herself by moving with her second husband to an isolated area of the Florida panhandle, where the birdwatching is spectacular and where, when fishing, she occasionally catches an alligator.
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April 22, 2022
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade
by Nancy Springer brings together Sherlock Holmes and his much younger sister Enola in a teen / young adult historical mystery set in and around London in late 1889. The author blends suspense, a bold protagonist, and humor in this latest case for Enola. There are several previous books in this series, but this one worked well as a standalone. Unlike Sherlock, she isn’t fully practicing as a finder of missing persons and things. She’s taking classes at the London Women’s Academy. All of this is very unusual for a young woman in Victorian England.
However, when she visits her friend’s home she is told that no one is allowed inside and that neither her friend, Lady Cecily Alistair, nor her mother, Lady Theodora, is entertaining callers. Aware that something is not right; Enola helps Lady Cecily escape and takes her to a secret office in a boarding house she owns. However, Sherlock Holmes hired by Lady Theodora shows up looking for Lady Cecily and she has disappeared without Enola having a clue as to where she has gone. Additionally, Lady Cecily suffers from dual personalities; one is strong and independent while the other is meek and docile.
Enola is a likeable character; she’s is witty, thoughtful, outgoing, smart, independent, spirited, and a master of disguises. She also stands by her friends and won’t let anything stop her from helping them. How she and Sherlock think and analyze situations is fun to see unfold. The chemistry between them creates an entertaining dynamic.
The book has a solid plot, and the character development was great to watch. The story was thought provoking as I thought about the treatment of women and the lack of rights they possessed during the era. The historical references on this and other topics added a significant layer of interest to the plot. The conflict moves the story forward and through unexpected twists. The internal dialogues pulled me into the inner world of the characters.
The author does a good job of world-building. I was able to easily visualize the settings, the people, the clothing, and the homes. The atmosphere felt right for the times resulting in a strong sense of time and place. She effortlessly weaved themes of family, friendship, lifestyle, loneliness, treatment and expectations of women, abuse, and money into the plot.
Overall, this book was an engaging, captivating, and enjoyable historical mystery that moved at a quick pace. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Readers that enjoy young adult historical mysteries will likely enjoy this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Wednesday Books and Nancy Springer provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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Review coming soon.
However, when she visits her friend’s home she is told that no one is allowed inside and that neither her friend, Lady Cecily Alistair, nor her mother, Lady Theodora, is entertaining callers. Aware that something is not right; Enola helps Lady Cecily escape and takes her to a secret office in a boarding house she owns. However, Sherlock Holmes hired by Lady Theodora shows up looking for Lady Cecily and she has disappeared without Enola having a clue as to where she has gone. Additionally, Lady Cecily suffers from dual personalities; one is strong and independent while the other is meek and docile.
Enola is a likeable character; she’s is witty, thoughtful, outgoing, smart, independent, spirited, and a master of disguises. She also stands by her friends and won’t let anything stop her from helping them. How she and Sherlock think and analyze situations is fun to see unfold. The chemistry between them creates an entertaining dynamic.
The book has a solid plot, and the character development was great to watch. The story was thought provoking as I thought about the treatment of women and the lack of rights they possessed during the era. The historical references on this and other topics added a significant layer of interest to the plot. The conflict moves the story forward and through unexpected twists. The internal dialogues pulled me into the inner world of the characters.
The author does a good job of world-building. I was able to easily visualize the settings, the people, the clothing, and the homes. The atmosphere felt right for the times resulting in a strong sense of time and place. She effortlessly weaved themes of family, friendship, lifestyle, loneliness, treatment and expectations of women, abuse, and money into the plot.
Overall, this book was an engaging, captivating, and enjoyable historical mystery that moved at a quick pace. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Readers that enjoy young adult historical mysteries will likely enjoy this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Wednesday Books and Nancy Springer provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------
Review coming soon.
October 5, 2023
Ok, so book #8 takes us back for another adventure with Enola's friend Lady Cecily.
Ehhhh.
Yes and no.
The whole idea of Cecily having a split personality because she's a feisty lefty who was forced to use her right hand is both intriguing and silly. Ok, there's more to it than that, but the gist is that her left-handed persona is completely different from her right-handed persona. I would expect something like that in a mystery from the early 1900s but not now. And I could be wrong, but it seems like Springer takes a lot of liberties with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Enola getting the meek right-handed lady to go away and the more assertive left-handed lady to come out by having her draw a sketch with her left hand? I'm not a psychologist but that seems like some soap opera stuff right there.
As far as the plot goes there isn't really much of a mystery to this one, but it's still a good read.
I think Springer does a great job making you feel like things are mostly correct according to the time period, while also introducing a younger audience to some of the wacky laws that governed women of that time period.
Enola's relationship with Sherlock is complex and I'm really enjoying the way it is evolving and morphing into something completely different than it was in the first book.
While (imho) the tv show is honestly more fun, the books are getting better and better as the series goes on. And I realize I'm not the target age for these, but they are so short and sweet that I'm quite addicted to using them as palate-cleansing cozy mysteries.
Recommended.
Ehhhh.
Yes and no.
The whole idea of Cecily having a split personality because she's a feisty lefty who was forced to use her right hand is both intriguing and silly. Ok, there's more to it than that, but the gist is that her left-handed persona is completely different from her right-handed persona. I would expect something like that in a mystery from the early 1900s but not now. And I could be wrong, but it seems like Springer takes a lot of liberties with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Enola getting the meek right-handed lady to go away and the more assertive left-handed lady to come out by having her draw a sketch with her left hand? I'm not a psychologist but that seems like some soap opera stuff right there.
As far as the plot goes there isn't really much of a mystery to this one, but it's still a good read.
I think Springer does a great job making you feel like things are mostly correct according to the time period, while also introducing a younger audience to some of the wacky laws that governed women of that time period.
Enola's relationship with Sherlock is complex and I'm really enjoying the way it is evolving and morphing into something completely different than it was in the first book.
While (imho) the tv show is honestly more fun, the books are getting better and better as the series goes on. And I realize I'm not the target age for these, but they are so short and sweet that I'm quite addicted to using them as palate-cleansing cozy mysteries.
Recommended.
December 21, 2022
I always love a Sherlock Holmes retelling, and after recently watching both Enola Holmes movies, I thought that this would be a fun adventure mystery. And it was! A fun adventure, that is. Sadly, I thought the mystery part was a little… boring? I don’t know, I couldn’t really get interested in it all that much. Otherwise, the characters were charming and I did enjoy the banter between Enola and Sherlock, their antagonistic sibling relationship and begrudging respect for each other carried most of the book for me. Besides, the most interesting Sherlock Holmes stories are the ones that force him to examine his own prejudices. Anyway, I think it’s really cool how the movies revitalized interest this series.
Speaking of the Enola Holmes movies, I’m going to talk a little about them here because I don’t use Letterboxd. I didn’t like how they made Inspector Lestrade a Sherlock Holmes fanboy. He’s always been an incompetent and insecure figure in Sherlock Holmes stories and hated Sherlock because of this, so I don’t think that aspect needed a change. Making Mycroft Holmes dumber than Sherlock and Enola? That’s fine, I don’t even like that character, but I draw the line at making Lestrade a Sherlock Holmes sycophant. Okay, I’m done now.
Speaking of the Enola Holmes movies, I’m going to talk a little about them here because I don’t use Letterboxd. I didn’t like how they made Inspector Lestrade a Sherlock Holmes fanboy. He’s always been an incompetent and insecure figure in Sherlock Holmes stories and hated Sherlock because of this, so I don’t think that aspect needed a change. Making Mycroft Holmes dumber than Sherlock and Enola? That’s fine, I don’t even like that character, but I draw the line at making Lestrade a Sherlock Holmes sycophant. Okay, I’m done now.
July 17, 2022
Publication Date: 06th Sep 2022
4 Stars
One Liner: Fast, entertaining, and light-hearted
Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes (yes, one and only), is back in action with the eighth book in the series. Like the previous one, this can be read as a standalone.
Enola lives in the Professional Women's Club, where women who share interests in various subjects and domains pursue classes and have intellectual discussions without the men disturbing or ordering them about.
It turns out that Lady Cecily, Enola’s friend, needs help yet again. Enola has rescued her twice from her nasty father and sets about doing it for the third time. However, Lady Cecily has disappeared after the rescue mission.
Enola is frightened about what could happen to her and is determined to find her at any cost. After all, Lady Cecily has a dual personality which can put her in difficult situations. Victorian society is no place for girls or women without male support.
Teaming up with Sherlock is just another inconvenience Enola has to survive to accomplish her mission.
The story comes in the first person POV for Enola Holmes.
My Observations:
I read Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche last year and loved Enola’s character arc. This book is just as entertaining if you like a young adult heroine who tends to run headlong into trouble and somehow manages to land on her feet every time.
Enola is easy to like. She is witty, adventurous, daring (to the point of being stupid at times), and is her own master. She is also a trustworthy friend. Being Sherlock’s little sister gets her brownie points.
This book has less than 250 pages and can be read in a couple of hours. The writing is easy and smooth. Various themes from the Victorian era are seamlessly woven into the story without resorting to preaching or drama.
The banter between Enola and Sherlock is such a treat. I enjoyed these scenes the most. However, the parts about Enola being alone and stuff got a little repetitive. She’s got her family now, so maybe they could learn to live with each other.
The setting comes alive and makes it easy to visualize the story. The descriptions are just enough to provide information for imagination.
There really isn’t anything deep in the book, though it does show the life of women in that era. The book is meant purely for entertainment purposes.
To sum up, Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade is a lighthearted and fast-paced addition to the series. Pick it up when you want something witty and fun to help you relax.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
4 Stars
One Liner: Fast, entertaining, and light-hearted
Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes (yes, one and only), is back in action with the eighth book in the series. Like the previous one, this can be read as a standalone.
Enola lives in the Professional Women's Club, where women who share interests in various subjects and domains pursue classes and have intellectual discussions without the men disturbing or ordering them about.
It turns out that Lady Cecily, Enola’s friend, needs help yet again. Enola has rescued her twice from her nasty father and sets about doing it for the third time. However, Lady Cecily has disappeared after the rescue mission.
Enola is frightened about what could happen to her and is determined to find her at any cost. After all, Lady Cecily has a dual personality which can put her in difficult situations. Victorian society is no place for girls or women without male support.
Teaming up with Sherlock is just another inconvenience Enola has to survive to accomplish her mission.
The story comes in the first person POV for Enola Holmes.
My Observations:
I read Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche last year and loved Enola’s character arc. This book is just as entertaining if you like a young adult heroine who tends to run headlong into trouble and somehow manages to land on her feet every time.
Enola is easy to like. She is witty, adventurous, daring (to the point of being stupid at times), and is her own master. She is also a trustworthy friend. Being Sherlock’s little sister gets her brownie points.
This book has less than 250 pages and can be read in a couple of hours. The writing is easy and smooth. Various themes from the Victorian era are seamlessly woven into the story without resorting to preaching or drama.
The banter between Enola and Sherlock is such a treat. I enjoyed these scenes the most. However, the parts about Enola being alone and stuff got a little repetitive. She’s got her family now, so maybe they could learn to live with each other.
The setting comes alive and makes it easy to visualize the story. The descriptions are just enough to provide information for imagination.
There really isn’t anything deep in the book, though it does show the life of women in that era. The book is meant purely for entertainment purposes.
To sum up, Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade is a lighthearted and fast-paced addition to the series. Pick it up when you want something witty and fun to help you relax.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
September 5, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
This is my first foray into the Enola Holmes series, but I really loved the Netflix film and am very excited for the second installment. The novel I read was the 8th book in the series and I felt it could have been read as a stand alone. The author provides enough information to help the rookie reader.
The baby sister of Mycroft and Sherlock is a bit of a sleuth herself and she certainly gets herself into quite a few scrapes as she comes to the aid of a friend who is being imprisoned by her father. It was entertaining, fast paced and I would certainly read another.
Goodreads review published 26/07/22
Expected Publication Date 06/09/22
This is my first foray into the Enola Holmes series, but I really loved the Netflix film and am very excited for the second installment. The novel I read was the 8th book in the series and I felt it could have been read as a stand alone. The author provides enough information to help the rookie reader.
The baby sister of Mycroft and Sherlock is a bit of a sleuth herself and she certainly gets herself into quite a few scrapes as she comes to the aid of a friend who is being imprisoned by her father. It was entertaining, fast paced and I would certainly read another.
Goodreads review published 26/07/22
Expected Publication Date 06/09/22
September 7, 2022
Enola Holmes is the sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes but is busy making a name for herself. She is living independently in a home for women in London. But she soon hears news that a former acquaintance, Lady Cecily, is being held captive by her unpleasant father. Enola’s attempt to help Lady Cecily ends in an unexpected manner, and she finds herself entangled in another adventure.
This was a fun work that is adjacent to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. I was a little disappointed, because I went in expecting it to be similar to Sherlock Holmes – I’ve read most of those stories and love them. I was expecting a more mystery-based plot and it to be centered on deducing certain things and following threads. This work wasn’t really that, and the premise was relatively straightforward and predictable. However, it was good in its own right.
Enola is a likeable protagonist. The author gave her many relatable strengths that shone through during the plot. The secondary characters were well written as well and had good depth. I really enjoyed Lady Cecily’s situation and how it related to her left- and right-handedness. The author included relevant and interesting historic information regarding the treatment of women during this time, as well as regarding the belief that being left-handed was deviant.
This was a fun, quick read that had an enjoyable setting and premise. While it is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone. I recommend this to fans of historical fiction and light mystery. My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review this work, which will be published today! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was a fun work that is adjacent to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. I was a little disappointed, because I went in expecting it to be similar to Sherlock Holmes – I’ve read most of those stories and love them. I was expecting a more mystery-based plot and it to be centered on deducing certain things and following threads. This work wasn’t really that, and the premise was relatively straightforward and predictable. However, it was good in its own right.
Enola is a likeable protagonist. The author gave her many relatable strengths that shone through during the plot. The secondary characters were well written as well and had good depth. I really enjoyed Lady Cecily’s situation and how it related to her left- and right-handedness. The author included relevant and interesting historic information regarding the treatment of women during this time, as well as regarding the belief that being left-handed was deviant.
This was a fun, quick read that had an enjoyable setting and premise. While it is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone. I recommend this to fans of historical fiction and light mystery. My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review this work, which will be published today! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 16, 2022
This is another wonderful adventure with Enola! The characters, setting, and circumstances all sing. Enola's adventurous spirit and fantastic disguises make for an absolutely riveting story that will leave you with a smile. Lady Vienna was an absolute hoot! I like how Sherlock does not try and solve all of Enola's problems and lets her handle them herself.
I love how the dependable Harold and his horse Brownie are usually around to lend a hand.
Delightful, funny, and filled with escapades, this is a quick but thoroughly enjoyable read. Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book from Wednesday Books via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
I love how the dependable Harold and his horse Brownie are usually around to lend a hand.
Delightful, funny, and filled with escapades, this is a quick but thoroughly enjoyable read. Buy it. Read it. Enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book from Wednesday Books via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
December 1, 2022
Enola: "We must find a way to get Cecily out from under her father's legal authority."
Me: "MARRY HER OFF."
Enola: "If only we had another option than sending her home...how sexist is the law!"
Me: "MARRY HER OFF."
Enola: "I must find dirt on her father."
Me: "MARRY HER OFF TO SHERLOCK."
I apparently am reading the wrong books. My solution didn't cross anyone's mind.
I enjoyed this novel much more than Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche which fills me with cautious hope that this next installation of the Enola Holmes series won't fall entirely flat. Maybe I'm just coming to accept the tone-shift. She's more 'rights for women!' and less 'sure, corsets suck, but it also works as a handy way to avoid being knifed.'
There were some sweet scenes with Sherlock in this novel and I enjoyed watching the siblings partner up. Unfortunately, Mycroft is AWOL and likely to remain so. Good to see a strong female mentor enter Enola's purview. Overall I'd call this one a win. (Even if there is no marriage of convenience trope, * cough * )
Me: "MARRY HER OFF."
Enola: "If only we had another option than sending her home...how sexist is the law!"
Me: "MARRY HER OFF."
Enola: "I must find dirt on her father."
Me: "MARRY HER OFF TO SHERLOCK."
I apparently am reading the wrong books. My solution didn't cross anyone's mind.
I enjoyed this novel much more than Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche which fills me with cautious hope that this next installation of the Enola Holmes series won't fall entirely flat. Maybe I'm just coming to accept the tone-shift. She's more 'rights for women!' and less 'sure, corsets suck, but it also works as a handy way to avoid being knifed.'
There were some sweet scenes with Sherlock in this novel and I enjoyed watching the siblings partner up. Unfortunately, Mycroft is AWOL and likely to remain so. Good to see a strong female mentor enter Enola's purview. Overall I'd call this one a win. (Even if there is no marriage of convenience trope, * cough * )
October 3, 2022
Thanks to my wife Kate for this guest review! :)
Nancy Springer has once again given us a peek into the clever mind of Enola Holmes, the younger, eager, and (more?) talented sister of the notable Sherlock Holmes. Her adventures in Elegant Escapade continue to highlight her precocious nature and ingenious insight into solving mysteries.
Seeking to visit her best friend, Lady Cecily, Enola finds Cecily confined to her rooms by her father, Sir Eustace. Enola assists Cecily with her grande escape - only to have Lady Cecily slip away and go on the run alone!
With Sherlock’s help, Enola begins to unravel the sordid details of Sir Eustace’s past and figure out ways to use the information to finally free Lady Cecily.
As always, Springer does a magnificent job highlighting Enola’s incredible investigative skills and finding ways to show that her keen problem solving skills match (if not exceed) her brother’s. A fun, fast, read from beginning to end.
We received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.
Nancy Springer has once again given us a peek into the clever mind of Enola Holmes, the younger, eager, and (more?) talented sister of the notable Sherlock Holmes. Her adventures in Elegant Escapade continue to highlight her precocious nature and ingenious insight into solving mysteries.
Seeking to visit her best friend, Lady Cecily, Enola finds Cecily confined to her rooms by her father, Sir Eustace. Enola assists Cecily with her grande escape - only to have Lady Cecily slip away and go on the run alone!
With Sherlock’s help, Enola begins to unravel the sordid details of Sir Eustace’s past and figure out ways to use the information to finally free Lady Cecily.
As always, Springer does a magnificent job highlighting Enola’s incredible investigative skills and finding ways to show that her keen problem solving skills match (if not exceed) her brother’s. A fun, fast, read from beginning to end.
We received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.
September 26, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance audiobook.
This book is a middle-grade/young adult book that's absolutely delightful. I wish that this series had been available when I was in that age group.
Enola Holmes lives up to her position as Sherlock Holmes's sister, but she does it with her own style and wit. I can't believe this was #8 in the series because I found it very entertaining, even though I haven't read the other seven.
I enjoyed the audiobook immensely--the narrator did an excellent job with the characters.
As expected with YA, when one is not in that age bracket, I had a few eye-rolling moments. But on the whole, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
This book is a middle-grade/young adult book that's absolutely delightful. I wish that this series had been available when I was in that age group.
Enola Holmes lives up to her position as Sherlock Holmes's sister, but she does it with her own style and wit. I can't believe this was #8 in the series because I found it very entertaining, even though I haven't read the other seven.
I enjoyed the audiobook immensely--the narrator did an excellent job with the characters.
As expected with YA, when one is not in that age bracket, I had a few eye-rolling moments. But on the whole, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this.
April 30, 2022
3.5 stars
I think that this second incarnation of this series has lost a little of the charm of the originals, but they are still very fun and nostalgic for me :)
***Thank you to Netgalley for the free copy of this book***
I think that this second incarnation of this series has lost a little of the charm of the originals, but they are still very fun and nostalgic for me :)
***Thank you to Netgalley for the free copy of this book***
July 3, 2022
I was first introduced to Nancy Springer’s character, Enola Holmes in her novel, Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche. Now, thanks again to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Ms. Springer, I had the pleasure of reading the eighth book in the series, Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade. This was an ARC; all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Enola is the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes; her much older brother seems at times annoyed, bothered, and bewildered by Enola, who does not by any means follow the norms of Victorian society. She’s a master of disguise, not unlike her experienced detective brother. She’s wily, creative, daring, athletic, and not opposed to taking chances. In this adventure, she sets out to rescue her friend, Lady Cecily, who has been imprisoned by her own father for audacious noncompliance with his wishes.
Enola bravely attempts to enter the estate, and her endeavors become rather a comedy of errors. But try she must, and she eventually succeeds. But that’s only the beginning. The reader learns much more about Lady Cecily and her father.
The interactions between Enola and Sherlock are quite amusing at times. Enola is a strong-willed person who can hold her own and seems to enjoy debating her very knowledgeable, accomplished older brother. Can she engage his assistance in this case, or will he leave her to her own devices?
I found myself enjoying this book much more than I expected, and I think that readers, from young adult to older folks like myself will too. It’s a well written caper with a few chuckles to boot!
4 stars
September 8, 2022
Enola is a wonderful character; she is smart, has wit, is thoughtful, outgoing, and a master of disguises. She is impetuous and that gets her into trouble. She and Sherlock are well matched as they analyze situations. The author does an excellent job of bringing the atmosphere to life and presenting the plights of young women in this era when fathers and then husbands control every aspect of a woman's life.
When Enola Holmes pays a social call on her dear friend Lady Cecily Alastair she is abruptly turned away at the door to the stately home. The butler stating, "Lady Cecily is not seeing anyone." He even refuses to take Enola's card. Since Lady Cecily has had difficulties in the past, Enola is very concerned and sets about devising a way to contact her. The tale Cecily tells makes Enola determined to help her escape the tyranny of her father.
As Enola makes plans to help Cecily, she escapes and Enola discovers that her brother, Sherlock, has been hired to find and return her to her parents. Enola knows that is not a good idea because Cecily has a few problems of her own and returning her is not in her best interest. Being born left-handed Cecily has been restlessly suppressed as to her natural nature and has developed dual personalities. Right-handed - meek and mild. Left-handed - assertive and competent. Neither of which should be alone on the mean streets of London.
Enola must find a way to ensure Cecily's safety and to release her from her tyrant of a father. With the help of a longtime family friend, she thinks she may just have found the solution that has eluded even the great Sherlock Holmes.
My thanks to St. Martin Press - Wednesday Books, Publisher, and Nancy Springer, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
When Enola Holmes pays a social call on her dear friend Lady Cecily Alastair she is abruptly turned away at the door to the stately home. The butler stating, "Lady Cecily is not seeing anyone." He even refuses to take Enola's card. Since Lady Cecily has had difficulties in the past, Enola is very concerned and sets about devising a way to contact her. The tale Cecily tells makes Enola determined to help her escape the tyranny of her father.
As Enola makes plans to help Cecily, she escapes and Enola discovers that her brother, Sherlock, has been hired to find and return her to her parents. Enola knows that is not a good idea because Cecily has a few problems of her own and returning her is not in her best interest. Being born left-handed Cecily has been restlessly suppressed as to her natural nature and has developed dual personalities. Right-handed - meek and mild. Left-handed - assertive and competent. Neither of which should be alone on the mean streets of London.
Enola must find a way to ensure Cecily's safety and to release her from her tyrant of a father. With the help of a longtime family friend, she thinks she may just have found the solution that has eluded even the great Sherlock Holmes.
My thanks to St. Martin Press - Wednesday Books, Publisher, and Nancy Springer, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
December 18, 2024
Enola has been on her own in London since she was 14 and eventually started taking on her own cases. She has the same deductive skills as her much older brother Sherlock. But she finds herself opposite Sherlock in her efforts to help her friend, Lady Cecily, who wants to be free from her oppressive father.
January 4, 2024
Enola Holmes #8 of the series is as lovely as #7 and #9 - the three I read first in this YA series. Don't let the YA classification fool you. This book is just as much fun for adults who are young at heart. or for those who just need to remind themselves what it was like to feel young and invincible!
If I get confused with the plot it is because I've read about five Enola Holmes books over the past month. I felt like I needed to see what the earlier novels were like, those published by Springer ten and more years earlier. Without a doubt the three novels written after the ten-year break are superior to the earlier ones. The characters and prose are far more sophisticated (I love Enola's/Springer's prose). I adored the narration by Tamaryn Payne in the recent three novels, yet, while reading and listening to the first three of the earlier novels I found the narration by Katherine Kellgren equally charming. In both cases, and indeed as in the case of many audiobook recordings, the listener might want to speed up the narration by 10%-20%, since many recordings seem slow and prodding when listened to at 100%
Enola ventures out of her women’s club residence to pay a call on her friend, Lady Cecily, a young lady whose acquaintance she made whilst saving her on a previous occasion. Lady Cecily and her mother are being held captive, locked in their bedrooms, by Lady Cecily’s father, Sir Eustace Alastair, Baronet. Sir Eustace is a cruel man who has taken control over his wife and the family’s finances, flaunting an insufficient unearned fortune for the purpose of elevating his personal social standing. As it turns out, Sir Eustace, has found additional nefarious means in order to bolster his income toward this end. Although Lady Cecily’s mother has where to flee, she has no means by which to maintain her six children, should she do so, and therefore remains a prisoner in her own home.
When Enola is turned away from the manor, she returns to rescue Lady Cecily, yet again, and the two return to London where Enola hides her friend from her father and from her brother Sherlock who has been hired to find the Lady Cecily. The escapade is complicated by Lady Cecily’s “condition” whereby her personality/ies vacillate/s between right-handed and left-handed, showing exceptional bravura on the one hand and insipid meekness on the other (ahem!). When her friend disappears, Enola employs all of her scientific perditorian skills to find Lady Cecily while joining forces with a fiercely independent and formidable elderly resident from her women’s club, to bring down Sir Eustace.
Very cute and fun story, for lovers of young at heart detective fiction.
If I get confused with the plot it is because I've read about five Enola Holmes books over the past month. I felt like I needed to see what the earlier novels were like, those published by Springer ten and more years earlier. Without a doubt the three novels written after the ten-year break are superior to the earlier ones. The characters and prose are far more sophisticated (I love Enola's/Springer's prose). I adored the narration by Tamaryn Payne in the recent three novels, yet, while reading and listening to the first three of the earlier novels I found the narration by Katherine Kellgren equally charming. In both cases, and indeed as in the case of many audiobook recordings, the listener might want to speed up the narration by 10%-20%, since many recordings seem slow and prodding when listened to at 100%
Enola ventures out of her women’s club residence to pay a call on her friend, Lady Cecily, a young lady whose acquaintance she made whilst saving her on a previous occasion. Lady Cecily and her mother are being held captive, locked in their bedrooms, by Lady Cecily’s father, Sir Eustace Alastair, Baronet. Sir Eustace is a cruel man who has taken control over his wife and the family’s finances, flaunting an insufficient unearned fortune for the purpose of elevating his personal social standing. As it turns out, Sir Eustace, has found additional nefarious means in order to bolster his income toward this end. Although Lady Cecily’s mother has where to flee, she has no means by which to maintain her six children, should she do so, and therefore remains a prisoner in her own home.
When Enola is turned away from the manor, she returns to rescue Lady Cecily, yet again, and the two return to London where Enola hides her friend from her father and from her brother Sherlock who has been hired to find the Lady Cecily. The escapade is complicated by Lady Cecily’s “condition” whereby her personality/ies vacillate/s between right-handed and left-handed, showing exceptional bravura on the one hand and insipid meekness on the other (ahem!). When her friend disappears, Enola employs all of her scientific perditorian skills to find Lady Cecily while joining forces with a fiercely independent and formidable elderly resident from her women’s club, to bring down Sir Eustace.
Very cute and fun story, for lovers of young at heart detective fiction.
October 24, 2022
Es geht weiter mit Enola und ihren Abenteuern im historischen London des Jahres 1889. Mittlerweile hat sie vor ihren Brüdern Ruhe, die sie nach dem Verschwinden ihrer Mutter als erzieherische Maßnahme in ein Mädcheninternat stecken wollten - um sie schließlich bestmöglich zu verheiraten.
Natürlich konnte sie sich trotz ihrer perfekten Maskeraden nicht ewig vor Sherlock und Mycroft Holmes verstecken, denn ihre Brüder sind schließlich dafür bekannt, verloren gegangenes aufzustöbern.
Deshalb wohnt Enola jetzt auch im "Club der Arbeitenden Frauen". Ein Haus, dass allen Frauen offensteht, die sich gegen die Konventionen wenden und für die Rechte der Frauen einstehen. Dort müssen sie sich nicht "herausputzen" oder sich an die Etikette halten. Für damals sehr fortschrittlich!
Jedenfalls spielt in dem neuen Fall noch einmal Cecily Alistair eine Rolle. Vor einiger Zeit hatte Enola sie ja schonmal befreien müssen und auch dieses Mal ist die junge Lady ihrem despotischen Vater ausgeliefert.
Enola hat allerhand zu tun, sich um Cecilys Wohl zu kümmern und vor allem die Frage, wie es in Zukunft weitergehen kann, ohne dass sie von ihrem Vater unterdrückt wird. Hier spielen wieder die ganzen Zwänge, Anstandsregeln und der Schein nach Außen eine Rolle.
Sehr interessant fand ich auch den Hinweis, dass im Jahre 1882 erst das Eigentumsgesetz für Ehefrauen eingeführt wurde. Das heißt, davor durften sie kein Eigentum besitzen, auch wenn sie z. B. gearbeitet haben - alles gehörte komplett dem Ehemann. Was eine Flucht oder ähnliches vor demselben für viele unmöglich blieb, um nicht im Armenhaus oder auf der Straße zu landen.
Ich mag es immer sehr, Enola auf den historischen Straßen von London zu begleiten. Die Atmosphäre wird immer äußerst gut beschrieben und man erfährt immer wieder Details über das Leben von damals, die einem vorher nicht so bewusst waren.
Sherlock ist dieses Mal auch (mehr oder weniger) mit von der Partie und obwohl er das forsche Auftreten seiner kleinen Schwester nicht gutheißt, merkt man doch, dass er insgeheim oder auch unbewusst stolz auf sie ist. Hier hätte ich mir noch etwas mehr Interaktionen zwischen den beiden gewünscht. Ich weiß zwar, dass zu der Zeit keine Emotionen gezeigt werden sollten/durften, dennoch könnte man das durchaus ein bisschen mit einbauen.
Vielleicht arbeiten die beiden in Zukunft ja doch auch mal zusammen?
Der Fall selbst war nicht so spektakulär wie in manch anderen Bänden und hätte vielleicht noch etwas mehr hergegeben.
Cecilys "gespaltene Persönlichkeit", ob das hier so passt weiß ich nicht recht. An sich ist es logisch aufgebaut, dadurch dass sie Linkshänderin ist und das damals ja regelrecht verteufelt wurde. Der Zwang, die rechte Hand zu benutzen, immer still und folgsam zu sein - das hat natürlich ihr rebellisches Wesen sehr unterdrückt und dass dadurch diese beiden Seiten im Wechsel zum Vorschein kommen, mag durchaus stimmig sein. Es hat auf jeden Fall deutlich gemacht, wie schlimm es war, solche ganz natürlichen Eigenschaften unterdrücken zu müssen und nicht man selbst sein zu dürfen.
Auf jeden Fall hab ich mich gerne wieder mit Enola im historischen London getummelt und freu mich schon auf den nächsten Fall!
Natürlich konnte sie sich trotz ihrer perfekten Maskeraden nicht ewig vor Sherlock und Mycroft Holmes verstecken, denn ihre Brüder sind schließlich dafür bekannt, verloren gegangenes aufzustöbern.
Deshalb wohnt Enola jetzt auch im "Club der Arbeitenden Frauen". Ein Haus, dass allen Frauen offensteht, die sich gegen die Konventionen wenden und für die Rechte der Frauen einstehen. Dort müssen sie sich nicht "herausputzen" oder sich an die Etikette halten. Für damals sehr fortschrittlich!
Jedenfalls spielt in dem neuen Fall noch einmal Cecily Alistair eine Rolle. Vor einiger Zeit hatte Enola sie ja schonmal befreien müssen und auch dieses Mal ist die junge Lady ihrem despotischen Vater ausgeliefert.
Enola hat allerhand zu tun, sich um Cecilys Wohl zu kümmern und vor allem die Frage, wie es in Zukunft weitergehen kann, ohne dass sie von ihrem Vater unterdrückt wird. Hier spielen wieder die ganzen Zwänge, Anstandsregeln und der Schein nach Außen eine Rolle.
Sehr interessant fand ich auch den Hinweis, dass im Jahre 1882 erst das Eigentumsgesetz für Ehefrauen eingeführt wurde. Das heißt, davor durften sie kein Eigentum besitzen, auch wenn sie z. B. gearbeitet haben - alles gehörte komplett dem Ehemann. Was eine Flucht oder ähnliches vor demselben für viele unmöglich blieb, um nicht im Armenhaus oder auf der Straße zu landen.
Ich mag es immer sehr, Enola auf den historischen Straßen von London zu begleiten. Die Atmosphäre wird immer äußerst gut beschrieben und man erfährt immer wieder Details über das Leben von damals, die einem vorher nicht so bewusst waren.
Sherlock ist dieses Mal auch (mehr oder weniger) mit von der Partie und obwohl er das forsche Auftreten seiner kleinen Schwester nicht gutheißt, merkt man doch, dass er insgeheim oder auch unbewusst stolz auf sie ist. Hier hätte ich mir noch etwas mehr Interaktionen zwischen den beiden gewünscht. Ich weiß zwar, dass zu der Zeit keine Emotionen gezeigt werden sollten/durften, dennoch könnte man das durchaus ein bisschen mit einbauen.
Vielleicht arbeiten die beiden in Zukunft ja doch auch mal zusammen?
Der Fall selbst war nicht so spektakulär wie in manch anderen Bänden und hätte vielleicht noch etwas mehr hergegeben.
Cecilys "gespaltene Persönlichkeit", ob das hier so passt weiß ich nicht recht. An sich ist es logisch aufgebaut, dadurch dass sie Linkshänderin ist und das damals ja regelrecht verteufelt wurde. Der Zwang, die rechte Hand zu benutzen, immer still und folgsam zu sein - das hat natürlich ihr rebellisches Wesen sehr unterdrückt und dass dadurch diese beiden Seiten im Wechsel zum Vorschein kommen, mag durchaus stimmig sein. Es hat auf jeden Fall deutlich gemacht, wie schlimm es war, solche ganz natürlichen Eigenschaften unterdrücken zu müssen und nicht man selbst sein zu dürfen.
Auf jeden Fall hab ich mich gerne wieder mit Enola im historischen London getummelt und freu mich schon auf den nächsten Fall!
May 23, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade was such a cute book. Or maybe cute isn't the right word to describe it? It's just how I feel right now. Mosty because there's just something about Enola that makes me smile. I love how independent and strong she is. I also really enjoyed the sibling bantering between her and Sherlock.
As for the overall mystery? Well, it doesn't shock me that Cecily was somehow involved. If I were in her shoes, I would probably run away as well. Then again, I'm not being forced to marry a cousin. So, we are off on a mystery quest to find a girl who has disappeared, Lady Cecily.
Honestly, everything happens pretty quickly. I liked how Enola and Sherlock sort of tag-teamed this. He sat back and watched her figure out the case but stepped in when she needed help. Like with Cecily's horrible father.
In the end, this definitely got me excited for the upcoming Enola movie. I also can't wait for her to work on another case with Sherlock. I definitely need more sibling banter between them. I'm also wondering if we are going to see Mycroft in the next one?
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade was such a cute book. Or maybe cute isn't the right word to describe it? It's just how I feel right now. Mosty because there's just something about Enola that makes me smile. I love how independent and strong she is. I also really enjoyed the sibling bantering between her and Sherlock.
As for the overall mystery? Well, it doesn't shock me that Cecily was somehow involved. If I were in her shoes, I would probably run away as well. Then again, I'm not being forced to marry a cousin. So, we are off on a mystery quest to find a girl who has disappeared, Lady Cecily.
Honestly, everything happens pretty quickly. I liked how Enola and Sherlock sort of tag-teamed this. He sat back and watched her figure out the case but stepped in when she needed help. Like with Cecily's horrible father.
In the end, this definitely got me excited for the upcoming Enola movie. I also can't wait for her to work on another case with Sherlock. I definitely need more sibling banter between them. I'm also wondering if we are going to see Mycroft in the next one?
November 8, 2022
Another fun romp with Enola! I'm glad the series is back even though it wrapped up in a great place in book 6. I always enjoy my time with Enola, and I enjoyed this even more with greater involvement from Sherlock overall. Having Enola continually baffle and bamboozle her brother because he still has blinders on when it comes to ~the strange, hysteric ways of women~ is hilarious.
The overall storyline was okay, but I'm really glad we got this story for Lady Cecily after so many books of her continually being ground into dust by her awful family.
2/6/22:
a) super excited to see cecily back
b) super dislike that the girl on the cover of the new books is so pretty
c) SEPTEMBER???
The overall storyline was okay, but I'm really glad we got this story for Lady Cecily after so many books of her continually being ground into dust by her awful family.
2/6/22:
a) super excited to see cecily back
b) super dislike that the girl on the cover of the new books is so pretty
c) SEPTEMBER???
September 13, 2023
Powrót Cecily ♡
Ten tom to totalnie girl power i to boldem.
Uwielbiam też, jak zmieniają się i wręcz kwitną relacje między Enolą a Sherlockiem. Obserwowanie tej przemiany z tomu na ton robi ogromne wrażenie.
No i jeszcze pokazanie, jak w tamtych czasach traktowanie leworęczność czy problemy związane ze stanem psychicznym kobiet
Ten tom to totalnie girl power i to boldem.
Uwielbiam też, jak zmieniają się i wręcz kwitną relacje między Enolą a Sherlockiem. Obserwowanie tej przemiany z tomu na ton robi ogromne wrażenie.
No i jeszcze pokazanie, jak w tamtych czasach traktowanie leworęczność czy problemy związane ze stanem psychicznym kobiet
August 26, 2022
I was pleased to see that Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade picks up right where it left off, with the the same strong voice, character development, and amusing stories that we've enjoyed in earlier books of the series.
Enola begins the story by going to visit her friend (and previous character) Lady Cecily Alastair. Surprisingly, her visit is declined, and Enola quickly comes to realize that Cecily's father is not allowing visitors. While Enola later tries to covertly check on Cecily's well-being, Cecily takes the opportunity to escape her father's grip. Enola is left trying to safeguard and conceal her, not the least from Sherlock Holmes, who has been hired by Cecily's mother to locate her. Cecily, plagued by a dual personality brought on in part by her family's determination to rid her of her left-handed tendencies, escapes on her own -- leaving both Enola and Sherlock independently scrambling to find her.
While this one is a little lighter on the mystery side of things, with no real "whodunit" feel or actual caper to solve, there's plenty of tension to keep young readers engaged. I felt engrossed right from the start and Tamaryn Payne does such a lovely job of the audio narration that you're swept along into Nancy Springer's story even when there aren't peak moments of action. Having an uncle who was forced in the 1960s to convert from his innate left handed tendency to right handed, I related to the underlying theme, as absurd as it might seem to a modern mind.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing me with an advance copy for review -- my thirteen year old son is a huge Enola Holmes fan and has consumed the entire series so far. Once I listened to it myself, I let him have a go with it. Being able to tell him I had advance access to the next book that he could listen to before it was available to the general public gave me a few moments of cool mom cred -- no small feat with a thirteen year old,. His review: "Just as good as the others! When does the next one come out?"
Enola begins the story by going to visit her friend (and previous character) Lady Cecily Alastair. Surprisingly, her visit is declined, and Enola quickly comes to realize that Cecily's father is not allowing visitors. While Enola later tries to covertly check on Cecily's well-being, Cecily takes the opportunity to escape her father's grip. Enola is left trying to safeguard and conceal her, not the least from Sherlock Holmes, who has been hired by Cecily's mother to locate her. Cecily, plagued by a dual personality brought on in part by her family's determination to rid her of her left-handed tendencies, escapes on her own -- leaving both Enola and Sherlock independently scrambling to find her.
While this one is a little lighter on the mystery side of things, with no real "whodunit" feel or actual caper to solve, there's plenty of tension to keep young readers engaged. I felt engrossed right from the start and Tamaryn Payne does such a lovely job of the audio narration that you're swept along into Nancy Springer's story even when there aren't peak moments of action. Having an uncle who was forced in the 1960s to convert from his innate left handed tendency to right handed, I related to the underlying theme, as absurd as it might seem to a modern mind.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing me with an advance copy for review -- my thirteen year old son is a huge Enola Holmes fan and has consumed the entire series so far. Once I listened to it myself, I let him have a go with it. Being able to tell him I had advance access to the next book that he could listen to before it was available to the general public gave me a few moments of cool mom cred -- no small feat with a thirteen year old,. His review: "Just as good as the others! When does the next one come out?"
March 8, 2023
I love this series so much. Enola's adventures are delightful. I'm really excited for Enola Holmes 2 coming on Netflix!
August 28, 2022
I just love Enola Holmes and this narrator is perfect for her. This book is back with Enola’s spunkiness and resourcefulness and wit. She is exactly how a reader would imagine the sister of infamous Sherlock Holmes. While this is one of a series, the reader does not have to read any of the pre ious books to follow along. I didn’t feel like I’d missed anything, even though Cecily is an inflating character as Enola’s friend.
I love how devoted to her friend Enola is and how independent she is as well. Also, Sherlock making an appearance was just what any fan would want. Excited to continue in the series!
I love how devoted to her friend Enola is and how independent she is as well. Also, Sherlock making an appearance was just what any fan would want. Excited to continue in the series!
May 8, 2024
Enola Holmes is back and the series is still as good as ever. Lady Cicely is back, along with her parents and at least one other character from a former book. Enola continues to surprise Sherlock who, naturally since this is post book 6, is involved one way or another with this.
At first I was hesitant since the first series had a good ending to it and I was concerned this might just be written to cash in on the Netflix series (lots of people profit from that, not just Springer) but even if it is, they are still well written, but are longer and written for a slightly older audience. However, books 7 & 8 are just as good, so I plan to read the next one and if it's also good, keep an eye out in case more come out.
At first I was hesitant since the first series had a good ending to it and I was concerned this might just be written to cash in on the Netflix series (lots of people profit from that, not just Springer) but even if it is, they are still well written, but are longer and written for a slightly older audience. However, books 7 & 8 are just as good, so I plan to read the next one and if it's also good, keep an eye out in case more come out.
September 26, 2022
This is only the second Enola Holmes book I have read or listened to, but I do plan on reading them all eventually. Enola is the younger sister of well-known detective Sherlock Holmes. She is just as smart (maybe smarter) and intuitive, but being female, she has a lot of roadblocks and limitations in her way. She lives independently in an apartment for women and works as a scientific perditorian (a finder of persons and things). Enola's friend, Lady Cecily Alastair, is under the complete control of her father, who wants her to marry a man of his choosing, but Cecily is against it. She has been locked in her room, but is able to get a message to Enola, who arrives to her home to investigate. She escapes and disappears in London, leaving Enola to find her. Lady Cecily also has a huge secret, she has disassociative personalities. I love Enola's description of her being "left-handed" or independent and competent, and also "right-handed" or meek and mild. Enola must find Cecily, get her out of the grasp of her nasty father, and get her the help she needs for her mental-health.
This timeframe is full of change. Women were considered property and Enola as well as the Sisters of Suffragettes were trying to get things to change in Victorian England. Lady Cecily was one of those women who were being forced to marry for the good of the family fortunes, not for love. Both she and her mother are treated abysmally by their father and husband. The notion of mental-health is also brought forward in this book. Considering the time, the idea of seeing a doctor to help sounds a bit before its time, but I loved that inclusion. The story itself was enjoyable. Sherlock is hovering in the background, keeping an eye on Enola and coming to support her when she needed it. I enjoyed seeing the family dynamics. Enola narrates this story and we see it from her eyes. She is a great character, friendly, smart, intuitive, tenacious yet is able to blend in with others. I liked seeing her home and servants come into play. The mystery was interesting, the story fast paced, and the conclusion satisfying. If you enjoy a good YA mystery, with great characters, clean and not graphic, then pick up any of the Enola Holmes book, especially this one. The audiobook was once again narrated by Tamaryn Payne. This was an enjoyable book to listen to or read and I enjoyed both formats.
This timeframe is full of change. Women were considered property and Enola as well as the Sisters of Suffragettes were trying to get things to change in Victorian England. Lady Cecily was one of those women who were being forced to marry for the good of the family fortunes, not for love. Both she and her mother are treated abysmally by their father and husband. The notion of mental-health is also brought forward in this book. Considering the time, the idea of seeing a doctor to help sounds a bit before its time, but I loved that inclusion. The story itself was enjoyable. Sherlock is hovering in the background, keeping an eye on Enola and coming to support her when she needed it. I enjoyed seeing the family dynamics. Enola narrates this story and we see it from her eyes. She is a great character, friendly, smart, intuitive, tenacious yet is able to blend in with others. I liked seeing her home and servants come into play. The mystery was interesting, the story fast paced, and the conclusion satisfying. If you enjoy a good YA mystery, with great characters, clean and not graphic, then pick up any of the Enola Holmes book, especially this one. The audiobook was once again narrated by Tamaryn Payne. This was an enjoyable book to listen to or read and I enjoyed both formats.
September 2, 2022
In my younger days I was a devoted fan of the Enola Holmes series: historical mysteries centered on Sherlock Holmes’ little sister. When the author returned to writing Enola books after a considerable hiatus, I was over the moon, to the point that Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche became one of my favorite books of 2021.
I thank NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC of the latest installment, but sadly I can’t count this one among my favorites. In this book, a character from the early books returns and in the world of 2022 (plus viewing the portrayal though an adult’s eyes) it simply does not work. The character in question, Lady Cecily, is described as having a “double” or “split” personality that manifests itself in left-handed and right-handed “versions”.
I’m not a medical professional but I feel like the depiction of mental health in this book is improbable and potentially offensive. It gives readers a false impression about a particularly sensitive subject. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could get away with a lot because he published his work over a hundred years ago. In 2022, I expect more sensitivity and realism. In the ARC I read there was no disclaimer or explanation about fact vs fiction. I’m especially disappointed as this is aimed at younger readers and could increase the stigma and confusion around mental illness.
Besides this troubling aspect, the mystery itself is quite dull and I think younger readers will see through it right away. Enola is still her delightful self but the series has lost its footing. I can only help that the next book makes some kind of amends.
I thank NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC of the latest installment, but sadly I can’t count this one among my favorites. In this book, a character from the early books returns and in the world of 2022 (plus viewing the portrayal though an adult’s eyes) it simply does not work. The character in question, Lady Cecily, is described as having a “double” or “split” personality that manifests itself in left-handed and right-handed “versions”.
I’m not a medical professional but I feel like the depiction of mental health in this book is improbable and potentially offensive. It gives readers a false impression about a particularly sensitive subject. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle could get away with a lot because he published his work over a hundred years ago. In 2022, I expect more sensitivity and realism. In the ARC I read there was no disclaimer or explanation about fact vs fiction. I’m especially disappointed as this is aimed at younger readers and could increase the stigma and confusion around mental illness.
Besides this troubling aspect, the mystery itself is quite dull and I think younger readers will see through it right away. Enola is still her delightful self but the series has lost its footing. I can only help that the next book makes some kind of amends.
October 12, 2022
The Left-Handed Lady is in dire straits, and the ebullient, forthright and always clever Enola Holmes must come to her aid.
Lady Cecily (the Left-Handed Lady), who appeared in books 2 and 4, is again imprisoned by her tyrannical father. Enola, who feels a kinship with Cecily, is wondering what’s up with the young woman, and attempts to contact her. To her surprise, Cecily takes off with her, bringing unintended consequences to Enola’s door, in the form of her stern brother Sherlock. Enola attempts to educate Sherlock further on the way women can easily be abused by their respectable families. Though he has to locate Cecily for her mother, he mostly stands aside whilst Enola finds ways to extricate Cecily from her circumstances.
It’s lots of fun, as Enola continues to build on her previous endeavours and connections to find the means to stop Cecily’s father. I loved how she kept showing up Sherlock, though felt a little sad for her as her one friend takes off on her own journey. Enola may be resilient, but she's also, like her name, alone. I really hope Nancy Springer eventually gives her more friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review
Lady Cecily (the Left-Handed Lady), who appeared in books 2 and 4, is again imprisoned by her tyrannical father. Enola, who feels a kinship with Cecily, is wondering what’s up with the young woman, and attempts to contact her. To her surprise, Cecily takes off with her, bringing unintended consequences to Enola’s door, in the form of her stern brother Sherlock. Enola attempts to educate Sherlock further on the way women can easily be abused by their respectable families. Though he has to locate Cecily for her mother, he mostly stands aside whilst Enola finds ways to extricate Cecily from her circumstances.
It’s lots of fun, as Enola continues to build on her previous endeavours and connections to find the means to stop Cecily’s father. I loved how she kept showing up Sherlock, though felt a little sad for her as her one friend takes off on her own journey. Enola may be resilient, but she's also, like her name, alone. I really hope Nancy Springer eventually gives her more friends.
Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review
October 19, 2022
The book started really well, but by a quarter of the way through I was becoming quite annoyed with the author. The story was turning into a bit of a farce, not only was Enola incompetent, but the author had decided to make Sherlock a ridiculous, pompous idiot. It didn’t help that I found some aspects of the story just seemed ‘off’, such as Lady Cecily having a split personality because she was left-handed. Unfortunately the story continues in the same vane, with some rather nonsensical actions. I really think the author has written this with a view to producing the next ‘amusing’ film script.
September 1, 2022
Ever since I saw the movie on Netflix, I have been captured by this series and have enjoyed every book I have read so far. There is something about this spunky Enola Holmes that draws me in each time. Enola is a self-proclaimed perditorian, which is a finder of lost things or people. She does this exceptionally well, and in this novel, we find her saving her good friend Cecily from her locked room and uncovering a way to keep this from happening again. Because of the time period in which this book is set, most women are considered property. Cecily's father is not a kind man, and he apparently is up to some unscrupulous things.
We learn more about Enola's life at the woman's home and outside the home. Her brothers are always concerned for her, but she is taking classes that thrill them since they just want her to be happy and stay out of trouble. That last part is hard because she is not afraid to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong when it comes to her friends.
Cecily is a unique character, and I wonder if she is bipolar because she becomes two different people depending on which hand is dominant at the time. The left-hand Cecily is bold and not afraid of anything. The right-hand Cecily is a simpering food and can't stand up for herself. I liked how Enola would draw out the left-hand Cecily when she needed someone that was more forthright.
I enjoyed the fast pace of the story, Enola's unique costumes, and the interaction between all of the characters. The descriptions drew me in, and I felt like I was a part of the story. Enola is a role model for young women to achieve more than they think they can.
These are fun reads, so check this series out. We give it 4 paws up.
We learn more about Enola's life at the woman's home and outside the home. Her brothers are always concerned for her, but she is taking classes that thrill them since they just want her to be happy and stay out of trouble. That last part is hard because she is not afraid to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong when it comes to her friends.
Cecily is a unique character, and I wonder if she is bipolar because she becomes two different people depending on which hand is dominant at the time. The left-hand Cecily is bold and not afraid of anything. The right-hand Cecily is a simpering food and can't stand up for herself. I liked how Enola would draw out the left-hand Cecily when she needed someone that was more forthright.
I enjoyed the fast pace of the story, Enola's unique costumes, and the interaction between all of the characters. The descriptions drew me in, and I felt like I was a part of the story. Enola is a role model for young women to achieve more than they think they can.
These are fun reads, so check this series out. We give it 4 paws up.
September 19, 2023
Short and fun! 😊
July 25, 2025
Rescuing Lady Cecily again
Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade begins with a prolog in which we find Lady Cecily Alistair locked in her room, and bitterly resenting her father who put her there. You remember Lady Cecily, I hope? She was the Left Handed Lady of Book 2 of the Enola Holmes mystery series, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, in which Enola rescued her from being stabbed. In the prolog Lady Cecily muses that "Enola was her very best friend even though they had only met twice". The second occasion was in book 4, The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan, in which Enola rescued Lady Cecily from being forcibly married to her repugnant cousin.
The Prolog is followed by Chapter the First. Enola has temporarily set aside her career as a Scientific Perditorian, in order to "[take] classes at the London Women’s Academy, where I particularly enjoyed the challenges of algebra, geometry, and natural philosophy." Enola further muses that "I wanted only reunion with my very best friend, Lady Cecily Alistair, to complete my happiness." Thus, the two young women regard each other as best friends, both acknowledging the strangeness of a best friend one has met only twice. This feels realistic -- nothing attaches people to each other like helping and being helped.
Enola attempts to call on Lady Cecily, but the butler refuses her -- not only her, but her mother Lady Theodora. This, as any fan of the series knows, is no way to dampen Enola's interest. So, of course we must rescue Lady Cecily a third time.
"The game is afoot", as Enola's brother Sherlock says. Sherlock is indeed very actively involved in this adventure. We also meet a new character, an old friend of Enola and Sherlock's late mother
Like all the Enola Holmes mysteries, Elegant Escapade is a brief, sweet little morsel, the perfect dessert after consuming a heavier work.
Blog review.
Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade begins with a prolog in which we find Lady Cecily Alistair locked in her room, and bitterly resenting her father who put her there. You remember Lady Cecily, I hope? She was the Left Handed Lady of Book 2 of the Enola Holmes mystery series, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, in which Enola rescued her from being stabbed. In the prolog Lady Cecily muses that "Enola was her very best friend even though they had only met twice". The second occasion was in book 4, The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan, in which Enola rescued Lady Cecily from being forcibly married to her repugnant cousin.
The Prolog is followed by Chapter the First. Enola has temporarily set aside her career as a Scientific Perditorian, in order to "[take] classes at the London Women’s Academy, where I particularly enjoyed the challenges of algebra, geometry, and natural philosophy." Enola further muses that "I wanted only reunion with my very best friend, Lady Cecily Alistair, to complete my happiness." Thus, the two young women regard each other as best friends, both acknowledging the strangeness of a best friend one has met only twice. This feels realistic -- nothing attaches people to each other like helping and being helped.
Enola attempts to call on Lady Cecily, but the butler refuses her -- not only her, but her mother Lady Theodora. This, as any fan of the series knows, is no way to dampen Enola's interest. So, of course we must rescue Lady Cecily a third time.
"The game is afoot", as Enola's brother Sherlock says. Sherlock is indeed very actively involved in this adventure. We also meet a new character, an old friend of Enola and Sherlock's late mother
Like all the Enola Holmes mysteries, Elegant Escapade is a brief, sweet little morsel, the perfect dessert after consuming a heavier work.
Blog review.
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