The Case of the Missing Marquess

Nancy Connor Springer

Book 1 in the series:Enola Holmes

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you love historical mysteries, strong female leads, and a fresh twist on the Holmes universe, you'll love this one! "The Case of the Missing Marquess" offers a spunky, clever protagonist in Enola Holmes and vivid details about Victorian England - corsets, bicycles, and all. The book masterfully explores what it was like to be a girl in a constrained era, letting readers puzzle out clever ciphers and clues alongside Enola. Perfect for readers aged 10+, fans of Sherlock Holmes, feminists at heart, and anyone who enjoys adventurous, independent young women.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at the start, and the writing style - faithful to the Victorian period - can feel complex or heavy for those who prefer more modern or fast-paced reads. If you're in it just for a tightly-plotted mystery, the storyline might feel a touch contrived at times, and Enola's extraordinary maturity for her age can stretch believability. Also, if you expect the book to match the Netflix adaptation, you'll be surprised by just how different their characters and plots are.

A plucky, clever romp through Victorian England, offering girl-power, ciphers, and classic Holmesian intrigue - just don’t expect it to match the movie or be strictly for grown-ups!

About:

'The Case of the Missing Marquess' in the 'Enola Holmes' series by Nancy Springer follows the adventures of 14-year-old Enola Holmes, the spirited younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. When her mother mysteriously disappears, Enola is determined to find her and avoid being sent to a boarding school by her brothers. As she embarks on her investigation, Enola discovers a kidnapping case involving a young marquess, leading her to London where she faces dangerous foes while unraveling mysteries with her wit and independence. The narrative paints vivid scenes of Enola's journey, her unconventional approach to solving mysteries, and the challenges she faces in a Victorian society that underestimates her.

Enola Holmes emerges as a brave and intelligent heroine, navigating through a male-dominated society with determination and cleverness. delves into themes of independence, feminism, and family bonds, offering a fresh perspective on the Sherlock Holmes universe through Enola's eyes. Readers are drawn into Enola's world of mystery-solving, where she defies societal norms and showcases her unique skills in unraveling puzzles and secrets, all while staying true to herself and her values.

Characters:

The characters are vividly portrayed, with Enola as a clever and independent protagonist, while her brothers embody traditional patriarchal attitudes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features a first-person narrative that engages young readers through detailed descriptions and humor, presenting an immersive Victorian setting.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Enola Holmes on her quest to find her missing mother, exploring Victorian society's constraints while involving another mystery of a missing marquess.

Setting:

The setting vividly depicts late 19th-century Victorian England, highlighting its social class distinctions and gender expectations, particularly through Enola's experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow for character development but accelerates after Enola ventures to London, keeping readers engaged despite some forced moments.

I would very much like to know why my mother named me “Enola,” which, backwards, spells alone. Mum was, or perhaps still is, fond of ciphers, and she must have had something in mind, whether forebodin...

Notes:

The book focuses on the life of a Victorian girl, Enola Holmes, and the challenges she faces in a male-dominated society.

Enola is 14 years old in the book, while in the movie adaptation, she is portrayed as 16.

The story begins with Enola's mother disappearing on her birthday, prompting her to seek help from her brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes.

Enola's mother is depicted as a nonconformist who teaches her daughter about independence, highlighted by her use of ciphers and codes.

The book differs significantly from the Netflix movie in terms of plot and character personalities, with the film being less true to the original story.

Enola uses her mother’s gifts and knowledge of ciphers as tools to navigate her adventure, showcasing intelligence and resourcefulness.

The narrative explores themes of feminism and the limitations placed on women during the Victorian era, addressing issues like the lack of pockets in women's clothing.

Enola's name, 'Enola,' is 'alone' spelled backward, emphasizing her feelings of isolation.

The story includes clever period details, like the significance of bicycles for women's independence, and how Enola cleverly utilizes her voluminous clothing in her quest.

Katherine Kellgren's narration of the audiobook is praised for its engaging tone and character differentiation.

From The Publisher:

Now a Netflix original movie starring Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter!

Meet Enola Holmes, teenaged girl turned detective and the younger sister to Sherlock Holmes.

When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Because when she arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains, and trying to elude her shrewd older brothers-all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother's strange disappearance. Amid all the mayhem, will Enola be able to decode the necessary clues and find her mother?

February 2006

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224 pages

Ratings (24)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (50):

Read It (28)
Want To Read (13)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (8)

2 comment(s)

moubud754

Incredible

1 year

Funny. Brilliant.

lulareviewla

Incredible

1 year

This was a wonderful book, with characters I thoroughly enjoyed. Enola, to me, was a very smart, creative, resourceful protagonist. I really like how Sherlock and Mycroft were portrayed in this book, and I really look forward to continuing this series. I've been looking for a good mystery series for some time, and I believe I have found it, in Enola Holmes.

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The Case of the Missing Marquess?

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About the Author:

Nancy Springer has published forty novels for adults, young adults and children. In a career beginning shortly after she graduated from Gettysburg College in 1970, Springer wrote for ten years in the imaginary realms of mythological fantasy, then ventured on to…

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