I Admit it: I Love Enola Holmes
Why do I love her? Because she’s intelligent, independent, gutsy, funny, and cares about people. Because these books are delightful, fun, and often serious. Because growing up I loved reading Sherlock Holmes novels.
In those teen years, what I missed were female protagonists. I would have treasured these books.
Heck, I love them as an adult. I celebrate that today’s teens have so many more book options.
Yes, I’m old.
Overview:
“Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade” by Nancy Springer is the eighth book in the Enola Holmes series.
If you’re unfamiliar with the books. Enola is Sherlock Holmes’ sister. In the first book, her mother disappears, and she runs away to search for her. She winds up in London, living on her own, which Sherlock and Mycroft are not happy about.
Each book deals with a fresh adventure. Don’t expect a Sherlock Holmes style mystery, but expect to learn about the seedy, dark side of Victorian England.
The books don’t have to be read in order, as each story is complete on its own. However, if you read them in order, you’ll recognize recurring characters and understand her circumstances better.
In “The Elegant Escapade,” Lady Cecily, from “The Case of the Left-Handed Lady” (book 2), is in trouble again, and Enola is determined to rescue her. Adventure ensues, and Enola evades Sherlock’s initial questions. She takes her own path to investigate.
What I Liked:
Nancy Springer’s tone, language, and atmosphere recreate a Victorian setting that seems real. She shows both the formal polite side of society and the darker, sometimes shocking, hidden elements.
Enola is a compassionate, caring person who is loyal to her friends. Those qualities usually cause her to get embroiled in her adventures.
Some of the historical tidbits are fascinating like Lady Cecily’s left handedness, viewed as evil. It was common to force a child to use her right hand instead of her left. Enola views Cecily as having two personalities: she’s strong when she uses her left hand, and weak when using her right hand.
From a psychological point of view, her analysis is interesting. Also, my mother was left-handed, and her family forced her to use her right hand, so I could relate to Cecily’s issue.
There are other, more gruesome Victorian tidbits, but discussing them would cause spoilers.
Enola’s solutions to the problems that arise turn into amusing and sometimes dangerous adventures. Plus, Sherlock pops in and out of the story.
What I didn’t Care For:
Actually, I got nothing for this section. I loved everything about this book.
However, if you haven’t read other books in the series, and you expect a rehashing or copying of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, that is not the case.
While Sherlock uses logic and his wit to solve crimes, Enola’s motivation is to help people.
She is clever, funny, witty, and unafraid to tread into mischief to help a friend or someone in need. She uses logic to maneuver through her adventures.
I like both characters, but their approaches are different.
Recommendation:
If her story sounds fun, give her books a try. If nothing else, you’ll have a delightful, fun read with a satisfying ending.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.