The Case of the Missing Marquess | Book Review | 2006 | Nancy Springer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Springer is an American author born in 1948 in New Jersey. From a young age, Springer was well versed in Victorian literature. Her preferred genres include young adult literature, mystery, science fiction, and thrillers.

Her works include the Enola Holmes series, The Book of Isle series, Toughing It, and Looking for Jamie Bridger. Netflix has even adapted the Enola Holmes series for a couple of movies.

Springer is the recipient of numerous literary accolades. She currently lives with her husband in Florida.

SYNOPSIS

On her fourteenth birthday, Enola Holmes discovers that her mother, Eudoria, is missing. She calls her elder brothers up, Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective, and Mycroft Holmes when she is unable to track her down.

Enola’s brothers are significantly older than her and have been absent from most of her life. The brothers are shocked upon their arrival at the estate. They are surprised that their mother didn’t bring Enola up as a ‘proper lady’. As her guardian, Mycroft decides that Enola needs to finish school.

With her deductive skills, Enola soon finds the messages that her mother left for her. She decides to run away to find her mother in London, where the real Enola Holmes adventures begin.

WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT ENOLA HOLMES: THE CASE OF THE MISSING MARQUESS

The Case of the Missing Marquess is a fun read, especially for Sherlock Holmes fans. The book is fresh and quirky; a coming-of-age novel set in Victorian times. It is a refreshing cocktail of adventure, mystery, and thrill.

Despite the Victorian setting and a young female protagonist, the plot is never short on action. In fact, the author has come up with a very healthy approach to issues such as women’s rights and mental health.

One cannot help admire Enola and her brother, Sherlock. It is hard to overlook the obvious similarities between the two siblings. The well-meaning Mycroft, though prude and obnoxious, leaves a mark, too.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT ENOLA HOLMES: THE CASE OF THE MISSING MARQUESS

While Eudoria Holmes appears to be an enigmatic character, there is very little information about her in the book. Likewise, it would have been interesting if the character of the Viscount, Lord Tewkesbury, was more developed.

QUOTES

Then I formed a mental list of my own accomplishments: able to read, write, and do sums; find birds’ nests; dig worms and catch fish; and, oh yes, ride a bicycle.

Oh, for Heaven’s sake. CHRYSANTHEMUM. The border of the flowers painted around the page should have told me. Gold and russet chrysanthemums.

I had solved the cipher.

I was not totally stupid.

CONCLUSION