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Friday, 8 March 2019

Review: An Enola Holmes Mystery: Book 2 - The Case of the Left-handed Lady

The second book in the Enola Holmes mystery series comes with as much force and action in it as the first. 

The characters glow within a strong and powerful prose. Many interesting themes and twists keep the pages turning. 

Sharp and clever dialogue enhances the brilliant scenes that dominate this series set in Victorian London of the late 1800s. I can’t wait for the next book!

Having been raised with no instruction in the drawing room graces, Enola has learned to become whoever she wants to be. 

Now disguised as Ivy Meshle, secretary to the imaginary Scientific Perditorian (detective) Dr Leslie T. Ragostin, she is living a free life, unshackled by girdles and other feminine restrictions. 

Another of her alter egos is that of the silent Sister of the Night, where she risks her life to minister to and share her money with the poorest in the filthy streets of London.

With both Enola and her mother now missing amidst the hustle and bustle of London, Sherlock has become thin and gaunt from anxiety. Frightened for their safety, and much to his brother Mycroft’s disgust, Sherlock has a plan in place to trace Enola.

Dr Watson has come to Dr Ragostin’s office to find a way to help Sherlock, and unknowingly brings with him Enola’s first case. Determination to solve the mystery of the missing Lady Cecily, Enola dons one of her crafty disguises and springs to action. What she discovers has nothing to do with what she anticipated. 

Who do the hidden charcoal drawings she finds represent? Further uncovering directs her to a person with very similar beliefs to her own and whose life is ultimately saved by Enola.

Enola continues to place ciphered advertisements in the paper. She realizes the response she gets to her advertisement is not from her mother, but a clever trap constructed by a brilliant mind.

Freedom is paramount. Enola’s life is in danger, but she will do everything in her power to escape bondage of any form. Even defy Sherlock.

Full of mystery, this series boasts a strong, intelligent and resilient, compassionate and generous-hearted young female protagonist. The film series starring Millie Bobby Brown is due to hit screens in 2019.

Title: An Enola Holmes Mystery: Book 2 - The Case of the Left-handed Lady
Author: Nancy Springer
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $14.99
Publication Date: September 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760637392
For ages: 12+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction