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jaymeee's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
neglet's review against another edition
Another fun, intriguing installment in the series, this one featuring an interesting historical figure. It’s fun to see Enola continue to outwit her brothers, while still finding ways to solve the mystery.
engrossedreader's review against another edition
2.0
[b:The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline|6004798|The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes, #5)|Nancy Springer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1421221100l/6004798._SY75_.jpg|6179738] is my first Enola Holmes, but the fifth in the series. Which wasn't an issue as there weren't any references that made you wish you'd started with book one. Listening to the audiobook I was uncertain if it was the tone of the narrator or the actual words which made Enola (the teen detective) sound condescending and imperious rather than experienced and thoughtful.
Can't quite put my finger on why I was unmoved by this story because on paper it's exactly the type of book I'd enjoy: strong teen protagonist making their way in the world. Perhaps it was the interjection of her brother Sherlock Holmes at opportune moments and her reliance on his name and presence to aid her in solving the mystery of her landlady's kidnapping. Regardless, not for me.
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Can't quite put my finger on why I was unmoved by this story because on paper it's exactly the type of book I'd enjoy: strong teen protagonist making their way in the world. Perhaps it was the interjection of her brother Sherlock Holmes at opportune moments and her reliance on his name and presence to aid her in solving the mystery of her landlady's kidnapping. Regardless, not for me.
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rebeccabadger's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
tmleblanc's review against another edition
3.0
I was pleasantly surprised by The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer. I took a chance and downloaded it via the SYNC audiobook program this past summer. I seem to be game for new takes on known franchises. I didn't even realize that this novel was a part of a series!
I guess that's a good a place to start as any! You need not to have read/listened to any of the preceding novels to understand what is happening in The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline. Enough information is given, when needed, to help you understand why Enola is on her own and why she is at odds with her brother, Sherlock.
I loved that this story involved some real historical figures. That's my favorite thing about historical fiction—when it brings in elements of the real word.
I did love the narrator, Katherine Kellgren. She did a marvelous job with the characters' voices especially Mrs. Tupper. I snorted with delight whenever a conversation was started with the deaf landlady. It reminded me of conversations with my own grandmother. It was a delight to listen to.
My favorite thing about the book? Enola avoiding her brother. It's not often someone gets the break ahead of Holmes, but Enola's drive to solve the crime on her own, before her brother, adds an exciting element to the plot.
I am giving The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer a thumbs up. It was a delightful surprise and I enjoyed running around London with Ms. Enola Holmes.
BONUS POINTS! I didn't feel it was necessary to have read (or listened) to the previous books in the series to understand Enola's backstory. Enough hits were given throughout the story to explain why she avoiding Holmes and the on-going mystery of their mother.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews.
I guess that's a good a place to start as any! You need not to have read/listened to any of the preceding novels to understand what is happening in The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline. Enough information is given, when needed, to help you understand why Enola is on her own and why she is at odds with her brother, Sherlock.
I loved that this story involved some real historical figures. That's my favorite thing about historical fiction—when it brings in elements of the real word.
I did love the narrator, Katherine Kellgren. She did a marvelous job with the characters' voices especially Mrs. Tupper. I snorted with delight whenever a conversation was started with the deaf landlady. It reminded me of conversations with my own grandmother. It was a delight to listen to.
My favorite thing about the book? Enola avoiding her brother. It's not often someone gets the break ahead of Holmes, but Enola's drive to solve the crime on her own, before her brother, adds an exciting element to the plot.
I am giving The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer a thumbs up. It was a delightful surprise and I enjoyed running around London with Ms. Enola Holmes.
BONUS POINTS! I didn't feel it was necessary to have read (or listened) to the previous books in the series to understand Enola's backstory. Enough hits were given throughout the story to explain why she avoiding Holmes and the on-going mystery of their mother.
This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews.
emmedevorak's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
lehughes19's review against another edition
3.0
I am definitely enjoying these books overall and will continue the series, but a few things bug me. First of all, the fact that these books are targeted at middle grade readers is surprising. I wouldn’t want a middle schooler to read these books. A teenager, sure, but no younger. The writing style is definitely more middle grade level at times, with continuous repetition about the same thoughts and feelings (i.e. Do I want to find mum?, corsets suck, I’m alone, I can’t trust anyone).
I also really have to suspend belief that a 14 year old girl who has never left her parents’ country estate can get around London so easily, know enough about different classes/types of ladies to so completely imitate them, know how to manage her money, have the confidence to enter precarious situations, etc. I know many children’s books have a similar trope, but this is a stretch. Her thoughts and reactions are dramatic at times and that’s about the only time she actually acts like a 14 year old with no life experience.
Anyway, they’re enjoyable enough and I’ll finish the series, but I’ll say something I rarely say—the movies are better.
I also really have to suspend belief that a 14 year old girl who has never left her parents’ country estate can get around London so easily, know enough about different classes/types of ladies to so completely imitate them, know how to manage her money, have the confidence to enter precarious situations, etc. I know many children’s books have a similar trope, but this is a stretch. Her thoughts and reactions are dramatic at times and that’s about the only time she actually acts like a 14 year old with no life experience.
Anyway, they’re enjoyable enough and I’ll finish the series, but I’ll say something I rarely say—the movies are better.
ykjxnz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
4.5
guatedina's review against another edition
4.0
Enola Holmes and the Lady with the Lamp in the same book- too fantastic for words!!!
mannybeen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25