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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
4.0
This might be one of my favorite series of all times. I'm absolutely not the target audience, I'm a few decades too old, but I enjoy reading these novels so incredibly much! I was therefore quite happy when I found out that there was gonna be a new book in the series, the eight, and I was even happier when I discovered that this book would also be starring my favorite left handed lady again! So, when the book came in yesterday I knew what my next read was gonna be!
And once more I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It has everything a good Enola Holmes story needs to have: Guest appearances by Sherlock, my favorite left-handed lady, some masquerades, some spectaculair and narrow escapes, some puzzles and messages in code language and a different kind of mystery that really needs a solution. And we all know by now that Enola Holmes is good at all those things, even though she sometimes has to retry things a few times before mastering it.
What I really love about these novels is that they are really giving an amazing impression of the time period and what life in London actually looked like, especially for the ladies and women. It's not always a pretty picture, on the contrary, and I don't think there is anyone left who wants to live in this time periode after reading these novels, but I love how Enola tackles the issues of her time without becoming TOO modern and without losing her connection with her time completely.
Since this book is focussed on Enola solving another case, although it's not a murder or missing person case this time, there is not much character growth. However, there is this nice moment in the beginning of the book proving that Enola is learning and growing, slowly. She spent a lot of time being angry at her brothers for trying so desperately to find her, but now she realizes that they really were worried about her and that it wasn't JUST them wanting to be controlling.
I can't wait for the next adventure!
And once more I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It has everything a good Enola Holmes story needs to have: Guest appearances by Sherlock, my favorite left-handed lady, some masquerades, some spectaculair and narrow escapes, some puzzles and messages in code language and a different kind of mystery that really needs a solution. And we all know by now that Enola Holmes is good at all those things, even though she sometimes has to retry things a few times before mastering it.
What I really love about these novels is that they are really giving an amazing impression of the time period and what life in London actually looked like, especially for the ladies and women. It's not always a pretty picture, on the contrary, and I don't think there is anyone left who wants to live in this time periode after reading these novels, but I love how Enola tackles the issues of her time without becoming TOO modern and without losing her connection with her time completely.
Since this book is focussed on Enola solving another case, although it's not a murder or missing person case this time, there is not much character growth. However, there is this nice moment in the beginning of the book proving that Enola is learning and growing, slowly. She spent a lot of time being angry at her brothers for trying so desperately to find her, but now she realizes that they really were worried about her and that it wasn't JUST them wanting to be controlling.
I can't wait for the next adventure!
lynguy1's review
4.0
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade by Nancy Springer brings together Sherlock Holmes and his much younger sister Enola in a teen / young adult historical mystery set in and around London in late 1889. The author blends suspense, a bold protagonist, and humor in this latest case for Enola. There are several previous books in this series, but this one worked well as a standalone. Unlike Sherlock, she isn’t fully practicing as a finder of missing persons and things. She’s taking classes at the London Women’s Academy. All of this is very unusual for a young woman in Victorian England.
However, when she visits her friend’s home she is told that no one is allowed inside and that neither her friend, Lady Cecily Alistair, nor her mother, Lady Theodora, is entertaining callers. Aware that something is not right; Enola helps Lady Cecily escape and takes her to a secret office in a boarding house she owns. However, Sherlock Holmes hired by Lady Theodora shows up looking for Lady Cecily and she has disappeared without Enola having a clue as to where she has gone. Additionally, Lady Cecily suffers from dual personalities; one is strong and independent while the other is meek and docile.
Enola is a likeable character; she’s is witty, thoughtful, outgoing, smart, independent, spirited, and a master of disguises. She also stands by her friends and won’t let anything stop her from helping them. How she and Sherlock think and analyze situations is fun to see unfold. The chemistry between them creates an entertaining dynamic.
The book has a solid plot, and the character development was great to watch. The story was thought provoking as I thought about the treatment of women and the lack of rights they possessed during the era. The historical references on this and other topics added a significant layer of interest to the plot. The conflict moves the story forward and through unexpected twists. The internal dialogues pulled me into the inner world of the characters.
The author does a good job of world-building. I was able to easily visualize the settings, the people, the clothing, and the homes. The atmosphere felt right for the times resulting in a strong sense of time and place. She effortlessly weaved themes of family, friendship, lifestyle, loneliness, treatment and expectations of women, abuse, and money into the plot.
Overall, this book was an engaging, captivating, and enjoyable historical mystery that moved at a quick pace. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Readers that enjoy young adult historical mysteries will likely enjoy this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Wednesday Books and Nancy Springer provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------
Review coming soon.
However, when she visits her friend’s home she is told that no one is allowed inside and that neither her friend, Lady Cecily Alistair, nor her mother, Lady Theodora, is entertaining callers. Aware that something is not right; Enola helps Lady Cecily escape and takes her to a secret office in a boarding house she owns. However, Sherlock Holmes hired by Lady Theodora shows up looking for Lady Cecily and she has disappeared without Enola having a clue as to where she has gone. Additionally, Lady Cecily suffers from dual personalities; one is strong and independent while the other is meek and docile.
Enola is a likeable character; she’s is witty, thoughtful, outgoing, smart, independent, spirited, and a master of disguises. She also stands by her friends and won’t let anything stop her from helping them. How she and Sherlock think and analyze situations is fun to see unfold. The chemistry between them creates an entertaining dynamic.
The book has a solid plot, and the character development was great to watch. The story was thought provoking as I thought about the treatment of women and the lack of rights they possessed during the era. The historical references on this and other topics added a significant layer of interest to the plot. The conflict moves the story forward and through unexpected twists. The internal dialogues pulled me into the inner world of the characters.
The author does a good job of world-building. I was able to easily visualize the settings, the people, the clothing, and the homes. The atmosphere felt right for the times resulting in a strong sense of time and place. She effortlessly weaved themes of family, friendship, lifestyle, loneliness, treatment and expectations of women, abuse, and money into the plot.
Overall, this book was an engaging, captivating, and enjoyable historical mystery that moved at a quick pace. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Readers that enjoy young adult historical mysteries will likely enjoy this series.
St. Martin’s Press – Wednesday Books and Nancy Springer provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 06, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------
Review coming soon.
emmie1507's review
2.0
It was a fast read. Alas the storyline could have used more work (and the whole left-hand, right-hand thing was just plain weird). It had the potential of being a great story, it just didn't quite get there for me.
kotahlotah's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
daisymartha's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
animelanie's review against another edition
4.0
Read for PRC
I understand the reason these are so popular - light, easy to read and imaginative.
I understand the reason these are so popular - light, easy to read and imaginative.
radfemme22's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
Summary:
Enola Holmes has begun to make a bit of a reputation for herself. Her name may not be as well known as her brothers, but she's solved more than her fair share of mysteries. She's also made friends along the way—friends who may just be in danger.
Lady Cecily Alastair is a client-turned-friend. She was in danger previously, thanks to her dastardly father, and it seems like she has fallen under his care once again. It is up to Enola to step in and save the day, as the law is, unfortunately, on the father's side.
Review:
This is the second Enola Holmes novel I've read (yes, I haven't been reading in order, bad me!), and I am utterly charmed. Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade is another fun addition to the series. Best of all, even though it clearly involves characters previously introduced, it is easy to jump on in and enjoy.
I love how independent young Enola Holmes is. It must be SO hard to grow up in the shadows of her brothers, but she's doing more than making the best of it. She's making a name for herself – and doing it despite their best efforts to stop her.
As one might expect, Enola is sharp, quippy, and brilliant. She's a fun character to read, and her adventures are perfect for readers of all ages (love that). This latest mystery felt even more Victorian than the last, as it is a poignant reminder of how much time can change our views.
Highlights:
Enola Holmes Mystery
Historical Fiction
Mystery (All Ages)
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Enola Holmes has begun to make a bit of a reputation for herself. Her name may not be as well known as her brothers, but she's solved more than her fair share of mysteries. She's also made friends along the way—friends who may just be in danger.
Lady Cecily Alastair is a client-turned-friend. She was in danger previously, thanks to her dastardly father, and it seems like she has fallen under his care once again. It is up to Enola to step in and save the day, as the law is, unfortunately, on the father's side.
Review:
This is the second Enola Holmes novel I've read (yes, I haven't been reading in order, bad me!), and I am utterly charmed. Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade is another fun addition to the series. Best of all, even though it clearly involves characters previously introduced, it is easy to jump on in and enjoy.
I love how independent young Enola Holmes is. It must be SO hard to grow up in the shadows of her brothers, but she's doing more than making the best of it. She's making a name for herself – and doing it despite their best efforts to stop her.
As one might expect, Enola is sharp, quippy, and brilliant. She's a fun character to read, and her adventures are perfect for readers of all ages (love that). This latest mystery felt even more Victorian than the last, as it is a poignant reminder of how much time can change our views.
Highlights:
Enola Holmes Mystery
Historical Fiction
Mystery (All Ages)
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
mannybeen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? No
5.0
laineydunne's review
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0