A rousing read with plenty of terrific Victorian detail.

Gr 5-8

Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes's 14-year-old sister takes on a new case, this one involving Lady Cecily Alistair, the champion of the poor and working classes of London. The Holmes brothers continue to be concerned about Enola's lack of a "proper" upbringing and she continues to evade them by disguising herself as Ivy Meshle, secretary to the nonexistent Dr. Leslie Ragostin. Enola finds that Lady Cecily is being held against her will, at her father's behest, by her two dragon-lady aunts to be married off to her foppish cousin. The girl employs numerous clever disguises, is found detecting by Sherlock, and narrowly escapes with her life. Springer's knowledge of the restraints placed on Victorian women, especially those of the upper classes, is used both for humorous entertainments (a pink tea) and to give authenticity to Enola's determination to remain an independent young lady. Her fans will welcome this latest adventure.-Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Although their own eccentricities are legendary, Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes fully expect their very much younger sister to take on the attributes of the stereotypical Victorian female. She will be schooled in womanly endeavors with an eye to a future as someone's wife-but 14-year-old Enola has ideas of her own. She has already solved several mysteries, donning a variety of disguises in order to encourage clients, get results and elude her brothers (The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets, 2008, etc.). This time she encounters them at every turn and they must finally join forces to solve a truly Victorian kidnapping in which a young woman is held against her will by family members in order to be wed to a particularly odious man. Orphans, secret codes and a missing mother add to the thrill of the chase. Springer's period syntax is spot-on, while remaining accessible to modern readers. It is an almost perfect evocation of that bygone era, and Enola is a plucky, intelligent and altogether delightful character. More please. (Mystery. 9-12)

Praise for Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess:

An Edgar Award Nominee!

* “Enola shows herself to be an intelligent, rational, resourceful, and brave protagonist. Readers will look forward to hearing this heroine’s unique voice again.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

* “This is a terrific package. Springer not only provides two fine mysteries, breathtaking adventure, and key-eyed description, but she also offers a worthy heroine.” —Booklist, starred review

* “A tasty appetizer, with every sign of further courses to come.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Enola’s loneliness, intelligence, sense of humor,and sheer pluck make her an extremely appealing heroine.” —School Library Journal,starred review

The thrill of the chase runs deep in the blood of the Holmes family—mother, daughter Enola, and brothers Sherlock and Mycroft. As Enola embarks on her fourth adventure in Springer's mystery series—rescuing her young friend, Lady Cecily Allister, from an arranged marriage—her sleuthing is fraught with memories of her mother and worry about seeking, or avoiding, her brothers' assistance. Katherine Kellgren brings vitality and spunk to Enola. Kellgren is a forthright, no-nonsense narrator who paces the story with the urgency of Enola's mission. Kellgren’s agility with British voices enlivens the plethora of characters—from hackney driver to orphanage matron to upper-class relatives of the prospective bridegroom. Together Springer and Kellgren give listeners a compelling experience of Victorian England. A.R. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine