Who was totally captivated by the Netflix show, “Enola Holmes” and now needs to read the series? Because that’s me! So when I saw this blog tour opportunity, I knew I had to jump on it! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Enola Holmes is the much younger sister of her more famous brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft. But she has all the wits, skills, and sleuthing inclinations of them both. At fifteen, she’s an independent young woman–after all, her name spelled backwards reads ‘alone’–and living on her own in London. When a young professional woman, Miss Letitia Glover, shows up on Sherlock’s doorstep, desperate to learn more about the fate of her twin sister, it is Enola who steps up. It seems her sister, the former Felicity Glover, married the Earl of Dunhench and per a curt note from the Earl, has died. But Letitia Glover is convinced this isn’t the truth, that she’d know–she’d feel–if her twin had died.
The Earl’s note is suspiciously vague and the death certificate is even more dubious, signed it seems by a John H. Watson, M.D. (who denies any knowledge of such). The only way forward is for Enola to go undercover–or so Enola decides at the vehement objection of her brother. And she soon finds out that this is not the first of the Earl’s wives to die suddenly and vaguely–and that the secret to the fate of the missing Felicity is tied to a mysterious black barouche that arrived at the Earl’s home in the middle of the night. To uncover the secrets held tightly within the Earl’s hall, Enola is going to require help–from Sherlock, from the twin sister of the missing woman, and from an old friend, the young Viscount Tewkesbury, Marquess of Basilwether!
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche is a fast paced and entertaining mystery. For me it was so refreshing to be not only back in the mystery land, but also with a Holmes book. There’s something about this Victorian setting mixed with the fashion, tasty treats, and language that feels like my comfort zone. This one is perfect for younger YA readers, long time fans, and new ones coming from the Netflix show. Enola Holmes is a quick witted heroine who I love following.
She’s independent and thriving. Looking for purpose, I’m so excited to see this one on Netflix – maybe? There’s a special joy I had while imagining the actors speaking the lines and it made the whole book come alive in my head. Enola Holmes and the Black Barouche keeps you reading because of the intrigue. There’s a great balance of crime, talk about dresses, and sweet brother and sister moments. It’s an absorbing and fast paced read which honors so many conventions of the mystery genre and elements I loved from the show.
Find the book on all retail platforms here and on Goodreads!
About the Author
NANCY SPRINGER is the author of the nationally bestselling Enola Holmes novels, including The Case of the Missing Marquess, which was made into the hit Netflix movie, Enola Holmes. She is the author of more than 50 other books for children and adults. She has won many awards, including two Edgar Awards, and has been published in more than thirty countries. She lives in Florida.
Twitter: @NancySpringer