The Case of the Missing Marquess (Enola Holmes Mysteries #1)

I read this book to preview before putting in my class library and it did not disappoint! Several of my sixth graders have read it now and insisted I add the rest.

Enola Holmes is a very engaging character and those who are familiar with Sherlock Holmes may be concerned that the story would be hokey and formulaic and depend too much on its inspiration, but Enola is a character in her own right and the Sherlock mythos is just enough to add overall atmosphere to the story. The plot moves very fast especially at the end-and it wraps up neatly, but that is perfect for my middle grade readers.

What I liked best about the story was the character of Enola. She wasn’t an automatic genius, but she was clearly smart and depended more on her own grit and attitude than anything else which I feel makes her a great example character. Overall, I enjoyed the book and my students have as well.

Reader reviewed by mimagirl

When I picked up this book, it sounded like something that would be slightly flakey and formulaic. After all, the heroine is Sherlock Holmes's much younger sister! However I was gladly mistaken. The author's style of writing grabbed me from the first page and I zoomed through the book, hardly able to set it down!

When Mrs. Holmes disappears without a trace or even saying goodbye, it is up to daughter Enola to uncover the sultry clues her mother left her and piece them together using skills her "logical" brother Sherlock Holmes would never think of using. Her adventures eventually take her to London where she finally discovers where her place is in the world. The journey along the way is full of interesting characters, disguises and kidnapping. Fast-paced and well-written, the only thing I found disappointing in this book was the main character's belief in Science and chance rather than God.