Module 9: (October 18-24)Springer, N. (2006). The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Summary: In this first book of the Enola Holmes mystery series, we meet young Enola Holmes (the much younger sister of Sherlock), as she tries to solve the mystery of her own mother’s disappearance. Her mother, a burgeoning suffragette of the time taught Enola to be independent, and much to the shock of her elder brothers, a she is now a rather “unladylike” young lady. Faced with a “proper” boarding school, Enola sets out on her own just like her mother before her and creates a life for herself in the crime-riddled Victorian London. Luckily, she has inherited her brother’s skill at detective work and deductive reasoning!
My Impressions: I am not much of a mystery reader usually, but I have always loved historical fiction so this series seemed like a good foray into the mystery genre for me. I love Enola’s spunk and intelligence, but if Sherlock is actually as bossy as he sounds in this book, I think I can skip the Doyle originals! Enola has just the right mix of historical detail, intriguing plot, and well-drawn characters to keep me invested in the story. One day (in my spare time, ha!), I intend to continue reading this series.
Reviews: Nancy Springer has fashioned a courageous, intelligent, resourceful, and utterly unforgettable heroine for this enticing series…. All of the stories are well-plotted, fraught with danger and suspense, and peopled with intriguing characters....Enola is a fully realized character with a convincing and thoroughly entertaining narrative voice. Slightly self-deprecating and always honest, the first-person telling percolates with a winning blend of insight, naiveté, humor, and dazzling moments of self-discovery....Starring a strong, take-charge female heroine, Springer’s books provide a clever twist on the Sherlock oeuvre. Though just as intelligent, daring, and driven as her celebrated older brother—and as willing to jump into the fray—Enola also has an awareness of the intricacies of the secret world of women, and thus possesses knowledge beyond his ken....Her character continues to grow and mature through the various installments of the series, and the combination of self-discovery and whodunit will keep readers returning for more.—School Library Journal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6712719.html
Library Use: Enola might be a great introduction for young readers for this type of detective mystery, including the Doyle originals. There are actually numerous juvenile series doing “re-imagined” Holmes stories, or even showing him as a young teen, as he first began to solve crimes. You could probably create a nice list of these series for young readers. Another idea might be to have a “mystery night” program for teens or middle schoolers, where they could talk about mysteries they like, and perhaps solve a mystery or two posed by the librarian. They could also play the murder mystery game “Mafia” where two “detectives” have to figure out who is “murdering” the other “participants” using clues and asking questions.
Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Marquess-Holmes-Mystery/dp/B000TWIPDI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290838004&sr=1-7
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