Module 9: Mystery

The Case of the Missing Marquess is the first book in the Enola Holmes Mystery series written by Nancy Springer. This book introduces the Enola Holmes, the much younger sister of the famous detective Sherlock. Enola is odd for a girl in her time; she is taught primarily by her mother, shows dislike for conventional female expectations, and is fiercely independent. When Enola's mother goes missing, Enola seems to be the only one concerned. She decides to solve the mystery on her own and proceeds to run away to London in order to get away from the pressures of her older brothers.

Springer, N. (2006). The case of the missing marquess. New York: Penguin.

Picture Credit: http://bookyurt.com/scouting/book-reviews/the-enola-holmes-mysteries-series-review/


Impressions:
I was a little hesitant about this book at first, although the premise was intriguing--as was the cover--I felt slightly concerned that I wouldn't find the book interesting. I've never read any of the original Sherlock Holmes books and I wasn't sure how closely this series would be tied to the original books. Fortunately, however, this book was enjoyable and made just as much sense on it's own. Enloa is a terrifically strong female character; she is independent but not to the point that her strength is unbelievable. She is worried about life on her own and has moments of self-doubt. This makes her more realistic and provides a character that readers can identify with.

Reviews:

“In what is hopefully the start of an exciting new series, Missing Marquess features the intriguing, much younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Enola was a late-life baby, causing something of a scandal in society. Her rather vague mother is a 64-year-old widow who disappears on Enola's 14th birthday. It takes the girl a short time to realize that her mother left her some ciphers that indicate why she went away and how she is faring. The teen reluctantly enlists the services of her adult brothers, who quickly determine that Lady Holmes has been padding the household accounts for years. When they decide that their sister belongs at a boarding school, Enola escapes and heads for London dressed as a widow. There she is able to solve a mystery involving the disappearance of young Viscount Tewksbury. She decides to stay in the city, adopting a number of disguises, and become a "Perditorian," or finder of lost things or people. Springer focuses a great deal on the restrictions placed on Victorian females by showing how unusual Enola's bravery and common sense are, even as she often struggles with conventional reactions. She wants her brothers' affection, or indeed anyone's, but knows that a socially accepted life will strictly limit her freedom and learning. Enola's loneliness, intelligence, sense of humor, and sheer pluck make her an extremely appealing heroine who hopefully will one day find the affection for which she so desperately longs.”—Gray, A. (2006). No title. [Review for the book The Case of the Missing Marquess by N. Springer]. School Library Journal. Review for Bowker’s Books in Print.

Suggestions:
This book will work as an excellent introduction to more classical literature. If students enjoy the old fashioned mystery of Enola Holmes' case, then they might also enjoy Arthur Conan Doyle's original work. It might also be fun for the library to host a mystery night, perhaps something similar to a mystery dinner theater, where patrons get to work on a mystery set up by the librarians.