The Case of the Missing Marquess

Written by Nancy Springer

Narrated by Katherine Kellgren

A Netflix original movie starring Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, and Helena Bonham Carter!

Meet Enola Holmes, teenaged girl turned detective and the younger sister to Sherlock Holmes.

When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Because when she arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping
of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains, and trying to elude her shrewd older brothers—all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother’s strange disappearance. Amid all the mayhem, will Enola be able to decode the necessary clues and find her mother?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 23, 2008
• ISBN: 9781436144339

Nancy Springer

Nancy Springer is the award-winning author of more than fifty books, including the Enola Holmes and Rowan Hood series and a plethora of novels for all ages, spanning fantasy, mystery, magic realism, and more. She received the James Tiptree, Jr. Award for Larque on the Wing and the Edgar Award for her juvenile mysteries Toughing It and Looking for Jamie Bridger, and she has been nominated for numerous other honors. Springer currently lives in the Florida Panhandle, where she rescues feral cats and enjoys the vibrant wildlife of the wetlands.

Reviews for The Case of the Missing Marquess

[Khaled · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Though it was very different than the movie, it was quite the enjoyable quick read. Definitely gonna continue with the rest of the series??

[Candice Montzinger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

this book was a sweet,thrilling,old school mystery just how i like them.it was fun and exciting and easy to listen to if you know your old English words. For me ,this book was an excellent listen and highly recommend it.

[nickimags · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this first book in the Enola Holmes series, and will definitely be listening to more!

[Louise · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Awesome book. Recommend it, great for young adults. Story a bit different from the Netflix movie thou.

[Melanie Martin · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I am sure the book is alright but the audiobook quality is terrible. Skipped all over the place. Within 5 minutes I was listening to chapter 1 then chapter 10 and then chapter 5. It was super confusing.

[Michael Coffman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Spoiler alert! If you haven’t read this book yet and hate spoilers, don’t read this. If you have, or like spoilers, read on! So, this book starts with a young, freedom-loving fourteen year old girl, Enola, whose mother is the “leave her alone, she’s a disgrace and she can learn on her own” type. Her mother runs away on her 14th birthday and Enola summons her brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock, yes, Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock says that she basically abandoned Enola. After Sherlock leaves, Mycroft says that she must either go to the horror house of her time, boarding school, willingly or be locked in her room until she goes. She uses the opportunity to run away to London because her mother gave her a book of cyphers and a special flower meaning book that is the key. I won’t say any more of the main plot, but because it’s in Victorian times, there are hilarious references to the age such as certain unmentionables as “dress improvers” (bustles) and the horrid torture devices, corsets.

[tardis_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Picked this up in a bookstore, flipped through it and started reading and then I had to buy it. This first adventure of Sherlock Holmes' smarter sister (or maybe not smarter, just differently smart and definitely underestimated) is a fun little book. Enola is a tough cookie whose mother has disappeared and whose two older brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock, estranged from their mother, aren't much help. In fact, they want to send her to boarding school to become a "lady." She rebels and runs away to find her mother, getting sidetracked by the disappearance of a young marquess and finding her purpose in life.

[nzf_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Set during Victorian times and with a mention to the infamous Sherlock Homes, this historical mystery introduces middle school students to Enola Holmes. Enola, Sherlock Holmes' younger 14 year old sister, is an intelligent and independent character, who is not afraid of life. She is strong willed and will not allow others to dictate her life. Readers who love the Victorian Era will enjoy the descriptions of this time period in London. The plot is well written, though reluctant readers, and those who are not interested in historical fiction, might have a difficult time understanding the language of this time period and slow pace of the plot. I would recommend this book to Middle School students who love historical fiction, especial the Victorian Era, and enjoying solving mysteries along with the characters.

[kuzujuk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A short, enjoyable read with a very appealing main character. Enola is the much-younger sister of Mycroft and Sherlock Holmes, and was brought up by their suffragist of a mother in their country home. She and her mother are both rather wild and independent, and when her mother goes missing Enola is determined to find her (even after her brilliant brothers give up), making use of a book of ciphers, the language of flowers, and her Victorian undergarments. Her creative use of her corsets and bustles was perhaps my favourite part of the book.

[foggidawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It hasn't escaped the notice of Enola Holmes that her first name spelled backwards is "Alone." As the much younger daughter of the great Sherlock Holmes, Enola has grown up on the run-down family estate in the care of her eccentric mother, left often to her own devices. When her mother disappears, Enola sends for Sherlock and Mycroft, hoping that they will be able to solve the mystery of their mother's disappearance. Sherlock soon returns to London, promising to work on locating their mother, but not giving Enola much hope. Mycroft, bemoaning the condition of the estate and Enola's breeding and education (or lack thereof), determines to send Enola off to boarding school -- whereupon Enola runs away and sets out on her own to solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance. On the way to London, Enola stumbles upon another mysterious disappearance, and she just can't help but get involved. Perhaps a talent for detection runs in the family . . .While I am not as much of a Sherlock Holmes aficionado as some I could mention, I did think this book was fairly well done. I liked the way Enola chose methods of escape and disguise that she felt Sherlock would not expect, and used the trimmings and trappings of a "proper young lady" to her advantage. The author obviously did her homework on the period, but she incorporated period details into the story seamlessly, without info-dumping.I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the fabulous Katherine Kellgren. I first discovered her work by listening to the Bloody Jack series, which I have mentioned before on this year's threads. Kellgren does a great job of differentiating her characters, and really has a feel for light historical fiction such as this. I'll certainly be listening to more books in this series in the future.

[sschreur-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A brash, clever heroine who uses Victorian rules and mores regarding women to her own advantage. The book will appeal to both boys and girls, and there are clever mysteries and ciphers throughout the whole novel that readers will have a fun time solving. Promising beginning to a wonderful series that is well-researched and fun.

[bookmaven2msk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good story, girl fiction. Would recomend

[viviandoughty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an immediately engaging book. Paints very visual scenes for the reader. We learn from the beginning that Enola's name in reverse means alone, an indicator of what her 14-year old life is like as she adventures into her life of mystery solving. I couldn't put this book down. It is such a well-written tale, engaging the reader into the fine art of solving a mystery. I will definitely order more in the series for my school's library.

[Hildy Jackson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An interesting addition to the Holmes family. Read the books before viewing the Netflix series.

[rachelick · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes, is left to fend for herself when her mother runs away. Enola manages fairly well, staying far away from her well-meaning brothers who want to lock her up by running away to London. She sets up shop there as a private investigator. Springer brings out the darker side of the Victorian world for women while still drawing the reader into Enola's adventures. Although feminist currents overpower the story at times, the book (and series) is entertaining.

[patriciauttaro · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I confess. I love Sherlock Holmes. I grew up reading the Conan Doyle stories, and as an adult reader, I have found great enjoyment...and some disappointment...in the ways other authors have decided to write about the great detective. Of all the Holmes treatments out there, I have to say that Laurie King's Mary Russell series is far and away my favorite, although Carol Nelson Douglas runs a close second with her Irene Adler series. Even so, I almost always pick up any new book that has Sherlock as a character. And so, it was with great delight that I found Nancy Springer's The Case of the Missing Marquess, which introduces a lovely new character -- Enola Holmes, much younger sister of the Great Detective.The story opens with Enola pondering the backwards meaning of her name -- alone -- as she waits for her mother to return to their home. Mum never shows up, and Enola is at first angry because it is, after all, her birthday; but then when Mum is still missing the following day, Enola becomes frightened. After a fruitless search of the rain-soaked grounds, Enola reluctantly sends to London for her two much older brothers...Sherlock and Mycroft. Once they arrive, Enola slowly learns more about the rift between her mother and brothers, and gradually loses hope that the men will find her mother. Enola also learns more about her mother, and even more about the way women are expected to behave in polite society. She rebels against Mycroft's attempts to "civilize" her, and ditches the whole family while she in enroute to boarding school. In usual Holmesian fashion, Enola then gets caught up in the disappearance of the wealthy son of a Duke. Her adventures are plenty fun and well worthy of the Holmes moniker.I was particularly struck by the cleverness of the female characters here, and Enola herself says at the end that she has discovered a whole world of feminine secrets that her brother Sherlock, no matter how brilliant his mind, will never penetrate. She uses those secrets to communicate with her mother, who, like Enola, freed herself from the confines of polite society and has chosen to spend the rest of her days roaming the countryside with Gypsies, "blooming in the sun." I liked this story, and really liked Enola. It's a short book, and is intended for a younger audience, say 12 and up. Holmes fans will definitely want to become acquainted with this newest member of the family.

[purlewe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

a YA take on Sherlock Holmes.. or more specifically his sister Enola. What if Sherlock and Mycroft had a much younger sister. One who is as smart as they are, but due to Victorian sensibilities is considered the "weaker" sex? And what if Enola's mum disappeared on her 14th birthday. She'd have to call her brothers to help her.. only they want to shove her off to boarding school. Any smart young woman would do what Enola does.. and runs off.

A fun tale with a smart female heroine. Set up with enough Victorian and Sherlockian sensibilities for those who enjoy them. I will go out of my way to read the next slim volume.

[queenoftheshelf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Life for a 14-year-old in the Victorian English countryside is rather boring for Enola Holmes, the much younger and unexpected sister of Sherlock Holmes, that is until her Mother disappears under the most curious circumstances. Enola wrestles with the mystery of the disappearance, while also dealing with her role as a young woman of society in a changing world, and gets caught up in the kidnapping of another boy her own age. The mystery in this first book is not very engaging, but it does leave ample room to set the scene for Enola's future adventures. It also provides a fascinating view into the social structure and proper etiquette of Victorian England, as well as giving a glimpse into the seedy underbelly of London (a la Charles Dickens, but not as dark). A perfect introduction, it would leave readers aged 9-11 wanting for more.

[inky_fingers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not my thing, but certainly well written and very true to period, which I appreciate because it shows how much the writer cares about the reader in trying to make the world real for them.

[mayaspector · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When her mother disappears on her 14 th birthday, Enola Holmes faces drastic upheaval in her 14-year-old life. Her stuffy and proper much older brother decides to put her into restricting corsets and a boarding school that will turn her into a young lady. But Enola, finding a book of ciphers her mother has left her, refuses that course, and takes off to find her mother. She prefers to follow in the footsteps of her famous other brother, Sherlock, and attempt to solve the mystery of her mother's disappearance, even in the face of her brother's failure to crack the case. On the way, she not only outwits her brothers, but gets involved in solving another mystery – that of a missing young boy, the Marquess of Basilwether. Clearly the first of a series, this new mystery will surely make fans of young readers.

[sarah1e · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was disappointed by this book. Despite great promise and originality, it just fell short of my expectations. Enola is fourteen, unrefined, uneducated, not exceptionally intelligent or intuitive, lives on a dilapidated country estate, and was born shamefully late in her mother's life. Her mother goes missing, and Enola sends for her brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. After they arrive, Enola starts following a set of clues to find her mother, eventually running away herself. She is swept into another missing persons case, which takes her to the wrong side of London and too close to her older brothers. She narrowly escapes from directly under Sherlock's nose to a cliffhanger ending and the promise of a sequel.Such promise, and it may have lived up to what I expected were it not for glaring inconsistencies, dropped storylines, and a contrived, rushed plot. The book should have been longer, especially to give more attention to the ciphers. Once something like ciphers and the language of flowers have been introduced, readers will want to learn more and to be involved in solving or writing them. There is some opportunity for that in the book, but room for much more. I will read the next one to see how much it improves on this. The premise is so good; it’s a shame if the presentation doesn’t hold up.

[sriemann_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Totally loved it. Zipped through most of it yesterday as a treat to myself, and finished today when I got home from work. The details Springer chooses to include really help illuminate the class structure of the time and how women were treated, but without banging one over the head with it.
Definitely want to read the next books.

[jfoster_sf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First book in a series all about Sherlock Holmes' younger sister, Enola. Wished they were a little bit longer, but still loved it and will be looking for more. I especially liked trying to solve the clues and riddles alongside the character=)

[bduke_15 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the first of what looks to be a charming series about the 14 year old sister of Sherlock Holmes. It really had the feel of a Sherlock Holmes mystery - very Victorian - you could almost see the gaslight lamps. Enola is a young, female version of her much older brother, although no one recognizes that. In fact, Sherlock keeps mentioning to Mycroft that she has a small cranium and they shouldn't expect too much out of her. But Enola just quietly strikes out on her own and proves to be very intelligent and resourceful. A fun, quick read, but probably not for reluctant readers because the reading level is 6.6 and it starts out just a little slowly.

[jamespurcell · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good concept and major character but sketchy plot and execution. Will check next in series for hopefully substantial improvement.

[totallytea · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is an interesting series by Nancy Springer. I've read several Enola Holmes books after coming across one in the Juvenile Section of the library where I work. I like the Sherlock Holmes conneciton, but do wonder if the books may belong in our Teen Section. The series often deals with some pretty adult topics.

[hoosgracie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While short, this was a very satisfying title. Enola Holmes is the younger sister of Sherlock. She has led a very sheltered life in Victorian England and longs for adventure. When her mother goes missing, her much older brothers (Mycroft is the other) come to help and Mycroft decides that Enola must go to boarding schoo, much to her dismay. When she runs away from home, she becomes embroiled in the mystery of the missing 12 year old Marquess.Throughouly satisfying. Brings the Victorian era and it's stuffy ways to life. I can't wait for Enola's next outing. The audio was especially good as the reader, Katherine Kellgren had the perfect voice for the mood of the story.

[elizajane_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enola Holmes is the much younger sister of the famous Sherlock Holmes. She wakes up one morning to find that her mother has disappeared and as she searches for his missing mother she finds herself in the middle of the kidnapping of a young marquess. This is a fun, light read with an enjoyable story. My main problem with the book was the main character who was just not believable for me. She felt like a modern girl who had been plopped down in Victorian times. Her attitude and behaviour did not come across as a product of the time. But still, a cute story.

[abbylibrarian_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This mystery was recommended to me on Twitter and I finally picked it up (it's been recommended to me before). It's fast-paced, with a strong sense of place and time. It'll appeal to fans of Sherlock Holmes and it features a strong female protagonist trying to make her way in a man's world. Readalikes: I'd recommend The Puzzling World of Winston Breen for kids who like the ciphers contained in the book. Obviously, Sherlock Holmes or the Sherlock Holmes graphic novels would be great choices for readalikes. For older tweens and teens who like the setting and spunky female character, I'd recommend the Jacky Faber series and Gail Carriger's new book Etiquette and Espionage.

[thelibraryhag · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enola Holmes, sister of Mycroft and Sherlock, is a free spirit. When her also free-spirited mother disappears, Enola balks at her brothers' plans to civilize her and plots an escape to London. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I think many young girls would too. It seems more like a Tween book to me and I would not hesitate to recommend it for the 11 - 13 set. I really had to suspend belief on this one to accept that a 14 year old girl could manage what Enola does, but I guess that is part of the fun.I am interested to see how she fairs in the next book.