School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-9-In this excellent conclusion (Philomel, 2010) to Nancy Springer's mystery series, 14-year-old Enola finds herself searching for a society matron, the lovely Lady Blanchefleur, in Victorian London. The mystery is well thought out, with one clue and insight smoothly leading to another. As Enola continues on her quest, she begins to come to terms with her missing mother and her two older brothers-the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and the stern Mycroft. Katherine Kellgren's narration is spot-on and her pacing is excellent. She gives each character a distinctive voice and personality, and Enola shines as a bright, creative, and independent teen. Listeners will relish the final installment of this fine series.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
It's been one year and five books since Enola Holmes ran away from home after the mysterious disappearance of her mother. Since then she has contacted her mother through coded messages; managed to avoid her brothers Sherlock (yes, that Sherlock) and Mycroft Holmes, who want to pack her off to finishing school; and in a Remington Steele-like business (with Enola pretending to be the assistant to the fabricated Dr. Ragostin) established herself as a professional, logical "scientific perditorian," or finder of lost loved ones. In this concluding book in the series, Enola, true to her previous adventures, uncovers multiple social injustices lurking beneath the pomp of Victorian England. First, there's the matter of her mother, an independent woman trying to find her place in a world that dismisses the weaker sex. Second, there's the disappearance of Lady Blanchefleur, a lovely society matron who pays a high price for her envied figure. Third, there's Enola's personal problem: how to convince Sherlock and Mycroft that she doesn't need their protection. Enola, the quintessential spunky heroine, navigates the historical setting with the pluck of Nancy Drew but within the constraints of her upbringing. In contrast to other volumes, Springer takes time with her conclusion, letting this final series installment play out well and wrap up loose ends. From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* The series that features Enola Holmes, the (much) younger sister of Sherlock, continues to be flat-out among the best mysteries being written for young people today. Not only are the mysteries sharp attention holders but the conclusions are well thought out, with i's dotted and t's crossed in true Holmesian fashion. But now it appears readers will have to say adieu to Enola in what looks to be the final book. Here Enola, about to turn 15, takes on two mysteries. She must discover the whereabouts of a lovely duchess who disappeared down the Baker Street Subway station. But, more importantly, Enola receives a curious message from her mother, who deserted her a year ago. Now Enola learns her fate. Springer has always neatly inserted social messages into this series. They come to the forefront once again, set against evocative details of Victorian London. Solid adventure meshes with the personal longings of a girl estranged from her brothers and longing for her mum. Flap copy says this is the last book, but Sherlock ends it by telling his sister, I cannot wait to see what on Earth you will do next. Us too.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2010 Booklist
