A freshly dog-eared review
Enola Holmes Books: Sherlock’s Spunky Little Sister Solves Crimes, Possibly Outshines Bro
Move over, Sherlock. Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes series gives us a heroine with wit, charm, and an uncanny ability to solve mysteries—all while dodging Victorian corsets and patriarchal nonsense. But does she live up to the Holmes name, or is she just a YA cash grab? Let’s investigate.
Quick Review:
Enola Holmes is the teenage feminist twist the Holmes canon didn’t know it needed. Nancy Springer’s series is smart, engaging, and delightfully rebellious, with Enola outwitting her older brother while navigating the gritty streets of Victorian London. It’s perfect for fans of YA mysteries, historical fiction, or anyone who’s ever thought, “Sherlock’s great, but what if he had a cooler sister?”
The Setup: Who Is Enola Holmes?
Enola (which, yes, spells alone backward—thanks for the subtlety, Springer) is the much-younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. When her mother mysteriously disappears, 14-year-old Enola defies her brothers’ attempts to shove her into finishing school and embarks on a series of adventures as an undercover detective.
Armed with her wits, a killer disguise game, and a deep disdain for Victorian expectations of women, Enola proves she’s every bit as brilliant as her brother—if not more so.
The Series at a Glance
- The Case of the Missing Marquess
The first book introduces Enola and her quest to find her missing mother while also solving the disappearance of a young marquess. It’s a fast-paced start with plenty of clever twists and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry. - The Case of the Left-Handed Lady
Enola disguises herself as a scientific assistant (because of course she does) to investigate the disappearance of a spirited young woman. Expect feminist undertones and a deep dive into Victorian gender roles. - The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets
When Dr. Watson goes missing, Enola takes center stage, piecing together a mystery involving bizarre flower arrangements and hidden clues. This one feels the most connected to the traditional Holmes stories. - The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan
A folding fan leads Enola into the heart of a socialite’s kidnapping—and more clashes with her overbearing brothers. Bonus points for the clever use of coded messages. - The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline
Enola’s landlady is kidnapped, dragging her into a mystery involving spies, messages hidden in crinolines (Victorian fashion at its best), and a touch of international intrigue. - The Case of the Gypsy Goodbye
The final book wraps up Enola’s story, with family reconciliations, a dramatic showdown, and a satisfying conclusion to her mother’s disappearance.
Why Enola Stands Out
- A Feminist Twist:
Enola is everything Victorian women weren’t supposed to be: independent, resourceful, and fiercely intelligent. Springer doesn’t shy away from critiquing the rigid gender roles of the era, making this series as much about rebellion as it is about solving crimes. - Accessible Mysteries:
Unlike the dense, jargon-filled cases of Sherlock Holmes, Enola’s mysteries are straightforward and fast-paced, making them perfect for younger readers or anyone who doesn’t want to Google obscure Victorian references. - Sibling Rivalry with a Side of Snark:
Enola’s relationship with Sherlock and Mycroft is one of the highlights of the series. While they’re busy underestimating her, she’s busy outsmarting them—and it’s immensely satisfying to watch.
The Netflix Effect: Enola Goes Hollywood
The Netflix adaptation, starring Millie Bobby Brown as Enola and Henry Cavill as Sherlock, brought Springer’s books to a global audience.
What They Got Right:
- Enola’s wit and charm translate beautifully to the screen, thanks to Brown’s energetic performance.
- The costumes and settings are lush, capturing the grit and glamour of Victorian London.
- Cavill’s softer, more approachable Sherlock adds a refreshing dynamic to the sibling rivalry.
What They Changed:
- The Netflix version amps up the action and romance, giving Enola a love interest (hello, Lord Tewksbury) and turning the series into more of a blockbuster than a quiet mystery.
- The plots diverge significantly from the books, but the spirit of Enola remains intact.
Why Some Fans Have Mixed Feelings
- Too YA for Hardcore Holmes Fans:
Sherlock purists might find the series too lighthearted or simplistic compared to Conan Doyle’s original stories. - The Netflix Glow-Up:
The film’s glossy production values and swoony romance might feel out of place for fans who loved the grittier, more subdued tone of the books. - Sherlock Isn’t the Star:
For those who prefer the cold, calculating detective, Enola’s emotional, rebellious nature might be a bit jarring.
Similar Books to Check Out
- The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency by Jordan Stratford: A series about two young Victorian girls solving mysteries while rewriting history.
- Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas: A gender-flipped, adult take on the Sherlock Holmes canon with Charlotte Holmes as the lead detective.
- Flavia de Luce Mysteries by Alan Bradley: For fans of precocious young detectives, this series about an 11-year-old chemist solving murders in post-WWII England is a must-read.
Final Thoughts
The Enola Holmes series is a refreshing take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, giving readers a heroine who’s just as clever and tenacious as her famous brother—if not more so. It’s fun, fast-paced, and laced with just enough feminist fire to make it feel modern despite its historical setting.
Whether you’re a die-hard Sherlock fan or just looking for a smart, engaging mystery series, Enola Holmes is worth your time. Just don’t tell Sherlock she’s better at this than he is—he’d never recover.
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