The Case of the Missing Marquess- Nancy Springer
I rarely set aside a book unfinished (and, no, it wasn’t the above title.) The one I just couldn’t go back to is called A Step From Heaven by An Na. I’m sure the theme of an immigrant to the United States from Korea is a most worthy one. Na writes in the voice of young Young Ju and you can trace the voice changing as the protagonist grows older. But it just did not have any drawing power for me. So I picked up another one, The Case of the Missing Marquess, an Enola Holmes mystery, and was drawn right in. I believe this would appeal to many of our girls who are enjoying the Lady Grace mysteries, as the time period is somewhat similar. Springer does a masterful job of invoking the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian England. For me, it brought to mind the writings of Anne Perry, an adult Victorian author whose mysteries I sometimes enjoy.
Enola Holmes lives with her somewhat eccentric and definitely free-thinking and often absent-minded mother, Enola has often felt very much like an afterthought having been born much later than her older brothers, Sherlock and Mycroft. Only when her mother disappears do the older brothers arrive and take charge. When they discover the state of affairs, they make plans to pack Enola off to boarding school. Bereft of all she holds dear, she disguises herself and runs away to try to discover her mother’s whereabouts and the reason for her leaving. Arriving in London, she becomes embroiled in the possible kidnapping of a young marquess and becomes prey to the seedier side of London’s inhabitants. Altogether, I found this to be action-packed, quaint without being absurd, and a celebration of the individuality of a young woman at a time when it was rarely appreciated. This would be a great read for children from grade 5 through 8; and possibly might capture some of our younger high school readers as well.
I am pleased to see that there are already several more titles in this series and will be happily recommending these to my students. They might also be a nice companion to Shane Peacock’s Eye of the Crow- a young Sherlock Holmes mystery, nominated for this year’s Snow Willow award.
Historical Fiction, Middle Years, Mystery, YA | Comments (3)3 Responses to “The Case of the Missing Marquess- Nancy Springer”
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Jane, I would love to be able to comment on the books you are reading but I can’t keep up to you! Thank you for providing those of us who are wise enough to read your blog with such excellent commentaries on the many books you read. Reading your comments is as entertaining as reading the books. I want to assure you that you do not do this for naught.
Thank you so much, Florence. I admit that gives me a bit of a boost. I do love to read as you know and glad if these entries can be helpful in even a small way.
I just finished the second Enola Holmes mystery entitled “The Case of the Left-Handed Lady”. It too is a delightful read as Jane so eloquently said and a great combination of historical fiction and mystery. I will definitely recommend this series to my students. I also agree with Florence’s comments! Thank you Jane!