I’ve always enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes and now, Enola Holmes, books. Lady Cecily returns in this book and Enola is on a mission to keep her safe from her father, who has taken her captive. Her brother, Sherlock, becomes involved when Lady Cecily goes missing.

This book is very easy to read and moves through the story effortlessly. It’s more action-packed than a mystery. I do wish there was more of a mystery aspect to it but, still an enjoyable read

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the newest Enola Holmes before publication!

The latest in the Enola Holmes book series (which differs, it seems, from the film-based books). It's not a mystery exactly, but instead something more like an action and adventure story. Familiarity with the original book series would be beneficial and those only familiar with the Netflix adaptation will likely be perplexed by several plot points (including the death of Enola's mother).

This review is based on an ARC received from the publisher and NetGalley.  I've enjoyed the Enola series so far, and I tend to enjoy middle grade novels featuring Victorian protagonists trying to outwit adults while they solve mysteries.  The earlier books in the series had Enola trying to solve mysteries and establish herself as a Scientific Perditorian while eluding her brothers and trying to manage living on her own.  Since this book takes place after she has reconciled with her brothers, one of the elements of danger has been removed and it made the story seem like there was less at stake.  Previously, she would have to methodically disguise herself and plan her actions to avoid getting caught.  She still has disguises, but it's a much smaller part of the story.  I think the story also suffered from the fact that there wasn't really a mystery to solve; the story was more of a plan of action on how to help someone.

A plus for this story was that it brought back Cecily, a tightly controlled artistic girl that Enola has helped before and sort of befriended.  At the start of the story, I entertained some hope that she and Enola would become roommates and have adventures together, but Cecily was largely damsel-fied again and needed to be rescued (for the 3rd time), although she did recover some of her agency.

One of the recurring themes in the series is that Enola is always alone, although now that she has reconciled with her brothers and is making friends, it seems like the story is going out of its way to have her continue to be alone.  This seems like a missed opportunity, since I think showing Enola's growth would be more compelling than just retreading the same plot point over and over.  That said, it was still an enjoyable book to read.  Enola is still a good character, and the banter between her and Sherlock was fun.  If there is another sequel, I'll read it, but I would hope that it moves the story in a new direction.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the newest Enola Holmes before publication!

Enola Holmes is back! She has recently gained her independence from her brothers. While Enola spends her time at her Women's Club and University, she discovers her best friend Cecily (The Case of the Left Handed Lady) is living a different life. Rumor has it that Cecily is a prisoner in her father's house. When Enola tries to speak with Cecily, she accidentally helps her escape! Follow along as Enola works to help her friend regain her freedom, not only from her father, but her own mind.

I'm so glad there is another Enola Holmes novel! I really enjoyed the original six. I feel this one fits in well with the rest of the series, although it's not my favorite. The pace feels uneven. I feel like there should be a deeper dive into Cecily's dual personality, although that may be in the previous book featuring Cecily. It's been years since I've read that novel, so I'm not sure. I am looking forward to more adventures with Enola Holmes!

In this second book in the second Enola Holmes series, Enola once again meets the left-handed lady Cecily Alistaire.

The title of the Elegant Escapade is apt, as this story is less of a mystery and more of an adventure.

Enola enjoys her new life of freedom, and in being free to be herself, she has grown closer to her older brother Sherlock. In fact, the only real growth Enola goes through is relearning not to rely on her brother for help.

Ironically, the character who has the most growth is Sherlock Holmes. His character feels very true to the original ACD version, but over the course of the story, he grows to not only respect Enola as her own person but also as an equal.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this advanced reader copy. The above review is my honest opinion of the provided work.*

Oh, Enola.

We are back with improbable and zany adventures, described in self-aware, winking detail while horribly overusing a thesaurus. We are ALSO back with Enola's ever-evolving relationship with Sherlock. Overall, it's a fun time and more of exactly what you would expect.

We are again re-treading old ground, with the return of Lady Cecily. It does seem like Enola spends less time getting up disguises, codes, and elaborate plans and more time charging about wildly. Also to no one's surprise, the big issue here is a distinct lack of realism in the wrap-up.

Still an enjoyable read, and I continue to be delighted every time Enola interacts with Sherlock.

Another most excellent adventure as Enola saves The Girl. I loved it so much the first time through, I read it all at once and then immediately read it again!

I had read the first several books in this series, and thoroughly enjoyed them. I meant to read the succeeding ones, but other reading got in the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Enola adventure. The plot was well thought out, the characters, while maybe not always believable, were cleverly detailed. I especially enjoy all the details of life in this time and place.

In this installment of the chronicles of Enola Holmes, she attempts to save her friend Lady Cecily from her father, who has taken her captive in a world where women have no rights of their own at all. Although her brother, Sherlock, becomes involved, it is Enola who is the brains behind the escapade that includes secret codes and disguises.

Another great book in the Enola Holmes series, and I think that Enola is proving to be a better detective than her brother Sherlock and I'm here for it.

Nancy Springer's Enola never fails to put a smile on my face! This next installment of a well-loved series is simple and enjoyable. Enola's hijinks are positively thrilling and her wit is hilarious. In a world with so many retellings and reiterations of Sherlock and Mycroft, it's so refreshing to read a clever story about the forgotten Holmes sibling. Yet, more than that, it's nice to read stories about women making their way in the world despite adversity and expectations, and figuring out who they are meant to be—four stars for another installment for a well-loved character.

Enola Holmes' life is going swimmingly since she convinced her older brothers Sherlock and Mycroft to allow her independence. Part of the deal was that she pause her detective work. However, when her best friend Lady Cecily Alistair falls victim to her brutish father for a third time, Enola cannot stand idly by. Her attempts to rescue Cecily and keep her free are complicated by two facts: 1) Abuse has caused spunky Cecily to develop a meek alternate personality. 2) Sherlock has been hired to track her down. There isn't really a mystery, which is disappointing.

As always, I had a fun time getting back in Enola’s head and voice. I loved the teamwork of Enola and Sherlock in this one especially. This series is just the right amount of fun and mystery and continues to deliver.

Although, I was expecting a bit more from the plot, as it felt a bit lackluster compared the most recent Enola Holmes story, The Black Barouche.

Overall, this is a fun story with a witty and unique voice and interesting mystery!

Thank you netgalley for the arc!

Enola is one of my favorite characters. So fun and cute. I really enjoyed this newest book in the series. Thought it was entertaining. Would recommend.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade was such a cute book. Or maybe cute isn't the right word to describe it? It's just how I feel right now. Mosty because there's just something about Enola that makes me smile. I love how independent and strong she is. I also really enjoyed the sibling bantering between her and Sherlock.

As for the overall mystery? Well, it doesn't shock me that Cecily was somehow involved. If I were in her shoes, I would probably run away as well. Then again, I'm not being forced to marry a cousin. So, we are off on a mystery quest to find a girl who has disappeared, Lady Cecily.

Honestly, everything happens pretty quickly. I liked how Enola and Sherlock sort of tag-teamed this. He sat back and watched her figure out the case but stepped in when she needed help. Like with Cecily's horrible father.

In the end, this definitely got me excited for the upcoming Enola movie. I also can't wait for her to work on another case with Sherlock. I definitely need more sibling banter between them. I'm also wondering if we are going to see Mycroft in the next one?

I continue to be amazed and amused by the youngest sibling of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes. Needing no protection or help in the art of detection from her older and more experienced brothers, Enola focuses on the social world of the day. Enola uses charm as well as some of her brother’s skill for makeup, acting, and impersonation to find out what she wants. Now living in a women only residential club, Enola is ready and able to push the social rules of her day to the edge.

In this story, Enola finds herself on the opposite side of a case from her brother Sherlock. The situation is that a very good friend of Enola’s, Cecily Alistair has been missing from social circles of late. People are beginning to wonder and Enola decides to check into things. Learning that Cecily and her mother have both been locked in their rooms by Sir Eustace Alistair, Cecily’s father, Enola takes it upon herself to investigate. Thing become complicated when Enola manages to assist in Cecily’s escape. Now she discovers that Sherlock has been hired to find Cecily and return her to the care of her father—something Enola wants to avoid at all costs.

What separates this book from the category of a young adult mystery is the extreme care that the author takes to build an authentic world of the 1880’s through her choices of vocabulary and setting. She also has the uncanny ability to take the reader into the mind of Enola Holmes and see the world through her eyes as real.

I loved this book and highly recommend it to any reader! I am grateful for NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for granting the privilege of reading this wonderful book, asking only for my free and honest review.

Enola just has my heart, and returning to her world was a comfort. Honestly, I think I'm a little biased because I went into this expecting five stars and I don't end up reading it very critically and I give it five stars at the end. I just really enjoy reading these books—they are relaxing and fun and I'm not asking for anything else from them.

We get some previous characters returning in this story—mainly Enola's friend Cecily. I believe this is the third story with Cecily, and Enola helping her out of some dilemma. Sherlock also has a larger role in this one than I believe he's had in any of the others. I loved seeing more Sherlock and Enola dynamics and how their relationship continues to change. Enola is her independent self—doing very well on her own—but she also has friends and family now, people she can help and ask for help in turn.

The mystery here wasn't as strong as some of the previous books, but I felt like the focus in this one was more on Enola's friendship with Cecily and her relationship with Sherlock than a mystery. Which is probably why I loved it.

As usual, I really enjoyed this installment of the Enola Holmes series. In this book, Enola Holmes feels compelled to help her friend Cecily who seems to have disappeared. Enola knows something sinister is at work and is determined to ensure that Cecily is safe and sound. Enola's older brother Sherlock makes several appearances as Enola proves she is just as good (or perhaps better!) at solving mysteries than her famous brother.
This book (and this series) is perfect for middle-grade to high school readers who are looking for a light, fun, historical mystery. Enola is an admirable heroine and her pluckiness is fun and engaging.
I would absolutely recommend this book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you watched and enjoyed the Netflix series, you’re likely to enjoy this book because they have a similar tone. It doesn’t feel necessary to have seen the series or even read the previous books in order to jump in here. Ebola references what you need to know from previous stories and the book can stand alone.

Overall a fun and fairly short read. Side characters are described or interacted with thoroughly enough for you to have strong feelings about them. Lacy Vienna was my personal favorite and it’s always fun to see Sherlock pop up. I found at least one of the plot points a bit implausible but I think it’s fair to give a story some suspension of disbelief. I’d recommend this book and the wider series if you typically enjoy the genre.

So excited that this book was released! It has spirit, excitement and deals with complex situations navigated by the heroine. Since watching the first Netflix movie, I have read all the book with my daughter age 12. If you found your way to this series from Netflix you will not be disappointed.