3.8 Stars
One Liner: A quick entertainer

May1890
Elona Holmes is leading a happy life, pursuing her education and investigation without hiding from Sherlock and Mycroft, her older brother. They have managed to find a common ground (where Elona will not be civilized into a gentle society lady).
One day, Rudyard Kipling (Ruddy) bursts into Enlona’s office only to find that the investigator is a young girl. He leaves in anger and hires Sherlock. Enola, of course, is determined to prove her worth by solving the case before her talented brother.
Wolcott Balestier, an American writer, vanishes one evening. His sister, Caroline, is distraught. What if the book pirates kidnapped Wolcott? Is the publishing industry ruthless enough to do anything, or is the something else that put him in danger? Where is Wolcott, and can Elona find him before it is too late?
The prologue and epilogue are in the third person, and the rest of the book is in Elona’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
I’ve read the previous two books in the series and enjoyed them. This is no exception, though I wouldn’t recommend beginning the series with this book. The story is more focused on mystery, and it can be hard to understand the dynamics between Enola and Sherlock without reading at least one of the earlier works.
As YA cozy mystery, the book has a lot of action, where Enola is coming up with innovative ways to investigate (and get into trouble). Of course, she also manages to save herself in most instances.
With the first-person narrative, Enola also tends to address readers (in parenthesis). Her voice is quirky and funny and suits her energizing personality. We also see glimpses of her vulnerability though she reminds herself that Enola is the inverse of alone (this is a recurring statement and appears at least twice in each book). I do like to see her bond with Sherlock, though given their personalities, we know why it is so hard.
The setting and the then practices, costumes, etc., are detailed and vivid. Enola is often under disguise and loves to provide information in detail. I love how her corset is a mini-thrift store and has just about everything from a dagger to twine and stationery. This is why our dresses need pockets!
The mystery, as such, is lighthearted, but enough drama, action, seriousness, and intrigue to keep the readers hooked. There are no last-minute twists or reveals. We can guess the events halfway through the book but still feel curious enough to see if we are right.
The book has real-life characters – Rudyard Kipling and the Balestier brother-sister duo. The author’s note at the end explains the fact from fiction and her inspiration for using the characters. Oscar Wilde also makes a guest entry, so look out for him. ;)
I did miss Enola’s other friends, though Harold, the loyal cabbie, is present whenever necessary. There aren’t enough scenes between Enola and Sherlock, though this time, she uses leads provided by him and others to progress in the case. Watson has a teeny role (just one scene).
The pacing is really good. Despite various descriptions, the book moves at a steady pace. There isn’t any character development, but I wasn’t looking for it, either.

To summarize, Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose is an interesting and fast-paced historical cozy mystery with a YA heroine. It may not be as engaging as a standalone but should work nevertheless.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Wednesday Books), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is the third Enola Holmes book I have read and as with the other two, I was not disappointed in the least. I found it to be an excellently crafted, evenly paced, and captivating book that kept me coming back for more.

The book opens with Enola being confronted by an aggravating man who is looking for Dr. Leslie Rogostin and he will accept no one else—not even when Enola explains that she has been entrusted with the job of investigations. In fact “Dr. Rogostin” was completely made up by Enola as a cover for her work. His friend Cottswold is missing and overdue for a meeting. When no Dr. Rogostin is forthcoming, the aggravating man departs.

Later, Enola is brought into a case through a woman she met on the road who is looking for her brother, Wolcott Balestier. We later learn that this is the same missing person that the “aggravating man” was searching for. “Cottswold” was a nickname that his good friend “Ruddy” had given him. The reader then learns that “Ruddy” is none other than Rudyard Kipling.

Kipling is not the only notable that makes an appearance in the story. We also meet Florence Nightingale and noted medical researcher Dr. Joseph Lister. I thought it fun that the author also added a touch of Rudyard Kipling’s noted misogyny into the story line, though it affected the overall drama of the book very little.

I loved this book and found it hard to put down. I greatly appreciated having an advance copy to give me a sneak peak into what Enola Holmes was up to!

Mark of the Mongoose follows Ebola on her newest cast of a missing man. And although she wasn’t technically hired because she us a woman she nonetheless is determined to find him. We see her work sling Sherlock in this book and I truly enjoyed the dynamic.

My only complaint is I wish Enoka had a higher self image of herself. Although she seems unbothered by what she thinks of his she looks. I found myself cringing as she routinely describes herself as dowdy, frumpy and big nosed. I guess it’s just me but I would hood all women can love themselves entropy feel beautiful if only to ourselves. However, the story itself is just fantastic and her quick mind and deductive reasoning as always is on point and she is remarkably well suited for sleuth work. And might I say she outshines her brother Sherlock this one hands down. I highly recommend it!

Enola is hired to find a American publisher my his sister but it seems that her brother Sherlock is also working on the same case.
They each try to find the missing person and their paths crosses.
who will find the person first.
Good drama, suspense and characters.
Voluntarily reviewed.

While she does quite well on her own, I do enjoy watching her as she learns to trust others, and seeks help or just companionship throughout her endeavours. That being said, it is still truly an Enola Holmes story, and she does do the majority of her sleuthing, her perditorian-ing (?) on her own.

This story was quite fun, made me laugh several times, and ended far too soon. The story was finished and wrapped up nicely, but I never appreciate having to leave Enola’s world.

I loved the involvement of historical figures, while giving them a fictitious storyline, because Springer loved the people so much, but needed their perhaps a little misogynistic tendencies to be touched upon by Enola.

What a wonderful instalment, and I can’t wait for more, if we are lucky enough to be given them.

Enola is enjoying her life. She is living independently (and not hiding from her brothers), attending classes, and (still) helping people find lost things. When Rudyard Kipling’s friend disappears, he goes to Enola’s office asking for help … but won’t hire her because she is female. Enola takes this as a personal challenge and decides to look for Balestier herself, even though Kipling has hired her brother, Sherlock. What happened to Balestier? Who will find out first?

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose is the ninth book in the Enola Holmes series. The great thing about this series is you can read any of the books independently and still have a wonderful experience, yet those who read the books in order are rewarded with extra insight and background information. Springer has crafted a character that is easy to relate to and even though this is written for the younger reader, readers of all ages will enjoy this work.

Another fun Enola Holmes mystery. . This time a sister is looking for her brother, an American publisher. Sherlock is called in but Enola is on the case as well. This case takes some engaging turns - Kipling, Lister and even rabies play parts.
Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy of the book, all opinions are my own.

The 7th installment of the Enola Holmes series is just as fun and fantastical as the rest! Read series in order to get all of the references.

Enola gets a visit from a very rude client, Ruddy, whose best friend has disappeared. From there, Sherlock is also on the case, and Enola uses her many disguises to get into all sorts of escapades in the name of finding out the truth.

I adore this series and squeal when a new one comes out, but I do have trouble getting young readers to take them out of my library. The vocabulary is quite difficult for the middle school level.

Smartly written fun read for kids and adults. Enola puts in the work to solve yet another mystery with a little help from her friends and brother Sherlock. Nancy Springer really brings London to life with her descriptions of life for the poor and rich habitants. You do learn a little how life was as well as being entertained.

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer brings together Sherlock Holmes and his much younger sister Enola in a teen / young adult historical mystery set in London in May of 1890. One of the things that makes this even better is the way the author brings together fictional characters with real people who were in London at the time.

Enola is living on her own at the Professional Women’s Club, has a history of sleuthing, attends classes, and occasionally pursues her chosen profession as a finder of lost things and people. She’s also no longer hiding from her older brothers Sherlock and Mycroft. Wolcott Balestier, a representative of an American book publisher is in London to contract with English authors for their latest worlds. When he disappears, Rudyard Kipling shows up at Enola’s office. However, he refuses to hire her to find Wolcott and hires Sherlock instead. Enola is intrigued by the case and unwilling to accept her dismissal. Instead, she is determined to learn what happened and find Wolcott.

Enola is a likeable character; she’s is witty, thoughtful, outgoing, and a master of disguises. But sometimes she is short of facts and that can get her into hot water. How she and Sherlock think and analyze situations is fun to see unfold. Dr. Watson, Caroline Balestier, Florence Nightingale, and Dr. Joseph Lister play roles in the story as well.

The author does a good job of world-building. I was able to easily visualize the settings, the people, the clothing, and the homes as well as the city streets. However, I felt there was a little too much time spent on clothing descriptions. The atmosphere felt right for the times resulting in a strong sense of time and place. While the mystery is not overly complicated, it is entertaining and thought-provoking. The plot is full of chasing down leads and interviewing people as well as plenty of danger for Enola. Additionally, amidst the tension, danger, and suspense, there are bits of humor that lighten the tone of the story. The ending wrapped things up nicely.

Overall, this book was an engaging and atmospheric young adult historical mystery that moved at a quick pace. Themes include treatment of women in the late 1800’s, class differences, clothing, disguises, friendship, injustices, sibling relationships, and much more. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Those who enjoy the genre will likely be entertained by this series.

St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and Nancy Springer provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 05, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

ENOLA HOLMES AND THE MARK OF THE MONGOOSE.

Ah, Enola, growing in competence and self-assurance, and while still self-sufficient, also learning to call on allies. Brava! It was odd to read of Enola with homework, but not so odd really. Raised by a suffragist, she values education and school (not finishing). When rude “Ruddy” comes with an interesting case but then berates and dismisses her for being a woman, Enola can’t resist the case. She ends up working it in tandem with brother Sherlock, and both men learn to respect her more. I don’t want to spoil the plot, so I’ll leave Ruddy’s identity for you to find out, and mention that there are poets and copyrights, and vigilantes and rabies and much courage and confusion.
Insights for young readers . . .
The marvel of the first electric lights, Pasteur’s work on rabies shots,
card catalogs written in library hand(writing) and a new method, typewritten.
Also no respectable ladies would be in public without male escorts. Yes, really.
It’s an amazing book in a wonderful series. There’s time to catch up if you’ve missed any . . . and Netflix dramatizations also.

Enola Holmes starts her newest case when a very upset Rudyard Kipling bursts into Dr. Ragostin's office in search of help finding his missing friend Wolcott Balestier. Unwilling to believe that Ragostin was a front Enola used to cover up the fact that she was a woman investigator, Kipling storms out leaving Enola very curious.

She begins her own search for the missing publisher. She needs lots of disguises and goes to lots of different parts of 1890 London. And she finds herself in competition with her brother Sherlock until the two decide to work together on the case.

She soon learns that Balestier disappeared after being bitten by a rabid dog which leads her to do some research on rabies which is not yet a treatable disease in 1890 although Louis Pasteur in France and Jacob Lister in London are working on the problem. Enola's tour of Lister's research facility was a good look into the medical experimentation of the day.

This story was a great addition to the series. I like the historical detail and the way Enola investigates a complicated crime.

Enola is insulted by a prospective client, who expected to find Mr. Ragostin, instead of a teen girl, at the Perditorian's office. She gets enough information out of his rants, to get curious and try to find his lost friend. The client turns out to be Ruyard Kipling, and Enola finds herself following clues like a rabid dog, a vigilante gang, a flower seller, and an obscure and experimental precursor of vaccines.

This was a fun book. Enola is quirky and quick witted. I enjoyed her interactions with her brother Sherlock. The mystery was compelling. Great book.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, the opinions that follow are my own.

I loved the original run of this series! It’s exciting to get even more books from one of my favorite characters, Enola! I believe I’m one book behind this one, so there were some elements I accidentally spoiled for myself but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the book.

Will be looking forward to what comes next for our girl!

I absolutely loved this book! The mystery was crafted perfectly, keeping me engaged and intrigued throughout. From the very first page, I was hooked! Enola, the protagonist, is an inspiring and tenacious character, making her an excellent role model. The pacing was spot-on, ensuring I was never bored for a moment. If you enjoy a captivating mystery and a strong theme of female empowerment, this book is a must-read for you!

Thank you to Nancy Springer, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review has been posted on:
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enola-holmes-and-the-mark-of-the-mongoose-nancy-springer/1142827272?ean=9781250885739&bvnotificationId=3147a10a-300d-11ee-b6c4-0eebfc850257&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/254359067
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5734209137
Amazon: will be posted closer to release date

I have truly fallen in love with Enola as a character. I find myself alike to her in someway although I doubt that I could ever be as brave as Enola. This book was wonderfully written as with all of the series. These novels are easy reads that keep me entertained. I often finish these novels in one day as was the case with this one. Though I have read the previous novels to this series this one particularly caught my interest more quickly than some of the others. I find Rudy's character highly entertaining. I love that you can grab one of the novels from this series and pick it up to immerse yourself in Enola's world with out having to read the previous novels. There is some slight storyline that is carried throughout the series however that it particularly regarding her familial situation not in regards to the mystery at hand. I do hope that several of these characters come back for at least a cameo if there is set to be further installments. Wonderful read! Can not wait to delve into the Enola Holmes universe again!

4.5/5 ⭐️
I seriously need to read the rest of the Enola Holmes books. This is my second one, and once again, I absolutely adored it. They’re marvelously written so you can pick up any and not feel like you missed something. Well at least that has been the case for me since I saw the movie then read the latest two books. But she’ll make a reference on occasion to something or someone from presumably a previous book, but gives the bare facts we need to know in this moment. The author also does the same thing with particular historical details and phrases, which I love. It makes me feel like I’m learning. But then it is all done in such a fun, youthful tone, giving Enola such life and character. My only wish is that now that she’s getting older, I would love a small romantic subplot. Like woven into some mystery she is working on and without taking away her smart, independent side.
I cannot say enough how much I enjoy and recommend these books, especially if you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes. She captured him perfectly too. But I seriously need to finally commit to reading the rest in this series, as I know I’ll have just as much of a good time as I did with this one.
Thank you to Wednesday Publishing & NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

The delightful Enola Homes has another case. This time a sister is looking for her brother, an American publisher. Sherlock is called in but Enola is on the case as well. This case takes some interesting turns - Kipling, Lister and even rabies play parts. Enjoy!
This is a review of an eGalley provided by NetGalley.

My 14 year old daughter loves Enola and this one did not disappoint. She's such a strong character and good "role model" for my teenager.