I've read and enjoyed the previous Enola Holmes books, and the Mark of the Mongoose moves the series in a positive direction.  Throughout the series, a recurring theme is that Enola is always alone, that her name spelled backwards is "alone," so she will always be alone.  This latest installment happily moves the story away from that theme.  She works the current case semi-cooperatively with her brother Sherlock and the dynamic between the two of them was excellent to read.  Additionally, Enola has also found a supportive environment at the women's club where she lives. The women there happily help her dress for her adventures, and the story reads much better now that she has a supportive environment around her.

Most of the Victorian mysteries that I read are murder mysteries, so Enola is a nice change of pace since she focuses on missing persons.  She's back in full swing in this volume, representing the pinnacle of what can be expected of a young lady of quality in 19th century England, including dressing up as a man, getting into knife fights, throwing a bucket of urine at someone, and riding a cow.  It's glorious.

I do have two points of criticism; the first is that the mystery isn't fully explained at the end of the book.  The perpetrator is discovered and the missing person found, but we don't learn anything about the perpetrator's motivation.  I'm the kind of reader who likes to have mysteries explained at the end of a story, so this was mildly disappointing.  The second is that I very much prefer the cover art featured for books 1-6.  Books 7-9 are overshadowed by a huge face that doesn't look at all like Enola is described in the books.  Overall, however, I enjoyed the book and plan to continue reading the series.

This review is based on an ARC received from St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley.

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer is a great historical fiction and mystery that is the ninth book in the Enola Holmes mystery series.

I have really enjoyed reading this series from its conception. I am a late-comer to the books, so I have read them closer together than other readers. I have been able to see the growth, maturity, and experience blossom within Enola as the books progress. She still has a lot to learn in regards to the how the world works in London during the Victorian era, however you can see that her investigative skills and insights are evolving into a more adult and complex profile.

Looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/6/23.

I absolutely adore this series! It’s just good clean fun. You can’t help but root for Enola as she tries to (and usually succeeds) outwit her famous brother! The Mark of the Mongoose is no exception. It’s a fast-paced, exciting read ready to take you on an adventure with London’s most interesting characters,…including Rudyard Kipling! Enola’s witticisms never fail to make me chuckle and the creative ways she goes about solving her cases capture the imagination. You’ll find yourself trying to put all the pieces together while you cheer Enola on to solve the case and find her missing person.

I loved the first ones that came out and this is no different! Enola is a wonderful character who outshines her older brother, Sherlock, in this case. I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want it to end. Each twist and turn had me guessing and second guessing the ending. I can't wait for the next one.

Another great entry in the Enola Holmes series. Enola is Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes’ younger sister, often overshadowed by Sherlock but every bit as good a detective. This is a complex mystery involving Rudyard Kipling, rabies and the discovery of a treatment for this deadly illness, the advent of electric lighting and “descending rooms” (elevators) — a clever, quick read that’s appropriate for young adult readers but just as interesting to adults.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book.

Smart and exciting middle grade/YA historical fiction.

I love how this series subtly takes the reader along for an instructive tour of Victorian London, including the customs, innovations, styles, social issues, medical advances, and popular literature. Enola makes an excellent tour guide with her internal dialogue and penchant for adventure.

Can’t wait to see what Enola gets up to in the future. Especially as this book leaves open the possibility of a recurring antagonist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy to read!

I'm new to the Enola Holmes novels, but this definitely won't be my last!

Such a fun feisty heroine!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

While I was disappointed with the previous book, this one exceeded expectations! Enola's quirkiness shines through, and the historical portrayal of the time is clear. I loved the additions of Kipling and Lister to this story!

I'm new to the Enola Holmes series, but I will definitely be going back to start at the beginning! Sherlock Holmes gets all the attention, but Enola is proving herself to be just as good a detective as he is. When a blustery Rudyard Kipling goes to her office to hire a detective to find his best friend, Wolcott Balestier, he leaves in a huff when he realizes she is the detective, and heaven forbid he hire a girl! He ends up hiring Sherlock, but Enola has decided it is a matter of pride to prove herself qualified, and sets out on her own investigation. No one can say Enola isn't enthusiastic and willing to do whatever it takes to solve this missing persons case!

This was a very fun, quick read. The characters were well developed and entertaining, and the mystery played out naturally, with twists and turns aplenty. In fact, I blame this book 100% for my lack of sleep last night because I couldn't put it down until I had finished it!

Excellent YA mystery - highly recommend.

5/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Nancy Springer for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose
By Nancy Springer
I love all the Enola Holmes books! I am far from a Young Adult and I rarely read Young Adult books but Enola Holmes is an exception!
This book was a joy to read! Plenty of intrigue, action, great world building, great characters, and terrific plot. There is a splash of humor sprinkled throughout the book too which I really love! I also learn a lot about London in 1890. A bonus!
Enola likes disguises, spying, engages in fights when necessary, even rode a cow! But she is also generous, kind, and funny! I love this spunky girl from another time. I could read about her adventures all day long!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this excellent fun book!

I am so glad that there's a mystery series with a feisty female heroine who stays out of territory I don't want to have to explain to the kids. Springer paints an accurate picture without pulling a lot of punches. I'm glad that Enola has joined up with her brother. The hiding from him could have bogged down the story if it had gone on much longer. Just trying to avoid him is more fun and lets her accept his help, but she can still do most of the work on her own.

I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.

This was exceptional! I have read all of the Enola books and this one may be the best yet.
As the book opens, we meet Wolcott and Carrie Balestier - an American brother and sister staying in London while Wolcott - a literary agent - works with a brilliant writer. But then Wolcott mysteriously disappears. He has gone on an evening walk to the Savoy - brilliantly illuminated with electric lights! - and never returned. His good friend, Ruddy, and his sister are frantically searching for him. Ruddy approaches Enola - seeking the services of her perditorian alter-ego, Dr. Ragostin. They do not hit it off - he calls her a biddy ostrich - but Enola is determined to find Wolcott. Later, she meets Carrie who is standing on the street asking people if they have seen her brother. Carrie and Ruddy have hired Sherlock to help them in their search but Enola is determined to find Wolcott first. Her search will, of course, include numerous disguises and outrageous outfits, dangerous situations (including rabid dogs), and the introduction of a possible new nemesis. But can she find young Wolcott in time to save him?
While all the Enola books are grounded in actual history, this one includes familiar characters Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Lister. Also, Mrs. Tupper and Florence Nightingale make a brief reappearance. Interactions with the entirely fictional Enola and Sherlock make for an exciting read! Kipling did in fact live on Villiers Street; the missing Wolcott Balestier did collaborate with him on a novel, and Wolcott's sister, Carrie, married Kipling. Nancy Springer explains all of this in a note at the end of the book. Delightful! I eagerly anticipate Enola's next adventure!

In Mark of the Mongoose, we follow Enola on her journey of independence and growth continuing from the previous book. She is not one to be overlooked and is determined to solve the case presented. This was a fun read and a great addition to the series.

How exciting! Another Enola Holmes adventure. What a master of disguise. And her ladies at the home are so willing to help. This time I thought Enola was in over her head. Rabies is a scary topic and certain death, or so it was thought. I like that Enola manages to put so many tools on her person. Good story!

Enola Holmes #9

I know many folks are coming to this series due to the great Netflix movies. Read them all!

Enola works parallel to Sherlock on a missing persons case, an American publisher who is bosom buddies with none other than Rudyard Kipling himself.

With Cockney slang, 1890s humor, and some critical germ theory, this book mixes a rip-roaring mystery with the humor and intellect I've come to expect from Enola.

Brava!

The Enola Holmes series is my favorite Young Adult fiction. It's smart, funny and fast-paced. I also love the interactions between Enola and her big brother Sherlock, which are a bit infrequent in this latest installment, but still delightful.
Nancy Springer brings the late Victorian world to life by describing sights, sounds, and new inventions (like the elevator) in such a way that reader feels all the freshness of noticing them for the first time. And there are so many intriguing nods to real people that I always come away feeling like I learned something, but the author doesn't shoe-horn in her research; it's always handled with a light touch that leaves you wanting more information!
A note on the plot: Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose deals with a quite sobering danger: the threat of rabies from a mad dog. Although the narrative doesn't get graphic, I would say that I occasionally felt just a tad squeamish.

I look forward to seeing what Enola investigates next.

What a delightful caper! Nancy Springer did it again, but perhaps this time has upped her game. I enjoyed this newest of the Enola Holmes series the most of all. Take note, "gentle reader," as Nancy calls us, you will need a dictionary to get the most enjoyment out of this book, just like the other Enola Holmes' stories. Nancy Springer has quite the vocabulary. I found this latest book more action-packed and Enola was really in her element. The addition of a world-renowned author as a character alongside a world-renowned scientist as another character, and what more could you ask for? Congrats, Nancy, on another great read. I can't wait to share this with my middle school students!

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing the ARC!

When Rudyard Kipling bursts into Enola's office looking for help in finding his missing friend, he is appalled to be confronted by a female. Unwilling to hire a young woman, he turns to Sherlock Holmes. Enola is not one to be overlooked and sets off on her own to learn the truth behind the disappearance of the young American. Can the missing man be rescued from his apparent fate and returned to his friends and loved ones?

Enola is back and she is more than ready to prove she is her brother’s equal! Enola’s studies are interrupted once again by a mystery. Too bad it is not her case. However, that small detail has never stopped Enola before, and she throws herself into the streets of London to find the clues. She goes through an immense wardrobe, dressing as a street waif, a fashionable lady, a student, and as Oscar Wilde.

The mystery itself was interesting, though it did linger a bit long on the horrors of rabies. It introduced an interesting villain, one I am hoping we will see again. There was also a bit of action in the end with Enola engaging in a knife fight.

I would definitely recommend this to fans of the series and those who enjoy young adult historical fiction.

Love Enola! I was getting weary of the rabies storyline then POOF! Knife fight!
I knew she would save the day. As much as I adore Sherlock, i was surprised and disappointed that she leaned on him so much in this book. Otherwise typical witty and sharp minded Enola.

A historical mystery that challenges all Enola's courage, brains, and investigative abilities. It's a bit scary to follow her through London's poorest neighborhoods trying to find a missing man. Add a few rabid dogs, a local gang who think they're protecting their people but have gone astray, and you have the makings of a great Sherlock Holmes style novel with a gutsy heroine to root for. This is the 2nd novel I've read featuring Enola, and I love her.