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The Enola Holmes Mysteries

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By DeeDee
Enola Holmes Mysteries Series
By Nancy Springer
Philomel Books, 2006-2007. 216-234 pgs. Chapter books.

Enola is the much younger sister of the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. When her mother leaves home, Enola decides to become a detective. Her older brother does not approve of the decision, so throughout the novels Enola must not only investigate her chosen case, but also avoid her over-protective brother. Enola lives in nineteenth century London, and the author adds a lot of description of the time period emphasizing the differences between the wealthy and poor classes. Enola is an interesting and complex character, torn between her desire for independence and her longing for the mother who has deserted her. Each story is filled with exciting twists and turns, secret codes, disguises, and mistaken identity. To date there are two books in the series; "The Case of the Missing Marquess" and "The Case of the Left-Handed Lady." This is a great choice for fifth or sixth graders who need to read a historical fiction, or who have outgrown the American Girl History Mysteries.
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