The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes Mystery, #5)

by Nancy Springer

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

I was pleasantly surprised by The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer. I took a chance and downloaded it via the SYNC audiobook program this past summer. I seem to be game for new takes on known franchises. I didn't even realize that this novel was a part of a series!

I guess that's a good a place to start as any! You need not to have read/listened to any of the preceding novels to understand what is happening in The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline. Enough information is given, when needed, to help you understand why Enola is on her own and why she is at odds with her brother, Sherlock.

I loved that this story involved some real historical figures. That's my favorite thing about historical fiction—when it brings in elements of the real word.

I did love the narrator, Katherine Kellgren. She did a marvelous job with the characters' voices especially Mrs. Tupper. I snorted with delight whenever a conversation was started with the deaf landlady. It reminded me of conversations with my own grandmother. It was a delight to listen to.

My favorite thing about the book? Enola avoiding her brother. It's not often someone gets the break ahead of Holmes, but Enola's drive to solve the crime on her own, before her brother, adds an exciting element to the plot.

I am giving The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer a thumbs up. It was a delightful surprise and I enjoyed running around London with Ms. Enola Holmes.

BONUS POINTS! I didn't feel it was necessary to have read (or listened) to the previous books in the series to understand Enola's backstory. Enough hits were given throughout the story to explain why she avoiding Holmes and the on-going mystery of their mother.


This review was originally posted on Second Run Reviews.