The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan

November 1, 2008
Gr 5-8-Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes's 14-year-old sister takes on a new case, this one involving Lady Cecily Alistair, the champion of the poor and working classes of London. The Holmes brothers continue to be concerned about Enola's lack of a "proper" upbringing and she continues to evade them by disguising herself as Ivy Meshle, secretary to the nonexistent Dr. Leslie Ragostin. Enola finds that Lady Cecily is being held against her will, at her father's behest, by her two dragon-lady aunts to be married off to her foppish cousin. The girl employs numerous clever disguises, is found detecting by Sherlock, and narrowly escapes with her life. Springer's knowledge of the restraints placed on Victorian women, especially those of the upper classes, is used both for humorous entertainments (a pink tea) and to give authenticity to Enola's determination to remain an independent young lady. Her fans will welcome this latest adventure."Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2008
Grades 6-9 Enola Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, returns in her fourth mystery. Enola is shocked when she spies a friend, Lady Cecily, in the first ladies lavatory in London. With the help of a pink fan, Enola deduces that Cecily is in the clutches of a noble family, who is forcing her into an arranged marriage. Can she save her? As in the previous books, this features a strong mystery, intriguing family relationships, and the continuing thread of a daughter and mother lost to each other, forcing Enola to evade the clutches of brothers Sherlock and Mycroft. A rousing read with plenty of terrific Victorian detail.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)