The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline

Springer, Nancy. The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline : an Enola Holmes Mystery. Book 1 of the Elona Holmes series. 2009. 160p. ISBN 978-0-399-24781-1. Available at FIC SPR on the library shelves.

The adventures of Enola Holmes, younger sister to Sherlock and Mycroft, continue in this 5th volume of the series. Trying to stay one step ahead of Sherlock, Enola has taken lodging in a small room in East London. Her landlady, a Mrs. Tupper, is a widow who survived the Crimean War. Hard of hearing and a horrible cook, Mrs. Tupper nonetheless is the closest person in Enola’s life.

When a scary letter arrives telling Mrs. Tupper to turn in the secret message that was supposed to be delivered to the Bird, Enola is perplexed. Who could possibly want something from old Mrs. Tupper? This letter is then quickly followed by an abduction, and Enola returns home to find her landlady gone. Is the secret message connected in any way to Mrs. Tupper’s trip to Crimea?

Now it is up to Sherlock’s little sister to solve the mystery. What is that secret message? How does Mrs. Tupper’s abduction connect to Florence Nightingale, the world famous nurse who revolutionized healthcare? What did happen to poor old Mrs. Tupper? And, more importantly, why is her brother Sherlock involved?

A great mystery, middle school students will appreciate Enola’s brand of humor and decency as she attempts to resolve her investigation in a short volume. Fans of Sherlock Holmes will also appreciate his feminine version.

The story continues in The Case of the Left-Handed Lady.