The Case of the Left-Handed Lady (Enola Holmes, #2), by Nancy Springer

The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I read “The Case of the Left-Handed Lady” to see if Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes series would improve with the second instalment.

When I came upon »Chapter the First«, though, I had an inkling about how this review would read because just like the ridiculous chapter titles, this is The Case of Even More of the Same that Didn’t Work for Me the First Time Either: Springer’s writing style still resembles that of a middle-grade school teacher who wants to provide material for her pupils.

She still taints the legacy of Holmes; here in a discussion with Mycroft who states…

»The only rational way to reform her into some semblance of decent young womanhood!” interrupts the older brother with asperity. “You, of all people, should see the logic – ”«

To which Springer let’s Sherlock Holmes answer: “Logic is not everything.” and Mycroft rightly replies: “Certainly this is the first time I have ever heard you say so!”

I haven’t read Sherlock Holmes state something as untypical as that either.

In Springer’s universe, though, Mycroft is a slobbering idiot anyway:

»“Nonsense!” At once the older brother puts a stop to such balderdash. “Preposterous! She is a female . Her intellect is inferior, she requires protection . . . there can be no comparison.”«

The story itself is somewhat similar as well – this time it’s the daughter (not son) of an aristocratic family who disappeared and Enola bumbling investigates. Neither the investigation nor its outcome were very interesting to read for me and don’t get me started on “mesmerism”…

Nevertheless, not all was bad in either novel so, if you liked the first instalment in this series, you’re likely to enjoy this one just as much. Or, in my case, not that much.

Again, a generous three stars out of five.


Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam




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