THE CASE OF THE BIZARRE BOUQUETS
An Enola Holmes Mystery
by Nancy Springer
Philomel Books
ISBN: 9780399245183
Ages 8-12
176 pages

Without the wig --- and without the inserts I used to round out my cheeks and nostrils --- I was a sharp-faced, hawk-nosed, sallow-skinned female version of my brother Sherlock.

Indeed --- although I knew the undertaking would involve a tremendous amount of work --- I would disguise myself in the last way that either Sherlock or Mycroft could possibly ever envision.

I would be beautiful.

The little sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes is no fool. She will not allow her brothers to put her in some finer institution for young ladies to be transformed “via singing lessons and similar vapors, into an ornament for genteel society.” Based on the fact that she is female and without rights, they could force her into a boarding school, a convent or even an asylum. Instead, Enola (which backwards spells “alone”) chooses to continue life on her own terms --- independent, inquisitive, bright, ready for adventures and definitely “alone.” Being a young woman in the 1890s puts her at the mercy of society and her well-intentioned brothers. No thank you very much!

When she reads that the beloved Dr. Watson (Sherlock’s partner and popular author of all those Sherlock stories) is nowhere to be found, Enola springs into action. She has managed to find missing people before, and this is an especially important challenge. Officially, she considers herself to be a Perditorian, “a professional seeker of missing persons.” Having managed to solve other mysteries --- such as the ones in THE CASE OF THE MISSING MARQUESS and THE CASE OF THE LEFT-HANDED LADY --- she sets about deciding on a disguise (something Sherlock unwittingly taught her) and a name. They would never recognize her mousiness behind the blond wig and frills.

Once in full disguise and under the pretense of a former patient, Enola calls on Dr. Watson’s distraught wife. While there, she observes a strange bouquet made up of poppies, asparagus, hawthorn and bindweed (convolvulus). Knowing the language of flowers as well as their botany, Enola comes to realize that this bouquet holds a definite message connected to the good doctor’s disappearance.

Throughout the dangerous investigations that involve any number of hair-raising encounters, Enola proves herself to be resourceful and cool under the most pressing of situations. Climbing the side of a building, deciphering strange codes and risking her life time and again, she does not let her heavy skirts hold her back. With amazing balance, she charges into the thick of this adventure and is able to prove to both her brothers and herself that a girl can meet any challenges a boy can.

While THE CASE OF THE BIZARRE BOUQUETS is packed with terrific adventure, there is also a wealth of historical information, especially dealing with women’s place in the society. Enola is the Nancy Drew of her day --- only more challenged because of her circumstance. While she does not understand some of the conflicts between herself and her brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock love their little sister and know she is a brilliant detective. But still, is she safe from their notions about a woman’s place? Even for those who have not picked up the previous books, this third Enola mystery reads fresh and familiar. Everyone will be rooting for our heroine as she tries to make the world a better place for all --- most especially women.

    --- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts (stibbetts@maine207west.org)

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