Present Books In Favor Of The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes #5)
| Original Title: | The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline |
| ISBN: | 0399247815 (ISBN13: 9780399247811) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Series: | Enola Holmes #5 |
| Characters: | Enola Holmes |
| Literary Awards: | Agatha Award Nominee for Best Childrens Young Adult (2009), Edgar Award Nominee for Best Juvenile (2010) |
Nancy Springer
Hardcover | Pages: 160 pages Rating: 4.09 | 3079 Users | 308 Reviews
Narrative As Books The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes #5)
3.5 stars Audio version - narrated by the incredible Katherine Kellgren!!! In this, the fifth installment in the Enola Holmes mystery series, Enola must help solve a mystery entangling her dear old landlady, Mrs. Tuppper. And the start of the mystery dates all the way back, some several decades prior, to a secret message that the Mrs. Tupper was supposedly meant to be carrier for. But poor Mrs. Tupper doesn't seem to know/recall a single thing about it - but there are those who assume otherwise... I see that I am in a huge minority here in my three star rating - and perhaps my lack of involvement/investment was because, in listening to the audio book, I was more apt to be distracted (not by any fault of the narration or story, but because I'd be working and listening at the same time). Or perhaps it was because I've been listening to so many Enola books lately and perhaps I need more time in between. I just felt this story didn't really have the same detail as the previous books and while the overall story (series-wise) is advanced by the end, it seemed, to me, not as epic as it should have. I also would like to see Springer look into other areas of growth for both Enola and her story lines - I find Enola's issues with her Mum haven't really grown much in the last three books, and I feel the stories would benefit from more diversity than relying so much on the down-trodden-ness of women in that era (thankfully this book dealt less with this than other books). I think it's a great issue to bring to light, and I think it's interesting that Enola, with her insight into women's lives, can solve mysteries that her brother, Sherlock Holmes, cannot - but I do think sometimes Springer makes too broad of statements regarding women of that era. Also, I'd like to see a little more depth from the supporting characters (the ones that are specific to one mystery, I mean. Those that appear in multiple books are nicely drawn). These books seem to be geared for "middle grade" ages 9 or 10 and up. I would hesitate to suggest them for such a young audience. Certainly there's much of the books that are perfectly fine, but this book alone provoked more difficult and grim images in the first chapter alone than the entirety of the fourth book (which, the author does state that the delicate reader may skip the prologue or first chapter - whichever it is - and go right to the story, which if one does then the rest of the book isn't nearly as vivid as that initial war infirmary scene). All this said, I do really like the books - and I do really like Enola. I will definitely be finishing out the series! I like that its a mystery for those that might not be ready for, say, Agatha Cristie. I like that you can solve the puzzles along with Enola (something I would have probably attempted when I was younger!) and I was surprised by quite a few turns in this book, and found myself wondering why I hadn't "seen that coming." I would recommend these to other readers/listeners (just not until they are Young Adult readers).
Identify About Books The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes #5)
| Title | : | The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes #5) |
| Author | : | Nancy Springer |
| Book Format | : | Hardcover |
| Book Edition | : | First Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 160 pages |
| Published | : | May 14th 2009 by Philomel Books (first published February 21st 2009) |
| Categories | : | Mystery. Historical. Historical Fiction. Young Adult. Childrens. Middle Grade. Fiction |
Rating About Books The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes #5)
Ratings: 4.09 From 3079 Users | 308 ReviewsCriticism About Books The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline (Enola Holmes #5)
#5 in the Enola Holmes Mystery SeriesThis is an addictive series starring the resourceful and astonishing 14 year old sister of Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock does appear in the story, but the limelight belongs to Enola.The writing is stellar; the setting richly Victorian (London) and the characters intriguing -- including Florence Nightingale who is reclusive, but influential. The codes that Enola encounters are key to the plot. I refuse to say anymore -- except flowers as codes are cleverlyThe penultimate book in the series tones it down a bit, cutting back on the swinging from the roof fittings and other Errol Flynn style shenanigans. Instead Enola relies on her usual considerable talent for disguise, sketch making, cryptology and of course her endless supply of pluck.In her hunt to recover her kidnapped landlady she is forced to consult Florence Nightingale, which, teachers take note, means the Crimean War is a part of the story. This series is fun for kids and if the spark of
This Enola Holmes mystery brings Enola's landlady, Mrs. Tupper, to life. Instead of just a deaf old lady who cooks cheap but creative meals, she becomes a real person with a history of a husband who died young, a miscarried baby, a sense of style, and memories of being nursed by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War. In this book, Florence herself explains to Sherlock why his misguided desire to put his sister into a boarding school is incentive enough to keep Enola on the run from him. He
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
A very interesting case, but I felt it was a bit too short and therefore rushed. I would have liked more intrigue, more clues, more twists. I did however enjoy the incorporation of a historical figure into the mix. Not one of my favorites of the series, but by no means a bad story. It will be hard to surpass the shock and tension of Bizarre Bouquets.
3.5 stars Audio version - narrated by the incredible Katherine Kellgren!!!In this, the fifth installment in the Enola Holmes mystery series, Enola must help solve a mystery entangling her dear old landlady, Mrs. Tuppper. And the start of the mystery dates all the way back, some several decades prior, to a secret message that the Mrs. Tupper was supposedly meant to be carrier for. But poor Mrs. Tupper doesn't seem to know/recall a single thing about it - but there are those who assume
A mystery comes close to home when Enola's landlady receives a confusing (and threatening) message. Lamps and lords. Past fashions and fashionable ladies. Missing persons and Mayfair. And Sherlock Holmes, of course. The fifth in a series that's become quite a favorite. I would have had more pleasure in unraveling Springer's subtle hints if the editors hadn't revealed too much in the summary. (Whyyy!?) This particular addition to the series was more interesting for its history than its mystery.
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