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3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining (mostly)
Holy Moly! & Other Stories is a collection of eight short stories (set in India). The stories have varying themes, but family and relationships are the common threads that run through them all. The writing is light and easy to read, with a mild sprinkling of regional words to add to the authenticity.
Holi Moly!: A cute story about childhood crushes that blossom into something more. If only there wasn’t a sort of love triangle. But hey, that’s where the fun lies!
(Note: The Holy party in the story is the modernized city version rather than the actual traditional festival. It is not a representation of the festival but an example of societal life. Please don’t mistake one for another.)
An Unsuitable Boy: Families don’t want their children to marry firangis, do they? But what will happen to Sudha and Adam’s relationship? Will they get the family’s blessings? Another cute story with some light laughs.
Karma-Band: OTT sister-in-law, an overworked, ambitious brother, and a currently jobless sister who narrates the story of their supposed holiday. Oh, let’s not forget the little girl. This one went well, despite the drama but slipped into a philosophical lecture at the end. I don’t want to read a page of karmic musings when the story already showed it to me.
The Best Laid Plans: This is a favorite for sure. A lonely old man makes unexpected friends and family when he ends up with a broken arm. Life teaches him to reassess his priorities, and let’s say, he finds his new life more rewarding and content. A beautiful story.
The Return: The story has a typical setting- a poor village, a rich & cruel zamindar, and a smart girl who wants to find a way out. What makes this refreshing is the treatment and execution. Smart indeed.
Top That: Alright! Four friends share their most embarrassing moments at work. Not sure if there’s a point in the story or if the point is that there shouldn’t be one. It was meh.
Funk: This could’ve been super funny and hilarious. Alas! It made me roll my eyes. No offense to the author, but I got a friend who aces such characters and makes me root for them. This paled in comparison and reminded me of a silly teen on Twitter (the kind I do my best to avoid). It was rather OTT and fake.
Lost and Found: This had great potential but settled at average. There are emotions like grief, despair, longing, frustration, etc., but the overall impact was disjointed. It needed a little more churning and editing.
It does appear that the first half of the book is much better compared to the second half. But then, it’s a collection of stories, so each of us is bound to have a different taste.
To sum up, Holi Moly! & Other Stories is a short book with an array of uplifting and heartwarming stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One Liner: Entertaining (mostly)
Holy Moly! & Other Stories is a collection of eight short stories (set in India). The stories have varying themes, but family and relationships are the common threads that run through them all. The writing is light and easy to read, with a mild sprinkling of regional words to add to the authenticity.
Holi Moly!: A cute story about childhood crushes that blossom into something more. If only there wasn’t a sort of love triangle. But hey, that’s where the fun lies!
(Note: The Holy party in the story is the modernized city version rather than the actual traditional festival. It is not a representation of the festival but an example of societal life. Please don’t mistake one for another.)
An Unsuitable Boy: Families don’t want their children to marry firangis, do they? But what will happen to Sudha and Adam’s relationship? Will they get the family’s blessings? Another cute story with some light laughs.
Karma-Band: OTT sister-in-law, an overworked, ambitious brother, and a currently jobless sister who narrates the story of their supposed holiday. Oh, let’s not forget the little girl. This one went well, despite the drama but slipped into a philosophical lecture at the end. I don’t want to read a page of karmic musings when the story already showed it to me.
The Best Laid Plans: This is a favorite for sure. A lonely old man makes unexpected friends and family when he ends up with a broken arm. Life teaches him to reassess his priorities, and let’s say, he finds his new life more rewarding and content. A beautiful story.
The Return: The story has a typical setting- a poor village, a rich & cruel zamindar, and a smart girl who wants to find a way out. What makes this refreshing is the treatment and execution. Smart indeed.
Top That: Alright! Four friends share their most embarrassing moments at work. Not sure if there’s a point in the story or if the point is that there shouldn’t be one. It was meh.
Funk: This could’ve been super funny and hilarious. Alas! It made me roll my eyes. No offense to the author, but I got a friend who aces such characters and makes me root for them. This paled in comparison and reminded me of a silly teen on Twitter (the kind I do my best to avoid). It was rather OTT and fake.
Lost and Found: This had great potential but settled at average. There are emotions like grief, despair, longing, frustration, etc., but the overall impact was disjointed. It needed a little more churning and editing.
It does appear that the first half of the book is much better compared to the second half. But then, it’s a collection of stories, so each of us is bound to have a different taste.
To sum up, Holi Moly! & Other Stories is a short book with an array of uplifting and heartwarming stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pub: 27 Sep 2022
4.2 Stars
The Menashe family, with Papa, Mama, Rebecca, and Ezra, always enjoy Latkes and Applesauce for Hanukkah. But that year, snow arrives early, bringing a great blizzard with it. It also brings a cute stray kitten and a hungry little dog to their doorstep. Can the family and their new furry friends celebrate Hanukkah as always?
I loved the cute cover but hesitated to request the ARC as I have very little (or no) knowledge about Jewish celebrations. A friend and fellow reviewer assured me I can still read the book.
I’m so glad I went ahead and requested this one. The illustrations are so heartwarming and beautiful! The color scheme of the candlelit indoors and the snowy outdoors were lively and pleasing. I love how the humans have red cheeks and noses when they step out in the snow. Such little detailing makes the characters appear real and life-like.
The story is equally beautiful and is presented in short texts on each page. The theme of kindness, hope, sharing, and goodness reflect throughout the story. The author’s note at the end provides more information about Hanukkah, Latkes, and Applesauce.
To sum up, Latkes and Applesauce is a cute little book with a sweet story and lovely illustrations.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Charlesbridge and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#LatkesandApplesauce #NetGalley
4.2 Stars
The Menashe family, with Papa, Mama, Rebecca, and Ezra, always enjoy Latkes and Applesauce for Hanukkah. But that year, snow arrives early, bringing a great blizzard with it. It also brings a cute stray kitten and a hungry little dog to their doorstep. Can the family and their new furry friends celebrate Hanukkah as always?
I loved the cute cover but hesitated to request the ARC as I have very little (or no) knowledge about Jewish celebrations. A friend and fellow reviewer assured me I can still read the book.
I’m so glad I went ahead and requested this one. The illustrations are so heartwarming and beautiful! The color scheme of the candlelit indoors and the snowy outdoors were lively and pleasing. I love how the humans have red cheeks and noses when they step out in the snow. Such little detailing makes the characters appear real and life-like.
The story is equally beautiful and is presented in short texts on each page. The theme of kindness, hope, sharing, and goodness reflect throughout the story. The author’s note at the end provides more information about Hanukkah, Latkes, and Applesauce.
To sum up, Latkes and Applesauce is a cute little book with a sweet story and lovely illustrations.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Charlesbridge and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#LatkesandApplesauce #NetGalley
Publication Date: 07th June 2022
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Timepass read
Avery Ayers and her team at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised got the assignment to appraise and catalog the contents of the Hudson River. The manor (that feels more like a castle) is being sold by the duke, who happens to be a good friend of Aunt Midge (Avery’s aunt).
The first time Avery and her dad William visit the manor, they realize that the Viktor Petrova pocket watch is missing. The duke is stunned but determined to ensure all the antiques are cataloged and accounted for.
On the first day of work, the team ends up being a witness to the death of Suzanne, the housekeeper at the manor. Avery’s instincts tell her it’s not a simple case of accidental death. Detective Art Smith steps into the scene to aid with the investigation and keep Avery safe. Moreover, the duo has to decide the future of their relationship (if there is one).
As more antiques turn out to be fake, the duke ends up in a riding accident, and another employee of the manor is found dead. With the list of suspects including every person in the manor, Avery and Art must sort through the maze to arrive at the truth.
Are the missing antiques and the deaths related? Are there two different criminals to track and unearth? Can the duo solve the cases before they face the bullet?
My Observations:
The book began with an interaction between Avery and Art, and I wasn’t sure of the dynamics. It took me a while to get into the subplot (the family, relationships, etc.). The case, however, was clear enough.
There were quite a few characters to track, which made it a little difficult to stay up to date with the developments concerned with the main plot. Luckily, I wasn’t in a mood to solve the case, which made it easy to go with the flow (and round the rating to 4 stars).
Getting to Avery and Art was nice. I had a better knowledge of their relationship by the end of the book. I would love to know where it heads in the future books.
Avery was intelligent (even if she jumped to conclusions at times). She was nosy too, which is rather a prerequisite to becoming an amateur detective. But the book balanced her sleuthing and antique appraisal work. I learned something about the field. That was fun.
The book has a super friendly dog and seven teeny kittens! Yeah… one kitty is black and white, and another has tiger stripes. Sigh! (Can you see my heart-eyes?)
Tilly appeared childish and strange in the first half. Must be her teenage acting up. Still, I couldn’t understand her sudden shifts in mood.
The pacing was uneven (it slumps in the middle), but the end wrapped up things pretty well. The characters weren’t fully developed, though they serve the intended purpose. No far-fetched theories or solutions, so that’s a plus.
To sum up, Peril at Pennington Manor is a blend of cozy mystery and family drama. The book would make a nice read when you want something that doesn’t demand too much of your energy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #PerilatPenningtonManor
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Timepass read
Avery Ayers and her team at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised got the assignment to appraise and catalog the contents of the Hudson River. The manor (that feels more like a castle) is being sold by the duke, who happens to be a good friend of Aunt Midge (Avery’s aunt).
The first time Avery and her dad William visit the manor, they realize that the Viktor Petrova pocket watch is missing. The duke is stunned but determined to ensure all the antiques are cataloged and accounted for.
On the first day of work, the team ends up being a witness to the death of Suzanne, the housekeeper at the manor. Avery’s instincts tell her it’s not a simple case of accidental death. Detective Art Smith steps into the scene to aid with the investigation and keep Avery safe. Moreover, the duo has to decide the future of their relationship (if there is one).
As more antiques turn out to be fake, the duke ends up in a riding accident, and another employee of the manor is found dead. With the list of suspects including every person in the manor, Avery and Art must sort through the maze to arrive at the truth.
Are the missing antiques and the deaths related? Are there two different criminals to track and unearth? Can the duo solve the cases before they face the bullet?
My Observations:
The book began with an interaction between Avery and Art, and I wasn’t sure of the dynamics. It took me a while to get into the subplot (the family, relationships, etc.). The case, however, was clear enough.
There were quite a few characters to track, which made it a little difficult to stay up to date with the developments concerned with the main plot. Luckily, I wasn’t in a mood to solve the case, which made it easy to go with the flow (and round the rating to 4 stars).
Getting to Avery and Art was nice. I had a better knowledge of their relationship by the end of the book. I would love to know where it heads in the future books.
Avery was intelligent (even if she jumped to conclusions at times). She was nosy too, which is rather a prerequisite to becoming an amateur detective. But the book balanced her sleuthing and antique appraisal work. I learned something about the field. That was fun.
The book has a super friendly dog and seven teeny kittens! Yeah… one kitty is black and white, and another has tiger stripes. Sigh! (Can you see my heart-eyes?)
Tilly appeared childish and strange in the first half. Must be her teenage acting up. Still, I couldn’t understand her sudden shifts in mood.
The pacing was uneven (it slumps in the middle), but the end wrapped up things pretty well. The characters weren’t fully developed, though they serve the intended purpose. No far-fetched theories or solutions, so that’s a plus.
To sum up, Peril at Pennington Manor is a blend of cozy mystery and family drama. The book would make a nice read when you want something that doesn’t demand too much of your energy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #PerilatPenningtonManor
4.5 Stars
Oh, my heart! The blurb calls this a unique picture book where the wind and the grass have a conversation. The book focuses on nature and her breathtaking beauty. Yes, there’s a moral lesson for kids about accepting commonalities and differences. But for me, this book is an ode to the wind, ocean, and grass.
The wind tells grass how it finds similarities and differences between the grass and the oceans. The waves, the vast expanse, changing colors, the scents that cannot be replicated, and the sense of comfort & warmth connect the grass and the oceans to the wind in an inseparable bond.
What makes the book work is the simplicity and genuineness of the prose. The words flow softly and take the reader deep into the grassland and ocean waves. The font size is perfect for reading.
And the illustrations! Read the first line of my review. Yep. The paintings have a mystical quality to them. Every page lures the reader to step in and enter the other world. I read the book on full screen just to enjoy the delicate handling of the illustrations. From the color scheme to details like the butterfly, ladybird, and the teeny birds, every blade of the grass and the very wave of the ocean are full of life.
To sum up, Wind, Ocean, Grass is a soothing and soulful book for kids and adults. For me, the moral lesson from the book would be to get back to nature and thank her for sharing the marvels with us.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author at my request. This review contains my honest opinions and thoughts about the book. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book, Karen.
***
A big, big thank you to my friend and fellow reviewer, Roshni, for providing me the details to contact the author for a review copy.
Oh, my heart! The blurb calls this a unique picture book where the wind and the grass have a conversation. The book focuses on nature and her breathtaking beauty. Yes, there’s a moral lesson for kids about accepting commonalities and differences. But for me, this book is an ode to the wind, ocean, and grass.
The wind tells grass how it finds similarities and differences between the grass and the oceans. The waves, the vast expanse, changing colors, the scents that cannot be replicated, and the sense of comfort & warmth connect the grass and the oceans to the wind in an inseparable bond.
What makes the book work is the simplicity and genuineness of the prose. The words flow softly and take the reader deep into the grassland and ocean waves. The font size is perfect for reading.
And the illustrations! Read the first line of my review. Yep. The paintings have a mystical quality to them. Every page lures the reader to step in and enter the other world. I read the book on full screen just to enjoy the delicate handling of the illustrations. From the color scheme to details like the butterfly, ladybird, and the teeny birds, every blade of the grass and the very wave of the ocean are full of life.
To sum up, Wind, Ocean, Grass is a soothing and soulful book for kids and adults. For me, the moral lesson from the book would be to get back to nature and thank her for sharing the marvels with us.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author at my request. This review contains my honest opinions and thoughts about the book. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book, Karen.
***
A big, big thank you to my friend and fellow reviewer, Roshni, for providing me the details to contact the author for a review copy.
**Happy Publication Day**
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and gripping.
Annie, a twenty-year-old, reaches the Sicilian island of Galatea after the death of her beloved father. She is grieving the loss of the only loving person in her life. Annie has always been low on confidence, thanks to her mother’s standards. The trip to Galatea is a way to gain confidence, get her life back on track, and complete her father’s quest for his birth mother.
Meeting Salvo, the local fisherman, gives Annie the support she needs to search for her grandmother’s history. The delicate bracelet on her wrist makes things easier, but only until she realizes what her grandmother had to do to save her loved ones.
Even as Annie gets used to past unfurling in front of her eyes (literally), is she strong enough to handle the truth? Can she find peace and look forward to her life with Salvo, or will she abandon her quest and go back to the safety of her home?
What happened on Galatea that her grandmother was last found in the WWII concentration camp?
What I Like:
• It’s a short book (240+ pages) and goes at a steady pace. The combination of show and tell works well to keep me hooked.
• The touch of paranormal without putting too much emphasis on it makes it alluring. It suits the beauty of the setting and the ancient ties between the people, land, and sea.
• Mira and Mimi are both strong characters. Annie is, too, without being obvious about it.
• The shift between the past and present is seamless. The story weaves in and out without jerks.
• WWII wasn’t the central focus of the story. After reading quite a few of those this year, I’m glad to read something a little different.
What didn’t Work for Me:
• The rushed ending spoiled the beauty of the story. Sure, the actual issue is solved, but we could’ve gotten a little more information about the characters. I was surprised to see the epilogue when I expected another final chapter to tie the loose ends.
• The epilogue isn’t as effective as it should be. We get the happy ever after, but something vital felt missing from the end. Also, there is no mention of Annie’s mother or her reaction to the developments. Since Annie’s character arc depended on her mother, it was disappointing to not know.
• Annie’s character development wasn’t steady. It went up and down to suit the flow of the story rather than being the other way round. She needed more time to establish herself. The past track stole the limelight (as it almost always happens with dual timelines).
To sum up, The Italian Island is an intriguing and fast-paced story about women connected across generations and stood up for love. It’s not a heavy read, though it does deal with some complex issues of life and relationships.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheItalianIsland
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and gripping.
Annie, a twenty-year-old, reaches the Sicilian island of Galatea after the death of her beloved father. She is grieving the loss of the only loving person in her life. Annie has always been low on confidence, thanks to her mother’s standards. The trip to Galatea is a way to gain confidence, get her life back on track, and complete her father’s quest for his birth mother.
Meeting Salvo, the local fisherman, gives Annie the support she needs to search for her grandmother’s history. The delicate bracelet on her wrist makes things easier, but only until she realizes what her grandmother had to do to save her loved ones.
Even as Annie gets used to past unfurling in front of her eyes (literally), is she strong enough to handle the truth? Can she find peace and look forward to her life with Salvo, or will she abandon her quest and go back to the safety of her home?
What happened on Galatea that her grandmother was last found in the WWII concentration camp?
What I Like:
• It’s a short book (240+ pages) and goes at a steady pace. The combination of show and tell works well to keep me hooked.
• The touch of paranormal without putting too much emphasis on it makes it alluring. It suits the beauty of the setting and the ancient ties between the people, land, and sea.
• Mira and Mimi are both strong characters. Annie is, too, without being obvious about it.
• The shift between the past and present is seamless. The story weaves in and out without jerks.
• WWII wasn’t the central focus of the story. After reading quite a few of those this year, I’m glad to read something a little different.
What didn’t Work for Me:
• The rushed ending spoiled the beauty of the story. Sure, the actual issue is solved, but we could’ve gotten a little more information about the characters. I was surprised to see the epilogue when I expected another final chapter to tie the loose ends.
• The epilogue isn’t as effective as it should be. We get the happy ever after, but something vital felt missing from the end. Also, there is no mention of Annie’s mother or her reaction to the developments. Since Annie’s character arc depended on her mother, it was disappointing to not know.
• Annie’s character development wasn’t steady. It went up and down to suit the flow of the story rather than being the other way round. She needed more time to establish herself. The past track stole the limelight (as it almost always happens with dual timelines).
To sum up, The Italian Island is an intriguing and fast-paced story about women connected across generations and stood up for love. It’s not a heavy read, though it does deal with some complex issues of life and relationships.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #TheItalianIsland
There are times when you enjoy a book despite its apparent flaws. This is one of those instances. Gods of Jade and Shadow is my first book by the author, and I had no real expectations from it.
The book should have been marked YA dark fantasy or NA fantasy, but NA doesn't get the same traction as YA or adult.
The writing is mostly 'tell'. Yes. Some dialogues are stilted and even funny. Yes. There isn't any suspense or tension. Yes. The guest begins to feel monotonous after a while. Yes. Even the writing feels monotonous in places. Yes again.
And yet, I enjoyed the book. For me, it wasn't slow. It wasn't boring, either (not much). The
decision to tell the story works for this plot. If readers already found it slow, 'showing' would make it slower and add another 50-70 pages. It wasn't necessary. There is enough information to visualize the setting without any 'showing.
Casiopea's actions seem contradictory at times. But then she is a young girl wanting to break free and trying to make the best of the given situation. The contradictions made her more real to me.
Martin's character was well-etched. I enjoyed reading his POV and the arc. Hun-Kamé, the God of Death, gets a flatter arc, which I felt was necessary for the plot. He blends right in instead of standing out and taking the story away from Casiopea. He might be a God, but this book is not his. He has to play the second lead.
I had no issues with the fantasy or mythological aspects. They are right in my zone, even if I don't know the original version. That probably comes from being a pagan. It feels like a part of me.
The ending did make me sad (I swear by happy ever afters even if I don't write them myself). But I also know that the ending is perfect for the story. Can we get a sequel, please (with a happy ending)?
I am glad that this is my first book by the author, and I could read it without being influenced by her other works (I gather from the reviews that those will have a different style and execution).
The book should have been marked YA dark fantasy or NA fantasy, but NA doesn't get the same traction as YA or adult.
The writing is mostly 'tell'. Yes. Some dialogues are stilted and even funny. Yes. There isn't any suspense or tension. Yes. The guest begins to feel monotonous after a while. Yes. Even the writing feels monotonous in places. Yes again.
And yet, I enjoyed the book. For me, it wasn't slow. It wasn't boring, either (not much). The
decision to tell the story works for this plot. If readers already found it slow, 'showing' would make it slower and add another 50-70 pages. It wasn't necessary. There is enough information to visualize the setting without any 'showing.
Casiopea's actions seem contradictory at times. But then she is a young girl wanting to break free and trying to make the best of the given situation. The contradictions made her more real to me.
Martin's character was well-etched. I enjoyed reading his POV and the arc. Hun-Kamé, the God of Death, gets a flatter arc, which I felt was necessary for the plot. He blends right in instead of standing out and taking the story away from Casiopea. He might be a God, but this book is not his. He has to play the second lead.
I had no issues with the fantasy or mythological aspects. They are right in my zone, even if I don't know the original version. That probably comes from being a pagan. It feels like a part of me.
The ending did make me sad (I swear by happy ever afters even if I don't write them myself). But I also know that the ending is perfect for the story. Can we get a sequel, please (with a happy ending)?
I am glad that this is my first book by the author, and I could read it without being influenced by her other works (I gather from the reviews that those will have a different style and execution).
This is my second book of Freeman and Thorndyke. Frankly, I liked 'The Red Thumb Mark' better though I guessed who the main culprit was.
The book has 5 cases in total, out of which have the crime and criminal detailed first and then shown how those are cracked.
They put a disclaimer hinting that anybody who does not prefer to read this experimental style is warned, but I read it anyway.
Overall, a decent book which can be read once.
The book has 5 cases in total, out of which have the crime and criminal detailed first and then shown how those are cracked.
They put a disclaimer hinting that anybody who does not prefer to read this experimental style is warned, but I read it anyway.
Overall, a decent book which can be read once.
A good book that deals with important issues like racial discrimination. Thought-provoking, detailed, and elaborate. A very well researched book that seems to have led the author to use every single thing in the story. A checklist is not always a good thing when it comes to characters and plotlines. Wish it was tighter and crisper without getting preachy.
And that ending! Ugh. It could have ended even without the epilogue (of sorts).
It doesn't do justice to the story.
And that ending! Ugh. It could have ended even without the epilogue (of sorts).
It doesn't do justice to the story.
4.3 Stars
********
The book has been published.
********
It sure feels like I’m living under a rock when I didn’t even know about the existence of Enola Holmes and the past 6 cases she solved. Nor was I aware of the movie released last year that led to another book in the series after more than 10 years.
But I’m glad to have redeemed my mistake. All the previous books are in my TBR now. I may watch the movie, though I’ll read the book first.
Thankfully, this book starts with a brief recap covering the series. It’s narrated by none other than Sherlock. The author had done justice to his character and retained most of his grumpiness and dry humor.
Enola is now fifteen and ready to take on a case again. Her banter with Sherlock is fun to read. Enola steps in and takes over the case when Letitia Glover goes to Sherlock for help.
What else can she do when her brother is having one of his bouts again, and the poor Miss Glover was worried for her twin sister? The case doesn’t have too many twists and turns and comes to a satisfactory ending. Enola does her share of sleuthing, going undercover, getting caught, escaping, and finally working with her experienced brother to solve the case together. Viscount Tewky and Dr. Watson are roped in to play their roles.
Written for the YA audience, the book is mostly lighthearted. But it does have a couple of disturbing scenes. The author presented them well, so that shouldn’t really be a problem.
To conclude, I totally enjoyed reading this book. If you are a fan of mysteries, the Victorian era, resourceful heroines, and the YA genre, this one is for you. And hey, it’s got Sherlock too!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/ Wednesday Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
************
Read the full review here.
********
The book has been published.
********
It sure feels like I’m living under a rock when I didn’t even know about the existence of Enola Holmes and the past 6 cases she solved. Nor was I aware of the movie released last year that led to another book in the series after more than 10 years.
But I’m glad to have redeemed my mistake. All the previous books are in my TBR now. I may watch the movie, though I’ll read the book first.
Thankfully, this book starts with a brief recap covering the series. It’s narrated by none other than Sherlock. The author had done justice to his character and retained most of his grumpiness and dry humor.
Enola is now fifteen and ready to take on a case again. Her banter with Sherlock is fun to read. Enola steps in and takes over the case when Letitia Glover goes to Sherlock for help.
What else can she do when her brother is having one of his bouts again, and the poor Miss Glover was worried for her twin sister? The case doesn’t have too many twists and turns and comes to a satisfactory ending. Enola does her share of sleuthing, going undercover, getting caught, escaping, and finally working with her experienced brother to solve the case together. Viscount Tewky and Dr. Watson are roped in to play their roles.
Written for the YA audience, the book is mostly lighthearted. But it does have a couple of disturbing scenes. The author presented them well, so that shouldn’t really be a problem.
To conclude, I totally enjoyed reading this book. If you are a fan of mysteries, the Victorian era, resourceful heroines, and the YA genre, this one is for you. And hey, it’s got Sherlock too!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/ Wednesday Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
************
Read the full review here.