Enola Holmes: The Case of the Disappearing Duchess by Nancy Springer

There might be two titles for this book, I saw it as the Gypsy Good-bye in addition to the Disappearing Duchess, so please know they are the same book. It has been almost a full year since Enola has been hiding from her brothers, while investing in a boarding house and working as an investigator (even if not done so in her own name), and living on her own (most recently in the safety of the women’s club). After running into Sherlock with her last disguise, Enola must now use a different alias and disguise. In her first case in this disguise Sherlock is on the same case, for a missing Duchess who disappeared in the underground while her 2 ladies in waiting were nearby. Sherlock meanwhile has been called to the family home as a mysterious package has been left there, Sherlock realizes it is for Enola and brings it back to London, knowing Florence Nightingale will eventually have Enola as a visitor. The family dog, Reginald, almost knocks Enola down as Sherlock is there waiting, and he didn’t recognize this disguise. Sherlock, tells Enola that after a talk with Ms. Nightingale he better understands why sending her to a boarding school is not appropriate and shows her the package that was left for her by a gypsy. Enola opens it to find a puzzle from her mother. Enola delays solving the puzzle as she now realizes where the Duchess is and getting some confirmation is on the right track she goes to Sherlock for help, who in turn brings in Mycroft. After saving the Duchess, and entrusting Enola to make sure she is returned safely to her husband, Sherlock and Mycroft want to spend Enola’s birthday with her. After being assured by Sherlock that he will not let Mycroft ship her off to boarding school she agrees to attend. In realizing what is needed to solve the puzzle her mother left, Enola leaves a note in the middle of the night at Baker Street and arrives for birthday tea with her two older brothers with a bunch of bicycles available. Once the puzzle is solved, Enola has her last message from her mother. Mycroft and Sherlock agree not to force Enola into marriage, or a boarding school, and she agrees to not hide from them anymore. Sherlock seems interested in seeing what Enola will surprise him with next. 

 

 

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