Enola Holmes series, books 2-4 by Nancy Springer

Over the past few weeks, I have listened to the audiobook versions of The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets, and The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan by Nancy Springer, books 2-4 in the Enola Holmes mystery series. Since I have already reviewed the first book, I'll just briefly summarize: Enola, still free of her brothers' constricting guardianship, establishes herself quite comfortably in London and solves several cases, including a rescuing a kidnapped girl, foiling an attempt to force a bride into an arranged marriage, and solving the mysterious disappearance of none other than Doctor Watson. All the while, she manages to evade Sherlock and Mycroft's attempts to curtail her freedom, though she does have a few close shaves.

I am having a lot of fun listening to this series. Katherine Kellgren, of course, does a wonderful job with the narration. The historical details are still well-researched and well-integrated into the plot, and Enola continues to solve mysteries in a manner generally suited to her age and ability, though of course there's always going to be some suspension of disbelief necessary for this sort of story. By the end of the third book, she has gained a sort of grudging respect from Sherlock, which explains why he is no longer trying quite so hard to locate her -- a good thing, because I think that true Holmes fans might quibble at their hero's apparent inability to track Enola down. My only other issue with the series -- possibly more noticeable because I am listening, rather than reading, is the oft-repeated refrain of Enola's mother's words: "Enola, you will do very well on your own." I feel like it's been hammered in enough! Of course, Enola's mother falls just above the worst of the villains on the likability scale, as far as characters in this series go, so maybe that's also part of the problem.

All in all, these are excellent audiobooks, and I certainly recommend them. I will be sure to listen to the last two books in the series next time I have the opportunity for prolonged listening.

(Reviewed from audiobooks borrowed through my library system.)