GRAPHIC NOVEL (MIDDLE GRADE) REVIEW: Enola Holmes The Graphic Novels, Book One by Serena Blasco

ENOLA HOLMES, The Graphic Novels, Book One

based on the novels by Nancy Springer, by Serena Blasco

Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-5248-7132-1

Source: publisher for review (Thanks!)

Ages 9-14

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by publisher through Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A graphic novel adaptation of the hit books that inspired the Netflix film! Sherlock Holmes’ brilliant, strong-willed younger sister takes center stage in this delightfully drawn graphic novel based on Nancy Springer’s bestselling mystery series.

14-year-old Enola Holmes wakes on her birthday to discover that her mother has disappeared from the family's country manor, leaving only a collection of flowers and a coded message book. With Sherlock and Mycroft determined to ship her off to a boarding school, Enola escapes, displaying a cleverness that even impresses the elder Holmes. But nothing prepares her for what lies ahead…

Book One in the series includes three thrilling mysteries: The Case of the Missing Marquess, The Case of the Left-Handed Lady, and The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets. At the back of the book, readers can explore a portfolio of pages from Enola's secret notebook!

REVIEW

As a big Enola Holmes fan, I was eager to pick up the graphic novel version of Nancy Spinger's original novels. I was a big surprised when I discovered that this first volume covered the first three novels in Springer's series.  I wasn't sure justice could be done to the stories in such a short amount of space.  I am delighted to be able to say that this graphic novel adaptation of Enola's first three adventures in mystery-solving are excellent.  Not only is justice done to Enola herself, but the setting and plot are wonderfully depicted.  While details are necessarily left out, the illustrations provide more than enough background to understanding what is going on with Enola.  Enola's spunkiness and determination shine through both the text and graphics right down to her perky little nose.  I especially enjoyed seeing her disguises depicted as she seeks to elude her brothers, Mycroft and Sherlock.  The inclusion of snippets from her notebooks is a nice touch as well.  Not only is this a fun adaptation of the original novels but it's an entertaining graphic novel series all on it's own.  Each mystery provided a chance to see Enola's ingenuity and cleverness in her new life.  For those like me who are already fans of Enola as well as those who haven't yet met her, this book is a treat.