The case of the left- handed lady by Nancy Springer

"The case of the left- handed lady" by Nancy Springer - Detective Enola Holmes!

This edition of the book was published by Puffin Books in 2020 and has 256 pages. This is Book 2 of Enola Holmes series.

Those who have watched the movie 'Enola' know the story of first book. Now Enola has assumed the identity of Miss Meshle, adjutant to non existent Dr. Ragostine, a Scientific Perditorian (Perditorian= One who divines that which is lost). By night she helps poor and destitute as a veiled sister. Her first customer is Dr. Watson, who has come to find Enola for his friend, Sherlock Holmes, without his knowledge. Enola also solicits the case of a missing lady, a mere girl from an aristocratic family. 

Will Enola accept Dr. Watson's case to find herself? What will be her first case? Are Sherlock and Mycroft looking for her? Will she match wits with her famous brother? Will she go back to the family?

Story happens in 1889. Enola assumes multiple identities of Ms. Meshle, Veiled Sister,  Mrs. Ragostine etc. A mere 14-15 year old girl making her mark in man's world. In the times when ladies were not supposed to work, Enola becomes a detective. 

It's the time when any decent woman's calling consisted of taking her proper place in society (read husband, house, piano lessons etc. ). Enola, on the other hand, is a spirited,  independent, intelligent 15 year old girl who doesn't want to be docile, even if it means she is called indecent or a disgrace.

It's also the time when being left handed was considered improper for a lady. Author creatively uses the left handedness to address different personality traits of the lady. 

Enola and her brother are matching wits. He to find her and she to remain hidden. It's an interesting dual and should continue in subsequent books.

This book has very limited investigation. She solves the mystery mainly based on deduction but eventually doesn't get the credit for it. 19th century London is depicted very well. A lot of story happens in dark. 

Chapters are, rather unimaginatively, titled; The first, The Second etc..

This book is not very interesting but it's not boring either. 

Why did I read this book? Movie based on Book 1. 

What I didn't like? Lack of investigation. 

What did I like? Doesn't bore you. 

Read only if you plan to read the series.