The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason

Brief Summary of School Reading List Books - Ievgen Sykalo 2026

The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason

The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason is the third novel in the Stoker & Holmes series, a young adult steampunk adventure series. It follows Evaline Stoker, sister of Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), and Mina Holmes, niece of Sherlock Holmes. These two young women find themselves reluctantly drawn into a thrilling mystery involving a missing chess queen and a potential threat to Victorian London.

Not Your Typical Social Season:

Evaline and Mina are not particularly interested in the typical pursuits expected of young ladies in Victorian society. However, their family connections land them in a peculiar situation. Princess Lurelia of Betrovia arrives in London with a secret mission: to deliver a letter detailing the location of a legendary missing chess queen — an artifact believed to hold immense power. Evaline and Mina are tasked with acting as chaperones and protectors for the princess.

A Tangled Web of Intrigue:

London is teeming with potential threats. The princess' letter is cryptic, and rival factions are desperate to acquire the missing chess queen. Evaline and Mina, with their sharp minds and experience with the unusual, find themselves drawn deeper into the mystery. They must navigate a web of intrigue involving spies, assassins, and hidden agendas.

The Mysterious Mr. Van Helsing:

Adding to the complexity is the enigmatic Abraham Van Helsing, a figure known for his expertise in the occult. His motives are unclear — is he an ally or a foe? He possesses knowledge of the chess queen's power and seems to be guiding Evaline and Mina in their investigation, albeit in a cryptic and indirect way.

Beyond Social Graces:

The girls must utilize their unique skillsets. Evaline, with her knowledge of self-defense and resourcefulness, acts as a bodyguard for the princess. Mina, with her keen intellect and observational skills, deciphers clues and unravels the hidden messages within the princess' letter. They must learn to rely on each other and adapt to the dangerous situations they encounter.

The Importance of the Missing Queen:

As the story unfolds, the true significance of the missing chess queen is revealed. It is not simply a valuable artifact; it possesses the power to control minds and potentially alter the course of history. The wrong person wielding this power could plunge the world into chaos.

A Race Against Time:

Evaline and Mina face a race against time to locate the missing chess queen before it falls into the wrong hands. Their investigation leads them through hidden passages, secret societies, and confrontations with dangerous enemies.

A Shocking Revelation and a Cliffhanger Ending:

The climax of the story brings a shocking revelation about the true nature of the missing chess queen and its connection to a long-forgotten secret. Evaline also discovers a surprising truth about her own past that leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, with the fate of the chess queen and the safety of the characters hanging in the balance.

Themes:

  • Female Empowerment:The story celebrates female agency and intelligence. Evaline and Mina defy Victorian societal expectations, utilizing their talents and bravery to solve mysteries and fight for what's right.

  • The Power of Knowledge and Observation:Mina's keen intellect and Evaline's resourcefulness prove to be invaluable assets in their investigation.

  • The Dangers of Obsession:The novel explores the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and the lengths some will go to achieve power.

  • Family and Friendship:Despite their different backgrounds, Evaline and Mina develop a strong bond of friendship and trust, relying on each other to overcome challenges.

  • The Legacy of Secrets:The story delves into the idea of hidden histories and the consequences of keeping secrets that can resurface with devastating consequences.

Legacy:

The Chess Queen Enigma is a thrilling addition to the Stoker & Holmes series. Colleen Gleason's blend of historical fiction, steampunk elements, and mystery keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The cliffhanger ending leaves the door wide open for further adventures for Evaline and Mina, as they continue to navigate the world of hidden threats and unravel the mysteries of the past.