A Spy in the House Review

Thursday, October 7, 2010


Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test.
Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.

Taken from GoodReads.

A Spy in the House follows the story of teenage Mary Quinn, a young lady offered an elite position of an all-women's investigative league - a complete turnaround from her difficult life and upbringing. Mary is given a singular task to blend in and enmesh herself in her first assignment, gaining her employers' trusts so she can discover the truth of the mystery she's assigned to. However, things don't always go as she plans, and Mary needs to learn to be a quick-thinker, and come to terms with her difficult past.

I hadn't heard too much about The Agency series before I received the sequel for review, but I decided to give the series a go. Written in fantastic prose, an easy-to-read tone, and alive details of the time period, author Y.S. Lee managed to beautifully prepare the setup for this series through A Spy in the House. The author has a clear and succinct voice, letting the characters (both main and secondary) tell the story and set the pace, which I particularly loved. The rich imagery of Victorian England was also extremely tangible - a strength not every author gets right.

A bit like Nancy Drew for a new generation, A Spy in the House has created a lovable heroine in Mary Quinn. She's a strong protagonist with morals, a past, and a clear purpose in life. I can't think of a better MC to delve into the world of investigative mystery with. Furthermore, I really enjoyed James Easton. The dynamic between he and Mary radiated chemistry and kept the pace of the story flowing steadily. I will say that it took me a chapter or two to get into the book, which was my only qualm. However, once the book got going, I couldn't set it down.

Overall, I really enjoyed A Spy in the House. It's not a particularly difficult read, but it is a series that I'm excited to continue. The next book, A Body at the Tower is waiting on my desk for me now. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5, and I would recommend it particularly to YA and adult fans of mystery and historical fiction.

P.S. I'm featured on Missie's (The Unread Reader) blog today! Check it out if you get a chance!

22 comments:

  1. I love the Victorian time period so I really want to read this book. I'm glad you enjoyed. I'll definitely have to get it next time.

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  2. I feel like I should be a YA book blogger so that I would get lots of free YA books. They are my favorite kind of reading anyway. And I especially love this era.

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  3. Anything that is similar to Nancy Drew is a win for me :) This sounds like a great book and one that will be added to my TBR list. Thanks for the great review!

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  4. I thought this one was pretty good! It didn't completely draw me in, but I liked Mary and I also really enjoyed James. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the 2nd one... I have it from the library right now.

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  5. Thanks for commenting on my review! I'm glad you enjoyed it, also! (:

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  6. Ooh, sounds interesting! I'll have to look into this! :)

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  7. I have this one one my shelf and it's been beckoning me for weeks now. I'm even more happier that I have it because you make the story sound so good! Great review ;D

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  8. Very nice, I loved the Kitty books when I was in elementary school :)

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  9. Great review. I really look forward to trying this one.

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  10. Ooh, reading so many great things about this series, and now I really want to read it! Awesome review. =)

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  11. Nancy Drew, really! :O Must pick this up. ^^

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  12. Great review Melissa! I like how you compared it to Nancy Drew, which actually just made me nostalgic. :)

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  13. I've never been a fan of historical fiction, so I think I'd have a hard time getting into this. I've heard some great things about the series though. Enjoy reading them!

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  14. I like a good sleuthing story, especially if it reminds me of Nancy Drew!

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  15. I've already add it up on my wishlist. sounds like a must read book.Off to check you out girl!

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  16. I've had this one on my wishlist for a while. Maybe I'll have to break down and get it soon. Thanks for the review!

    Btw, have a blog award for you on my blog! :)

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  17. While I thought Lee;'s concept was quite original and well executed, I was not taken with the characters as much as you were. I feel Mary has great potential and for that reason I am hoping the sequel will capture me as much as Lee's first book did you.

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  18. Sometimes its not to have a easier read, Great review

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  19. This series sounds interesting to me...I don't read alot of YA books, but when I do, I try to look for something that is different from much of what's out there, and this might fit the bill, as well as your Waiting on Wednesday pick.

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  20. I haven't come across this book before. It looks great, and I'll keep my eyes open for it.

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  21. I really like the sound of this one! And I love historical fiction SO much! Thanks Melissa!

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  22. This looks sooo good! Thank you for sharing :-)

    XOXO~ Renee

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