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Jan 9, 2012

REVIEW: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee



Title: A Spy in the House
Series: The Agency
Author: Y.S. Lee
Rating: 5
GoodReads Link


Synopsis:
            “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.


Introducing an exciting new series! Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this diverting mystery trails a feisty heroine as she takes on a precarious secret assignment.”

Review:
                       If you like Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, or even just love a story that has a strong female lead you’ll love A Spy in the House. This story takes place in Victorian England, which is a subject that instantly draws me in! What’s more is that it’s a mystery. Mysteries are quickly becoming a staple of mine, be it in movies, television, or books. Victorian mysteries aren’t anything terribly new, Sherlock Holmes immediately comes to mind when I think on that subject, but they are still one of my favorite things to read.

                     The main protagonist in A Spy in the House is Mary Quinn, an orphan who had been living on the streets but gets a second chance. I love Mary; she’s such a complex character. You really get to know Ms. Quinn and her story as the novel progresses. Mary isn’t the only point of view you are going to be getting in this marvelous book. You will also meet the dashing James Easton, who can be  a pompous ass at points but at other times lets his true emotions get the best of him.  The pair works together throughout the novel to uncover the mystery while forming an unlikely friendship.
                     
                        This has got to be one of my favorite books; I’ve read it 3 times. The first time I read it I didn’t do anything but sit around and read all day. The sentences are written brilliantly and I fell in love with the characters. I am eagerly awaiting any future books that Lee has planned. Make sure you go out and read A Spy in the House and tell me what you think!