A Spy in the House

The Agency Bk. 1:
A Spy in the House
by Y.S. Lee

A SPY IN THE HOUSE by

Category: Historical

Age Recommendation: Grades 9+

Release Date: 3/9/10

Publisher: Candlewick

Reviewed by:

Rating: 5 Stars

Mary Quinn used to be a thief. In fact, she was rescued from certain death by hanging and brought secretly to a

special school for girls. Here, she worked hard to change her station in life. Now, she's a young lady without a job

and doesn't know where to turn next.

Fortunately, her advisers at the school let her in on a secret. They have a spy agency where she'd be a perfect fit.

They help out Scotland Yard and gather information. With her former skills, Mary would be

perfect for the agency.

Plus, they have a position in mind for her, after she undergoes training.

Mary emerges and makes her way as a paid ladies companion to Angelica Thorold, a spoiled girl. Mary's duty,

besides her job, will be to gather any intelligence on Angelica's father and his business in regards to smuggling items.

Miss Thorold doesn't take to Mary. The two of them attempt to work out their differences in a variety of ways

while Mary snoops about the house. When she finds nothing, she goes

investigat

ing at Mr. Thorold's business when

she's caught, not by security, but by a man with similar concerns. He offers up a partnership where they share

information each uncovers. Mary reluctantly agrees

, but w

ith time running out, will

she

risk too much and find her

identity discovered?

I read this mostly in one sitting and then wanted the next book immediately. I love both spy novels and the Victorian

England era, and combin

ing the two equals

pure magical entertainment. A great feisty heroine, lots of danger, plenty

of mysteries to untangle, and a little romance creates a wonderfully perfect first edition to a new series.