Details About Books A Spy in the House (The Agency #1)
| Title | : | A Spy in the House (The Agency #1) |
| Author | : | Y.S. Lee |
| Book Format | : | Hardcover |
| Book Edition | : | Deluxe Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 335 pages |
| Published | : | March 9th 2010 by Candlewick (first published April 6th 2009) |
| Categories | : | Mystery. Historical. Historical Fiction. Young Adult. Fiction |
Y.S. Lee
Hardcover | Pages: 335 pages Rating: 3.78 | 13638 Users | 1635 Reviews
Explanation In Favor Of Books A Spy in the House (The Agency #1)
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. 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.Be Specific About Books In Pursuance Of A Spy in the House (The Agency #1)
| Original Title: | A Spy in the House |
| ISBN: | 0763640670 (ISBN13: 9780763640675) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Series: | The Agency #1 |
| Characters: | Mary Lang, James Easton, Felicity Frame, Anne Treleaven |
| Setting: | London, England,1858(United Kingdom) |
| Literary Awards: | Agatha Award Nominee for Best Childrens Young Adult (2010), John Spray Mystery Award (2011), OLA Forest of Reading Red Maple Award Nominee for Best Fiction (2011) |
Rating About Books A Spy in the House (The Agency #1)
Ratings: 3.78 From 13638 Users | 1635 ReviewsCritique About Books A Spy in the House (The Agency #1)
A Spy in the House follows reformed thief, Mary Quinn, when she starts her first assignment for the mysterious women's detective agency run by her school headmistresses. Mary is placed in the Thorold household as a paid companion for the family's daughter, Angelica. Mary's mission is to use her position to investigate the suspicious shipping company that Mr. Thorold runs. Mary ends up becoming more embroiled than she was intended, eventually unraveling the mystery. However, she also learns aboutI found A Spy in the House to be pretty entertaining, but fluffy. It didn't require much thought or attention: I wasn't bothered by Mum's snoring in the background (a flight from the UK to Italy is so tiring), or the conversations going on just outside the hotel room. Fun, but not taxing.The whole idea is quite fun: an academy for girls who're down on their luck (the main character is rescued from the gallows in the opening of the book), which can lead -- for some -- into becoming spies, in the
3.5 stars - This author did a fine job of creating a lively, likable Victorian heroine for the young adult audience and upwards. Of course I am far beyond young adult, perhaps in the almost senile category (sorry, author...not a ringing endorsement I know), and I enjoyed the book and intend to follow the adventures of this young woman. She was about to be hanged for thievery, but was bustled out of the prison by a woman who took her to a school..."Here at the Academy, we can give you a better
I really, really wanted to like this book. I'm a fan of novels set during the Victorian era, as I've always been very interested in how thinking, reasoning people-especially women--manage to survive in such a repressive society. It's the same reason I like Jane Austen novels, because the yearning for connection with other human beings is so often at odds with the strict customs of the day.There's a tendency now in books for authors to just ignore those rules and just barrel forward with whatever
Mary Quinn displays plenty of charm and wit while working as A Spy In The House. Sadly, tiresome cliches and one-dimensional supporting characters prevent this good read from becoming a great one! It's 1853 in London, England, and 12-year old Mary Quinn has just been sentenced to die! Convicted for thievery, Mary is saved from the gallows pole at the last moment by a mysterious stranger and brought to Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. But much like Mary herself, the Academy is full of secrets.
This was one of those books that I could have read in one sitting, if I didn't have to eat, sleep, and work like your typical human. I bitterly set it down between shifts at work, and eagerly snatched it up at every spare bit of time I had. I am guilty of walk-reading with this one! The heroine is a Grade A Bad Ass who is smart as a whip, extremely clever, and sassy AF. The book never really drags since the author brilliantly likes to skip over the more boring bits like training montages and
Hmmm, I liked this, but it also seemed maybe quite not all there? I'm not sure if I think Mary should've put more pieces together or if I think the book should've had more clues. There was also a bit of Mary concealing stuff from the reader--not terribly so, but it inched near the line of being annoying.Wish I shipped the ship more, too. It's not a major thread, but I always like my romance.
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