Recommend A…is a weekly recommendation meme hosted by Chick Loves Lit. This week’s prompt…
Recommend A…First Book in a Series
A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee (The Agency #1)
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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.
There were so many books I considered featuring, but A Spy in the House is the one I kept coming back to. What more could you want? Clever girl detective in a Victorian setting, fun mysteries, and some of the best chemistry ever (FOR REAL) between Mary and her love interest. This first book continues to be my favorite, but the other two books are super enjoyable, too. Overall, though, this series is severely underrated so…YOU SHOULD READ IT!
Here are my reviews for the books:
• A Spy in the House
• The Body at the Tower
• The Traitor in the Tunnel
About Stephanie
Oh yup, I’ve had this books recommended to me numerous times. So why haven’t I read it yet? I am a fool, clearly. Because it sounds majorly awesome!
YES. And I whole-heartedly agree, of course. Seriously. People who haven’t read these books are missing out. I want to know what other first books of series you’d rec though!
PS. Ummmm beautiful new layout! :D
Oh I have this one on my reader!! I have wanted to read it for so long!!
I agree. This is an excellent series – I really like Mary :)
I’ve heard great things about this series Stephanie, I really need to make time to pick it up! Love the idea of a young female spy in the Victorian Era. Complete win. Add in great romantic tension and I’m sold!
This series really does sound intriguing. :)
I’ve never heard of this book, but I’d lvoe to read it. I generally love mysteries and all things British, and this book is reminding me of one o fmy favorite series, Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls books. Only in Victorian England. I’m definitely adding it to the TBR. Thanks for the reommendation!
Love the chemistry between Mary and James – they make such a fantastic couple!!
YES!!! More people need to read this series.
I haven’t read this book yet, even though I’ve been meaning to for ages. I think there’s a good Kindle deal on it now, so maybe I should go and check it out. It has so many elements I love – mystery and a Victorian type setting most especially!
I second your recommendation. I love this series!!!