A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

Genre: YA Mystery

Publication Date: March 2010

One Word Review: Good

Author Website: www.yslee.com

First Line: "She should have been listening to the judge."

GoodReads 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.

Kathy's Review: I've been waiting to read this one every since I first read the synopsis a few months ago. I was excited when my copy came in at the library and quickly pushed it to the top of my TBR pile. I did enjoy the story, but it does seem like something was missing. I'm not sure what it was, but it was just a little off for me. I liked Mary and I do wish a little more time had been spent on her "training", although it was nice in a way to have her thrown into her first assignment as she tries to figure out just what she's doing. I liked the witty banter between her and James, and I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship developing throughout the rest of the series. The mystery was good, a little predictable, but still an enjoyable element to the story. Overall, it was a good story and fun mystery.

Bookworm Rating: 3.5

The Agency Series:
Book One: A Spy in the House

Book Two: The Body at the Tower (August 2010)