Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to ... read full description
reviews
May 23, 2011
Wendy Darling
rated it: 
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 w More...
There's a tendency now in books for authors to just ignore those rules and just barrel forward w More...
39 comments
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(18 people liked it)
Jun 13, 2011
Krystle
rated it: 
Dude, this book rocked my world in all sorts of ways. Asian-American (Woops sorry, she's Asian-Canadian actually) author? Bingo! Asian-ish character? Double bingo! Feisty main character with an even crackalicious chemistry between the two leads? JACKPOT.
My favorite part of the book has to be the interactions between James and Mary. I must’ve cracked up tons of times from their hilarious banter. They just sizzle in their scenes together. After all, if she meets him in a closet there More...
My favorite part of the book has to be the interactions between James and Mary. I must’ve cracked up tons of times from their hilarious banter. They just sizzle in their scenes together. After all, if she meets him in a closet there More...
7 comments
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(10 people liked it)
Mar 28, 2010
Tara
rated it:
A must read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and strong heroines. Picture Nancy Drew living in Victorian England and you have the new spunky Mary Lang aka Mary Quinn.
An orphan destined for the gallows, Mary is rescued by a school for girls that is an agency on the side. Her first assignment: Pose as a lady's companion and extract as much information as she can about stolen goods from India. We meet an interesting cast of characters as Mary becomes embroiled in more than t More...
An orphan destined for the gallows, Mary is rescued by a school for girls that is an agency on the side. Her first assignment: Pose as a lady's companion and extract as much information as she can about stolen goods from India. We meet an interesting cast of characters as Mary becomes embroiled in more than t More...
0 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Jan 30, 2012
Amber
rated it: 
I was really excited to read this book, like on the edge-of-my-toes, stay-away-from-the-Christmas-tree-you-silly-little-scalawag excited, after coming across so many reviews (particularly this voracious reader and lovely girl from Muggle-Born.net, Cialina's) praising this little mystery wonder and the fantastic exchanges of romantic repartees. I waited until I finished I Captured the Castle by Dodie Smith before starting on this one because I wanted to save the best for last (or so gives initial
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 27, 2012
Prangon
rated it:
First, LOVE, EPIC LOVE FOR THIS BOOK FROM NOW ON!
I guess that explains just how much I enjoyed it. I have had A Spy In The House for a while now, but I never got around reading it till now. I mainly started this for Bout Of Books read-a-thon which failed due to my midterms. So after finishing my mids on Wednesday when I picked up the book again it was impossible to let go. I don't know if it was the era writer projected in her story or the characters she created, but I felt so connec More...
I guess that explains just how much I enjoyed it. I have had A Spy In The House for a while now, but I never got around reading it till now. I mainly started this for Bout Of Books read-a-thon which failed due to my midterms. So after finishing my mids on Wednesday when I picked up the book again it was impossible to let go. I don't know if it was the era writer projected in her story or the characters she created, but I felt so connec More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 09, 2010
Sara
rated it:
I sometimes find that novels with historical settings can be a bit dry, but Y.S. Lee has rekindled my love affair with Victorian England. A SPY IN THE HOUSE is a fast paced read, narrated by a feisty heroine, bursting with mystery, lies, greed, secret alliances, and, of course, romance.
With her quick wit and adventuresome spirit, Mary Quinn has quickly become one of my favorite main characters! A SPY IN THE HOUSE is set in Victorian London, where Mary’s secret life as a spy is More...
With her quick wit and adventuresome spirit, Mary Quinn has quickly become one of my favorite main characters! A SPY IN THE HOUSE is set in Victorian London, where Mary’s secret life as a spy is More...
0 comments
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(5 people liked it)
Feb 26, 2011
For some reason, I was really apprehensive about reading this novel. I was intrigued by the summary, I loved the cover, but I was lax about picking it up. And even now, I'm not exactly sure why I was hesitant to start it. But I'm glad I finally read it because I was pleasantly surprised!
The setting itself was enthralling... the cobblestone streets and smelly river of Victorian England, don't tell me that didn't get your attention! I even managed to learn a few things, that is alway More...
The setting itself was enthralling... the cobblestone streets and smelly river of Victorian England, don't tell me that didn't get your attention! I even managed to learn a few things, that is alway More...
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(2 people liked it)
Oct 25, 2011
"Acaba de llegar a las librerías una novela detectivesca fuera de lo común con la que los jóvenes amantes del género disfrutarán de lo lindo. La Agencia nos cuenta la historia de Mary Lang, una muchacha de origen asiático que vive en los suburbios de Londres durante el siglo XIX hasta que un día es arrestada y condenada a la horca por robar. Sin embargo, poco antes de su ejecución, dos misteriosas mujeres de alta alcurnia la rescatan y le ofrecen una vida muy diferente en su Academia para s
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 28, 2012
Maren
rated it: 
In A Spy in the House Mary Quinn is saved from the gallows and raised in a girl's school. When she is 17, she finds she is bored and kindly asks the two women who took her in what other work, besides teaching, there is for her. She discovers that her guardians/employers are really a part of a secret spy company that trained and employed women as spies, because women in 1850's England were some of the most inconspicuous people at that time.
She joins the ranks of these women spies and the bo
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Jan 27, 2012
Stephanie
rated it:
The Agency #1
high school & up
Mary is an orphan in 19th century London. At the age of 12 she was about to be hanged for the crime of thievery. Instead, she is taken to Miss Scrimshaw's School for Girls. After 5 years of education she is working as a teacher in the school and feeling completely bored. The headmistresses of the school offer Mary a chance: to join The Agency. This is a secret agency with a very revolutionary idea: that women make perfect spies. On her first assignment More...
high school & up
Mary is an orphan in 19th century London. At the age of 12 she was about to be hanged for the crime of thievery. Instead, she is taken to Miss Scrimshaw's School for Girls. After 5 years of education she is working as a teacher in the school and feeling completely bored. The headmistresses of the school offer Mary a chance: to join The Agency. This is a secret agency with a very revolutionary idea: that women make perfect spies. On her first assignment More...
Jan 04, 2012
Kristin
rated it:
This is a fanciful tale of a spunky and mysterious young woman who is saved from the gallows in Crimean England, and brought to an innovative school for young girls where they were taught that marriage and/or governess wasn't all that was available to a young woman of breeding and that poorer girls needn't be condemned to a life of a maid that gets kicked around, raped, forced into prostitution, or taking on laundry or sewing piece work to make ends meet somehow. The women have formed a detecti
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Oct 25, 2011
Carol
rated it:
Nothing is as it seems. That is the underlying theme to this magnificent Victorian mystery. Mary Lang was a 12-year-old orphan making her way by thievery. She is caught and sentenced to death by hanging when a group of women secretly whisks her away and grants her a new lease on life. She becomes Mary Quinn and gains an education normally reserved for wealthier children. As she approaches the mature age of eighteen she is feeling a little dissatisfied with her role as teacher's assistant at the
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Oct 11, 2011
Casey
rated it:
Was a little torn on how to rate this booked. First of all I got so caught up in the story I finished it in one day. There are so many aspects of this book that I loved and just a few that I just had to overlook.
I like the relationship between the main characters and the whole premise of her being a spy was enthralling to me and put a unique spin on the story.
The main thing that got me was the strong independence of the women. Of course Mary's life has been rough and she's l More...
I like the relationship between the main characters and the whole premise of her being a spy was enthralling to me and put a unique spin on the story.
The main thing that got me was the strong independence of the women. Of course Mary's life has been rough and she's l More...
Aug 30, 2011
Bev
rated it:
Earlier this year I read The Agency: The Body in the Tower by Y. S. Lee which is the second in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't generally like to read a series out of order--but the first book was MIA at the library and I couldn't find it anywhere. Then, apparently the library ordered a replacement and A Spy in the House showed up in my hold requests.
It didn't really hurt the story much to have read these out of order. It was nice to go back and find out how Mary got he More...
It didn't really hurt the story much to have read these out of order. It was nice to go back and find out how Mary got he More...
Aug 29, 2011
Liza
rated it:
What a refreshing concept for a young adult novel. Lee, who holds a PhD in Victorian studies did a fabulous job of creating both concept and character for this series without being dragged down by too many historical descriptions and trivia. The description of the Thames River during that heatwave and how it got the name The Great Stink was fantastic for the setting. I spent the duration of this read wanting to put something over my nose or take a shower to wash the stink away.
I l More...
I l More...
Aug 02, 2011
Kate
rated it:
The first novel in the Agency series, A Spy in the House, is a brilliant debut that wowed me with its honesty and originality. Where as many novels seem to focus either on one genre or the other, Lee shines in perfectly combining both a historical fiction novel with an amazing mystery novel.
As a bookworm, I have read plenty of historical novel, and to be honest, the Victorian period is one of my favorites. So when I got my hands on A Spy in the House, I was very curious to see how Lee More...
As a bookworm, I have read plenty of historical novel, and to be honest, the Victorian period is one of my favorites. So when I got my hands on A Spy in the House, I was very curious to see how Lee More...
Aug 02, 2011
Kailia
rated it:
I love a good historical fiction novel. And when it’s Victorian England, I’m hooked. At first, when I heard about this book, I was hesitant. It was not like any books that I had ever heard of! So when I saw it at my library, I decided to give it a try. I began reading this book late (like 3 at night!) on Friday night and by Saturday night, I had finished it! I’m still not sure why I was so worried about this book being bad!?
Y.S. Lee is a great author. For her debut novel, she did a s More...
Y.S. Lee is a great author. For her debut novel, she did a s More...
Jul 09, 2011
Barb
rated it:
This is the first audio book I've listened to for my own enjoyment and it feels a little bit like cheating on my reading somehow. I wish there was a way for me to read books while I was driving...like if I really had eyes in the back of my head. Anyway, I did like listening to this; I recently tried another audio book and didn't care for it at all.
I liked the main character Mary Quinn and the fictional school that is also a cover for a top secret all female investigation firm. I More...
I liked the main character Mary Quinn and the fictional school that is also a cover for a top secret all female investigation firm. I More...
Feb 05, 2011
cecilia
rated it:
A Spy In The House makes a stunning appearance with its vivid and sometimes not-so-dainty Victorian imagery and a rather spunky heroine who is not afraid to get her skirts muddy. Mary Quinn proves to be a woman not to be trifled with, and she certainly does not need to be rescued like some feather-brained damsel in distress.
I really enjoyed the historical details that Y.S. Lee wove into the story, and there were times when I felt a little woozy after reading about the smelly Thames. It More...
I really enjoyed the historical details that Y.S. Lee wove into the story, and there were times when I felt a little woozy after reading about the smelly Thames. It More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 06, 2011
Cialina (Muggle-Born)
rated it:
Published at Muggle-Born.net
Mary Lang (or Quinn) is witty, fiery, and independent - everything I love about a female protagonist. She's brave, fierce, clever, never leaning towards the stereotypes of the Victorian era. I grew to relate with Mary, especially when she uncovered secrets from her past. It was honestly the moment when I thought to myself, Wow this might be my new favorite book. Y.S. Lee has created such a vibrant character that is seriously lacking in today's YA market. (I' More...
Mary Lang (or Quinn) is witty, fiery, and independent - everything I love about a female protagonist. She's brave, fierce, clever, never leaning towards the stereotypes of the Victorian era. I grew to relate with Mary, especially when she uncovered secrets from her past. It was honestly the moment when I thought to myself, Wow this might be my new favorite book. Y.S. Lee has created such a vibrant character that is seriously lacking in today's YA market. (I' More...
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(1 person liked it)
Nov 08, 2010
BookKids
rated it:
During the early Victorian Era, young Mary Quin is rescued from hanging for burglary and sent to a school for young women. On completing her education, Mary is offered the chance to join The Agency, a network of elite female private investigators/spies. For her first mission, Mary is sent to live as a paid companion to the daughter of a man The Agency and Scotland Yard suspect of smuggling Opium and valuables from India.
This book with it’s strong female spy, interesting male collaborat More...
This book with it’s strong female spy, interesting male collaborat More...
Sep 10, 2010
Lu
rated it:
Victorian England, a girl saved from her fate as a poor criminal by two benevolent women is educated then given the chance to be a spy. As a woman, she will make the "ideal" spy in large part because women (as the head ladies assert) are often overlooked and underestimated and therefore have a huge advantage when it comes to spying. And the heroine proceeds to get herself into quite a few tight places (including one in which she meets a dashing young man who may want to aid in her que
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Aug 07, 2010
Rachel
rated it:
Very disappointed in this one as the premise was quite promising. Set in Victorian London, a 17 year old girl goes undercover as a paid ladies companion in a wealthy family to uncover a smuggling scheme. The girl is a student of 'the agency' - a group that takes poor, smart girls and turns them into spies for hire.
One of the things that really caught my attention about this book is that the author has a Phd in Victorian literature and culture. I expected the book to 'ring-true' in More...
One of the things that really caught my attention about this book is that the author has a Phd in Victorian literature and culture. I expected the book to 'ring-true' in More...
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(5 people liked it)
Jul 31, 2010
Rescued from the gallows, Mary Quinn is determined to make a better life for herself at Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. By the time she's seventeen, Mary is educated and teaching but dissatisfied. Her teachers offer her a unique opportunity. The Academy is a cover for the Agency--a secret group of female investigators. Mary joins the Agency and collects information for them disguised as a lady's companion. Many secrets exist in the Thorold household. Some of which affect Mary and her past. C
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Jul 01, 2010
Laurie
rated it:
A mystery starring a seventeen-year-old female thief turned spy sent out on her first mission for The Agency all set in Victorian England. Who could need anything else? I didn't. This first installment in Y.S. Lee's trilogy is an invigorating story filled with well defined characters, a vivid setting, and a satisfying, exciting climax. Lee is an engaging writer, her novel is written in the third person from the perspective of main heroine Mary Quinn and her partner-of-sorts James. Their banter,
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Jun 25, 2010
Lady
rated it:
At the age of twelve Mary Quinn is sentenced to hang after being found guilty of thievery. On her way out of the court room and towards the gallows, she is kidnapped by a woman. When she wakes up she learns that she has been invited to an exclusive school for girls, Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy, where they are given a superior education with the end goal of creating self-sufficient and strong women. Five years pass and Mary has graduated and is now an assistant teacher at the school, but has grown d
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May 17, 2010
K.
rated it:
If you've read other reviews of mine, then you know that I am constantly on the lookout for stories that feature elements of Asian culture combined with Western culture featuring strong heroines.
Found one!
I can't really say more about the Asian elements without major spoilers, but let's just say that this tale of Mary Quinn, rescued from hanging for thievery in Victorian England and taught at a secret all-female school for spies satisfies my particular quest. The Asian el More...
Found one!
I can't really say more about the Asian elements without major spoilers, but let's just say that this tale of Mary Quinn, rescued from hanging for thievery in Victorian England and taught at a secret all-female school for spies satisfies my particular quest. The Asian el More...
May 11, 2010
Madeline
rated it:
I like spy stories like I’d Tell You That I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You. I also like (some) historical novels, especially the ones set in Victorian London. So imagine how pleased I was to discover The Agency: A Spy in the House.
During the early Victorian Era, young Mary Quin is rescued from hanging for burglary and sent to a school for young women. On completing her education, Mary is offered the chance to join The Agency, a network of elite female private investigators/sp More...
During the early Victorian Era, young Mary Quin is rescued from hanging for burglary and sent to a school for young women. On completing her education, Mary is offered the chance to join The Agency, a network of elite female private investigators/sp More...
Apr 25, 2010
Bunker
rated it:
Young Mary Lang stands trial for stealing in Victorian London at the age of twelve. She is sentenced to hang, but her captors, who are supposedly escorting her to the gallows, secretly work for Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. Now Mary Quinn, to conceal her past identity, and seventeen years of age, Mary works as a teacher at the school that has sheltered her. Not feeling fully satisfied with her work, Mary approaches the headmistresses, Anne and Felicity, to ask what more she can do to serve
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Mar 17, 2010
I've begun reading this, and about a third of the way through.
Things I like: Mary potentially being other than white bread (though there is very little hint of that so far). The idea of the agency--women trained as spies. Mary relying on her brains and wits. I like Angelica's complexity, and the hint that the mother is not the namby-pamby witless woman she seems.
Things that put me off: In spite of the careful research about London of the time that is shouldered in here and t More...
Things I like: Mary potentially being other than white bread (though there is very little hint of that so far). The idea of the agency--women trained as spies. Mary relying on her brains and wits. I like Angelica's complexity, and the hint that the mother is not the namby-pamby witless woman she seems.
Things that put me off: In spite of the careful research about London of the time that is shouldered in here and t More...
