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The Agency #2
Meisterspionin Mary Quinn. Eine fast perfekte Tarnung
Now nearly a full-fledged member of the Agency, the all-female detective unit operating out of Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls, Mary Quinn is back for another action-packed adventure. Disguised as a poor apprentice builder and a boy, she must brave the grimy underbelly of Victorian London - as well as childhood fear, hunger, and constant want - to unmask the identity of a murderer. Assigned to monitor a building site on the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament, Mary earns the confidence of the work crew, inching ever nearer her suspect. But if an irresistible desire to help the city's needy doesn't distract her and jeopardize her cover, unexpectedly meeting up with an old friend - or flame - just might.
A suspenseful and evocative window into a fascinating moment in history, The Body at the Tower is the much-anticipated second outing with a daring young detective.
A suspenseful and evocative window into a fascinating moment in history, The Body at the Tower is the much-anticipated second outing with a daring young detective.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2010
309 people are currently reading
5380 people want to read
About the author
Y.S. Lee
13 books971 followersY S Lee was born in Singapore, raised in Vancouver and Toronto, and lived for a spell in England. As she completed her PhD in Victorian literature and culture, she began to research a story about a girl detective in 1850s London. The result was her debut novel, The Agency: A Spy in the House. This won the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s inaugural John Spray Mystery Award in 2011.
The Agency quartet continues with The Body at the Tower and The Traitor and the Tunnel, both of which were nominated for awards. Ying’s most recent novel, Rivals in the City, is the final book in the Agency series. All four books are published by Candlewick Press (US/Canada) and Walker Books (UK/Australia). The novels have also been translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean and Turkish.
On Goodreads, she rates only books she really liked or loved.
The Agency quartet continues with The Body at the Tower and The Traitor and the Tunnel, both of which were nominated for awards. Ying’s most recent novel, Rivals in the City, is the final book in the Agency series. All four books are published by Candlewick Press (US/Canada) and Walker Books (UK/Australia). The novels have also been translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean and Turkish.
On Goodreads, she rates only books she really liked or loved.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 804 reviews
September 22, 2018
The Body at the Tower is book two in what I now discover is a quartet with absolutely no chance that the author will write more. That is a shame because these books have a lot going for them!
Firstly the main character, Mary Quinn, is a good, strong, intelligent female who is well worth reading about. She is independent and resourceful and usually manages to pull herself out of the many scrapes she gets into. The male interest in the book, James, is a well written character as well and I enjoyed the dialogue between these two very much.
There is a great story too set amidst the poverty of Victorian London which is one of my favourite eras to read about. The author maybe aims at producing the right atmosphere without always dwelling strictly on facts but that is okay. It makes for a very readable and enjoyable book.
Firstly the main character, Mary Quinn, is a good, strong, intelligent female who is well worth reading about. She is independent and resourceful and usually manages to pull herself out of the many scrapes she gets into. The male interest in the book, James, is a well written character as well and I enjoyed the dialogue between these two very much.
There is a great story too set amidst the poverty of Victorian London which is one of my favourite eras to read about. The author maybe aims at producing the right atmosphere without always dwelling strictly on facts but that is okay. It makes for a very readable and enjoyable book.
August 6, 2010
This series is fantastic! I don't read much historical fiction, let alone historical fictions that are mysteries, but I will continue to pick up this series, no doubt about it.
I think the thing that makes this novel so awesome is Mary. She has an excellent voice! You want to read her story, you care what happens to her and you want to help her solve the mystery. I felt a lot more empathy towards Mary this time around.....because of having to face her past as a child growing up on the street.... not to mention with this being the second novel, you feel as though you know the character this time around. I think it's easier to care almost instantly. I also loved that we got to see Mary addressing her Chinese heritage and how detached she feels from it.... I'm looking forward to it being address even further in upcoming novels. It's so sad to see her struggling with her identity and her feeling as though it's something she has to hide.
Besides the excellence that is Mary, the plot is also rockin'! I honestly had no idea what was going on.... who was doing what and why. I mean I didn't figure it out until it was spelled out for the reader. Usually I can figure something out, but everything was a surprise. Kudos to Lee for keeping me and Mary on out toes!
My favorite character from book one was back, James! And I think I enjoyed watching Mary and James' relationship evolving... although from those last few pages... who knows what might happen. I'm glad that Mary did what she did... but wow! I can't wait to see what happens next between those too... they just HAVE to meet up again!
And the setting is fantastic. I loved the descriptive elements from the first novel and the second was no exception.... I just want to go there.... to the time and place. Something about it is incredibly alluring. Am I alone in this revelation?
Anyway.... This series is fantastic. Spectacular characters... superb writing... awesome storyline. It's easy to read, fun and just plain ole' entertaining. I can't wait for another adventure with Mary in book three!
I think the thing that makes this novel so awesome is Mary. She has an excellent voice! You want to read her story, you care what happens to her and you want to help her solve the mystery. I felt a lot more empathy towards Mary this time around.....because of having to face her past as a child growing up on the street.... not to mention with this being the second novel, you feel as though you know the character this time around. I think it's easier to care almost instantly. I also loved that we got to see Mary addressing her Chinese heritage and how detached she feels from it.... I'm looking forward to it being address even further in upcoming novels. It's so sad to see her struggling with her identity and her feeling as though it's something she has to hide.
Besides the excellence that is Mary, the plot is also rockin'! I honestly had no idea what was going on.... who was doing what and why. I mean I didn't figure it out until it was spelled out for the reader. Usually I can figure something out, but everything was a surprise. Kudos to Lee for keeping me and Mary on out toes!
My favorite character from book one was back, James! And I think I enjoyed watching Mary and James' relationship evolving... although from those last few pages... who knows what might happen. I'm glad that Mary did what she did... but wow! I can't wait to see what happens next between those too... they just HAVE to meet up again!
And the setting is fantastic. I loved the descriptive elements from the first novel and the second was no exception.... I just want to go there.... to the time and place. Something about it is incredibly alluring. Am I alone in this revelation?
Anyway.... This series is fantastic. Spectacular characters... superb writing... awesome storyline. It's easy to read, fun and just plain ole' entertaining. I can't wait for another adventure with Mary in book three!
August 10, 2010
The first book in this series, A Spy in the House, was a solidly entertaining and well-researched historical mystery, but this second installment, THE BODY AT THE TOWER, throws me into fangirl zone. THE BODY AT THE TOWER, is off-the-charts incredible for its genre, a Victorian London mystery that is sure to please old and new fans.
All of Y. S. Lee’s writing strengths return in full force in this worthy sequel: from character development, to exquisitely immersing historical details, to a sizzling romance. All of the details about the Victorian era never feel forced or extravagant: readers will find it easy to fall into the gritty London that Mary inhabits, while learning incredible things about the Victorian era along the way.
The richness of the setting is matched well by the playful banter between Mary and James, banter that I described as Austen-worthy in my review of the first book, a sentiment that I heartily return to now. Sure, maybe it’s wish fulfillment in a number of ways—James is a self-described arrogant and persistent man—but damn if the pages didn’t nearly catch on fire while I was reading their banter. This is a strong-minded couple that doesn’t have it easy, but they certainly have chemistry.
Lee introduces new characters almost effortlessly, while simultaneously further exploring Mary’s conflicts with her heritage and childhood. Sure, minor characters help move the plot forward or give the MCs necessary information, but in THE BODY AT THE TOWER they acquire the possibility for life outside the story. And Mary is not just your average inexplicably competent female detective, but rather a young woman with demons of her own.
I’m not a big historical fiction OR mystery fan, but this series is one of my favorites, and probably my favorite historical mystery series. Well-written, eye-opening, and entertaining, you will dive in and be immersed immediately. THE BODY AT THE TOWER proves that Y. S. Lee is a rising star, and hasn’t even reached her peak yet. I am on tenterhooks awaiting the third book, and more after that from this incredible author!
All of Y. S. Lee’s writing strengths return in full force in this worthy sequel: from character development, to exquisitely immersing historical details, to a sizzling romance. All of the details about the Victorian era never feel forced or extravagant: readers will find it easy to fall into the gritty London that Mary inhabits, while learning incredible things about the Victorian era along the way.
The richness of the setting is matched well by the playful banter between Mary and James, banter that I described as Austen-worthy in my review of the first book, a sentiment that I heartily return to now. Sure, maybe it’s wish fulfillment in a number of ways—James is a self-described arrogant and persistent man—but damn if the pages didn’t nearly catch on fire while I was reading their banter. This is a strong-minded couple that doesn’t have it easy, but they certainly have chemistry.
Lee introduces new characters almost effortlessly, while simultaneously further exploring Mary’s conflicts with her heritage and childhood. Sure, minor characters help move the plot forward or give the MCs necessary information, but in THE BODY AT THE TOWER they acquire the possibility for life outside the story. And Mary is not just your average inexplicably competent female detective, but rather a young woman with demons of her own.
I’m not a big historical fiction OR mystery fan, but this series is one of my favorites, and probably my favorite historical mystery series. Well-written, eye-opening, and entertaining, you will dive in and be immersed immediately. THE BODY AT THE TOWER proves that Y. S. Lee is a rising star, and hasn’t even reached her peak yet. I am on tenterhooks awaiting the third book, and more after that from this incredible author!
April 16, 2015
3.5 stars. A time gap of about a year separates the events of the first book, A Spy in the House, and book 2, The Body at the Tower: Mary is now a full-fledged secret agent for The Agency. I would have liked more than passing references to the events in those in-between months that transformed her from street urchin to young lady, but in most other respects book two gave me precisely what I wanted more of from the first installment: Further character development for Mary and James, more details about Mary's past and mixed Chinese-Irish background and more romance.
It took a long time for me to warm up to Mary in the first book, despite appreciating her qualities as a strong-willed and independent female in the Victorian era, but her training at The Agency has clearly taken some of the edges off and I liked her much better for it. She's as cynical as ever and still carries the deep scars of her years on the street and in prison, though, and the inner conflict she experiences as a result of her Chinese heritage (the pressures of society means she must deny what she herself isn't sure she wants to embrace) adds another dimension to her complex character. It's also a plight with which one can deeply sympathize, even in modern circumstances - what happens when you have one foot in two different cultures but feel like you belong fully to neither?
Like Mary, James is a changed figure in this book - his work overseas in India has left him physically weaker from illness and mentally weary. Coupled with his turbulent reunion with Mary, you have a James who has lost a great deal of the insufferable arrogance and closed-mindedness that he displayed in the first book - I love this change. More than the crackling chemistry and fiery banter between the two, I liked the ways Mary and James' characters developed for the better as they continued to work together - Mary learning to tame her stubbornness and thorny nature (to an extent) and James relinquishing his class/gender prejudices one by one. Their romance definitely heats up in this book and their encounters fairly sizzle.
It's a pity the mystery simply wasn't that captivating compared to the first; I was interested more in Mary and James' character development and interactions than I was in the case's outcome. On the upside, Mary's task to go undercover as a young boy and infiltrate a construction site offered yet another window into the grim lives and working conditions of the lower class, which the author captures in vivid detail. Cruel treatments of the working poor, infection, malnutrition, the terrible stink of the polluted Thames - it's all there in its gritty entirety. The author's grasp of period language and behaviour (particulary in Mary's case) isn't quite as adept as her mastery of the historical background, but it wasn't severe enough to bother me much.
That ending, though - boy oh boy. I'm glad I decided to read this after the series was completed!
It took a long time for me to warm up to Mary in the first book, despite appreciating her qualities as a strong-willed and independent female in the Victorian era, but her training at The Agency has clearly taken some of the edges off and I liked her much better for it. She's as cynical as ever and still carries the deep scars of her years on the street and in prison, though, and the inner conflict she experiences as a result of her Chinese heritage (the pressures of society means she must deny what she herself isn't sure she wants to embrace) adds another dimension to her complex character. It's also a plight with which one can deeply sympathize, even in modern circumstances - what happens when you have one foot in two different cultures but feel like you belong fully to neither?
Like Mary, James is a changed figure in this book - his work overseas in India has left him physically weaker from illness and mentally weary. Coupled with his turbulent reunion with Mary, you have a James who has lost a great deal of the insufferable arrogance and closed-mindedness that he displayed in the first book - I love this change. More than the crackling chemistry and fiery banter between the two, I liked the ways Mary and James' characters developed for the better as they continued to work together - Mary learning to tame her stubbornness and thorny nature (to an extent) and James relinquishing his class/gender prejudices one by one. Their romance definitely heats up in this book and their encounters fairly sizzle.
It's a pity the mystery simply wasn't that captivating compared to the first; I was interested more in Mary and James' character development and interactions than I was in the case's outcome. On the upside, Mary's task to go undercover as a young boy and infiltrate a construction site offered yet another window into the grim lives and working conditions of the lower class, which the author captures in vivid detail. Cruel treatments of the working poor, infection, malnutrition, the terrible stink of the polluted Thames - it's all there in its gritty entirety. The author's grasp of period language and behaviour (particulary in Mary's case) isn't quite as adept as her mastery of the historical background, but it wasn't severe enough to bother me much.
That ending, though - boy oh boy. I'm glad I decided to read this after the series was completed!
July 31, 2017
Enjoyed the first book of the series more as it showed real promise and presented a sympathetic YA heroine, but I will now call it quits. Improbable events and inappropriate behavior, not faithful to historical tenets of Victorian era, and just silly. If I had a young adult reader in my house I would need to have a talk...unless the author means this to be fantasy vs historical fiction?
July 27, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first one. Her relationship with James just goes in circles, and her investigation doesn’t seem to have much affect on the plot. If she hadn’t been involved in the case, I don’t think much would have happened differently.
April 8, 2020
It has been a while since I read A Spy in the House, but I remember enjoying the premise and thought it would be fun to continue with this series.
It took me a bit to get back into the story and remember the main character and her background, but once I did, I was excited to really sink my teeth into this story.
I felt a little let down by the way the story unfolded. I had hoped for a little more intrigue, mystery and (maybe) ghostly elements. I mean the beginning talks a bit about it, but it all took a back seat somehow.
I like Mary Quinn. She seems like a badass and someone, who is just trying to find her place in the world. She doesn’t mind working hard and even facing some of her old demons in order to prove her worth.
Yet, I’m sad to say that a good chunk of the story focused on her pining after the guy she has a crush on. She and the story lose direction as soon as this guy shows up and her thoughts return to him time and time again. It got a bit boring after a while.
And this is where I think the plot goes slightly missing. We have this diary style narrative that shows the reader exactly what the protagonist is up to, plus her thoughts and most of the time everything that has to do with solving the murder seems to be only secondary, even when she is actually working on the case.
It’s like having a song stuck in your head for an entire day, while still trying to study for a biology exam. It just doesn’t work very well. And, of course, it is very distracting and becomes annoying after a while.
The writing in general was still good. The sentences were well constructed, and it was easy to follow what the author was trying to communicate.
Overall, I was a it disappointed with this second installment of The Agency Series and I think it might be some time before I consider picking up the next book in this series.
ElliotScribbles
It took me a bit to get back into the story and remember the main character and her background, but once I did, I was excited to really sink my teeth into this story.
I felt a little let down by the way the story unfolded. I had hoped for a little more intrigue, mystery and (maybe) ghostly elements. I mean the beginning talks a bit about it, but it all took a back seat somehow.
I like Mary Quinn. She seems like a badass and someone, who is just trying to find her place in the world. She doesn’t mind working hard and even facing some of her old demons in order to prove her worth.
Yet, I’m sad to say that a good chunk of the story focused on her pining after the guy she has a crush on. She and the story lose direction as soon as this guy shows up and her thoughts return to him time and time again. It got a bit boring after a while.
And this is where I think the plot goes slightly missing. We have this diary style narrative that shows the reader exactly what the protagonist is up to, plus her thoughts and most of the time everything that has to do with solving the murder seems to be only secondary, even when she is actually working on the case.
It’s like having a song stuck in your head for an entire day, while still trying to study for a biology exam. It just doesn’t work very well. And, of course, it is very distracting and becomes annoying after a while.
The writing in general was still good. The sentences were well constructed, and it was easy to follow what the author was trying to communicate.
Overall, I was a it disappointed with this second installment of The Agency Series and I think it might be some time before I consider picking up the next book in this series.
ElliotScribbles
March 19, 2012
Why I picked it up: I read the first one and enjoyed it.
It's a year after A Spy in the House and Mary has a new assignment from the Agency. Disappointingly, we get basically no detail on what she has done for the past year. Mary has a new assignment, and she has to decide if she wants it: posing as a young boy at a construction site. This puts her back in a similar position to her own childhood and the emotional affects are a bit overwhelming for Mary.
I liked it, possibly even more than the first one. I was glad to see the return of James Easton and I really like the relationship between the two. I have the same complaints as with the last book: I want a map of the areas of London mentioned in the book and I want a historical note telling me what is general historical information and what is accurate. Information on Big Ben, especially, would be nice. This is historical fiction meant for a YA audience, after all. Some may see it as spoon feeding but when it comes to historical fiction, I am an adult who has no problem admitting I want to be spoon fed. Make it easy for me to learn history!
Genre Bingo: Mystery
It's a year after A Spy in the House and Mary has a new assignment from the Agency. Disappointingly, we get basically no detail on what she has done for the past year. Mary has a new assignment, and she has to decide if she wants it: posing as a young boy at a construction site. This puts her back in a similar position to her own childhood and the emotional affects are a bit overwhelming for Mary.
I liked it, possibly even more than the first one. I was glad to see the return of James Easton and I really like the relationship between the two. I have the same complaints as with the last book: I want a map of the areas of London mentioned in the book and I want a historical note telling me what is general historical information and what is accurate. Information on Big Ben, especially, would be nice. This is historical fiction meant for a YA audience, after all. Some may see it as spoon feeding but when it comes to historical fiction, I am an adult who has no problem admitting I want to be spoon fed. Make it easy for me to learn history!
Genre Bingo: Mystery
December 16, 2021
Book Two in the YA historical mystery series about “The Agency” – an organization of female detectives in Victorian London – and featuring orphan and former thief, Mary Quinn.
There have been significant delays in the construction of the clock tower at Parliament, and after a worker falls to his death from the 300-foot tower, rumors swirl that it is haunted by a ghost. Mary goes undercover as “Mark” to work as a helper on the site, and to try to find out what is really going on.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It was somewhat repetitious in places, but Mary is a wonderful heroine – bright, resourceful, compassionate, observant and mentally strong. I like that Lee has made Mary half-Chinese, and that her ethnicity poses additional problems (and opportunities) for her in mid-19th-century England. I haven’t read the first in the series yet, so was a bit behind the curve when it came to the relationships between characters, but I didn’t feel lost. I’ll go back and read book # 1, A Spy in the House , and might continue the series from there.
There have been significant delays in the construction of the clock tower at Parliament, and after a worker falls to his death from the 300-foot tower, rumors swirl that it is haunted by a ghost. Mary goes undercover as “Mark” to work as a helper on the site, and to try to find out what is really going on.
I enjoyed this quite a bit. It was somewhat repetitious in places, but Mary is a wonderful heroine – bright, resourceful, compassionate, observant and mentally strong. I like that Lee has made Mary half-Chinese, and that her ethnicity poses additional problems (and opportunities) for her in mid-19th-century England. I haven’t read the first in the series yet, so was a bit behind the curve when it came to the relationships between characters, but I didn’t feel lost. I’ll go back and read book # 1, A Spy in the House , and might continue the series from there.
March 7, 2021
I can't say I found the mystery compelling at all, but I'll be damned if I didn't love Mary's character, the exploration of her mixed race identity, and her relationship with James. God, I'm such a sucker for a slow burn romance it's a bit pathetic. Anyway, can't wait to read the next one! Probably just going to put it off for a little while because I have other books to read right now.
August 29, 2010
This is the second installment of The Agency series about a young lady in Victorian England who is doing undercover work for a secret agency consisting of only women. I love these books and everytime I read them I taken back to my Nancy Drew obsession days...
For full review and pictures, please click the link below:
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For full review and pictures, please click the link below:
http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...
July 27, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up.
A mysterious death at the work site of Big Ben during the 1860s sets the backdrop of this historical fiction novel. Mary Quinn once again adopts a disguise to solve a mystery. I loved Mary after meeting her in the first book and my admiration grew even more in this, the second book of the series. I will definitely continue reading these. Highly recommend.
A mysterious death at the work site of Big Ben during the 1860s sets the backdrop of this historical fiction novel. Mary Quinn once again adopts a disguise to solve a mystery. I loved Mary after meeting her in the first book and my admiration grew even more in this, the second book of the series. I will definitely continue reading these. Highly recommend.
May 31, 2017
Originally reviewed on my blog WOCreads
https://wocreads.wordpress.com/2017/0...
The Agency: The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee is the second book in the Agency series around young Mary Quinn, a biracial detective in Victorian London. Now part of the Agency and with more detective training, Mary’s second case requires her to don the disguise of a young boy and solve a murder at a building site.
I really enjoyed the first book, the series is great for all of us who enjoy Victorian age mysteries but without the casual racism even white contemporary authors of the genre love to include for “authenticity” or whatever the fuck. Mary is Irish-Chinese but passes as Black Irish, which I hadn’t ever heard of before reading the series but appears to exist so white people can make sure other people know they have the cool “exotic something” but not that racial Other Brown. Passing as kinda white, Mary can enter privileged social circles absolutely closed to people of color and with the political situation of the times, she definitely tries hard to appear not-Chinese. However, other Chinese characters she meets do recognize her, but Mary doesn’t feel part of the British-Chinese community. There’s little privilege found in claiming that identity, but it’s also shown that Mary does not feel that she belongs, having been orphaned at a young age and not knowing the language. I do love finding more mixed-race characters in literature and especially ones who cannot claim ethnic belonging since this is the closest I come to identifying with characters in that regard.
Apart from that, the mystery is quite good and the all-female agency is a perhaps fanciful, but welcome institution that cleverly makes use of women being relegated to the private sphere. The cool thing is that according to the author, the cover model actually fits Mary Quinn, so yay for not whitewashing the cover. I think the third book deals more with English-Chinese relations during the 19th century and with Mary trying to find a place for herself, so I look forward to reading that one soon.
https://wocreads.wordpress.com/2017/0...
The Agency: The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee is the second book in the Agency series around young Mary Quinn, a biracial detective in Victorian London. Now part of the Agency and with more detective training, Mary’s second case requires her to don the disguise of a young boy and solve a murder at a building site.
I really enjoyed the first book, the series is great for all of us who enjoy Victorian age mysteries but without the casual racism even white contemporary authors of the genre love to include for “authenticity” or whatever the fuck. Mary is Irish-Chinese but passes as Black Irish, which I hadn’t ever heard of before reading the series but appears to exist so white people can make sure other people know they have the cool “exotic something” but not that racial Other Brown. Passing as kinda white, Mary can enter privileged social circles absolutely closed to people of color and with the political situation of the times, she definitely tries hard to appear not-Chinese. However, other Chinese characters she meets do recognize her, but Mary doesn’t feel part of the British-Chinese community. There’s little privilege found in claiming that identity, but it’s also shown that Mary does not feel that she belongs, having been orphaned at a young age and not knowing the language. I do love finding more mixed-race characters in literature and especially ones who cannot claim ethnic belonging since this is the closest I come to identifying with characters in that regard.
Apart from that, the mystery is quite good and the all-female agency is a perhaps fanciful, but welcome institution that cleverly makes use of women being relegated to the private sphere. The cool thing is that according to the author, the cover model actually fits Mary Quinn, so yay for not whitewashing the cover. I think the third book deals more with English-Chinese relations during the 19th century and with Mary trying to find a place for herself, so I look forward to reading that one soon.
August 23, 2010
Y.S. Lee's The Agency 2: The Body at the Tower is the second book in a series of mystery novels following Mary Quinn, a Victorian girl who was sentenced to death at the age of twelve and was fortunate enough to be rescued by a couple of women who run an exclusive school (as well as a secret investigative agency). In the first book, Agency: A Spy in the House, Mary was sent undercover on her first field-training exercise. The second book begins about a year after the first book ended, when Mary accepts a new undercover assignment. This time she must pretend to be a young boy in order to secure a job on a construction site where a man was recently found dead. Not only is her cover story challenging to maintain, but living the day-to-day life of a young boy brings back several of Mary's worst memories of disguising herself as a boy in order to protect herself back when she was a young girl living in poverty. More danger and more romance, The Body at the Tower is a great addition to the Mary Quinn series!
What I Liked:
- James Easton! After the way the first book ended, I wasn't sure how or when James and Mary would manage to cross paths again. I was thrilled to see more of James in this book! But his life has become significantly more complex. His experience in India impaired his health, altered his career trajectory, and essentially knocked some of the wind out of his sails. I loved that he wasn't exactly the same person he'd been before. He is now a bit more of a realist who finds himself frustrated by his physical condition, sensitive to being coddled, and quite possibly more stubborn than ever. But James hasn't lost his sharp wit, his charming grin, or his interest in Mary.
- There is more opportunity for romance this time around. Mary is still hiding her history and her occupation, and she is disguised as a grimy twelve year old boy for most of the book, so she and James are not exactly free to openly pursue a romantic relationship with one another, but their chemistry has definitely been kicked up a notch and their banter is even more fun than it was in the first book.
- Mary is still very easy to like. She is observant, driven, and struggling to make peace with her history and her heritage in this book. This undercover assignment is more difficult than her last one. It is physically taxing, dangerous, and brings her very close to some painful memories that she's successfully avoided confronting for several years. She is still new to the investigative job and is not beyond making a few mistakes, which only makes her easier to relate to. We also get to see a few new sides of Mary's personality in her interactions with a young boy working at the same construction site as well as in her dealings with a local reporter who is sniffing around the site looking for details about the suspicious death that Mary is secretly investigating.
- The Victorian setting still jumps off the page in a clear and realistic way. Once again, I was impressed by the way Y.S. Lee never relies on overly formal dialogue or long, dry descriptive passages to set the scene. This time around, Mary is not living in a wealthy business owner's house. She is living among the poverty-stricken lower class, working on a construction site, and socializing with folks who are inescapably poor. The protagonist has some very modern sensibilities but the setting feels authentic to the time period, so even readers who don't generally find themselves drawn to historical novels will find it easy to slip into Mary Quinn's world.
- I look forward to seeing more of Octavius Jones, the gutter-press journalist whose obnoxiousness has a certain amount of charm to it. He has an easy-going temperament, a light sense of humor, and an insightful kind of fondness for Mary. You have the feeling he is much more observant than he lets on and he appears to see the world through opportunistic lenses that view everything in shades of grey. That attitude provides an interesting contrast to James' black and white sense of ethics. I'm curious to see what will happen when Mary and Octavius encounter one another again.
- Anne and Felicity play more interesting rolls in this book. They don't always see eye to eye about what is best for The Agency, and I imagine we will see that issue continue to simmer between them as the series continues.
- This particular case has a conclusive resolution, but Mary still has a lot of challenges to face personally and professionally. I look forward to reading the third book and seeing how the next chapter of her life plays out.
What I Liked Less:
- As in many mystery novels, coincidences run a bit rampant and characters frequently find themselves in just the right place at just the right time.
- The mystery elements were not nearly as compelling as Mary's own character development or her relationship with James. I don't mean to say that the mystery is boring or predictable, it isn't. I just found myself interested in how the dangers of the case affected Mary and not particularly intrigued by the who/why/how of the crime she was investigating.
The Agency 2: The Body at the Tower is a fun Victorian mystery with a clever heroine and a lovely dash of romance. This book could be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the A Spy in the House first. Fans of historical mysteries or historical romances should pick up this series. It is a very quick and accessible read with enjoyable characters, so even readers who generally aren't drawn to historical novels should give this series a try. I look forward to reading the third Agency book, The Traitor and the Tunnel.
What I Liked:
- James Easton! After the way the first book ended, I wasn't sure how or when James and Mary would manage to cross paths again. I was thrilled to see more of James in this book! But his life has become significantly more complex. His experience in India impaired his health, altered his career trajectory, and essentially knocked some of the wind out of his sails. I loved that he wasn't exactly the same person he'd been before. He is now a bit more of a realist who finds himself frustrated by his physical condition, sensitive to being coddled, and quite possibly more stubborn than ever. But James hasn't lost his sharp wit, his charming grin, or his interest in Mary.
- There is more opportunity for romance this time around. Mary is still hiding her history and her occupation, and she is disguised as a grimy twelve year old boy for most of the book, so she and James are not exactly free to openly pursue a romantic relationship with one another, but their chemistry has definitely been kicked up a notch and their banter is even more fun than it was in the first book.
- Mary is still very easy to like. She is observant, driven, and struggling to make peace with her history and her heritage in this book. This undercover assignment is more difficult than her last one. It is physically taxing, dangerous, and brings her very close to some painful memories that she's successfully avoided confronting for several years. She is still new to the investigative job and is not beyond making a few mistakes, which only makes her easier to relate to. We also get to see a few new sides of Mary's personality in her interactions with a young boy working at the same construction site as well as in her dealings with a local reporter who is sniffing around the site looking for details about the suspicious death that Mary is secretly investigating.
- The Victorian setting still jumps off the page in a clear and realistic way. Once again, I was impressed by the way Y.S. Lee never relies on overly formal dialogue or long, dry descriptive passages to set the scene. This time around, Mary is not living in a wealthy business owner's house. She is living among the poverty-stricken lower class, working on a construction site, and socializing with folks who are inescapably poor. The protagonist has some very modern sensibilities but the setting feels authentic to the time period, so even readers who don't generally find themselves drawn to historical novels will find it easy to slip into Mary Quinn's world.
- I look forward to seeing more of Octavius Jones, the gutter-press journalist whose obnoxiousness has a certain amount of charm to it. He has an easy-going temperament, a light sense of humor, and an insightful kind of fondness for Mary. You have the feeling he is much more observant than he lets on and he appears to see the world through opportunistic lenses that view everything in shades of grey. That attitude provides an interesting contrast to James' black and white sense of ethics. I'm curious to see what will happen when Mary and Octavius encounter one another again.
- Anne and Felicity play more interesting rolls in this book. They don't always see eye to eye about what is best for The Agency, and I imagine we will see that issue continue to simmer between them as the series continues.
- This particular case has a conclusive resolution, but Mary still has a lot of challenges to face personally and professionally. I look forward to reading the third book and seeing how the next chapter of her life plays out.
What I Liked Less:
- As in many mystery novels, coincidences run a bit rampant and characters frequently find themselves in just the right place at just the right time.
- The mystery elements were not nearly as compelling as Mary's own character development or her relationship with James. I don't mean to say that the mystery is boring or predictable, it isn't. I just found myself interested in how the dangers of the case affected Mary and not particularly intrigued by the who/why/how of the crime she was investigating.
The Agency 2: The Body at the Tower is a fun Victorian mystery with a clever heroine and a lovely dash of romance. This book could be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the A Spy in the House first. Fans of historical mysteries or historical romances should pick up this series. It is a very quick and accessible read with enjoyable characters, so even readers who generally aren't drawn to historical novels should give this series a try. I look forward to reading the third Agency book, The Traitor and the Tunnel.
February 14, 2012
Originally posted at http://dazzlingreads.blogspot.com
I have said many time how much I love The Agency series. This month, on February 28th to be exact, the third book is coming out! I had the privilege to receive an arc of The Traitor in the Tunnel (The Agency #3) So, just to encourage you to read these outstanding YA mysteries, you can read my review on A Spy in the House (The Agency #1) HERE! and now I will tell you all the things I love about the second book in the series, The Body at the Tower, which you can already find in paperback wherever books are sold!
1. Miss Lee is far the best YA Historical/Mystery writer I have ever read!
As I previously said in my review of A Spy in the House (The Agency #1), Miss Lee is an expert describing the Victorian London setting. With her words, she transports you back to the 19th century with all of your senses! Miss Lee creates the perfect environment with her eloquent and accurate descriptions of the period, but that's not all! Miss Lee also provides interesting historical facts and gives readers not only hours of enjoyment, but also knowledge. So, f you want a well written Victorian novel, then read The Agency series! Believe me, Miss Lee recreates this place masterfully! And with that said, imagine the perfect setting mixed with a big dose of mystery! Murder, danger, action, suspense! Whoa! There is everything in this book!
2. The Body at the Tower brings back the Romance!
Mary Quinn's new adventure takes place at the Clock Tower during its construction. Mary Quinn has to infiltrate herself as a young worker boy and of course, search for clues to resolve the mystery behind the death body found at the clock tower. In this place, Mary Quinn/boy meets again with James Easton, the engineer who stole her heart, after a long time and Oh Good Lord! You DO want to know what have happened to him during all this time. And like in the previous book, Mary and James will definitely stop your heart countless of times!
3. The characters grow as high as the clock tower!
This is probably the one of the things that will really surprise readers. Mary Quinn and James, both evolve and mature quiet a lot in this book. Mary is very down to earth and loyal to her profession. She executes her duty remarkably! And James, well, he is such a different person in this book. He will steal your heart and break it at the same time. Yet, compare to the James Easton from The Agency #1, there is immense difference between them. Mary and James will definitely surprise you!
4. The Voice
I have always prefer books narrated in first person. Miss Lee's narration is so engaging that every time I pick one of her books, it is impossible for me to put down. I honestly don't know what it is, but she always manages to hook me from the very first page!
Y.S.Lee is a remarkable YA writer who flawlessly portrays realistic, complex and lovable characters in one of my most beloved time periods! Highly recommended for every one who longs for an excellent and well written mystery with a perfect amount of romance! The Agency series is definitely a Must-Read!
I have said many time how much I love The Agency series. This month, on February 28th to be exact, the third book is coming out! I had the privilege to receive an arc of The Traitor in the Tunnel (The Agency #3) So, just to encourage you to read these outstanding YA mysteries, you can read my review on A Spy in the House (The Agency #1) HERE! and now I will tell you all the things I love about the second book in the series, The Body at the Tower, which you can already find in paperback wherever books are sold!
1. Miss Lee is far the best YA Historical/Mystery writer I have ever read!
As I previously said in my review of A Spy in the House (The Agency #1), Miss Lee is an expert describing the Victorian London setting. With her words, she transports you back to the 19th century with all of your senses! Miss Lee creates the perfect environment with her eloquent and accurate descriptions of the period, but that's not all! Miss Lee also provides interesting historical facts and gives readers not only hours of enjoyment, but also knowledge. So, f you want a well written Victorian novel, then read The Agency series! Believe me, Miss Lee recreates this place masterfully! And with that said, imagine the perfect setting mixed with a big dose of mystery! Murder, danger, action, suspense! Whoa! There is everything in this book!
2. The Body at the Tower brings back the Romance!
Mary Quinn's new adventure takes place at the Clock Tower during its construction. Mary Quinn has to infiltrate herself as a young worker boy and of course, search for clues to resolve the mystery behind the death body found at the clock tower. In this place, Mary Quinn/boy meets again with James Easton, the engineer who stole her heart, after a long time and Oh Good Lord! You DO want to know what have happened to him during all this time. And like in the previous book, Mary and James will definitely stop your heart countless of times!
3. The characters grow as high as the clock tower!
This is probably the one of the things that will really surprise readers. Mary Quinn and James, both evolve and mature quiet a lot in this book. Mary is very down to earth and loyal to her profession. She executes her duty remarkably! And James, well, he is such a different person in this book. He will steal your heart and break it at the same time. Yet, compare to the James Easton from The Agency #1, there is immense difference between them. Mary and James will definitely surprise you!
4. The Voice
I have always prefer books narrated in first person. Miss Lee's narration is so engaging that every time I pick one of her books, it is impossible for me to put down. I honestly don't know what it is, but she always manages to hook me from the very first page!
Y.S.Lee is a remarkable YA writer who flawlessly portrays realistic, complex and lovable characters in one of my most beloved time periods! Highly recommended for every one who longs for an excellent and well written mystery with a perfect amount of romance! The Agency series is definitely a Must-Read!
December 3, 2010
At eighteen, Mary Quinn is almost a full fledged member of The Agency, an all female spy organization. When a man is murdered at the building site for the clock town at the House of the Parliament, The Agency is hired to gather intelligence. Mary agrees to take the case, despite the fact that it will require her to masquerade as a working class adolescent boy, a role which forces her to remember her time living on the streets in poverty. The case becomes more complicated when Mary runs into James, just returned from his time in India. It soon becomes obvious that the two must work together again, causing Mary to juggle the murder case along with her painful memories of her past, and her feelings for James.
Y.S. Lee is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. Just like with her first book, I practically flew through The Body in the Tower. A Body in the Tower has many of the same elements that were so enjoyable about A Spy in the House such as a feisty heroine, a fun mystery plot-line, and satisfying romantic tension. At the same time, there are many differences between the two books. Most of the feminist undertones from the first book are gone. Instead we are given a peek into life for the lower class in Victorian London. The historical elements seem stronger, as the author appears to be giving us more background information on the time and place. This slows down the pacing at times, but I didn't consider this to be a problem. Mary's journey feels more personal, as the case forces to face her past and Chinese heritage. To me, this made the book feel more tense. I could almost feel Mary's discomfort over her new position. The romance still has much of the satisfying banter between Mary and James, but it feels changed. Mary and James are beyond mere flirting now, and it's obvious that they have real feelings for each other, but there is something holding each of them back.
There are many things I enjoy about this series. I love how May is a complex character that grows form book to book. I love how James, while charming, is not perfect himself, and must struggle with the consequences that come from his own stubbornness and refusal to see the world in anything but black and white. As I said with my review of A Spy in the House, I cannot comment on the accuracy of these books, but I do feel as if the author does a good job making Mary's London seem real to the reader. The one thing that does bother me about this series is the fact that the third book, The Traitor in the Tunnel, does not come out until 2012! I cannot imagine having to wait over a year for the final book in this trilogy. I want to read it now!
Y.S. Lee is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. Just like with her first book, I practically flew through The Body in the Tower. A Body in the Tower has many of the same elements that were so enjoyable about A Spy in the House such as a feisty heroine, a fun mystery plot-line, and satisfying romantic tension. At the same time, there are many differences between the two books. Most of the feminist undertones from the first book are gone. Instead we are given a peek into life for the lower class in Victorian London. The historical elements seem stronger, as the author appears to be giving us more background information on the time and place. This slows down the pacing at times, but I didn't consider this to be a problem. Mary's journey feels more personal, as the case forces to face her past and Chinese heritage. To me, this made the book feel more tense. I could almost feel Mary's discomfort over her new position. The romance still has much of the satisfying banter between Mary and James, but it feels changed. Mary and James are beyond mere flirting now, and it's obvious that they have real feelings for each other, but there is something holding each of them back.
There are many things I enjoy about this series. I love how May is a complex character that grows form book to book. I love how James, while charming, is not perfect himself, and must struggle with the consequences that come from his own stubbornness and refusal to see the world in anything but black and white. As I said with my review of A Spy in the House, I cannot comment on the accuracy of these books, but I do feel as if the author does a good job making Mary's London seem real to the reader. The one thing that does bother me about this series is the fact that the third book, The Traitor in the Tunnel, does not come out until 2012! I cannot imagine having to wait over a year for the final book in this trilogy. I want to read it now!
October 16, 2010
I was really looking forward to reading the second installment in The Agency trilogy. In this book, Mary has to investigate the death of a worker on a construction site & she goes undercover, disguised as Mark. While it was a really enjoyable read, I wasn't as pleased with it as I'd been with A Spy in the House (reviewed here). First of all, I didn't find the plot as engaging as for the first book. In the first book, I'd grown quite fond of reading about the secondary characters and their development (in particular, if you remember, that of Angelica - but I fear I'm spoiling a bit here). With The Body at the Tower, I really struggled to keep up with what was going on and the detective story part of the novel failed to keep me interested. That being said, I didn't give this book 4 stars for nothing - Mary is as lovely a heroine as ever and the social commentary is as sharp as in The Spy in the House - I noticed the author focused more on issues of paternalism this time. For example, at some point, Mary remarks that offering baskets of food to poverty-stricken families gives well-off people a sense of accomplishment but once it's not a sustainable source at all, what they need is lasting change. Also, can I say yay for an awesome reference to Mary Wollstonecraft? :)
Surprisingly enough, I thought the best parts of the books were the ones related to Mary and James, not so much their romance (though the banter's always a welcome addition) but how much the author developed them this time. I felt they were more real than ever, especially James who - even though I can't forget his essentialist comments in Spy - is turning into quite the catch. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Mary and James comment on homosexual relationships in a very casual and matter-of-fact way, which made them very endearing.
Overall, I'm constantly impressed at the range this series of books offers. Y.S. Lee does something not many have done before, which is giving a pretty good picture of Victorian London seen through the eyes of not only the happy few and how the happy few sees the rest but also how the rest lives - Mary herself has to deal with this constantly. On top of it all, it's generally a series of really good adventure novels. I'll be very sorry to see the third (and last) book come out next year for I really wish this fantastic series would last but a little longer!
Surprisingly enough, I thought the best parts of the books were the ones related to Mary and James, not so much their romance (though the banter's always a welcome addition) but how much the author developed them this time. I felt they were more real than ever, especially James who - even though I can't forget his essentialist comments in Spy - is turning into quite the catch. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Mary and James comment on homosexual relationships in a very casual and matter-of-fact way, which made them very endearing.
Overall, I'm constantly impressed at the range this series of books offers. Y.S. Lee does something not many have done before, which is giving a pretty good picture of Victorian London seen through the eyes of not only the happy few and how the happy few sees the rest but also how the rest lives - Mary herself has to deal with this constantly. On top of it all, it's generally a series of really good adventure novels. I'll be very sorry to see the third (and last) book come out next year for I really wish this fantastic series would last but a little longer!
September 5, 2012
After zipping through this novel's predecessor, A Spy in the House, it's no surprise I read this one just as quickly. While I loved A Spy in the House, The Body at the Tower was actually even better. The story was much more intriguing for me, the character development was absolutely wonderful, and the relationship between James and Mary had me bitting my nails the whole way through.
The feminist push was, thankfully, a little lighter in this one, and there was much more a subtle air about in comparison to the somewhat shoved-down-your-throat feeling I got from A Spy in the House sometimes. It was never enough to really deter me, but I thought I'd mention it in this review, if some people were feel a bit meh about the first in the series.
I really liked Mary's character, and her insecurities about her identity were something I couldn't help but empathize with. James' condition, and his feelings were something I really liked as well, and I love the way his character has grown from the arrogant, sarcastic, but adorable guy he was mostly in A Spy in the House. I'm definitely curious to see where they will go next.
All in all, it was fabulous, and I'm dying, DYING to get my hands on the third novel. 5/5
The feminist push was, thankfully, a little lighter in this one, and there was much more a subtle air about in comparison to the somewhat shoved-down-your-throat feeling I got from A Spy in the House sometimes. It was never enough to really deter me, but I thought I'd mention it in this review, if some people were feel a bit meh about the first in the series.
I really liked Mary's character, and her insecurities about her identity were something I couldn't help but empathize with. James' condition, and his feelings were something I really liked as well, and I love the way his character has grown from the arrogant, sarcastic, but adorable guy he was mostly in A Spy in the House. I'm definitely curious to see where they will go next.
All in all, it was fabulous, and I'm dying, DYING to get my hands on the third novel. 5/5
April 5, 2014
Empiezo aclarando que las cuatro estrellas son una forma de destacar esta novela entre el maremagnum de las que quedan con las tres del punto medio, más que nada porque me ha gustado mucho el concepto y el planteamiento de la historia y de la serie en su conjunto.
De hecho, empiezo aclarando que ésta es la segunda entrega de una serie, aunque admite la lectura independiente sin mayor problema... más allá de la natural curiosidad del lector por conocer el cómo la protagonista llegó a ser quién es ahora... y cómo conoció al personaje masculino que le da réplica, James.
A una atractiva ambientación victoriana, hay que añadir el hecho de que, aún pudiendo enmarcarse dentro del género YA (de hecho, como tal se presenta en muchos sitios la serie, y puede que incluso como tal haya sido concebida), "Los Crímenes del Big Ben" es por encima de todo una novela negra, de crímenes, como el propio título indica. Y, para mi gusto personal, esa combinación siempre funciona, cuando se hace medianamente bien.
Y. S. Lee lo hace bien, porque no se complica en exceso con la trama, y porque presta atención a los pequeños detalles psicológicos y de ambientación; el hecho de que su protagonista sea una mujer, también le da un punto de originalidad al asunto, aunque tal vez el exceso de romance (y en realidad tampoco es que sea demasiado) delata un poco las intenciones comerciales.
En resumen, un tres y medio digno. No me importaría leer nuevas entregas de esta serie... o la primera, si a eso vamos :D
De hecho, empiezo aclarando que ésta es la segunda entrega de una serie, aunque admite la lectura independiente sin mayor problema... más allá de la natural curiosidad del lector por conocer el cómo la protagonista llegó a ser quién es ahora... y cómo conoció al personaje masculino que le da réplica, James.
A una atractiva ambientación victoriana, hay que añadir el hecho de que, aún pudiendo enmarcarse dentro del género YA (de hecho, como tal se presenta en muchos sitios la serie, y puede que incluso como tal haya sido concebida), "Los Crímenes del Big Ben" es por encima de todo una novela negra, de crímenes, como el propio título indica. Y, para mi gusto personal, esa combinación siempre funciona, cuando se hace medianamente bien.
Y. S. Lee lo hace bien, porque no se complica en exceso con la trama, y porque presta atención a los pequeños detalles psicológicos y de ambientación; el hecho de que su protagonista sea una mujer, también le da un punto de originalidad al asunto, aunque tal vez el exceso de romance (y en realidad tampoco es que sea demasiado) delata un poco las intenciones comerciales.
En resumen, un tres y medio digno. No me importaría leer nuevas entregas de esta serie... o la primera, si a eso vamos :D
December 6, 2010
The things that bugged me about the first book - details of Victorian London life being so off they were really irritating - were here again. Lots of little things, use of language that didn't sound right, reactions that seemed totally unlikely or were just there seemingly to explain to other "outsiders" in a way that made it too obvious that the narrator was thinking as an outsider - like a "teetotalling, cliché-spouting, church-going" overseer asking Mary if there was "no Christian charity" to help her, or "even by English standards, people talked about the weather a great deal at the moment".
For my money, the books would be a lot better if they opted either for fairly serious portrayal of Mary's difficulties as an orphan, mixed-race, lower class young woman in a society with not much time for any of those, OR decided to frolic with the wonderful idea of this secret agency using the invisibility of respectable but needing to work women to make them kick-ass spies. It's falling down between the two pretty hard atm.
For my money, the books would be a lot better if they opted either for fairly serious portrayal of Mary's difficulties as an orphan, mixed-race, lower class young woman in a society with not much time for any of those, OR decided to frolic with the wonderful idea of this secret agency using the invisibility of respectable but needing to work women to make them kick-ass spies. It's falling down between the two pretty hard atm.
March 7, 2012
I'm giving this one a five even though I did love it a bit less than the first in this series. It is still far better than much of what is out there in the YA genre.
Mary is such a wonderful heroine, feisty, vulnerable and yes, even scared. The fact that she is scared and yet continues on without waiting for some guy to rescue her makes her one of my favorite characters. Her past and parentage make her a very sympathetic character. She makes choices that don't always make her happy and as a reader make me doggone irritated (LOL), but her reasons and thought process are sensible for the time and place where she lives.
The mystery in this one wasn't quite as compelling as the first book and there aren't so many threads weaving through.
The different scenes between rich and poor are well-drawn and the glimpses into the life of a young orphan boy are heart-breaking. I love all the manners and the general flavor of the Victorian era that the author crafts in the story.
Can't wait for the third book.
Mary is such a wonderful heroine, feisty, vulnerable and yes, even scared. The fact that she is scared and yet continues on without waiting for some guy to rescue her makes her one of my favorite characters. Her past and parentage make her a very sympathetic character. She makes choices that don't always make her happy and as a reader make me doggone irritated (LOL), but her reasons and thought process are sensible for the time and place where she lives.
The mystery in this one wasn't quite as compelling as the first book and there aren't so many threads weaving through.
The different scenes between rich and poor are well-drawn and the glimpses into the life of a young orphan boy are heart-breaking. I love all the manners and the general flavor of the Victorian era that the author crafts in the story.
Can't wait for the third book.
January 10, 2016
5 stars
Another good installment in the series. Reading about espionage is always fun. Glad that Mary is almost a full-fledged agent. Nice to see James East on and Mary interacting again. Will he learn that she's a detective/spy? What will happen to their relationship/friendship now that she told him she use to be a thief? It's always nice seeing spies in their disguises. Hope Mary will become a full-fledged agent soon. Also hope James will get better soon. Can't wait to read The Traitor in the Tunnel!!!!
Another good installment in the series. Reading about espionage is always fun. Glad that Mary is almost a full-fledged agent. Nice to see James East on and Mary interacting again. Will he learn that she's a detective/spy? What will happen to their relationship/friendship now that she told him she use to be a thief? It's always nice seeing spies in their disguises. Hope Mary will become a full-fledged agent soon. Also hope James will get better soon. Can't wait to read The Traitor in the Tunnel!!!!
July 16, 2019
It was alright. I like the characters well enough, but the plot itself was pretty weak, in my opinion. Maybe I just don’t understand enough about Victorian England, but stealing some nails and stuff just isn’t something I can relate to—particularly that it would be so high-stakes as to result in two deaths. I was pretty disappointed that this was it; I was hoping it was a red herring and there would be a bigger, better payoff, but that was all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2018
This book is a mystery. But I thought the author gave away the ending in the middle and then I was kind of bored... I’m disappointed the main character didn’t find a different guy to flirt with. Instead it was the same one from the first book. She’s a strong female character. I was over James. I thought Mary was too...
March 15, 2015
Entertaining read with the plot centered around a detective agency in Victorian times owned and staffed by women. Works quite well, good characterization and a main character that is, in some ways, vaguely reminiscent of Mary Russell in the Laurie King "Sherlock" mysteries.
April 21, 2011
I enjoyed this interesting historical spy-caper. It had the feel of some of the historical suspenses I grew up reading. An exciting, fun story! I'm adding this series to my girl series library.
Read
April 4, 2016The mystery itself wasn't that great, now that I think about it... but who cares? :)
March 13, 2021
AMAZING!!!!
I have nothing more to say about this book.
I have nothing more to say about this book.
November 10, 2017
If Mr James Easton doesn't come back in "The Traitor In The Tunnel" so help me, I will riot.
That ending... oh my gosh. I am not coherent right now, that is how upset I am. Don't get me wrong! This book was fabulous! And the story amazing- the historical events unfolding so nicely, storyline and subplot coming together- but UGH. I am so very much unhappy with how things ending with James. So, so, so very, very, very, VERY unhappy with how that ended. This whole book, all that romantic tension, my heart in my throat, my stomach fluttering with butterflies, toes curled, my body hunched over the book in anticipation AND THAT was what I got?! (Spoilers) All those kisses! The rescue off from the belfry! Him taking her home and his FORWARD response to finding her and meeting her again-- AND THAT ENDING WAS THE RESULT OF ALL OF THAT??? You would think he'd be more receptive, play the romantic- the Mr Darcy he so obviously is. AND HE DIDN'T. INSTEAD, he played his role in Victorian England of an upper-class merchant and was aghast at her revelations! No "I don't care" or "I still love you"-- NOPE! Just his bleak, betrayed eyes watching her go.
(Spoilers over) So congratulations to Y.S. Lee for creating a story and characters true to their era and environment. And getting me so heated that I rant about romantic subplot.
That ending... oh my gosh. I am not coherent right now, that is how upset I am. Don't get me wrong! This book was fabulous! And the story amazing- the historical events unfolding so nicely, storyline and subplot coming together- but UGH. I am so very much unhappy with how things ending with James. So, so, so very, very, very, VERY unhappy with how that ended. This whole book, all that romantic tension, my heart in my throat, my stomach fluttering with butterflies, toes curled, my body hunched over the book in anticipation AND THAT was what I got?! (Spoilers) All those kisses! The rescue off from the belfry! Him taking her home and his FORWARD response to finding her and meeting her again-- AND THAT ENDING WAS THE RESULT OF ALL OF THAT??? You would think he'd be more receptive, play the romantic- the Mr Darcy he so obviously is. AND HE DIDN'T. INSTEAD, he played his role in Victorian England of an upper-class merchant and was aghast at her revelations! No "I don't care" or "I still love you"-- NOPE! Just his bleak, betrayed eyes watching her go.
(Spoilers over) So congratulations to Y.S. Lee for creating a story and characters true to their era and environment. And getting me so heated that I rant about romantic subplot.
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