The Agency: A Spy in the House Review and Contest Winner

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. (Summary Thanks to Chapter Indigo.ca)
    Where to start where to start. I have to admit when I got this book I was very unsure about it and the genre. I went in with a closed mind on the topic, but I have to say Y.S. Lee captivated me from the first chapter to the end. This book was not what I expected, it was three times better. I adore Mary's character, everything about her she's so interesting, I think it could be all the mystery to her. All characters had there mystery to them which intrigued me a lot, it also helped to real me in. I love how the book was set in 1800s adds a nice flare to the book, it was also a nice change for me as well (there were parts when I was hoping she would pull out a cellphone, then I realized she was hailing a cab that was horse drawn). The storyline just kept giving, from beginning til-end this storyline did not have a dull moment, it did have quite time, but so worth the wait. The only thing I didn't like out of the whole book was the last two pages (read it and see why) other than that awesome. Transition I thought I had seen some good transition, but Y.S. Lee brought the standard to an all-time high. They were awesome I knew exactly whose Point of View (POV) it was, there was no second guessing, the whole story had a nice flow. This book has some parts where you're like it was Mr. Green in the Pantry with the rope (CLUE anyone) and the "Sherlock Holmes." Oh random, but I love the random mentions of the fashion it the era like the big dresses with crinoline, mustered colored dress, and boots with the buttons up the leg I loved it. Speaking of the Victorian Era loved how Y.S. Lee stuck to it nothing out of the ordinary, except the random modern touches here and there, but nothing to the extreme. I love the romance in the book awesome and subtle, and my fiction crush in this book has to be James without a doubt, favorite character has to be Guigley. This book honestly is a must read especially if you are into the whole Victorian Era, or Mystery. Don't you love the cover. OK stop me now I could keep going about the love I have for this book so one last thing. I have to say that Y.S. Lee be Canadian Author with this Awesome read makes me proud as a Canadian Reader so thanks!
I would Personally Rate this book:  

CONTEST WINNER!!

Thanks to all who entered this contest. I am happy that I get to pass on this lovely book to another reader to lets get on to it.

So when I randomized the names and gave each name a number and the number that was picked from Random.org was..... DRUM ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


74!!!! which belonged to:

Amanda (Daydreams and Wanderings)


Congrats Amanda, I have sent you an emails with more details.

Happy Reading

Kelly P.