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sraelling's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
clesh01's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
Look out, Sherlock Holmes—yes, you, the one played by Robert Downey, Jr. in the 2009 film. Smart, dark, and flavorfully kickass has a new name, and that name is Mary Quinn. Y. S. Lee has crafted a superbly entertaining historical fiction mystery novel that contains cross-genre and ageless appeal.
The characters in A SPY IN THE HOUSE are delightful to read about—not because they are extremely angelic, but because of the fact that they’re all keeping secrets, all trying to outsmart people who are trying to outsmart them. Mary shines best in her barbed banter with James (who arguably gets sexier with each of their encounters and conversational exchanges), but she is also wonderfully resourceful, yet wounded. Without giving a major characteristic away, I just want to say that Mary’s shame of and complex about her past make for a refreshing new take on Victorian fiction, one that should not be missed.
I loved how the darker, grimier aspects of Victorian London were portrayed in this novel. Y. S. Lee shows her knowledge about this time period in the way the setting, and the major characters’ encounters with less savory minor characters, never gives in to sensationalism. Instead, the details are deliberate, the mystery neither predictable nor overdone.
The result is complete: we are fully immersed in this atmospheric yet modernly appealing historical fiction novel. Y. S. Lee shows that she is a talented author capable of writing an intelligent yet entertaining story with a mystery and romance that will keep our toes curled and our eyes on the page.
The characters in A SPY IN THE HOUSE are delightful to read about—not because they are extremely angelic, but because of the fact that they’re all keeping secrets, all trying to outsmart people who are trying to outsmart them. Mary shines best in her barbed banter with James (who arguably gets sexier with each of their encounters and conversational exchanges), but she is also wonderfully resourceful, yet wounded. Without giving a major characteristic away, I just want to say that Mary’s shame of and complex about her past make for a refreshing new take on Victorian fiction, one that should not be missed.
I loved how the darker, grimier aspects of Victorian London were portrayed in this novel. Y. S. Lee shows her knowledge about this time period in the way the setting, and the major characters’ encounters with less savory minor characters, never gives in to sensationalism. Instead, the details are deliberate, the mystery neither predictable nor overdone.
The result is complete: we are fully immersed in this atmospheric yet modernly appealing historical fiction novel. Y. S. Lee shows that she is a talented author capable of writing an intelligent yet entertaining story with a mystery and romance that will keep our toes curled and our eyes on the page.
bluedevil's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
pixelandink's review against another edition
2.0
The closer I got to the end of the book, the more I just wanted it to be over already! I just felt like it got dragged out more than it needed to. I have the next 2 books of this series in my 'to read' list, but honestly, I'm not sure I'll read them anytime soon.
brunettegeekgirl's review against another edition
5.0
What I loved:
The story was unique and thrilling.
The writing style was great!
The characters are interesting and not boring at all. Even the maids had a place in this story.
The suspense amazing.
It was interesting and fun to see the Victorian era in general and in London specifically.
The few last chapters were breath taking. I had to stop myself from sneaking on the next page. I wasn’t 100% successful >_<”.
It was set in London! What’s not to like?!
What I disliked:
I would be crazy if I hated one thing about this book.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a wonderful YA thriller and mystery, this is your book. You won’t regret it at all even if you don’t enjoy stories set in the Victorian era.
I should thank Y. S. Lee for writing such great books, I’m definitely a big fan of yours Open-mouthed smile.
Read the full review here: A Spy in The House review by Randa on Randa's e-book world
The story was unique and thrilling.
The writing style was great!
The characters are interesting and not boring at all. Even the maids had a place in this story.
The suspense amazing.
It was interesting and fun to see the Victorian era in general and in London specifically.
The few last chapters were breath taking. I had to stop myself from sneaking on the next page. I wasn’t 100% successful >_<”.
It was set in London! What’s not to like?!
What I disliked:
I would be crazy if I hated one thing about this book.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a wonderful YA thriller and mystery, this is your book. You won’t regret it at all even if you don’t enjoy stories set in the Victorian era.
I should thank Y. S. Lee for writing such great books, I’m definitely a big fan of yours Open-mouthed smile.
Read the full review here: A Spy in The House review by Randa on Randa's e-book world
callmecat's review against another edition
3.0
Not sure what my problem is. I guess the writing style doesn't suit me, or my expectations were wrong? But soon enough I was having fun.
4saradouglas's review against another edition
3.0
I think I just have to face facts and admit that I don't like mysteries. The main character was okay, the plot was okay, the romantic interest was romantic and interesting... but I just didn't like this book. I was never invested and never cared one way or another if they solved the crime or not. Just nothing drew me in. Plus I kept getting distracted by the horrible descriptions of England. I thought victorian england was supposed to be romantic... but ugh. If I read about that stinking river ever again it will be too soon!