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readwithpassion's review against another edition
3.0
Mary Quinn is asked to join the Agency, a secret band of women who pretend to be meek and submissive while they are gathering information by spying on the men they watch. Set in 1850s London, this book is a historical fiction that doesn't disappoint. It reminded me of Nancy Drew novels while I was reading. Mystery readers and historical fiction lovers will enjoy this one.
bergamotandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Finished this a couple days ago but haven't had the chance to review it! Great read, very impressive for a YA novel - and the authors first dabble into fiction as well. I actually went out and bought the sequel after only reading a few chapters! I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction- even if they don't read YA novels.
Can't wait to sink my teeth into the next in the series!
Can't wait to sink my teeth into the next in the series!
forever_day's review
3.0
Actual rating: 2.5, U
Warnings: Nothing really, quite a safe read.
This book came as a hot recommendation from my younger sister, and I think that if I had been her age I would have loved this book. As I'm not, I just enjoyed it. It's a fun read, that doesn't demand too much of you. It wasn't great writing, but it was fine for a rollicking one off read. The only issue I did have was the Women Rule Boys Drool agenda that was constantly unsublety[sp?] pushed.
Other than that, an undemanding, fun read.
Warnings: Nothing really, quite a safe read.
This book came as a hot recommendation from my younger sister, and I think that if I had been her age I would have loved this book. As I'm not, I just enjoyed it. It's a fun read, that doesn't demand too much of you. It wasn't great writing, but it was fine for a rollicking one off read. The only issue I did have was the Women Rule Boys Drool agenda that was constantly unsublety[sp?] pushed.
Other than that, an undemanding, fun read.
geekbrocade's review against another edition
4.0
I've tried several pre-20th century setting mystery novels but they always seem either a bit too dry or filled with things that I don't like. Not quite exciting. However, I must say that this book was an exception. The plot isn't complicated but it still retains the charm & sadness of the Victorian era mixed in with mystery.
Mary Lang/Quinn evolves throughout the book as she takes her first steps as an agent. It will be interesting to see how her career and her romantic life progress throughout the series.
Mary Lang/Quinn evolves throughout the book as she takes her first steps as an agent. It will be interesting to see how her career and her romantic life progress throughout the series.
engrossedreader's review against another edition
3.0
This was an agreeable young adult read set in Victorian London with a smart and charming detective as the lead tasked with identifying a mystery which touched on the British Empire's trade . The mystery was complimented by other themes pertinent to the time: family, race, class, gender constraints, etc
Full review to follow November 2019
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Full review to follow November 2019
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
sbelasco40's review against another edition
2.0
Eh. The premise had such potential: a secret spy school for girls in Victorian England! - but the prose was so exposition-heavy, and the protagonist Mary just wasn't that interesting. It was as if the author spent all her time trying to work out the intricacies of the plot, which I really didn't care about, and forgot to develop her characters.
kristid's review against another edition
4.0
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 always a positive. I wasn't just impressed with the setting, but with the characters as well. Especially Mary, she was the kick-butt heroine that I love reading about it.
This was easy novel to read, it wasn't too complex. The main plot was overshadowed at times by smaller subplots, but that is often the case in the beginning of a series. It's necessary sometimes to build that relationship with the reader, to give them something to look forward to in the succeeding novels. But even with that, I'm sure readers will be flipping through the pages to solve the mystery along with Mary and James. I know that is what I did!
This is a great start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
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 always a positive. I wasn't just impressed with the setting, but with the characters as well. Especially Mary, she was the kick-butt heroine that I love reading about it.
This was easy novel to read, it wasn't too complex. The main plot was overshadowed at times by smaller subplots, but that is often the case in the beginning of a series. It's necessary sometimes to build that relationship with the reader, to give them something to look forward to in the succeeding novels. But even with that, I'm sure readers will be flipping through the pages to solve the mystery along with Mary and James. I know that is what I did!
This is a great start to a series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
megancrusante's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this and I am interested in the next book in the series, but in no rush to do so.
broncoannee's review against another edition
4.0
Very good! I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
amycam's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
3.0