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? Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue and packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, this breezy mystery — the first in The Agency series — follows Mary as she lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.
"Mary finds herself forced to partner with James, the brother of her young charge’s suitor, who has suspicions about the family.... The descriptions of a crowded, smelly and unsanitary city are both well-drawn and important plot elements, as are the mores of Victorian life. Most intriguing is the unusual ethnic heritage Mary strives to conceal, which adds a fresh dimension." — Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 12 and up |
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Author | Y.S. Lee |
ISBN | 0763687480 |
Publication Date | Feb 8, 2011 |
Publisher | Candlewick |
Series Name | The Agency |
Language | English |