Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Mary Quinn will take on her most challenging assignment for The Agency yet. She'll have to pose as a twelve-year-old boy looking for work at the construction site for the Houses of Parliament. A man fell from his death from the top of the tower, and no one can figure out more details.
This assignment brings back memories from her old life, where she lived as a boy on the streets until the ladies rescued her. In order to replicate her persona, she will remain incognito throughout the mission. Under the circumstances, her emotional state remains fragile, nervous, and scared. However, she's determined to take on this assignment and see it through.
On her first day as Mark, she makes two grave mistakes within minutes of arriving on site. She makes it known that she can read, which gives her an edge on most men. Mary's making a little progress on the case when Mr. James Easton appears - also on the case. It's been a year since she's seen him and he's changed drastically. When he doesn't seem to recognize her, she's not sure if she's happy or disappointed.
Can Mary/Mark worm her way into the building crowd enough to uncover the truth about the man's death? Could it truly be an accident, or was it something more sinister?
I ADORE this series; it's perfect historical fiction. Mary's a feisty girl, who along with the other strong females at The Agency, helps bring down the bad guys. Plus, there's the thrilling spy moments, the undercover scenes, the mystery which always leads to danger, and the sparks of romance.
I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends.
Mary Quinn will take on her most challenging assignment for The Agency yet. She'll have to pose as a twelve-year-old boy looking for work at the construction site for the Houses of Parliament. A man fell from his death from the top of the tower, and no one can figure out more details.
This assignment brings back memories from her old life, where she lived as a boy on the streets until the ladies rescued her. In order to replicate her persona, she will remain incognito throughout the mission. Under the circumstances, her emotional state remains fragile, nervous, and scared. However, she's determined to take on this assignment and see it through.
On her first day as Mark, she makes two grave mistakes within minutes of arriving on site. She makes it known that she can read, which gives her an edge on most men. Mary's making a little progress on the case when Mr. James Easton appears - also on the case. It's been a year since she's seen him and he's changed drastically. When he doesn't seem to recognize her, she's not sure if she's happy or disappointed.
Can Mary/Mark worm her way into the building crowd enough to uncover the truth about the man's death? Could it truly be an accident, or was it something more sinister?
I ADORE this series; it's perfect historical fiction. Mary's a feisty girl, who along with the other strong females at The Agency, helps bring down the bad guys. Plus, there's the thrilling spy moments, the undercover scenes, the mystery which always leads to danger, and the sparks of romance.
I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends.
Stephanie S. (skywriter319) -
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. Lees 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.
Lee introduces new characters almost effortlessly, while simultaneously further exploring Marys 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.
Im 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 hasnt 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. Lees 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.
Lee introduces new characters almost effortlessly, while simultaneously further exploring Marys 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.
Im 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 hasnt even reached her peak yet. I am on tenterhooks awaiting the third book, and more after that from this incredible author!
