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A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

This is a Traveling to Teens Tour!

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Genre: Historical Mystery

Release Date: 3/9/2010

About the Book: Rescued from a hanging at the age of twelve, Mary Quinn is given a second chance at Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. At seventeen, Mary learns that the school is a cover for The Agency, a top secret group of female spies-and Mary has been asked to join them.

Her first assignment is to go undercover as a lady's companion to a rich ship merchant's daughter. The ship merchant is suspected in involvement in missing cargo ships and Mary's job is to find information. But in a house full of secrets, Mary is in for many surprises as she learns not everything is what it seems.

GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I have been book lusting after this book since I first heard about it last year. When the tour opened up for this book, I said I would do anything to get my hands on this book. I had to read this one. With that much anticipation, I had very high hopes for A Spy in the House and I'm happy to report that Ms. Lee does not disappoint!

This book has everything I wanted-rich historical detail, a kick-butt heroine, fantastic mystery, a crush-worthy love interest, lots of witty banter, and characters that draw you in and make you want to know more. The pacing of the book is perfect-there's a wonderful balance between setting and detail and dialogue. I never felt bogged down in the details, yet the setting and historical facts were richly drawn and I felt as though I was in London with Mary.

The mystery kept me guessing, which is always good! There were plenty of twists which kept me reading. Make sure you carve out time to read this one because you'll want to read it in one sitting.

And James...sigh. He's a new book crush! I loved the banter between Mary and James. If Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy were spies, I think they would be very much like Mary and James.

This book was exactly what I wanted-and more! It pulled me in and I can't wait to return to The Agency to see what's in store next for Mary. My only complaint is that I now have to wait for the sequel!

Full Disclosure: Reviewed from ARC from publisher for blog tour

Comments

  1. Oh wow. I honestly didn't know anything about this book until right this second. (Shame on me, huh?) But 5/5? That's awesome! I gotta add this to my TBR pile!

    Great review, btw ;)

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  2. Pirate Penguin-I hope you get a chance to read it!

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  3. *squeeeeal* I'm so glad you loved it as well! And I totally thought the same thing about Mary & James re: Elizabeth & Darcy. *happy sigh* I am impatiently waiting the sequel as well!

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  4. Steph Su-YAY! I'm thrilled to know you loved this one! I think I first saw it featured on your blog way back when and that's what made me want to read it. :) And I feel much better comparing Mary and James to Lizzie and Darcy now-I'm not the only one who saw it.

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  5. omigosh, I have to get this book now. I love the premise. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  6. Jenny-Let me know what you think! I hope you love it!:)

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  7. WOW! 5 on 5 then I must get this book. I remember this book was featured in many Wednesday posts and has a wonderful cover pic. I am adding this to my wishlist

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  8. So glad that there are so many reviews of this title that liked it as much as I did! Came over to visit after seeing your post on the library listserv...should remember to visit your blog more often.

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  9. LJK/WhatMissKelleyIsReadingApril 1, 2010 at 2:26 PM

    I liked this book a lot too, and can hardly wait for the sequel. It's so great to see a female heroine that I can pass on to my students!

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