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The Angency: A Spy in the House

Author:

Y.S. Lee

Publisher:

Candlewick Press

Reviewed by:

Kristine Wildner, Center for Children's Literature

Grade:

13

Lee, Y.S. The Agency: A Spy in the House: A Mary Quinn Mystery Candlewick Press, New York, 2010.

The first in a planned historical mystery trilogy, Y.S. Lee’s A Spy in the House is set in Victorian London during the time of the “great stink” of 1858 – an extended heat wave coupled with the horrendous pollution of the Thames River.  In the prologue, we meet twelve year old Mary Lang, orphan and petty criminal, saved from the gallows by two educated women who invite her to attend Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls.  Unlike many institutions of the time, this school teaches girls to think independently.  Five years later, when Mary requests advice about her future career, the head teachers introduce her to the real reason for the school – a cover for “The Agency” – a top-secret organization of women serving as private investigators.  After an intensive training session, Mary joins their ranks as an undercover detective.

With her name changed to Quinn, Mary’s first assignment is to investigate the suspected business corruptions involving Mr. Henry Thorold.  She is to become the paid companion of his daughter, Angelica; observe whatever she can about the family and business, and report back to the Agency in only a few weeks’ time. What first appears to be a very dry assignment quickly becomes intriguing as Mary senses discontent throughout the household.  Angelica, in a position to be married soon, has many suitors, yet favors a man beneath her social rank - her father’s clerk, Michael Gray.  One of Thorold’s business associates, Mr. George Eaton, has his heart set on dear Angelica, but his younger brother James is suspicious of Thorold’s business practices.  As Mary tries to do some investigation in the home office she becomes literally tangled with James in a wardrobe and must explain her reason for snooping in the family’s personal information.  Never revealing the Agency or her true motives, Mary and James eventually begin to work together to come to the bottom of the operating inconsistencies of Thorold’s business.  Gathering evidence becomes increasingly difficult, as little is said at home for Mary to overhear, so she must work with James go actively seek information – often getting into dangerous situations in unsavory locales.  As the investigation becomes more intense, time becomes an important element as Mary must complete her work in only a few weeks time.  Soon Mary and James discover murder, arson and infidelity all relating back to the Thorolds.  Indirectly linked within the mystery plot, is a subplot involving Mary’s father and ethnic heritage.  With a fascinating ending in which no one is who he or she first appeared to be, Lee expertly explains the mystery surrounding the Thorold business – leaving no loose ends, except for some unanswered questions surrounding Mary’s family background.

Mary Quinn is a fascinating character – poor in her upbringing, expert in the manners of good society, clever and courageous. Learning from her experiences, capitalizing on opportunities, Mary is someone the reader will cheer for and respect.  Lee’s third person narrative combines wonderfully descriptive language with plenty of action and suspense.  Throughout the story she skillfully weaves the overbearing, often putrid environment into the story –as if it is another character infiltrating the storyline and heightening the mystery.  A few, rather minor, sordid details make this book most appropriate for high school students.  Give this one to fans of Nancy Springer’s Enola Holmes series – they won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended for grades 8-11.

Kristine Wildner, Holy Apostles School, New Berlin, WI