Mary Quinn is not who she appears to be.  Saved from the gallows at the age of twelve by Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy For Girls,  Mary became an upstanding citizen, an assistant teacher, and a proper young lady, but life in the classroom was dull and Mary longed for more.  That is why, when her mentor offered her a position in The Agency she could not turn it down.  The Agency is a secret organization that employs women as spies to gather information for private parties. 

On her first assignment, at the age of seventeen, Mary is placed as a lady’s companion for the daughter of a London merchant, Mr. Thorold.  Thorold and Company is under investigation by Scotland Yard for smuggling stolen works of art into London.  Mary’s job is to listen for any dropped information she may be able to gather about the stolen goods.  She is delivered to the Thorold’s home with specific instructions.  She is to listen and watch, but to maintain her cover as the daughter’s companion, and not to place herself at risk.  But Mary soon learns that if she is to discover anything before the investigation is over she must take action.

Her cover proves less than pleasant as it quickly becomes apparent that Angelica, the merchant’s daughter, is a spoiled heiress prone to tantrums and dramatic displays. Mr. Thorold’s secretary, Michael Gray, also becomes a problem as he shows an interest in Mary, often hindering her investigation.  Between sneaking into Thorold’s home office, slipping out at night to search the merchant’s warehouse, and suspecting nearly every member of the household, Mary has quite a plot to uncover.  Is Thorold the leader of a smuggling ring?  Who is Mrs. Thorold really going to see every afternoon?  What are Angelica and Michael plotting? What secret is Mary hiding about her own past?  These are only a few of the questions that will be answered. 

The story twists and turns and every time you think you have figured it out Lee throws you another curveball.  I really enjoyed Mary’s enthusiasm and energy.  She is a likeable character and, although she appears tough, Lee shows us Mary’s soft side and keeps her human.  The setting was perfect and Lee’s description was so complete I could almost smell the stench of the Thames River. 

I love the setting of Victorian London.  From the images of hansom cabs clogging the city streets, to people bustling about, to the stench of the Thames River in the hot summer air Lee really nailed it.  You don't miss a beat as you are pulled into the setting and the characters.  The social interactions were comedic as societal rules were followed, but twisted to allow characters to insult and flirt with each other.  

The strong female character is refreshing, and I really liked that Lee didn't overdue it by alluding to feminism.  Don't get me wrong I love a strong independent leading lady, but I really get turned off by authors who become preachy on the subject.  This is a great read for middle and high school girls.  The action and mystery may even draw in some male readers. 

This is the first in a planned trilogy.  The second book, The Body at the Tower, is slated for publication this August.  I look forward to reading what Lee has in store for us next.

If you liked this book you may also enjoy:
      The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
      A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
      Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock