Review: Body at the Tower

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 nobody 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 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 this man's death. Could it truly be an accident or something more sinister?


My Thoughts: There are so many books I read that blow me away - and this series is one of them. How long until the 3rd book comes out? I ADORE this series. It's so amazing - there's the thrilling spy moments, the uncover scenes, the mystery which always leads to danger, and the romance. I heard there will AT LEAST be three volumes to Mary Quinn's adventures. I would love to read more. I also heard there might be some novels about other characters in the Agency. I would love reading about Felicity and Anne and how they founded the agency. As you can tell, when it really comes down to it, I just want MORE (and quickly!)

The Cover: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this cover. Plus, the dress comes from a great scene in the book.

Source: I begged Candlewick for a copy (something I NEVER do, but I *needed* this book)

Review: Spy in the House

Mary Quinn used to be a thief. In fact, she was rescued from certain death by hanging and brought secretly to a special school for girls. Here, she worked hard to change her station in life. Now she's a young lady without a job and doesn't know where to turn next. Fortunately, her advisers at the school let her in on a secret. They have a spy agency where she's be a perfect fit. They help out Scotland Yard and others gather information. With her former skills, Mary would be a perfect fit. Plus they have a position in mind for her, after she undergoes training.

Mary Quinn emerges and makes her way as a paid ladies companion to Angelica Thorold, a spoiled girl. Mary's duty, besides her job will be to gather any intelligence upon Miss Thorold's father and his business in regards to smuggling items. Miss Thorold doesn't take to Mary. The two of them attempt to work out their differences in a variety of ways while Mary snoops about the house. When she finds nothing, she goes snooping at Mr Thorold's business when she's caught not by security but by a man with similar concerns. He offers up a partnership where they share information each uncovers. Mary reluctantly agrees. With time running out, will Mary risk too much and find identity discovered?

My Thoughts: I'd been hearing about this book and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I read this mostly in one sitting and then wanted the next book immediately. (It comes out in August). I LOVE spy novels and the Victorian England era and combine = pure magical entertainment. A great feisty heroine, lots of danger, plenty of mysteries to untangle, and a little romance creates a wonderfully perfect first edition to a new series.

The Cover: Cute - I like how it combines Mary's daring attitude with a backdrop of the times.

Source: My Library - I had to put it on hold so I could be sure to snag it first! I couldn't wait any longer.