Reviews

Praise for A Spy in the House

“Debut author Y.S. Lee keeps the story wound tight, lacing it with gingery humor… Sparkling repartee fuels the story, but it’s not so snappy as to undercut Mary’s vulnerability—she’s a saucy, smart heroine it will be a pleasure to meet again.” Kirkus Reviews Supplement

“A fine whodunit, with clues carefully rationed out as the story evolves, it also holds some great surprises likely to catch even the sharpest readers off guard… A Spy in the House is entirely true to the genre, full of thrills and danger and wonderfully sharp writing. That’s the good news. Even better is that this is just the first part of a planned trilogy, so those of us who are already hooked can look forward to two more novels. I, for one, can’t wait. Long live The Agency!” BookPage

“Set in the richly described underbelly of Victorian London, Lee’s debut novel launching the Agency trilogy introduces feisty Mary Quinn… Mary’s lively escapades… will hold readers’ attention and whet their interest for the next installment.” Publisher’s Weekly

“There is interesting chemistry between Mary and James as well as hints that they may reunite in a future volume. The descriptions of a crowded, smelly and unsanitary city are both well-drawn and important plot elements, as are the mores of Victorian life.” Kirkus Reviews

“Woven throughout the cloak-and-dagger play is plenty of flirtatious repartee, and even the most perilous of adventures is leavened with a comic edge that winks at the mystery genre.” Bulletin of the Centre for Children’s Books

“an atmosphere reminiscent of Dickens or Doyle. From her description of the stinking Thames on a hot summer day to her explanation of the nuances of Victorian gender roles, Lee creates the impression that she has first-hand knowledge of these sights, sounds, smells, and experiences. Add to that a feisty protagonist, and The Spy in the House [sic] makes for an appealing start to a planned trilogy.” Quill and Quire

“populated with interesting and complex characters, including Mary herself… a vibrant, dynamic character that’s a delight to read about… Highly recommended to fans of Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart trilogy and historical fiction enthusiasts alike.” Sacramento Book Review

“The story unfolds in a series of remarkable twists and turns, leading to a truly surprising conclusion that should satisfy even hardcore mystery buffs. But even beyond that, this book is a joy to read. The dialogue simply sparkles — especially the Jane Austen-esque banter between Mary and James Easton, her sometimes competitor/sometimes collaborator in sleuthing… older tweens and teens would be missing out on something special if they skipped it. I, for one, can’t wait for Book Two.” Christopher Healy, ParentDish

“The new Agency series is what you’d expect, very well done, and a little more… V for vivid Victoriana.” Booklist

“Historical details are woven seamlessly into the plot, and descriptive writing allows readers to be part of each scene.” School Library Journal

Praise from authors, librarians, booksellers & bloggers

“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.” Teens Read Too (Gold Star Award)

“absolutely loved it. Girl spies in Victorian England! Disguises, mystery and intrigue! A perfectly-toned romance! A genuinely unexpected family secret, a whole host of strong, interesting women, and a completely non-stereotypical view of the Chinese community in Victorian England!” – YA author Stephanie Burgis

“Exciting, full of verve, and with a hint of romance, A SPY IN THE HOUSE offers a terrific protagonist and a fun mystery as it explores Victorian London and traditional and nontraditional roles of both men and women therein. With her background in Victorian literature and culture, Y.S. Lee provides texture and pungency without overshadowing the characters or plots.” Author Greg Leitich Smith

“Look out, Sherlock Holmes—yes, you, the one played by Robert Downey, Jr. in the 2009 film. Smart, dark, and flavorfully kickass has a new name, and that name is Mary Quinn.” Steph Su at Steph Su Reads

“the love child of Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy and Ally Carter’s Gallagher series and then some.” Bookseller Vikki VanSickle at Pipedreaming

“exactly the type of book that I am inclined to devour: a well-crafted mystery, historical setting, and an amusing romance with a certain Darcy/Elizabeth quality. To tie up this satisfying package, it also happens to be the first in what will be a trilogy. Yes please!” The Shelf Elf

“everything a well written mystery needs: an unforgettable heroine, a remarkable setting and a crime to solve. Adding in some playful romance, a spunky, unconventional main character, and interesting story developments only enriches this story more.” ReaderGirls

“exceedingly fun. The writing is smooth and engaging. Mary is a compelling heroine; accomplished, gutsy, and likable, but also fallible and liable to act on a whim… The depth of the book comes from the social realities it portrays, from the negotiations and investigations behind society marriages to the limited livelihoods available to widows.” In the Booley House

“a well-written and engrossing first novel which works well as a stand-alone adventure, but which also left me looking forward to the next book, wanting to know more” – YA historical novelist Marie-Louise Jensen at WriteAway

“a gripping read from start to finish… fast-paced, entertaining… [w]ith strong female characters and a heady mix of romance and adventure” – Jane Taylor, Western Australian Libraries

“a really good adventure and a great read. So if you want a female Alex Rider in Victorian London, then this is for you.” Bookwitch

“a feisty and engaging heroine” – YA author Keris Stainton at Chicklish

an “exciting debut novel with many twists and turns… Mary is a spirited heroine” – Books for Keeps

“a whole cast of brilliant characters… beautifully crafted” – So Many Books, So Little Time

“the quips come hard and fast… Lee’s created a vivid world of intrigue, gender constraints, romance and some wonderful dialogue.” – Persnickety Snark

Click here to read interviews with Ying.

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