Book Review: The Agency: The Body At The Tower by Y.S. Lee

Title: The Agency: The Body At The Tower

Author: Y.S. Lee

Publisher: Candlewick

Publication Date: August 2011

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Series or Stand Alone: Series, Book Two

Synopsis can be found here.
Book One review can be found here.

Review: 

And she’s back!

Mary Quinn, spy extraordinaire is back for another mystery! A man falls to his death from the under construction clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. It seems like an accident, but of course, foul play is suspected! Enter our heroine Mary who disguises herself as a boy, sneaks around the site ready to uncover the truth. And who should she run into but none other than James Easton.

The second book in the series is just as good as the first. The intrigue and mystery is there. Mary is fearless and finds herself is a lot of dangerous situations. The action is quick and the storyline rolls by fast. The chemistry between Mary and James heats up. Both characters have grown since their last encounter and it’s rewarding to see these two develop together. They make a great time both as detectives and love interests. I love James and Mary. Both are headstrong and their banter is natural and fun. It’s fire, arguments and butting heads. It’s passionate- arguing one moment and kissing the next. Really, this Victorian London is fun!

The mystery itself is more intricate than the first book. The secondary characters are well drawn out, each with distinct characterizations. Their voices are thick and rich in my head. And some of these guys are just plain scary.

If you haven’t read the first book, I highly recommend you start with that. Lee does a good job of recapping Mary’s previous adventure without being too wordy (don’t you hate that?). But really, the first book is amazing and you’ll have a different appreciation for Mary and James coming from that first novel.

What is my gripe with this series? That I have to wait until 2012 for the third book to be published in the US! (I can go to book depository and buy the third book, UK edition right now though. Just saying.)

Looking forward to the next installment, sooner rather than later.  Once you read the ending, you’ll understand why.

(Book Depository here I come!)

Rating 9, Ridiculously Awesome like Cookies and Ice Cream