Mary Lang started off life in a rough manner. Orphaned, she was forced to steal in order to survive. At age twelve, she was caught and sentenced to death. However, she was saved - taken away and renamed Mary Quinn to live for five years at Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. She learned to act like a lady. But it wasn't enough for Mary; she wanted more from life. That's when she learns that the school is the disguise for the Agency, a group of women who go undercover and act as detectives. After all, who would suspect a woman? Women act as housewives and mothers; women don't spy. Mary joins the Agency and is sent on a mission, acting as a lady's companion while attempting to discover whether her suspect's cargo ships truly went missing - or if he's lying to get money. Although Mary's life contained lies before, she can't believe the number that are maintained in the Thorolds' household. She will have to delve into danger in order to find the truth - but will she be able to come out again unscarred?
I normally wouldn't even look twice at a book like this - third person and based in the past? Not my cup of tea. But I decided to read it because I remembered reading it for Red Maple in 2011 and had ended up enjoying it. I am really glad I chose to read it again. I don't know how she does it, but Y.S. Lee has written a book where the reader can clearly tell that it's based in the past, but still managed modern-day concerns and tidbits such as eating muffins and talking about stereotypes. This book helped me to realize just how similar to modern-day life things were back in the 1800's. Before, when I'd pictured those years, I'd never thought of the word advanced; however, somewhere in the book, a character commented on their 'modern' times. This awakened me to the fact that no matter how advanced we think we are nowadays, technology and lifestyles are forever changing, and in so short as a decade, children may look back on these day as the dark ages. I love the fact that this story inspired me to contemplate these ideas.
Although the story had flawless writing and an amazing(ly complicated) storyline, I found some parts to be confusing. There were many characters interacting. A plot with so many characters can be puzzling, when they all get mixed up together in the reader's brain. I completely understood what happened and who did what when it was all explained at the end; however, when the clues were being found and evidence investigated, I was quite muddled at some points. It could be that I don't know much about 1800's life or cargo ships; I'm sure that played a part of it, anyway. I just would have appreciated a bit more clarity with the clues.
I loved the romance aspect of this story. Especially considering the time period, I would have expected most men to be arrogant and sexist. James Easton was arrogant, all right - but that just added to his charm. Sexist, not as much as I'd anticipated. He was quirky and funny, as well as caring. He and Mary had a love-hate relationship. They met in a wardrobe and worked together to solve the case - although he knew nothing of Mary's ties to the Agency. Seriously, I love this character. I also enjoyed the fact that they got to know each other well enough to make their semi-relationship seem plausible, instead of being one of those fast-paced, ridiculously unrealistic love fantasies. The only kissing happened at the end of the story. Unfortunately, there was no happy ending for this couple. They were separated at the conclusion of this mystery. Hopefully, that will be amended in book two.
I'm very happy I re-read this novel. Although I found bits and pieces of memory entering my mind as I read along, and I knew who the criminal was, I still thoroughly enjoyed every word, right up until the last page. I'm looking forward to book two! This story didn't have any single, heart-pounding moments; instead, I found I was excited all the way through! I would rate this book four stars. It's a great old-fashioned mystery with a sweet romance. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for romance, women's independence, or an intricate and thought-provoking mystery.
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