Jan 26, 2012

Audiobook Review: A Spy In The House by Y.S Lee

Narrated by Justine Eyre Series: The Agency #1
The Agency #2
The Agency #3
Genre: Historical, Young-Adult
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Released: 1st December, 2010
Length: 7 hrs and 29 minutes
Buy Link

Synopsis From Goodreads 
Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this diverting mystery trails a feisty heroine as she takes on a precarious secret assignment.

Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.
My Thoughts After and During Listening: 

Again, LOVE, EPICLY EPIC LOVE!

Now that we have that part cover I can continue with why I loved the audio book as much as the book itself.
Justine Eyre's narration of A Spy In The House takes you back in the 1800's to experience the adventure with Mary Quinn and James Easton to the Tharold's. I have read all three books of The Agency series, so I know what happens. But listening to it again was a great experience and to re-live the book as though it's happening was just plain wonderful. Mary's character was more defined through the voice of Justine Eyre. Justine didn't only imitate Mary's voice she also brought out the drunken accented coachman of Tharold. Her voice imitation was lovely and it sure did keep me entertained.

Now if you follow anything in my blog or just surfing by here you can find out just how much love I have for this series by clicking the label Y.S. Lee. Ying writes wonderful character and brings them to life through her writing. James Easton, Mary's wardrobe partner teams up with her to find out what is Tharold hiding. And as I have said before I already know what happens further down the series so I was fully anticipating James and Mary's scenes. It was nice to see James for the first time through someone's narrating.  Paints a rather cute picture of him in my mind.

Ying promised her readers there will be a fourth book and Mary will be back with her mysteries. Squeeee! I can promise this, I will be doing my best to get my hand on this book before it releases otherwise I will be waiting like the rest of the world for it's release date.

Recommended to EVERYONE! I really do love this series. I think by now, I have established that I am obsessed with this series.
Epic Cupcake

About this Y.S Lee

Y. S. Lee was born in Singapore but brought up in Canada. She also lived briefly in the United Kingdom. An academic with a PhD in Victorian literature and culture, she wrote MASCULINITY AND THE ENGLISH WORKING CLASS IN VICTORIAN AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND FICTION. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Find out more about Y.S. Lee from her Website / Facebook / Fan page / Twitter

2 comments:

  1. More love for A Spy in the House! Justine Eyre is a genius at narrating!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oooh this books was on my radar a while ago and then I completely forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me to look this up again. I'll have to actually write down the title this time.

    ReplyDelete