Nocturnal Book Reviews

I thought that this was an exceptionally good read! The book grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let go until the very end.

Mary Lang is twelve and is sentenced to death by hanging for an attempt of burglary. At the last moment she is saved by a mysterious benefactress who offers her a chance of a better life through education and honest work.

Five years later Mary who's taken less conspicuous surname Quinn is discontent of teaching the younger girls at the same school and her superiors let her into the real purpose of the school - some of their pupils become private detectives in The Agency, and Mary's colourful and peculiar past is perfect for such vocation.

Intrigued, excited and very eager to prove her worth, Mary goes through a crash course of detective skills and receives her first undercover role. She is to become a servant in the household of a rich merchant who is suspected in forging his insurance claims.

Impatient, daring Mary goes beyond her duty despite very specific instructions of The Agency and accidentally reveals herself to a young engineer who is also investigating the merchant. Reluctantly they teem up to stop bumping into each other at the most awkward moments, and start their dangerous journey full of treachery, family skeletons and constant lies.

The writing is flawless, the story is fun and exciting, and the twist with Mary's heritage is particularly interesting for this time period. I absolutely loved it, and will be reading the rest of the series as soon as I can get my hands onto it!