I do enjoy a cosy crime novel. I also love the intrigue and subterfuge that comes from a good spy story. And then as many of my blog followers know, I’m also a big fan of historical fiction. So you can imagine my delight when I hit upon all three of these elements reading The Secret Detective Agency.
Set during World War 2, The Secret Detective Agency is the first novel in a new cosy crime series written by Helena Dixon, author of the bestselling Miss Underhay murder mystery series.
Set against the backdrop of Whitehall in wartime we are introduced to the formidable, chain smoking Miss Jane Treen, whose work in the heart of government means she has top security clearance. With the mysterious death of a young woman known to Jane, she realises that other people’s lives are seriously at risk. Reluctantly Jane concludes that she must travel to Devon where the mysterious death took place to seek the help of her colleague Arthur Cilento, who is a mathematical genius and expert code breaker. It is also on the grounds of Arthur’s country manor where the dead girl was found. Jane however finds Arthur extremely tiresome.
Likewise Arthur, who has just returned from convalescing in Scotland cannot stand Jane with her bossy ways and relentless chain smoking. Nor can he suffer her cat Marmaduke, whose fur irritates Arthur’s asthma. Yet Jane, who invites herself to stay in Arthur’s home, insists she must have Marmaduke with her.
As the unlikely duo reluctantly work together, more lives are murderously taken. Yet a begrudging respect begins to grow between Jane and Arthur, especially as they uncover layer upon layer of deadly of deceit and treachery. Furthermore Arthur begins to witness that the unflappable Jane has vulnerabilities.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Detective Agency, especially the world of spies, subterfuge and intrigue interwoven into the cosy crime genre. I also really enjoyed Arthur and Jane’s unique relationship, even though I often felt offended by Jane’s attitude and actions on Arthur’s behalf. I often had to remind myself that it was set in a time when smoking was the norm. But like Arthur, I also developed a likeness and respect for Jane.
Another aspect of The Secret Detective Agency that I loved is that it ended on such a cliff hanger. I have been left wanting more! I am so excited to read The Seaside Murders, the second book in this fresh cosy crime series.
The Secret Detective Agency was published by Bookouture in paperback on 27 March 2025, so it is available now for you all to read and enjoy. Thank you to Sarah Hardy from Bookouture for inviting me to the blog tour of this great novel. To follow the blog tour, please see below.
