The Agency: The Traitor and the Tunnel by Y.S Lee

Mary Quinn returns in another intriguing novel overflowing with suspense, scandals and romance...

After nearly 2 years with the agency, Mary is allocated her first real assignment: to discover the culprit behind petty thefts in Buckingham Palace. Disguised as a domestic, Mary must work quietly and efficiently without alerting anyone of her true agenda. Unfortunately, her kind hearted intentions leaves her noticed by none other than the Prince of Wales.

When one of the English Elite is murdered in a shifty opium den in the Prince's company, a Chinese sailor is accused, but things take an entirely different spin when Mary discovers the murderer shares the same name as her father, someone whom until recently, she assumed to be dead. In order to learn more information on the matter, Mary must gain the Prince's trust without revealing too much.

Beneath the palace, James Easton of Easton Engineering is at work on the old unstable sewer tunnels. When Mary stumbles upon a secret tunnel leading into the sewers, she finds herself in need of help from James, but in order to work successfully together, they must either accept their passionate feelings for each other or completely deny them, something that neither party is willing to do.

Dangerous schemes are being put into action, and Mary's role in uncovering them is more important than ever, one minor slip could be the end of not just her, but the entire royal family as well...


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This was yet another completely riveting and undeniably enjoyable book by Y.S Lee, the story was one that was completely unpredictable, but it it's not one of those books that makes you feel lost and confused. Another thing is that The Traitor and the Tunnel is very original, Y.S Lee approaches different subjects in her own unique way, she incorporates her own style of writing into the story, making it a must-read!

The stories are beautifully written in a style that very much suits the time and era. I especially enjoy the prologues of Y.S Lee's books, they are undoubtedly mysterious and enthralling. If the reputation of these books alone isn't enough to convince one to pick up the book, the prologue will. I was completely drawn in from the very first page, as cliché as that may sound, but it's true! :)

The characters are all so carefully planned out, everything about them is fitting, if a person has a moustache then it's for a darn good reason :)
But seriously, things that may seem trivial at the start become more than essential to the plot and its success, it really keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Mary Quinn is a brilliant protagonist for such an inspirational series, third book in and she still manages to impress me with her boldness, innovation and intelligence. Mary isn't afraid to take risks if it's for a good cause and she's brave but also a witty and empathetic character, a radiant combination.

As I've probably mentioned before, I love books that feature a strong, and independent female character especially in times when women were expected to be meek and compliant.
haha. I am woman, hear me ROAR!!!

I feel that Mary doubts herself and her abilities sometimes, even in previous books, she's always afraid that she's not doing the best that she can and this is something that many people can relate to. Mary eventually gains more confidence and finds strength in others. She's also willing to sacrifice a lot, Mary feels a huge sense of debt to the Agency because they saved her and gave her everything. Yes, I agree that she does owe a lot to the Agency, but I don't think it's fair that she feels as though her life is theirs to control and in the Traitor and the Tunnel she finally has the power to make her own decisions, free from the feelings of debt.

The Traitor and the Tunnel is a lot more emotional and personal than the previous books, and the stakes are higher than ever. Mary finally has a chance to find out if her father is alive, and if she should risk everything to help him and the choices she's presented with in this book are ones that definitely change the course of the books in the future.

I'll admit I didn't want to read this book and have left to the last minute, only because I didn't want to have to wait another year for the next book. :D I can tell you now, I don't regret reading it, and never will. The Traitor and the Tunnel is a magnificent book that will keep you glued to the pages for hours on end.

5/5 stars!