The Agency for Scandal

By Author / Illustrator

Laura Wood

Genre

Mystery & Detective

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Scholastic

ISBN

9780702303241

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-01-2023

Synopsis

An all-female detective agency righting wrongs at the end of the nineteenth century; infiltrating a scandalous upper class world straight out of Bridgerton and using their wit and bravery to unmask a villain.

Eighteen-year-old Isobel Stanhope is keeping a lot of secrets. There's the fact that she's head over heels in love with a Duke who doesn't know she exists; there's the fact that her family is penniless but nobody in society knows about it; and then there's her job at the Aviary, an investigative agency run by women that specializes in digging up scandal on powerful men.

When Izzy finds herself pulled into a case that involves gaslighting, blackmail, and missing jewels, as well as the Duke who holds her heart, can she and her friends untangle the web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth and protect the innocent? And when the stakes are so high, what happens when the crush she's been hiding begins to turn into so much more?

"The Agency for Scandal is glorious! Clever, funny, charming, and achingly romantic, it is a delight from start to finish. Laura Wood always writes about love and friendship with a deft hand, and this is her best work yet" Katherine Webber, author of Twin Crowns. 'Incredibly charming' Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting.

Bridgerton meets Charlie's Angels - the most romantic, exciting, empowering YA of the year. A smart, charming, brilliantly plotted and swooningly romantic story about a collective of bold women changing their world.

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Reviews

The Agency for Scandal is a heartwarming, witty and romantic story set in the Regency period (not what I expected from the cover) and I totally enjoyed this fast-paced, rollercoaster ride of an adventure.

Izzy Stanhope is an 18-year-old girl who has lots of secrets. After the death of her father, her family has financial problems and to help keep up appearances, she take on employment at an agency called The Aviary. This all-female agency takes on cases against powerful men in their society. However, these are not her only secrets; the closest one to her heart is her crush on the Duke of Roxton and a series of unfortunate events leads to having to work alongside him. How is poor Izzy going to cope?

The Agency for Scandal is a fun story, with the perfect balance between mystery, adventure, and romance. Learning about the agency and the women that work there was so entertaining as each woman had her own character and story, especially Mrs Finch (could there be a sequel book about her past here I ask?).

This book is totally suitable for the 12+ reader who wants something a little different and engaging to read. It would also be suitable for book clubs as there are many discussion opportunities. Izzy is a wonderful, strong character that the reader will endear to. Her friend, Teresa, is her exact opposite, but you can't help loving her as well.

I hope this is the first in a series of books from this agency as the author has written such an exciting plot that really immerses the reader into her story. I would highly recommend picking this up if you want a fast-paced, adventurous read.

528 pages / Reviewed by Linda, school librarian