3/5 stars

Her secret agents have been found dead so it's up to Jane to find out who's been doing all the killing and why. She teams up with Arthur who reluctantly opens his house for her and her cat. Both the safety of their country is at stake, as well as Arthur's health on account of his asthma and her chain-smoking, and time is of the essence. This is a first novel in a new cozy detective series about the Secret Detective Agency set during WW 2.

The Good:
It's well written in a way that pulls the reader along for the ride. I especially liked all the little details that really hammered home in what time period this took place. It felt authentic and natural.

I also really enjoyed the audiobook narration by Kristin Atherton: while some of the male voices were a bit over the top, in general it was a joy to listen to her nailing every single throwaway character down in their own distinct voice.

The Could be better:
While I like the idea of a contrarian character as Jane, the relationship between Arthur and Jane was at times a bit too unkind and unwelcoming for no reason. I did think Arthur's hope that she'd go home to London already getting smashed time and time again was a bit funny, but did both of them really have to be so recalcitrant towards eachother? As someone who reads books for characters first it was a bit annoying that their relationship barely improved.

Benson the manservant was treated more as a deus-ex-machina by Dixon than as an actual living person. Maybe it's a bit true to the time period in which this took place, but if this was a sci fi and Benson a robot she wouldn't have to change anything to this character.

It feels like Dixon meant this to be a cozy detective, but misses the mark. It's not exciting enough for a detective, and not cozy enough for, well, a cozy book. She does her best with the worldbuilding, but the plot itself just moves slowly. And a slow plot does not mean it's cozy. It just means it's slow.

Wrapping up the plot on the other hand felt very sudden and also out of left field? We went from place to place without really having actual hints as to what the actual reason behind it all or the culprit may be.

The Bad:
There really wasn't anything that was bad. The book was a fine read, but didn't really stand out to me.

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, but my review reflects my opinion.

It is 1941 and the world is at war. Jane Treen is a chain smoking spymaster who owns a one eyed ginger cat.
We first meet Jane in Whitehall but she is soon on her way to Devon. A dead body has been found in Mr Arthur Cilento's garden. It soon becomes apparent that it is no coincidence that Arthur is a codebreaker with Whitehall links. The incongruous pair are soon on the trail of a murderer who is killing Jane's agents and possibly putting the war effort at risk. Is this the work of a rogue colleague or is one of Arthur's seemingly parochial neighbours to blame?
Kristin Atherton's narration is a bonus. The characters' voices make it easy to distinguish between them which helps greatly with following the story. The various accents and cadences fill the characters out more succinctly than a written description ever could.
The book give the cozy fan everything they could want; a quaint setting, quirky characters and fluffy pets. It also offers a slightly more involved mystery than usual and does require active listening in the audio format.
The cast of supporting characters are quirky and likeable and give the book warmth. The main characters are more aloof. However, they are interesting and admirable. Yes, Jane smokes non stop and does not seem too bothered that it is making Arthur ill. However, this tells us so much about who Jane is. It also helps to highlight the evolution of her relationship with Arthur. On the train back from Devon she notices his chest is particularly bad and refrains from lighting up- even if it is only this once.
At the end of the book there is a revelation which may help explain Jane. I for one look forward to discovering more in the next book .
This book would suit anyone looking for cozy thriller with an historical background and a bit more complexity than usual.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing this ARC for free .i am giving my review voluntarily.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC.

I loved this book. It will definitely be a book that I listen to again (I pre-ordered it on audible because I enjoyed it so much). I found it to be a very relaxing listen (except during the more suspenseful moments). It kept me guessing and while I can usually figure out who the villain is, this one shocked me (big props to the author!). I had my suspicions about another character (and was relieved they weren’t the villain).

Based on how it ended, I believe this might be the start of a new series?? I really hope so! (And is it wrong of me to hope a special relationship forms between the MCs, if Jane stops smoking that is?)

Only 2 minor complaints about the book: the constant smoking by Jane, or more specifically, the details of it, like ash this and ash that. Yes, we get that she’s a chain smoker, but no need for so much description about it. It’s possible that the author did that on purpose to make readers empathize with Arthur? If so, it worked because it was very irritating after a while. Secondly, the notion that they had to be careful on the phone because who knows who could be listening was repeated far too many times. Once would have been enough. Other times, a line like, “being careful with her words…” would have sufficed.

The narrator was perfect for this book and I loved the various voices she did. If this does become a series, I hope the same narrator is used for the audiobook(s).

A huge thank you to the publisher Bookouture Audio and to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book! I heard a lot of buzz about this book and series, so when I saw it was available, I absolutely had to try it. I will be honest, I usually don’t like spy novels or novels set in either of the World Wars as I find they tend to be too cookie cutter. This book has turned that assumption on its head though. Jane and Arthur are an excellent pair, though I think that the Sherlock and Watson characterization that was advertised doesn’t do with of them justice. Arthur is an extremely loveable asthmatic while Jane is an equally loveable and also skilled and intelligent chain smoker. Their reluctant ally storyline had me absolutely hooked as soon as she and Marmaduke ended up on the stoop of Half-Moon Manor, and they are definitely a more likeable and potentially more intriguing pair than the classic mercurial pair.
TLDR: reluctant allies trope, awesome mashup of the cozy mystery and spy thriller novels!

Helena Dixon’s The Secret Detective Agency is a delightful historical mystery filled with intrigue, charm, and well-crafted suspense. Set in 1950s England, the story follows the determined amateur sleuth Kitty Underhay as she navigates a tangled web of secrets while running her detective agency. Dixon masterfully blends cozy mystery elements with historical detail, creating an immersive and engaging read.

The audiobook adds another layer of enjoyment to the experience, thanks to a strong narration that brings the characters and atmosphere to life. The narrator (if you have a specific narrator in mind, let me know!) does an excellent job capturing the essence of the 1950s setting, giving each character a distinct and fitting voice. Kitty’s personality—clever, determined, and slightly witty—shines through with warmth and intelligence, making her a compelling lead to follow.

Pacing is crucial in cozy mysteries, and the narrator maintains an engaging rhythm, allowing listeners to fully absorb the details without feeling rushed. Additionally, the narrator’s delivery enhances the humor and suspense, making the twists and turns even more effective.

Final Verdict
The Secret Detective Agency is a charming, well-paced mystery with endearing characters and a satisfying plot. The audiobook is a fantastic way to experience the story, offering an engaging and immersive performance that enhances the book’s atmosphere. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries, particularly those who enjoy a well-narrated audiobook. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the early digital and audio copies of this fun new cozy mystery! This is set during WW2 in England and The Secret Detective Agency keeps you racing and guessing through every moment! I absolutely loved the narrator! Her accents and voices for each character were superb! The start of the novel felt a bit rushed and like you were thrown in mid story or series. I even double checked to be sure I hadn’t missed a first book in the series. But once you settle in and get to the know the characters more, it’s fun and exciting and I can’t wait for more books!

The Secret Detective Agency - Helena Dixon
Format: Audiobook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my first ARC from @netgalley, and it did not disappoint. The exquisite and dated writing style from @helenadixonuk and the beautiful voice from the narrator transposed me straight to the 1940s into that sleepy Devon village. Jane and Arthur are very different, and I loved how they had to put aside their differences and work together to uncover the murderer. The exchange between the two is actually quite funny. Can I just say I loved Benson, and I do hope he will stay part of this murder-solving trio.

Looking for a cosy, historical murder mystery, set in World War 2, then this is for you! I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for allowing me to listen to this advanced copy.

#fortheloveofreading📚 #justonemorepage #booksarebetterthanpeople #bookscapemember #thesecretdetectiveagency #NetGalley
2m

The first in a new cozy detective series, that was fairly short and I have to admit to it taking me some time to warm to.

I’m sure lots of people while enjoy characters code names being nursery rhyme characters but it made me cringe a bit. That being said towards the end the story had gathered momentum, I had warmed to the setting and the characters and I was invested. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a lady detective and a wartime setting this is for you.

Great narration 🎧
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

I don’t normally gravitate toward books like The Secret Detective Agency, but something about the premise caught my attention, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. This was an engaging read with a solid mix of mystery, intrigue, and well-paced storytelling that kept me turning the pages.

The plot unfolds smoothly, with enough twists to keep things interesting without feeling overcomplicated. The characters are well-developed, and while some moments felt a bit predictable, the overall experience was enjoyable. The writing style is approachable, making it an easy and entertaining read.

While it may not have been an instant favorite, I definitely found myself invested in the story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good detective tale.

I sat on this one for a minute. I was hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The mystery was intriguing. That being said, and maybe it's because this was an audiobook or maybe it was just me... there were just so many characters that I started to get confused around the second half and towards the end of the book. Almost to the point where I was starting to lose interest. There were so many characters with their real names and alias being revealed, I had a hard time keeping up.
That being said. I really did enjoy the book. It was witty with an interesting story. I LOVED the cat and was actually what drew me to the book. I need more Marmaduke!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio forgiving to access to this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my goodness what a journey.

The narrator, Kristin Atherton, is exquisite. Her voices for all the characters were distinct and so ridiculously good. I'm so happy she voiced this lovely book.

The Secret Detective Agency is a great read. It reminded me a lot of the 2001 movie Enigma with a dash charming sense of humor.

Jane was an interesting FMC, I'll admit it took me quite a bit to warm up to her, but once I did I really appreciated her a lot more! (Although... if I never hear the word coffee or cigarette again it'll be too soon.)

Arthur was a bit easier to warm up to, and I really thought he was a strong, silent character who was a good complement to Jane. (And like the point above I wish he had just told her she was irritating his asthma.)

Other than that I thought they worked really well together. It was nice seeing their adversarial relationship evolve into something much softer.

The book itself was really nice and I'd give it 4 stars, but I'm bumping it up to 5 for Kristin Atherton, she made this fun book that much more enjoyable!

'The Secret Detective Agency' strikes a great balance between serious WWII-era espionage and a cozy mystery (quirky characters, small-town setting, a notable pet). The puzzle itself is well written and without unnecessary fluff. My favorite lead is Arthur Cilento - he is humble, analytical, and brave. Miss Jane Treen is an interesting companion - capable, strategic, and perceptive, but I find her a bit insensitive.

If you enjoy reading cozy detective fiction, then I recommend Helena Dixon's book to you! Kristin Atherton does a great job narrating the various characters.

Special thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.