Murder mystery set in 1941 England during the war.

Miss Jane Treen works at Whitehall overseeing a cadre of secret agents for Brigadier Remington-Blythe. Hard and driven, she’s a chain smoker with a serious coffee addiction. She has no desire to go chasing after missing agents out in the country out of her comfort zone, but needs must when another of her agents goes dark after being hidden away for her own protection at a safe house. She travels to Half Moon Manor to work with codebreaker and puzzle solver Arthur Cilento. He has returned from a work mission for the War Office to find a dead body in the river by his home. Could this woman be Jane’s missing agent? Thus begins a reluctant partnership as the two try to trace a complicated organization of what might be traitors to the British government.

Let’s see — it took me quite a while to get invested in this time period and story. I didn’t immediately warm to the main characters of Jane (annoying) or Arthur (sickly) and the set up of them being forced to work together. The plot and the many different side characters seemed overly complicated and there were a lot of deaths as Jane and Arthur chased around with only the most flimsy of clues. I was definitely happy that the cat in this book had limited involvement and infrequent mention.

The plot was convoluted and the denouement seemed rushed after all the suspects couldn’t really be interrogated. I’ll have to reserve my thoughts about where this series might be going and if I will follow it after I read the second book. Not sure this unlikely pair will hold my interest if there is more repetition about Jane’s smoking and coffee and Arthur’s asthma. I surely hope no romance between them as she seems a determined spinster and him a confirmed bachelor. Of course there is also the faithful man servant who seems to be essential to the detecting and is always behind the scenes greasing the wheels.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The performance of the narrator, Kristin Atherton, was excellent. She did a fantastic job with all the voices and the transitions were seamless. Her dramatic flair made the book so much more enjoyable.

This is a classic cozy murder mystery set in 1941 WW2 England. I listened to this book and I felt like I was listening to a BBC murder mystery. I did have times when as a listener it could be hard to keep straight all the characters--especially because many had undercover names then we would find out their actual names. In general, the main male and female characters were likable and just quirky enough to be fun (imagine one with all kinds of allergies and asythma and the other showing up with her cat and smoking like a chimney).

The ending was quite abrupt, but that is not uncommon in mysteries. I liked the fact that the characters (if I understood correctly) were basically tricked into this working relationship and by the end it is clear that their "higher up" has wrangled them into a "secret detective agency" leaving us knowing there are more mysteries for them to solve.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for my ARC audio of this book

This book was better than I anticipated at the beginning. And I am glad that I stuck with it until the end!

When I first looked at this book and it described historical fiction and mystery, I thought, yep, that is it. But when I first started the book, it was a little slow for me, let me renitrate that, for me.

I like to listen to cozy mysteries, and I also really enjoy incredibly fast-paced thrillers, so it could have been that I started this too soon after a crazy page turner, so it was more difficult to get into. With that, I really, really enjoyed the second 2/3rds of the book. I found the pacing to be great (even if I think the ending seemed a little rushed). When I was listening to this, I could genuinely put myself into the time and think about how different and the stark contrasts between investigating something during wartime in the 1940's and even the early 2000's.

I think Helena Dixon had a rather challenging job of recreating something quite unique, and I think she did a job very well. done.

The only reason this book is not a full 5 stars is: one, I want to rate it a 4.5 and I cannot, and it just isn't a full five stars for me. And two, I think the pacing of this book just needs to be a little bit better. Because even with all that I said at the beginning of my review, the end did seem a little rushed and hurried. However, I would very much like to read the second book in the series that is coming out very soon!
This book was better than I anticipated at the beginning. And I am glad that I stuck with it until the end!

When I first looked at this book and it described historical fiction and mystery, I thought, yep, that is it. But when I first started the book, it was a little slow for me, let me renitrate that, for me.

I like to listen to cozy mysteries, and I also really enjoy incredibly fast-paced thrillers, so it could have been that I started this too soon after a crazy page turner, so it was more difficult to get into. With that, I really, really enjoyed the second 2/3rds of the book. I found the pacing to be great (even if I think the ending seemed a little rushed). When I was listening to this, I could genuinely put myself into the time and think about how different and the stark contrasts between investigating something during wartime in the 1940's and even the early 2000's.

I think Helena Dixon had a rather challenging job of recreating something quite unique, and I think she did a job very well. done.

The only reason this book is not a full 5 stars is: one, I want to rate it a 4.5 and I cannot, and it just isn't a full five stars for me. And two, I think the pacing of this book just needs to be a little bit better. Because even with all that I said at the beginning of my review, the end did seem a little rushed and hurried. However, I would very much like to read the second book in the series that is coming out very soon!

The Secret Detective Agency is a mystery about a woman doing top secret detective work in England during WWII, including the investigation of the death of a woman in a little village. This book was fun. It was twisted with a bit of silliness, such intricate details and all the cozy mystery vibes. It is the first in a series and now I need to read more.

This was a very fast-paced mystery set in London in 1941. The female main character, Jane, was strong-willed, quick witted, and courageous. She had quite the nicotine addiction too! Her and the male men character, Arthur made quite the crime solving duo. His initial distaste for her and her imposing behavior provided a bit of comic relief. The overall story was a bit dry for my tastes, but I'm sure there will be a large number of people who will really enjoy this one.

cute, cozy detective book set in WWII. Really enjoyed the two main characters, and of course the orange cat. Will be reading the next one!

London, 1941: Miss Jane Treen is at her desk when her top-secret government work is interrupted by an urgent call to Devon. A woman has been found dead in a lake in a place where she shouldn’t have been. Shy and handsome code-breaker Arthur Cilento didn’t expect to find a body when he moved into the house he’d recently inherited, he is bewildered by the arrival of the efficient Miss Treen and her cat Marmaduke. She bursts into his life unexpectedly, forcing him out of his comfort zone.
The start of a new series & the pace began slowly then increased throughout the book. I liked both Arthur & Jane but feel as though I’m still getting to know them, I did love how they interacted, Jane is an all guns blazing person whereas asthmatic Arthur takes things far more slowly. They are aided by Benson Arthur’s valet cum butler cum medic. The body count does rise throughout the book & Jane becomes increasingly worried about why agents she’s been supervising are being murdered. There were plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings before the climax & I was kept guessing as to who the murderer was. A well written series starter. I half listened & have read the book & thoroughly enjoyed the audio version, the brilliant narrator certainly brough the book to life
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Set in 1941 London, this mystery follows Jane Treen as she investigates a traitor within British intelligence. Sent to Devon after an agent’s murder, she teams up with asthmatic codebreaker Arthur Cilento—despite their clashing personalities. As the body count rises, war-torn London looms, and the truth remains elusive.

The narration is strong, and the historical setting is immersive, but the story starts slow. Jane is hard to warm up to, and the codenames felt odd. However, the second half picks up. A solid start for cozy wartime mystery fans!

Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC!

3.5⭐

I love cozy mysteries and historical fiction and The Secret Detective Agency is both all rolled into one. This was an enjoyable story to listen as the narration was excellent. Initially I was a bit put off by the FMC, Jane's, behavior. She's brusque and not terribly concerned by the needs of others, namely her newest "partner" Arthur. However, by the end of the book I saw her rough edges softening and an interesting partnership between she and Arthur forming as they found their footing and learned to accept each other's idiosyncrasies.

Arthur's butler/man servant, Benson is a character I can't wait to learn more about in future books, and while not a cat lover myself, Marmaduke is a nice foil to Arthur.

The pacing in the first half was a bit slow as the groundwork was laid but it definitely picked up as the story progressed. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I'm not sure what happened to my original review, but
I absolutely loathed the self centered, abrasive female protagonist. Continually smoking around a severe asthmatic even after noting that the smoke bothers him is repugnant.
I'm not sure what the point of the cat was. To make Jane Treen more inconsiderate? She insists she had to bring the cat, but then essentially abandons it to the housekeepers care. And then gets pissy when the asthmatic person doesn't like the cat. Well duh. I'm a cat lover, but would NEVER just bring my cat (or other pet) to someone's house.
The protagonists don't actually solve the mystery, merely catch the murder when she tries to kill then.

This is more a 3.5 bumped to a 4 in hope that book 2 will be even better! Thank you, NetGalley! Cozy mysteries are my favorite, unfortunately this one wasn't one of them. It took me too long to get to the interesting parts of the story for me, but really enjoyed it once they did. Really hoping for some character development in book 2 as well as a quicker pace.

I recieved a copy of this work in audio format via Netgalley free of charge in return for an honest review.

The Narration is brilliant and very well done. It really brings the characters and the story to life for the reader.

I thought it would find Miss Jane Treen and her cat Marmaduke intresting and quirky. Sadly I find Jane lacking in any kind of compassion or thought for others. The way she treats Arthur is reprehensible. I also find Authur sad and almost a non character. Yes I understand that his chest is bad and his health poor but its like he's a blank slate he bearly reacts to anything accept those things that affect his health like Jane's Cat or her cigarette smoke .

That aside the story itself though a bit slow to start is engaging and fast paced. I was kept guessing as to who was the enemy all the way through.

In summary bad characters excellent story.

This is a fun, cozy mystery, with a historical twist. We follow Miss Jane Treen in 1941, she is a secret sleuth and the beginning of the book starts with a mystery to solve right away. There is a body in a lake and Jane needs to help find the killer before someone else gets hurt.

Jane and her cat meet a code breaker named Arthur and they need to work together to solve the mystery.

I enjoyed this book, it was a super quick read and I recommend it for anyone who likes a cozy mystery. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the audiobook

Loved the narrator. I think she did a great job of giving the book its own atmosphere. Great story too. I really enjoyed the historical spy mystery. Didn't guess the killer. Overall awesome. Looking forward for the next one.

Miss Jane Treen with the help of Arthur Cilento race against time as the bodies begin to pile up. This mystery is a fantastic ride through WWII England with several twist and turns and the secret world of spies. Addicted to cigarettes and finding the truth, Jane is a great detective to weasel out the killer. I love her and Arthur's surly relationship. The story was fast-paced and I was on the edge of my seat until the end. If you love a good detective story you will love this one. I am eager to read the next installment of The Secret Detective Agency.

Plot: 4 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Narrator: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars

England, 1941: Miss Jane Treen works in a secret Government agency managing agents in the field during World War II. When one of her agents is found murdered in the water behind Arthur Cilento's back garden, she arrives promptly with her coffee, her cigarettes and her cat! Code breaker Arthur Cilento is not thrilled with this development. Introverted and severely asthmatic, chain smoking Jane makes his life difficult. Together they endeavor to solve the murder (if only to get Jane back to London!) and uncover a much more sinister plot.

Helena Dixon developes interesting and very human characters which are fun to read! Jane is very self centered and lacks compassion, Arthur is bright but handicapped by his severe asthma (often induced by Jane) and Benson is an all around pleasant and competent man. The dynamic between Jane, Arthur and Arthur's butler/caretaker is very enjoyable.

The plot is - in typical 1940's mystery fashion - somewhat convoluted, but gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

Kristin Atherton was the narrator and voiced Jane in her practical no nonsense way very well. Her voices for Arthur, Benson and the side characters were easy to distinguish.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre Audio for the download of this audiobook!

The Secret Detective Agency AUDIO by Helena Dixon is the beginning of a new series featuring Miss Jane Treen who is a spy mistress during World War II and whose life consists of her job, her cat, and her cigarettes. She arrives at he home of a handsome, but shy code breaker after one of her own had been found murdered in the water behind his back garden. Arthur Cilento is not thrilled when Jane arrives on his doorstep. He enjoys the quiet life, which she definitely interrupts. Together they endeavor to solve, not only this murder, but several others as well and their investigations take them to London, Cornwall, and environs beyond. Scintillating barely describes the retelling of the story.

Jane is independent in a time when women are not. She is also, quick, bright, and energetic. Arthur is a brilliant code breaker, but having been burdened with asthma as a child, he enjoys the quiet life, lived with his butler and caregiver, who is every bit as bright as either of the others, and decidedly more organized. They make for an interesting trio. Well-written characters solving war-related murders at a most frightening time in history. A time when, even in England, one could not be certain with whom one was dealing. I thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing novel.

Kristin Atherton was the narrator and an excellent choice. She voiced Jane well and was easily able to differentiate others without resorting to mimicry. She made this novel even more appealing than it might have been.

I was invited to listen the The Secret Detective Agency by Bookoutre Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookoutreAudio #HelenaDixon #TheSecret DetectiveAgency

A new mystery series from the author of the Miss Underhay series. I love a good mystery, and this is an historical, cozy English mystery. The Secret Detective Agency by Helena Dixon is a solid start as the first in the Secret Detective Agency series. I had the ALC and it was narrated by Kristin Atherton and she did an excellent job in the narration and propelling the story forward.

The story is set in London in 1941, Miss Jane Treen works in a secret Government agency managing agents in the field. She loves her coffee, her cigarettes and her cat. Arthur works for the same secret agency as a code breaker. He has chronic asthma, and a butler, Benson, who always seems to be there when Arthur needs him. When the second of Jane’s agents dies at Arthur’s home, Jane and her cat move in with Arthur. It doesn’t go well..

Jane is not the most likeable character. She lacks compassion and tact, but she is very smart and she and Arthur work really well together despite Jane’s irritating character flaws and asthma attack inducing habits. Benson, is also helping Jane out, so he is really a gem. I hope he continues in the series as well.

I enjoy reading a mystery and this was 3.75 stars. Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for my ALC. This is being released March 27, 2025.

his is a new author for me and a brand new series! It's a cozy mystery series involving secret agents. Miss Jane Treen starts the story at her desk, drinking strong coffee, when she receives a report that someone murdered one of her agents. Shortly after, she gets an urgent message about a woman found dead in a lake where none of her agents were supposed to be.
Finding a dead woman in the lake near his inherited home upon his early return home surprised Arthur Cilento, to say the least. He's even more shocked to learn that the woman is the tenant who recently rented his property on a short lease while he was away. To solve the mystery and expose Jane's other agents' involvement in an operation, Arthur and Jane must decode a journal and identify the culprit before all the agents are killed and before they become targets. This was a brilliant introduction to these characters. They worked very well together, despite a few initial conflicts due to Arthur's allergies, but everything worked out in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook!
Netgalley and Bookouture Audio gave me the audiobook to review, and it was a treat! The narrator was engaging and really set the tone of the story. I loved the vibe and accent of the narrator, which kept the flow of the story and conveyed it very well. I loved it! Thank you for the opportunity to listen to and review this one. It was an adventure!

Jane and Arthur are two charmingly cranky protagonists! Their interactions brought a smile to my face and gave this WWII-era mystery a warm touch. When they are forced to work together to figure out why a group of government agents are being killed they must overlook the other’s distinctive habits—which they manage to do. The wartime setting and the pair’s travels to a number of towns, from Cornwall to Devon, along with their interactions with a wide variety of villagers, makes for a wonderful setting for a classic cozy mystery. If this is indeed the start of a series I look forward to more of their adventures. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in audiobook format, which I received in exchange for an honest review.