The Secret Detective Agency · #1
The Secret Detective Agency
Meet Miss Jane Treen – the coffee-drinking cat lover dressed head to toe in tweed, who just happens to be a secret super sleuth!
London, 1941: Miss Jane Treen is at her desk, strong black coffee in hand and fluffy ginger cat by her side, 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. Jane needs to gather the clues and find the killer before someone else from the agency gets hurt…
Shy and handsome code-breaker Arthur Cilento 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 reluctant colleagues huddle near the warmth of a crackling fire in Arthur's country home, working to piece together the murderous puzzle at hand.
In the sleepy Devon village, someone is hiding something: but is it the busybody vicar and his sister, the dutiful housekeeper and her secretive son, the stern librarian, or someone else altogether? And who were the people with the woman in the lake on the day she died?
No sooner have Arthur and Jane have drawn up a list of suspects, than a parcel reveals a clue that sends them in hot pursuit of a coded diary stashed in a village church. But as the heavy wooden door slams behind them and a key turns in the lock, one thing is sure: they need to unravel the truth and crack this code before the killer decides their number is up…
But if they can catch the culprit in time, might this unusual pair become the finest crime-solving partnership since Holmes and Watson hung up their hats…?
The series
Step into a world where secrets lurk in every shadow, and every clue leads to deeper mysteries. The Secret Detective Agency series, set in the 1940s, introduces readers to an unlikely but dynamic duo—Jane Treen, a government operative with a sharp mind and a quiet strength, and Arthur Cilento, a reserved but brilliant code-breaker. Together, they form a pair whose contrasting skills make them an unstoppable force in the world of clandestine investigations.
Read full series description
The series begins with The Secret Detective Agency, where Jane and Arthur are thrust into the heart of a case that feels more like a puzzle than a typical investigation. As they delve into the secrets of a small English village, they uncover a network of hidden truths that will test their intellect and their bond. What starts as a quiet assignment quickly spirals into a trail of intrigue and danger, with every clue taking them deeper into a web of deception.
As the series unfolds, the duo faces new cases in different parts of England, each more baffling than the last. With each new adventure, they reveal more about themselves—Jane’s unyielding determination, Arthur’s quiet brilliance, and their growing respect for one another. Alongside the riveting mysteries, their developing relationship brings a fresh dynamic to the genre, blending suspense with tender moments.
The atmosphere of The Secret Detective Agency series is richly textured, transporting readers to the post-war England of the 1940s. Dixon's writing captures the era’s tensions and complexities, weaving them into the fabric of each story. With dark alleyways, coastal towns, and quiet villages as the backdrop, the series exudes a sense of mystery that mirrors its protagonists’ journeys.
Readers who enjoy a good puzzle, sharp wit, and intriguing characters will find themselves hooked from the very first book. The series expertly balances suspense with warmth, making it more than just a collection of mysteries—it’s a story about connection, perseverance, and uncovering hidden truths in a world full of secrets.
Perfect for fans of historical mysteries and detective duos, The Secret Detective Agency series invites you into a world of captivating investigations, unforgettable characters, and gripping twists that will keep you coming back for more.
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