A pretty seaside town, a body on the beach, and a boatload of clues. Can super-sleuth Miss Jane Treen solve the mystery?
England, 1941: When Jane Treen is summoned to her boss’s office at the end of a long day, she smooths down her tweed skirt and makes them both another strong pot of coffee. Brigadier Remmington-Blythe slides a folded copy of the evening newspaper towards her, with one small article circled in red ink. A body has been found on an English beach in the little seaside town where she grew up, and he wants her to investigate.
Jane is used to managing secret agents and spies, but she is now part of The Secret Detective Agency, England’s answer to solving the most mysterious murders. Making her way to the coast and brimming with curiosity, she’s heartened that shy and handsome codebreaking genius Arthur Cilento will be joining her to help her wade through the fishy goings-on. Although Jane doubts he will appreciate her bringing her beloved one-eyed cat, Marmaduke…
Together, Jane and Arthur drop anchor in her crumbling childhood home overlooking the sandy beach where the body was found. Surrounded by potential suspects, their eyes are on a devious doctor, an eccentric artist and a secret sweetheart. But as Jane and Arthur are searching for the truth, those giving evidence start to clam up. One thing seems sure: they need to reel in the killer before they’re out of their depth…
Can The Secret Detective Agency triumph again, or will they meet their watery end at high tide?
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.
Be the first reviewer
Sign in and write the first reader review.
