Big Ben chiming in the distance, chilly walks along the river Thames, cocktails at the Ritz… and a government secretary dead? Only Jane Treen can solve the case!
London, 1941. Miss Jane Treen is faced with another mysterious disappearance within her Secret Detective Agency’s team. Tabitha Moore, a government typist, was on her way to meet Jane with vital information about some secret codes. But she didn’t turn up for work and has seemingly vanished without trace. Then Jane and her colleague, handsome codebreaker Arthur Cilento, receive a call: a body has been found, and it matches Tabitha’s description…
It quickly becomes clear that Tabitha’s death was not due to ongoing air raids on the city: the silk scarf tied tightly around her neck suggests otherwise. The prime suspect is Tabitha’s fiancé Leo Cavendish, a dashing government official, but there are plenty of others with a motive too. Jane and Arthur scrutinise those around Tabitha at work and at home, including a charming newsreader reporting on government affairs, a jealous pianist in love with Leo, and a known womaniser and gambler fond of causing trouble.
Together, Jane, Arthur and her fluffy ginger cat Marmaduke hole up in her London townhouse, with black coffee in plentiful supply and a roaring fire in the grate. But just as they begin to piece together the puzzle, someone else is found dead. It’s clear they need to step up and catch the killer on the loose in the big smoke, before it’s their turn next…
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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