The Secret Detective Agency scratches that cosy mystery itch that fans of Miss Marple and the Thursday Murder club will enjoy. The book is also a period piece, of sorts, as it takes place during World War II and follows Miss Jane Treen as she tries to figure out why some of her agents are turning up dead.

The protagonist is likeable and the dynamic that Jane and the code-breaker Arthur develop, is something I quite enjoyed and look forward to reading more about in the, hopefully, more books to come in this series. As a murder mystery this first book had more of the former than the detective/sleuthing that one would expect of the latter, but for a cosy read it did the job as at no point did I feel the need to require a breather from this book. The story is easy to follow and the plot winds about just enough to keep one guessing as to the identity of the final culprit. That being said, we can only do so much with the information that is provided and the final reveal is a little underwhelming, and rushed, in my opinion.

I will definitely be reading more books in this series should they come out, and this book is a fun, cosy, and quick read for anyone who needs a pallet cleanser in their reading. Definitely recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC!

This is the first book in a quick-paced detective series. Jane Treen gives strong Miss Marple vibes but with a lot more sass, coffee, and cigarettes! Set in England during WWII, there's a wider backdrop of mystery and subterfuge going on, which adds to the urgency of solving the case. Jane has a partner in solving this crime, and while neither of them are particularly happy to be working together, they make a good team.

I thought the narrator did a great job. She managed to give all of the characters a distinct voice without going over the top.

This was a fast read and fits the "cozy mystery" genre in that there is no real graphic violence, but I'd call it witty rather than cutesy. An interesting new character was introduced right at the very end who I know will pop up again which means I'll be picking up book #2.

While I read a variety of different book genres, cozy mysteries are my favorite. I also appreciate old black and white films. The writing in The Secret Detective Agency by Helena Dixon alongside with Kristin Atherton’s narration transported me to 1941. The characters were intriguing and I liked the twists. Although the book was a bit long for a typical cozy mystery (7h 25m/324 pages), it was quite enjoyable, and could easily be turned into a movie.

A rather slow mystery that took a while to get into, but a good beginning of a series. There was a lot of focus on the animosity between Jane and Arthur that was just a bit too much at times and with little reason. The mystery was wrapped up a little too quickly, and seemed to come out of left field a bit. I enjoyed the wartime setting, and the details that really immersed you into the time period. I will most likely read more in the series.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced audiobook, all opinions are my own.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and I enjoyed it, although I found it quite difficult to get into.
I thought the 2nd half was better, it kept my interest more, and it made it worthwhile.
I liked the narrator.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love Helena Dixon's writing and have devoured her other series (Miss Underhay).
I found the setting of World War 2 very compelling, and the added danger and tension this added was central to the plot. I loved the developing camaraderie between Arthur and Jane, and felt their strengths worked well together. The setting of the mystery, in a small village in the English countryside was a welcome change to other books set at this time that tend to be in London. The writing was witty, and kept me guessing right to the very end.
I'd recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction, cosy mysteries and to people with an interest in spies and intelligence.

I have not read anything by this author previously, but I definitely will be in the future! I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the narration. I wasn’t sure how I felt about each characters’ perspectives at first, but ended up absolutely loving both characters and their dynamic. This was a very well done mystery, and I felt that while this book did a great job portraying the time period and certain characteristics that draw many into reading pieces set during WWII, it didn’t go so far that I felt I had chosen historical fiction over a good mystery. Well done! I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

This is the first in a new cozy mystery series starring Jane Treen and Arthur Cilento which was a pleasure to listen to and an entertaining murder-mystery set during World War 2.

The author has created three great characters in Jane, Arthur and his 'man-servant' Benson; they make a great team although I admit it took me a while to warm to Jane as she is quite a prickly person; she certainly tests Arthur's patience with her love of smoking and no-nonsense manner.

The story does take a little bit to get going but once it does, it is intriguing and compelling with a very satisfying ending. The narration was excellent although I think it would have been even better had there been a male narrator as well but Kristen did a great job nevertheless.

Overall, despite the slow start, I thoroughly enjoyed it and many thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this very enjoyable cozy murder-mystery and a decent start to a new series and one which I look forward to following.

I would definitely say this is a "cozy mystery". In my personal preference, I am not a big fan of these types of mysteries. I would have liked more thrill to hold my attention. The writing style was nice and people who like "cozy Mysteries" will enjoy it.

Not memorable.

The Secret Detective Agency follows Miss Jane Treen, a coffee-drinking cat lover who is also a secret detective. She's been asked to help with a case in Devon involving a woman who was found in a lake. Mr. Arthur Cilent, who specializes in code-breaking, comes along for the ride. Together, they take this once quiet village by storm, uncovering clues that point to a hidden coded diary and a dangerous killer.

I wanted to like this book, unfortunately, it was just so slow and not very attention-grabbing. Maybe I need to give this another go.


Thank you to Helena Dixon, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio-digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I'd describe this book as a cozy mystery with a kinda humor in it.

This is a typical cozy mystery in a historical setting. Writing was atmospheric but never improved in my opinion. The characters had more potential where the story starts with secret detectives within the military agency. I liked the character combo of a gineuse home-body, his manservant and military agency coordinator who are a mismatched team that comes together to solve a military mystery.

The feeling of a small town and close relationship between the characters was fun to enjoy. The banter between sort the main characters was so fun, yet I think there's so much potential. But since this is the first book, it felt like a setup for a slow-paced build up to a series. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in reading cozy mysteries in small towns.

If you are looking for a cozy murder mystery set in the World War II, then you've picked up the right book. Miss Jane and her begrudging partner Arthur, are thrown together to solve the case of a woman who's body was found on Arthur's property.

Miss treen enters Arthur's life like a bit of a storm, forceful and in a swirl of cigarette smoke. She also brings her cat and an overnight bag as she plans to stay for a while, whether he likes it or not. In some ways, I find her attitude of moving into his space, and potentially his sanctuary, in an incredibly aggressive manner. I think I am a far more a fan of Arthur, than Miss Treen and her brusque manner which I see as rude and imposing on the people around her.

The mystery itself is certainly one I enjoyed as the unlikely duo must determine who their suspects are and who had the motive, means, and opportunity. Because as the case evolves we learn the woman on the edge of Arthur's property was not the only victim, and she certainly isn't the last either.

I feel as though the author did a good job with weaving a spy narrative with cozy mystery, murder and intrigue. Though finding her footing in this series, I do hope future books in the series will be just as fun and entertaining.

I really enjoyed this first book in The Secret Detective Agency series. This cozy mystery with interesting twists. The book is set in England in 1941 and Jane Treen is tasked with solving murder that could impact the ongoing war. As a fellow cat lover my favorite character was Marmaduke the one eyed ginger cat. Helena Dixon’s story is engaging and full of unique characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Kristin Atherton did an excellent job with the narration.

Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture Audio for letting me read this ARC.

The Secret Detective Agency by Helena Dixon is a captivating historical cozy murder mystery that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. Set in a charming English town, the story brilliantly blends intriguing characters, a compelling plot, and rich historical details. Helena Dixon’s writing transports you to a time of suspense and secrets, while Kristin Atherton’s narration brings each character to life with warmth and precision. (I received an advance listener copy and all opinions are my own.) If you love a good mystery with a dash of British charm, this book is an absolute delight!

This is the first in a new series of cozy historical murder mysteries.

The book is set against the backdrop of the Second World War, with Jane Treen working for the government handling agents in the field. Unfortunately she’s managed to lose a couple of agents and is now trying to find them!

Jane is sent to Devon to solve the case of a mysterious woman found dead in a lake. The owner of the lake is Arthur, who Jane teams up with to solve the case. Whether the nervous, asthmatic, code-breaking Arthur likes it or not!

I found the book started off in a way that drew me in and made me want to learn about the characters and what was going on. However the first half overall felt a bit slow to get going. There was a lot of repetitive lines about Jane smoking and Arthur’s displeasure for it, which I felt it didn’t really need. This was also coupled with repeating about Arthur’s asthma. It made it feel a bit like filler.

I did find that the plot them quickly progressed into the second half and left me desperate to know what was going to happen next. The relationship between Jane and Arthur has a lot of scope about where it could go. I also found that Benson, Arthur’s companion, had some fun interactions that I’d like to see more of.

Overall I enjoyed the book and found it a good, character driven cozy mystery. I would definitely read the next instalment. I listened to the audio version of this book and loved the narrator Kristin Atherton. I would give this book a strong 3.5 ⭐️

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced audio copy of this book.

Reviews posted on Goodreads and threads.

In 1941 London, Miss Jane Treen, a coffee-drinking cat lover and secret super sleuth, is called to Devon to investigate the suspicious death of a woman found in a lake. Alongside shy code-breaker Arthur Cilento, Jane delves into a web of secrets in a quiet village, uncovering clues that point to a hidden coded diary and a dangerous killer. As they work together to solve the mystery, the two must confront the secrets of the villagers and stay one step ahead of the killer determined to silence them.

The first 1/3 of this book was pretty slow and & had to force myself to keep going but I’m glad that I did finish it. The plot does thicken and I did become invested in the outcome. Overall a decent read but if you can’t get past cheesy code names and a subpar “male voice” by a female narrator, then this book may be a pass for you.

⭐️⭐️💫

The Secret Detective Agency by Helena Dixon is a fun, charming cozy mystery set in England during II World World. When a woman is found dead in a lake just by codebreaker Arthur Cilento estate he must join forces with a confident and determined Jane Treen who's working a top secret government job.

I have to say the story sounded intriguing from the start. And although it took awhile for me to get used to the style of the author and the stylized langue once I warmed up to it I really enjoyed my adventure with Arthur and Jane.
The plot is not as obvious as it may seem, and it's a major plus for me. I thought it's going to be two rather amateur sleuths working together to solve a mystery and I really didn't expect the secret agents, double identities and government secrets being part of the story. There are plenty of clues but nothing is too obvious so I was still surprised by the ending.

The only other thing that bothered me besides the slow start were the peculiar surnames and code names. They did pull me out of the story a few times.

I have partially read and listened to the audiobook of this book and I have to say that the narration was exquisite. Kristin Atherton really gives a great performance with the abundance of accents and voices. She really brought the characters to life and made listening to The Secret Detective Agency even more enjoyable than it already was.

I had a lot of fun listening to this and really got to like the characters. I wish there would be a bit more banter between Arthur and Jane as I did feel there's some potential for a future romance, especially with them having such opposite characters. Hopefully the romance is coming in book number 2 which I'd be really happy to pick up. Especially if the audiobook is read by the same person!

The Secret Detective Agency was a fun listen. Kristin Atherton did a fantastic job giving each character a distinctive voice.

I need a Benson novella. I bet there is an intriguing back story there.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookoutre Audio.

a simple cozy crime novel set during the blitz. not really for me. I would have preferred a little more history. the villan was very easy to work out.

It was beautifully narrated though. Her character voices were very easy to distinguish between and her tone kept my interest

Enjoyed this very much. I like the plot twist and they way you had to guessing. Loved the audio book of this one! The characters were very interesting and I loved the setting of the book. I would recommend if you like twist and little historical fiction this is the book for you.