This novel follows Miss Jane Treen, a woman tasked with keeping track of secret wartime agents, as she investigates a murder. She travels from London to Devon, where an agent was found dead at an estate she was supposed to have previously vacated. With the help of Arthur, a code-breaker and the estate owner, she unravels the mystery.

This historical mystery novel is slow to start, but has pleasant pacing throughout. The author does a nice job of building suspense while keeping it a cozy mystery. The development of different characters in the community added a nice touch to the reading experience.

I found the characters charming and enjoyed the inclusion of Jane's cat, Marmaduke.

The story is not especially nuanced, but it is a fun, short read. The mystery was intriguing enough that I would pick up a sequel.

Readers who enjoy cozy historical mysteries with a nice sense of community and without gore will be delighted by this novel.

Overall, I would give it a rating of 3.5 stars.

this had that element that I was looking for from a cozy murder mystery novel, it had that English element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall concept of this. It uses the mystery element perfectly And was glad I got to go on this journey. Helena Dixon has a strong writing style and was able to create characters that I was wanting and enjoyed from this. I'd love to read more from Helena Dixon as this was really well done.

This book was warm, whimsical, and full of buried secrets! Set in 1941, it follows the ever-spirited (and slightly chaotic) Miss Jane Treen as she returns to her coastal hometown to investigate a mysterious body washed up on the beach. By her side? The ever-practical Arthur Cilento, master codebreaker and professional worrier, along with his endlessly tolerant manservant, Benson. And of course, Marmaduke, Jane’s one-eyed cat and true scene-stealer.

The mystery? Deliciously layered. A dead Italian POW, rumors of black-market deals, and a town full of neighbors with something to hide. The setting? Wonderfully moody. From Jane’s decaying family home to the windswept cliffs and wartime tension, everything adds richness and atmosphere. The cast? Absolute delight. Jane is all fire and instinct, Arthur is endearingly flustered, and their chemistry is a slow, simmering delight — a mix of grudging admiration, snark, and the occasional stolen glance. (I was fully invested in their reluctant partnership.)

What didn’t quite land:
The middle dragged just a touch — I craved a bit more urgency leading into the finale
The villain twist was satisfying, but I wanted a few more red herrings in the mix!

Still, I tore through this charming mystery and had a blast doing it. If you’re into cozy historical whodunits with smart writing, spirited characters, and just a hint of espionage, this one belongs on your TBR!

Moving on from her Miss Underhay Mystery series set in the 1930s, the prolific author sets her new series during World War 2.

January, 1941. After another agent goes missing, Jane Treen is sent from Whitehall to a Devon village to investigate, with the assistance of code-breaker Arthur Cilento. But will they find the culprits before they too become victims?

Though the denouement provides a rather convenient resolution, the mystery is suitably challenging. The real strength of the novel, however, lies in its deft characterization and recreation of conditions in Britain during the darkest days of the war. Jane and Arthur do not get on well at first: his health is poor and he suffers from asthma; she is impatient and a heavy smoker. As they work together, however, they learn not only to appreciate each other’s abilities, but to care for each other, improving their effectiveness as a team. Food scarcity and rationing, the disruption of bombing, and the death of loved ones: all provide powerful reminders of the damage on ordinary people caused by warfare. Reminders too easily forgotten by devoted followers of unscrupulous leaders in any age, unfortunately. Recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the free ARC ebook!

The Detective Agency by Helena Dixon was a really enjoyable historical cozy mystery set during World War II. I loved following Jane Treen - a clever and determined secret agent - as she teamed up with Arthur Cilento to solve a mysterious death in a quiet village. The mix of spy work, cryptic puzzles, and village secrets kept me hooked throughout. The characters felt real and the setting brought the time period to life. If you like classic mysteries with a bit of humor and charm, this book is definitely worth reading. I really enjoyed this one!

I had high hopes for this book, the idea of two people solving mysteries that also had to do with possible intrigue in the British intelligence world during WW2, and the characters portrayed, in reality however it did not live up to my expectations. I didn't find that I particularly liked the main characters, especially the female main character as it seemed she was a little full of herself (continuing to smoke even though she knew that male main character has asthma and weak lungs). I also found that there were a lot of characters to keep straight, and I found that I had an idea (correctly) of who the murderer was far earlier than the main characters, and the story kind of dragged because of that. I also think that the title is a little misleading, they don't really have a secret detective agency, so much as they secretly solved mysteries for the war department. If i didn't already have the second book provided to me when I was approved to read this book I wouldn't read anymore of this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

This series has good potential with two main characters who dislike each other (for good reason - neither is very sympathetic) but are forced to work together to solve a mystery to find the murderer of several secret agents. The historical detail of life in Britain at this point in the Second World War was also well done, giving a vivid picture of daily life. The plot was a bit confusing, with code names taken from nursery rhymes used to describe the agents; it was difficult to keep track of the different characters. The villain was fairly obvious to the reader but the two detectives didn't solve the mystery so much as stumble into the solution. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC.

I’ve read another series by the author before, at least I started it but found it not to my taste. I liked something about it enough to know maybe a change of characters/ place might help and when I saw a new series beginning, I had to try it. I am not someone who likes jumping into series’ later than the first couple ( if not the very first one).

This story is much more complex than the cover might indicate. It’s set in wartime Britain and involves a lot of spies and undercover dealings. I guessed the culprit but not the right reason, so I felt like the author provides enough proper clues as well as red herrings.

The two lead characters have their own unique styles and manage to work together while not being completely in sync or entirely at odds. It was refreshing to see the different balance between two people of different genders. I sincerely hope they don’t end up together just to keep things different.

The plot involves investigating with a mix of truthfulness and secrecy, aiding and hindering the process in varying degrees. I found the narration a great way to acclimatize to the surroundings and people. Although I had an eCopy of the book, this review is entirely based on my experience with the audiobook.

Jane Treen heads to Devon when a woman's body is discovered. She meets the sickly Arthur Cilento and the unlikely pair begin to investigate...
The Secret Detective Agency is the first book in a new series of historical murder mysteries set during WW2.
Jane is a force of nature! A woman in a secret government role, organising agents and spies. She has a penchant for cigarettes and delights in the company of her cat Marmaduke. She is forthright and doesn't mind whose toes she tramples on for the greater good of King and Country.
Arthur is the opposite. Delicate, withdrawn and suffering from a range of ailments, he is not prepared from the onslaught of Jane's arrival. He is ably assisted by the quietly efficient manservant Benson.
The characters of Jane and Arthur are really fab. There are lovely touches of humour and I enjoyed the dynamic between the pair. Arthur is definitely portrayed more sympathetically which makes Jane seems even more abrasive than I think she actually means to be.
I found the plot a bit complicated with multiple dual identities and secret dealings. This made me feel a bit separated from the murder and victim. The historical elements of the book have been well researched and added context to the plot and characters.
The Secret Detective Agency is a solid start to a new series and I am interested to see how the dynamic between Jane and Arthur develops in future books.

In the first of a new series of cosy murder mystery we start with setting the scene and learning who all the characters are.

First up is Miss Jane Treen, resolutely a spinster working in a government department, mainline coffee and chain smoking. She gets involved in all sorts of puzzles and mysteries.

Then we have Arthur Cilento, a code breaker and a man who keeps a very quiet life.

When these two meet to solve a mystery they make a very unlikely duo. Even more so with Arthur's asthma which doesn't fit with Jane' smoking and the fact that her cat Marmaduke has to come everywhere with her.

In a small Devon Village, a body is found. Someone is hiding something but it could be the vicar, his sister, a housekeeper, her odd son or someone no one has considered. When a coded diary comes into Jane and Arthur's hands it is a race against time to solve the puzzle before anything else happens that could threaten them or anyone else.

This is the perfect cosy mystery, set with the backdrop of the home front in World War Two, a period that always I enjoy. For fans of the cosy and the historical, so much so that I immediately went on and read book 2.

It is 1941, and the last thing that anyone expects to find in a quiet Devon village in a far quieter Britain than the one that exists today (even though it was wartime then) is the discovery of a murdered woman's body in a lake.

The efficient and somewhat uncomfortably businesslike Miss Jane Treen is soon dispatched by the government to deal with the matter - and prevent any further escalation.

Though it isn't clear what form any escalation might take. More murders? Be that as it may, when Miss Treen arrives there, she finds not only a reluctant local collaborator in her investigation in the attractive but reticent Arthur Cilento, but more suspects in the village than she can shake a stick at...

An enjoyable countryside murder mystery romp flavoured with plenty of gems reflecting the inimitable British sense of humour. This one will be a hit!

This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s a murder mystery set during World War II, featuring three main characters who appear to be at odds with each other but ultimately work together to solve the mystery. The book is engaging and keeps you guessing until the very end, leading you on a merry chase to uncover the murderer. I had my suspicions, but it wasn’t until the final revelations that I was certain of the truth. I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.

Thank you, Netgalley.

I really enjoyed the first in this new cozy/historical mystery series, focusing on two apparently mismatched undercover detectives, Jane and Arthur. I already have the second installment in the series to read for the near future!

I liked the writing style of this book, which reminded me a bit of the Maggie Hope series by Susan Elia MacNeal. I do love anything from the WWII period! I also chuckled out loud several times while reading as well — always appreciated!

Thanks so much for my copy and for making me part of the tour!

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Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “The Secret Detective Agency“ by Helena Dixon. This series is set in Britain during WWII and features Miss Jane Trent, who works in Whitehall places agents in occupied France. She is forced to work with Arthur Cilento, who is a codebreaker, which is a pretty interesting career. A dead body shows up in the lake and it is a race to figure out “who done it”.
This was a delightful start to the cozy mystery series. Arthur and Jane are both engaging characters. I look forward to their growth and interactions. Looking forward to Book Two! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheSecretDetectiveAgency #HelenaDixon #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInASmallTown #BooksSetDuringWWII #CozyMystery

BOOK: THE SECRET DETECTIVE AGENCY
AUTHOR: HELENA DIXON
PUB DATE: MARCH 2025
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REVIEW- 2.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. Both MCs were okay, they were both hardworkers
2. I liked the setting and insertion of WWI
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The mystery/suspense was long and lackluster for me.
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I didn't really like this book. But, I was still able to finish it

London, 1941: Ultra-efficient, chain-smoking Miss Jane Treen is put out: another one of her agents has gone missing only to be discovered dead, floating in a pond near the home of a top-secret government code breaker, Arthur Cilento. Arthur had rented the house out to the agent until recently, when he returned for health reasons - he has bad asthma. When Jane shows up on his door step on orders to find out who killed the agent, he’s a bit dismayed as smoking and asthma don’t mix. There’s a lot of questions for Jane and Arthur to answer starting with why the agent had returned the area?
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I loved how one clue led to another almost like a treasure hunt and how there were a number of people who might be able to answer a question, but they were agents, out of the country on another mission and thus out of contact. Benson, Arthur’s long serving butler / manservant / valet, was a great character and could have been the cousin of Jeeves or Bunter. The parts I didn’t like was the constant repetition of Jane lighting a cigarette and where she was blowing the smoke this time and how fast she was walking. I got the author was making a point of how she was becoming more aware of Arthur and his health issues, but it didn’t need to be mentioned every other page. At some point, it feels like the author was just padding the story.
Recommended. It sounds like this is the first of a series, and I look forward to reading the next book. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.Com which I voluntarily reviewed.

This cosy mystery is set in the early 1940s in London and Devon and has an espionage twist. Miss Jane Treen, a chain-smoking coffee addict with an adored ginger cat, coordinates a team of individuals furthering the Allied war effort. Whilst undeniably clever, she lacks empathy. A mystery woman with a connection to Jane's team is found dead at the home of a code breaker, Arthur Cliento. He has chronic asthma and contributes to the war effort through his cerebral skills. Despite their strained relationship and Jane's lack of insight, they have to work together to find the leak in their network, and the possibilities are endless. I like the complex protagonists, who, despite their personality differences, complement each other in the investigation. Benson, the butler, is also key in this story in smoothing over Arthur and Jane's differences and anticipating their every need. The many suspects are well characterised, and the plot has twisty and increasing intensity as it progresses. It was an engaging read and a good start to the new series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, this compelling mystery follows Jane Treen and Arthur Cilentro as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the murder of a War Office agent, found dead in Arthur’s own home. Bound by the constraints of the Official Secrets Act, the duo navigates a web of intrigue, where every friend and acquaintance becomes a suspect, and the body count continues to rise.

Blending moments of humor with edge-of-your-seat suspense, the story unfolds masterfully, culminating in a gripping and unexpected conclusion. Though I had suspicions about certain aspects of the mystery, the final revelation still surprised me. The audiobook narration adds an extra layer of charm, enhancing the tension and the lighter moments.

A fantastic introduction to this new cosy crime series—I can’t wait to see what’s next for the newly formed Secret Detective Agency!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jane Treen is efficient, cool and collected. She is a sleuth for the government working behind the scenes, very unobtrusive. When an urgent call summons her to Devon as one of her agents are found murdered, she has to coordinate efforts to find a traitor who can cause mayhem to a network. Her co conspirator Arthur Cilento, recently returned not in the best of health finds Ms Treens ways overwhelming and slightly intimidating. The two have to work together because the deaths keep mounting and it is apparent that the leak is well within their inner circle.

For a few chapters it was slow going and repetitive. Jane’s penchant to smoke indifferent to Arthur’s difficulty with smoke became boring but the book quickened its pace midway to become intriguing as the murders mounted and the investigators tried to keep pace, and prevent more deaths.

Detective genre and espionage the book may be, but it did have a lot to offer history fans.

The Secret Detective Agency by Helena Dixon is a charming and suspenseful mystery set in 1940s London, filled with delightful characters and an intriguing case to solve. The story introduces Miss Jane Treen, a sharp-witted, coffee-loving cat enthusiast with a knack for solving crimes. When she’s called to the sleepy Devon village to investigate the mysterious death of a woman found in a lake, Jane’s investigation leads her to uncover dark secrets, hidden clues, and a list of suspicious townsfolk.

What sets this book apart is its unique and endearing main characters. Jane, with her no-nonsense attitude and sharp observational skills, makes for a refreshing protagonist, while Arthur Cilento, a shy and somewhat reluctant code-breaker, provides the perfect foil. Together, they form an unlikely yet compelling duo, and their growing partnership brings both humor and tension to the story. Their dynamic—combined with Jane’s fluffy ginger cat Marmaduke—adds warmth and charm to an otherwise tense investigation.

Dixon’s writing evokes a wonderful sense of time and place, bringing 1940s England to life. The small Devon village, with its colorful cast of characters, is an atmospheric setting that perfectly complements the mystery. As Jane and Arthur dig deeper into the case, the suspense steadily rises, with coded diaries, hidden clues, and potential danger lurking at every turn.

The Secret Detective Agency is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, historical intrigue, and witty banter. Fans of Agatha Christie and classic detective tales will enjoy this light-hearted yet gripping read. With its lovable characters, engaging plot, and twisty mystery, this is an excellent start to what promises to be a fun and captivating series.