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.

A new series from one of my favorite authors. Exciting!

Set in London in 1941, Miss Jane Treen works in a secret Government agency managing agents in the field. She loves coffee, cigarettes and her cat Marmaduke, not necessarily in that order. Arthur Cilento also works for the secret service as a code breaker. He enjoys a quiet life, has chronic asthma, and a butler who takes very good care of him.

Jane has a problem when some of the agents she manages either die or go missing, and when one is found dead at Arthur's home, the two of them are paired up to solve the case. This involves Jane and Marmaduke moving in with Arthur which does not work really well. Cigarettes and a cat versus a man with asthma - you can see the problem at once.

It is a very intriguing mystery and involves a lot of danger for our investigative couple. Jane is very irritating and not at all compassionate. Arthur is very interesting and has hidden depths. The butler is a gem. I look forward to the next book and discovering how the three of them solve their issues and work as a team.

"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. Placed at his country home to unravel the mystery, together, the reluctant colleagues huddle near the warmth of a crackling fire 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 Sherlock and Watson hung up their hats...?

If you love twisty crime novels, top-secret intrigue and the very best of Golden Age mysteries, then you will adore Helena Dixon's totally gripping cozy novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright!"

Personally I'm glad knowing she took her cat with he. That fluffy ginger couldn't be left behind in the Blitz!

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 writing 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 aspect of the book, besides the slow start, that I found somewhat cumbersome were the weird surnames and code names straight out of nursery rhymes. It really pulled me out of the story. I kept reading Arthur's surname as Cliento and thinking is he supposed to be Spanish..?.

Overall I had a lot of fun reading this story 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.

Firstly thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC of The Secret Detective Agency. All opinions within this review are my own.

We have Miss Jane Treen, a top-secret investigator who is called to Arthur Cilento's manor when a body of a woman is found in a lake at the back of his house, under suspicious circumstances. Arthur is typically used to the quiet life, not liking to step out of his comfort zone and suffers with his asthma but it is all upturned by Miss Treen's arrival, as she is the complete opposite to him and to Arthur's annoyance, plans to stick around, along with her cat Marmaduke and a relentless smoking habit. Working together, they attempt to piece together the murderous puzzle and find the culprit in time.

The Secret Detective Agency perfectly fits what it means for a historical English murder mystery and the fact it's a series means there's plenty more to come from Arthur and Jane Treen.

This was a really pleasant and cozy read for me, holding my attention throughout. I thoroughly adored the relationship between Arthur and Jane Treen, and was amused at his constant asking of her return back to London. It was nice to see the balance between them both and a slight warming and understanding of each other towards the end, something that could potentially grow within the series. It's also good to see a strong woman as the lead and in a top job, that probably wasn't likely to happen in real-life 1941 London.

As this is book 1 in the The Secret Detective Agency series, I look forward to seeing what Arthur, Jane and Benson get up to next.

This review will also be featured on @kindlecrimereads

Oooh! A Second World War spy thriller-cum-murder mystery! Who could resist a book set in a period so rich with intrigue, especially when the setting is the Home Front, much cosier than anything in a more military setting? In this book (of course, no spoilers!) the focus is on the unlikely partnership between severe Londoner, Jane Treen, who is involved in co-ordinating a network of spies on the continent, and Devonshire country gentleman Arthur Cilento (a codebreaker and a young man physically unable to serve). When one of Jane’s spy network turns up, dead, on Arthur’s country estate, the pair are forced to work together to catch a killer and prevent more murders.
This book appealed to me for a reason other than the setting and genre — the author. I’ve read and enjoyed several of Helena Dixon’s Miss Underhay mysteries (and will eventually get round to the rest when my TBR permits) and so I reckoned I’d have a look and see how the author handled a different period.
Well now. As I say, I enjoyed Miss Underhay very much but…whisper it…I think I like this fledgling series even more. It’s hard to judge on just one book, but I’ll definitely read on. All of the expected qualities in terms of writing, characterisation and setting are present. For me what made it different is that the context is much more serious — an existential crisis for the nation, rather than the often-frivolous 1930s) and so the stakes are higher.
I became very invested not just in the success of Jane and Arthur’s investigations but in the relationship between the two very different main characters and the contrast between Jane’s stark London life (the descriptions of the aftermath of the Blitz are grimly fascinating) and Arthur’s much more cosseted country situation. 
I look forward to reading more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The start of a new series for Helena Dixon and I look forward to many more adventures with Jane, Arthur and Benson.

A glimpse into wartime Britain with its bombing raids, blackout and rationing. It made me think about my grandparents lives in the war, as my grandfather was a fire warden at this time in Birmingham.

Jane takes her war work very seriously, but comes to value Arthur’s logical mind.

As someone who has cat allergies and chest problems, I may have told Jane to live in a hotel with her cigarettes and cat rather than to move into my home, but Arthur seems too polite.

A great start to what I think will be a very popular series.

I love reading WWII fiction so I enjoyed this cozy mystery take on the time period. Throw in a strong female lead and a cat and I’m sold!

One of my favourite authors and a new series!

Jane Treen, a government agent is called to Devon after a young woman is found drowned under suspicious circumstances.

Arthur Cilento a code breaker also working for the government is the one who found the body.

Together they must try and discover who is hiding something and why?

A great read that will keep you guessing until the very end!

3.5 stars

A series debut by the author of the Miss Underhay series. Fans of the Kitty and Matt books shouldn't expect more of the same. Different settings, time periods, characters and atmosphere.

It's 1941, the Blitz is happening in London. Miss Jane Treen is doing secret government work, running agents, and is disturbed when several of her people disappear or are killed. Jane is a strong character, not always likeable. She's a chain smoker, impatient, assertive, and used to being in charge. She gets sent to a village to liaise with another government operative, Arthur Cilento. Cilento is a severe asthmatic, somewhat frail with breathing problems exacerbated by Jane's cat and her cigarettes. Arthur feels a bit like a slacker given his physical limitations but he is a very smart codebreaker and definitely a useful cog in the operations.

The two are somewhat reluctant partners in solving the case. Clearly there is a traitor somewhere and they struggle to figure things out while people keep turning up dead.

Nicely plotted with an interesting cast. I will look forward to their next case. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3 Stars
One Liner: Decent mystery; the characters need work

1941
Jane Treen is at work in the war office in London when the news of another missing agent reaches her. Soon, she finds out a dead woman was fished out from a lake in Devon, where she shouldn’t have been.
Arthur Cilento is the code-breaker working for war offices and is back at his uncle’s house (now his) in Devon. Soon after he discovers a body, Miss Jane arrives in the village with her one-eyed orange cat, Marmaduke.
Jane and Arthur don’t particularly like each other but they have to work together to find the killer. Agents being killed during war is hardly a small matter!
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Jane and Arthur.

My Thoughts:
Can you see that cutie cat on the cover? Yeah, that’s how this book ended up on my list. Of course, I love historical cozy mysteries, so that was another factor.
This book is set during WWII and uses the backdrop well since both main characters work for the government. However, the mystery is kept at the cozy level with the setting primarily being a village.
Arthur is the brainy guy who likes patterns and codes (ya, that’s why I like him more). He also has sensitive health, which is different from the usually robust male leads we see. This is a welcome development and was handled well, though I wish he would set better boundaries.
While I liked Jane’s introduction, it didn’t take long to be irritated by her. The constant smoking was annoying and so was her attitude. I know that the ‘tough feminist woman’ trope is trending but don’t overdo it. Having a possibly tragic backstory doesn’t mean the FMC has to be so callous and self-centered. Initially, I thought she wasn’t aware of the MMC’s health condition. Turns out she knew. She just didn’t care that puffing like a steam engine and blowing the smoke at him would affect his breathing. She didn’t care that he could end up bedridden if he didn’t take proper care of his health and was annoyed that he did. Also, allergies are not a laughing matter. Since this is the first book, I’m hoping these elements are a character flaw and the FMC will become a bit human.
While I try to bear with characters who smoke, I cannot help but roll my eyes at the repeated mention of it. This book has ‘cigarette(s) mentioned 73 times. Yes! That’s 50 times more than what I think is enough for the character development. The way Jane smoked, I’m doubtful she’ll live long enough for the series to continue. Naturally, the MMC condition was mentioned as many times. If she smoked less, both of them would breathe easily!
The pacing is moderate, neither slow nor fast (however, do note the book ends at 88%, at least the ARC does). The setting is well done. We get just enough descriptions to create the atmosphere and give us an idea of the place. This works to keep the mystery at the forefront.
Marmaduke is a fluffy cat who I thought would have an active role in the book. What use is a cat if all he does is lick his paws?
Despite my evident dislike for the FMC, I did see her merit. She has a good brain and is dedicated to her job. She has emotions, which means her arc can be adjusted quickly. The mystery is also good and establishes the foundation for the next books.

To summarize, The Secret Detective Agency is a decent start to a new series, though it would have been even better if there were fewer cigarettes. I have the second book, so let’s see how it goes. Hoping it’ll be better.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Suspense…mysterious…likable characters…a quick read…this talented author has written a page turner. I am glad I discovered this new series. Curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy the story of this detective agency. Historical fiction comes to life. Thanks Netgalley.

Jane Treen, an agent for a British government office during World War II, journeys to Devon to discover why secret agents on her team have been mysteriously vanishing. Code-breaker Arthur Cilento and his manservant Mr. Benson are brought into the mystery when a young woman is discovered on the estate. Jane, Arthur, and Mr. Benson rush to find out who has been sabotaging the government while avoiding a similar fate.

A fun, cozy-mystery! Helena Dixon sets the path for some exciting characters (seriously, I want a full deep dive on Mr. Benson pronto). Since this is the first book in a planned series, I will forgive some repetition and dullness in setting the characters and scenes.

I look forward to more adventures at Half Moon Manor! And more Marmaduke!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the advance reading copy. All opinions are my own.

1941 England. The codebreaker (reclusive/asthmatic Arthur) and the spymaster (chain-smoking abrasive Jane) need to work together to solve the murder of a young agent outside of Arthur's country residence. This is the latest in a string of murders of War Office agents brings these two very dissimilar agents into working together. Excellent start to a brand-new series by an author I really like.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley.
#TheSecretDetectiveAgency by Helena Dixon @helenadixonuk #TheSecretDetectiveAgencyBk1 #BritishCozyCrimeMystery @bookouture #NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo @Waterstones #espionage #england #spies #murders #historical #smallvillage

It's clear that Helena Dixon is a big fan of the classic mystery genre, and her work will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie looking for a new favorite author. This book was not for me due mostly to the slow pacing and the sporadic switching of POV characters, but this isn't something likely to bother most cozy mystery readers.

'Meet Miss Jane Treen – the coffee-drinking cat lover dressed head to toe in tweed, who just happens to be a secret super sleuth!' And in this new series that is exactly what we do. I loved meeting Jane and the setting starting in London and then Devon in 1941 worked perfectly. When Jane gets the call that a body has been found in a lake. So she gets to work to find the killer.

I love the mystery and the twists in this new series and found it slightly different from the others I have read, It is a book that reels you in and once I got started I didn't want to put it down. From the characters to the setting, and the storyline everything worked perfectly and read smoothly. I loved the inclusion of the war and the codebreaking/breaker as this just add more intrigue.

A well paced, interesting, intriguing and twisty read that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. Bring on book two!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoy the author's other series, so was very hopeful for this one. I like the historical setting and liked Arthur. Unfortunately, Miss Treen's rudeness grated on me. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A new mystery series set during WWII, so there's spies too! I found the main character's interesting, but was a little bothered by one's inconsideration of the other's health issues. I'm hoping that book two shows some growth there, and do plan on reading the next in the series. The mystery itself was engaging, and I enjoyed the small town setting of most of the book.

A new series
Set during World War 2 and in the midst of the blitz.
Code breaker Arthur Cilento is content in his home in the country until the arrival of Miss Jane Treen and her cat.
The two agents of the government begin to investigate the traitor who has betrayed agents that Miss Treen has sent abroad.
I loved the story and the code breaking element and the quirky characters.
Good fun

Terrific start to what promises to be a wonderful series!
The author of the Miss Underhay series of cosy mysteries, premieres her latest series, with an intriguing murder/mystery set in WW2 Great Britain. Spymaster Jane and her colleague, adept at deciphering code and puzzles, though suffering from breathing problems which makes him unsuited for military service, Arthur, are thrown together. Sparks fly, though not of the romantic variety. Chalk and cheese they may be, but they soon learn, that they work better together. Under the guidance of Jane's boss, the Brigadier, they chase down clues to try and discover who is murdering Jane's people.
Wonderfully paced and beautifully written, the author has written a book that kept me interested and enthralled for the entire book, and I look forward to the next in the series with baited breath.
My thanks to the publishers, Bookouture, and Netgalley for the reading copy.