A Spy in the House

A parent might reach for this book when their thoughtful, adventure-loving child is looking for a hero who feels like an outsider but proves her own strength. This historical mystery follows Mary Quinn, a teenage orphan in 1850s London who is rescued from the gallows and recruited into a secret, all-female detective agency. Her first case requires her to go undercover in a wealthy merchant's home, navigating class prejudice and danger while uncovering a criminal conspiracy. The story masterfully explores themes of identity, belonging, justice, and resilience, making it a perfect fit for readers 11-15 who are ready for a sophisticated plot and a heroine who uses her intelligence and grit to forge her own path in a world that underestimates her.