THE AGENCY

Kate Reading's capable narration lends credibility to this wacky novel about a sexy literary agent in London. Tess Drake's ambition to launch her own agency is bungled when her secret lover's wife becomes her boss and her star client is ruined by allegations of plagiarism. Reading tones down the over-the-top characters, especially Tess's cold-blooded but sharp-witted boss and Tess's desperately dark writer friend. Reading's narration lends an endearing note to Tess's aspirations in the fast-paced, glamorous world of international publishing as depicted in this novel. It’s a world in which everyone sleeps with everyone else and success is based mostly on connections and ruthless drive. Listeners will root for Tess’s success despite their doubts about whether she deserves it. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2009]