Book Review - The Agency by Ally O'Brian

This is yet another book that received a great rating and short write- up in People Magazine. Since I had such good luck with my last reading find discovered in their book section (Somebody Else's Daughter), I thought I would give The Agency a try. I'm really glad I did.

The main character, literary agent, Tess Drake, is probably the type of personality most of us have never come across in our daily lives. The successful 36-year-old is sexy, cocky, in your face and down right aggressive. She handles her needy author clients, cut-throat office politics and scandalous love life with the high-heeled precision of a finely tuned machine. Then her boss is discovered dead and she finds herself under suspicion for his demise.
 
The plot is well-defined, very entertaining and brilliantly executed.  Like the main character, you never really saw it coming.

The other draw, however, is the witty heroine herself. Tess's dialog will have you both gasping and laughing at the same time. She is absolutely shameless, and you just can't help but to simply love her for it.  The plot and character pairing makes for a very amusing read that's anything but PC.

The story intermixes both fictional and real, current A-list clientele in such a way that it paints a vivid and somewhat alarming picture of the inner workings of the entertainment business. It also makes the story feel current and relevant.
 
It took me a few chapters to get acquainted with the British terminology, and the story was a tad slow to develop initially.  Then it grabbed hold and didn't let go. What else can I say about this part chick-lit, part thriller combination other than it was a quick-witted, very enjoyable and highly entertaining novel worthy of your book-buying dollars. I really liked this one!

The author, Ally O'Brian is a pseudonym for Brian Freeman, author of Stalked, Immoral, and Stripped. He is also a media agent in London, England.