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Tess Drake #1
The Agency
As an agent in a multinational media agency, Tess Drake deals with some of the world's biggest egos. And those are just the ones inside her firm. Bardwell International is an agency that operates in the ever-moving worlds of Rights, wrongs and revenge. Tess has been an agent there for longer than she cares to remember and now she's in trouble. Real trouble. After the mysterious death of the agency's senior partner, Lowell Bardwright, Tess's sworn enemy, Cosima Tate, has taken over running the asylum and would do anything to thwart Tess's career. Until now, Tess has believed herself to be bulletproof because her biggest client is Dorothy Starkwell, a popular children's writer for whom she she's just begun negotiating a new eight-figure deal. Tess sees Lowell's death as the opportunity to do what she has wanted to do for a long time: start her own agency--and take Dorothy and her new contract with her. But can Tess jump ship and risk losing her reputation, her clients, AND her next big deal--and still make it on her own? Are her balls made of steel or are they about to be crushed under Cosima's stilettoed heel? There’s risk and there’s reward – or maybe not – in this wickedly sharp, page-turning novel that turns the world of agenting inside out and lays bare all the ambition, adrenalin and yes, luck, at the center of one young woman’s success.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Ally O'Brien
5 books3 followersAlly O’Brien is the pseudonym for a writing duo that includes Brian Freeman and his London-based entertainment agent, Ali Gunn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
January 20, 2009
Maybe this deserves 3 stars. It was easy to read (finished in 1 sitting) and adding murder to the chick-lit plot was fun. I might recommend this as a beach read- but certainly not anything else. I read it happily to the end, but the whole way through I hated the protagonist. Yay for there being a strong, career minded feminist- but boo for who she actually is. Not your average chick-lit star. She's not the 'good girl' at all- more like a sleazy backstabbing bitch that makes your lip curl. I certainly wouldn't want to meet her. It was all so shallow and superficial and really predictable. And to top it off the sex scenes were all very Tacky (note the capital 'T')
There is potential here, but the voice of the book- through the protagonist- heavily suffers. Not only is the personality revolting, but the actual writing is very staccato which doesn't really suit the genre. I also became rather annoyed at the strange use of adjectives which were jarring to me.
There is potential here, but the voice of the book- through the protagonist- heavily suffers. Not only is the personality revolting, but the actual writing is very staccato which doesn't really suit the genre. I also became rather annoyed at the strange use of adjectives which were jarring to me.
May 29, 2020
Tess é uma personagem muito carismática, toda cheia de energia e com a língua um pouco afiada. As suas peripécias fizeram-me dar umas boas gargalhadas, mas também torcer por ela.
Opinião completa: https://quandoseabreumlivro.blogspot....
Opinião completa: https://quandoseabreumlivro.blogspot....
January 9, 2009
Well I stayed up late last night finishing the book, because I just could not set it down.
At first I had doubts about the book, and felt I could not connect with the writer and story, because there were so many London locations pointed out, that I felt lost...(never being to London myself, I could not picture what the locations, landmarks, streets, etc looked like-which made me disconnect from the book). But the more I read, the more the story took over, and the mentions of locations didn't phase me.
Tess, the lead character is so admirable. I really felt a connection with her because she believes that her job is one of the most important things in her life, and the satisfaction of her clients is top of her list. They succeed-she succeeds. She is real with her clients, and I just found myself looking up to her...making this fictional character a role-model of sorts..
I was slightly surprised at the little murder-drama theme in the middle of the book, but it worked. Some parts of the book were very predictable, but it was ok.
Overall, I loved this book. It gave me a positive feeling, and a wanting to succeed in my own life, which is rare for me when I read "chick-lit" types of books. I would definately recommend it, and am going to be passing it down to my sister to read as well!
I am really grateful for winning an advance copy of this book on here, and when I was done with the book, I just thought to myself-wow what a great book, I'm so happy I got to read this before most people! It made the whole positive vibe of the book even greater, making me feel special for being able to read and review this before most.
Merged review:
** spoiler alert ** Well I stayed up late last night finishing the book, because I just could not set it down.
At first I had doubts about the book, and felt I could not connect with the writer and story, because there were so many London locations pointed out, that I felt lost...(never being to London myself, I could not picture what the locations, landmarks, streets, etc looked like-which made me disconnect from the book). But the more I read, the more the story took over, and the mentions of location...more Well I stayed up late last night finishing the book, because I just could not set it down.
At first I had doubts about the book, and felt I could not connect with the writer and story, because there were so many London locations pointed out, that I felt lost...(never being to London myself, I could not picture what the locations, landmarks, streets, etc looked like-which made me disconnect from the book). But the more I read, the more the story took over, and the mentions of locations didn't phase me.
Tess, the lead character is so admirable. I really felt a connection with her because she believes that her job is one of the most important things in her life, and the satisfaction of her clients is top of her list. They succeed-she succeeds. She is real with her clients, and I just found myself looking up to her...making this fictional character a role-model of sorts..
I was slightly surprised at the little murder-drama theme in the middle of the book, but it worked. Some parts of the book were very predictable, but it was ok.
Overall, I loved this book. It gave me a positive feeling, and a wanting to succeed in my own life, which is rare for me when I read "chick-lit" types of books. I would definately recommend it, and am going to be passing it down to my sister to read as well!
I am really grateful for winning an advance copy of this book on here, and when I was done with the book, I just thought to myself-wow what a great book, I'm so happy I got to read this before most people! It made the whole positive vibe of the book even greater, making me feel special for being able to read and review this before most.
At first I had doubts about the book, and felt I could not connect with the writer and story, because there were so many London locations pointed out, that I felt lost...(never being to London myself, I could not picture what the locations, landmarks, streets, etc looked like-which made me disconnect from the book). But the more I read, the more the story took over, and the mentions of locations didn't phase me.
Tess, the lead character is so admirable. I really felt a connection with her because she believes that her job is one of the most important things in her life, and the satisfaction of her clients is top of her list. They succeed-she succeeds. She is real with her clients, and I just found myself looking up to her...making this fictional character a role-model of sorts..
I was slightly surprised at the little murder-drama theme in the middle of the book, but it worked. Some parts of the book were very predictable, but it was ok.
Overall, I loved this book. It gave me a positive feeling, and a wanting to succeed in my own life, which is rare for me when I read "chick-lit" types of books. I would definately recommend it, and am going to be passing it down to my sister to read as well!
I am really grateful for winning an advance copy of this book on here, and when I was done with the book, I just thought to myself-wow what a great book, I'm so happy I got to read this before most people! It made the whole positive vibe of the book even greater, making me feel special for being able to read and review this before most.
Merged review:
** spoiler alert ** Well I stayed up late last night finishing the book, because I just could not set it down.
At first I had doubts about the book, and felt I could not connect with the writer and story, because there were so many London locations pointed out, that I felt lost...(never being to London myself, I could not picture what the locations, landmarks, streets, etc looked like-which made me disconnect from the book). But the more I read, the more the story took over, and the mentions of location...more Well I stayed up late last night finishing the book, because I just could not set it down.
At first I had doubts about the book, and felt I could not connect with the writer and story, because there were so many London locations pointed out, that I felt lost...(never being to London myself, I could not picture what the locations, landmarks, streets, etc looked like-which made me disconnect from the book). But the more I read, the more the story took over, and the mentions of locations didn't phase me.
Tess, the lead character is so admirable. I really felt a connection with her because she believes that her job is one of the most important things in her life, and the satisfaction of her clients is top of her list. They succeed-she succeeds. She is real with her clients, and I just found myself looking up to her...making this fictional character a role-model of sorts..
I was slightly surprised at the little murder-drama theme in the middle of the book, but it worked. Some parts of the book were very predictable, but it was ok.
Overall, I loved this book. It gave me a positive feeling, and a wanting to succeed in my own life, which is rare for me when I read "chick-lit" types of books. I would definately recommend it, and am going to be passing it down to my sister to read as well!
I am really grateful for winning an advance copy of this book on here, and when I was done with the book, I just thought to myself-wow what a great book, I'm so happy I got to read this before most people! It made the whole positive vibe of the book even greater, making me feel special for being able to read and review this before most.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2016
I grabbed this book just because I saw that it said super agent so I was like cool it's about spies and didn't bother to read the rest of it. It was not about spies hahaha but not terrible. But also not great. It was kind of in between. I did like it but it wasn't what I was expecting (SPIES). I would want to read the second one but the only version I can find on goodreads is in Dutch? so I have to see if it's in the library.
3.5/5
3.5/5
June 30, 2020
American bloke writes as a woman about a narcissistic British woman that likes to have sex and craves cigarettes - yeah nah, hard pass. A busty ginger assistant. Everytime said assistant gets mentioned so does her breasts. Yeah, lame.
If only this was written by a woman it would be so much better. And we'd have been spared the awfulness of the phrase 'plunged his limousine in to my tunnel'. Yes really.
And the name-dropping was unbelievable and awful. The Americanisms coming from a British woman was even more unbelievable.
If only this was written by a woman it would be so much better. And we'd have been spared the awfulness of the phrase 'plunged his limousine in to my tunnel'. Yes really.
And the name-dropping was unbelievable and awful. The Americanisms coming from a British woman was even more unbelievable.
February 11, 2009
A free book from a Goodreads give away. Japan, gift horses...
What do you get with a chick-lit book about the world of agents that was co-written by an agent and "an international bestselling author of suspense novels"? You get a book that is marginally suspenseful and checks the boxes of pulp fiction elements (sex, glamor, uninspired wit, scandal, murder, bitchiness) that agents know will sell well in the rarely-discriminating world of best-sellers. As our hero, Tess, notes, there are great books that never sell and bad books that make millions, but I believe (I hope) this book is in a third category of dull books that go nowhere. Most of the characters, including Tess, are not particularly likable (and are usually overdone, especially the brilliant but perpetually down and out ex-junkie, ex-prostitute, ex-everything gritty that gives someone street cred), and while I am not squeamish when it comes to profanity, I found that the overall use was not flattering. It made no points and rarely even added any color to the dialog, which was tired rather than witty and edgy as I'm sure it was meant to be.
What did pleasantly surprise me was the amount of misfortune allowed to befall Tess. In such a light work as this, it's rare to see so many things go bad that never really get fixed. I personally felt that Tess set herself up for many of these and so was not sad to see them strike one after the other. Of course, we can't end the book without some hope, hope that I wouldn't have minded missing by ending the book 4 pages earlier.
What do you get with a chick-lit book about the world of agents that was co-written by an agent and "an international bestselling author of suspense novels"? You get a book that is marginally suspenseful and checks the boxes of pulp fiction elements (sex, glamor, uninspired wit, scandal, murder, bitchiness) that agents know will sell well in the rarely-discriminating world of best-sellers. As our hero, Tess, notes, there are great books that never sell and bad books that make millions, but I believe (I hope) this book is in a third category of dull books that go nowhere. Most of the characters, including Tess, are not particularly likable (and are usually overdone, especially the brilliant but perpetually down and out ex-junkie, ex-prostitute, ex-everything gritty that gives someone street cred), and while I am not squeamish when it comes to profanity, I found that the overall use was not flattering. It made no points and rarely even added any color to the dialog, which was tired rather than witty and edgy as I'm sure it was meant to be.
What did pleasantly surprise me was the amount of misfortune allowed to befall Tess. In such a light work as this, it's rare to see so many things go bad that never really get fixed. I personally felt that Tess set herself up for many of these and so was not sad to see them strike one after the other. Of course, we can't end the book without some hope, hope that I wouldn't have minded missing by ending the book 4 pages earlier.
January 20, 2009
This was a quick, fast-paced read. It was interesting in terms of learning about how vindictive people in publishing are. (Are they?! How would I know:-)) Either way, it doesn't take much time to read and it is entertaining.
I usually enjoy books in which it actually feels like the author knows about the subject. This sounds like a given but it really is not. (Case in point: Almost every book where the main character is a doctor.) In chick-lit types of books, it is easy to just gloss over this with well-written dialogue and a good plot but it always annoys me when it feels (to the reader) that there was minimal research done. Anyway, I felt that the author/s of this one actually knew all about the publishing world.
I usually enjoy books in which it actually feels like the author knows about the subject. This sounds like a given but it really is not. (Case in point: Almost every book where the main character is a doctor.) In chick-lit types of books, it is easy to just gloss over this with well-written dialogue and a good plot but it always annoys me when it feels (to the reader) that there was minimal research done. Anyway, I felt that the author/s of this one actually knew all about the publishing world.
January 1, 2009
This was the first book I'd ever won on Goodreads. I just finished reading it this afternoon. In my opinion, it's hardcore brit-chick-lit. There was just too much sex (I even learned a new word!) and the main character was a ho. No other way to say it. All of the women were mean wenches. The book should have ended 3 pages earlier than it did.
With that being said, it did keep my attention to the end. I'd probably give it a 2.5 but definitely not a 3. Definitely not for the easily offended.
Amy, I may throw this in with the "Essential Ingredients" book I'm sending to WOW, since you may like it more than I did. Jenn, don't read it!!!
With that being said, it did keep my attention to the end. I'd probably give it a 2.5 but definitely not a 3. Definitely not for the easily offended.
Amy, I may throw this in with the "Essential Ingredients" book I'm sending to WOW, since you may like it more than I did. Jenn, don't read it!!!
January 2, 2009
This didn't seem to flow right to me. Main character, Tess, was a bit too masculine, or something. The way she described herself and her certain body parts ~ felt too much like a man trying to pose as a woman.
January 18, 2017
I LOVE IT!!!
This book is rash and brash and unapologetic - much like Tess Drake herself. She is all we woman are and in the end, she becomes what we want to be. Good on ya, Tess!
This book is rash and brash and unapologetic - much like Tess Drake herself. She is all we woman are and in the end, she becomes what we want to be. Good on ya, Tess!
October 16, 2023
THE AGENCY by Ally O'Brien was a very fun book to read. I think a book about the book industry is fun to read every now and then and this one spins a nice entangled web for the reader. The book's cover definitely signals chick-lit but inside is a good mystery that I enjoyed as a dedicated mystery lover.
THE AGENCY features the sexy, daring literary agent, Tess Drake, who is likeable as your book friend but not sure you would want her as your real best friend. The book's main setting is London so I found the vocabulary was 'just right' to give it the needed English flavor. The author is a pro at developing good solid characters and describing a scene for the reader.
As a reader, I challenge myself to figure out the mystery and expect the author to slip in clues with hopes to say 'gotcha' later. Ally successfully "sprinkled" in these clues which I didn't discover until the mystery unfolded. This book was enjoyable as the author integrated current actors, actresses, authors, and books into the story as characters and comparisions. Lastly, I found myself smiling alot with the humor-filled comments and thoughts of Tess throughout the book.
For any of you that know Ally O'Brien is actually a pseudonym for a male author of a top-notch mystery suspense series then you might even appreciate this book more. Quite a Stride for him to Dial up something so different from his normal excellence! If you haven't read his other books then you are in for edge-of-your seat suspense!
Last but not least, Oprah might like this book as one of her favorites is in it! LOL
Thanks,
Mike
THE AGENCY features the sexy, daring literary agent, Tess Drake, who is likeable as your book friend but not sure you would want her as your real best friend. The book's main setting is London so I found the vocabulary was 'just right' to give it the needed English flavor. The author is a pro at developing good solid characters and describing a scene for the reader.
As a reader, I challenge myself to figure out the mystery and expect the author to slip in clues with hopes to say 'gotcha' later. Ally successfully "sprinkled" in these clues which I didn't discover until the mystery unfolded. This book was enjoyable as the author integrated current actors, actresses, authors, and books into the story as characters and comparisions. Lastly, I found myself smiling alot with the humor-filled comments and thoughts of Tess throughout the book.
For any of you that know Ally O'Brien is actually a pseudonym for a male author of a top-notch mystery suspense series then you might even appreciate this book more. Quite a Stride for him to Dial up something so different from his normal excellence! If you haven't read his other books then you are in for edge-of-your seat suspense!
Last but not least, Oprah might like this book as one of her favorites is in it! LOL
Thanks,
Mike
October 29, 2020
Perfect light read for an aspiring or published author!
I really enjoyed this debut novel. It was witty and tongue-in-cheek, just what I enjoy. The main character is enveloped in a comedy of errors so extensive that she doesn't see the negative possibilities until it's too late. Will that lead her to her dream job? Read it and find out!
An enjoyable romp through the publishing world.
I really enjoyed this debut novel. It was witty and tongue-in-cheek, just what I enjoy. The main character is enveloped in a comedy of errors so extensive that she doesn't see the negative possibilities until it's too late. Will that lead her to her dream job? Read it and find out!
An enjoyable romp through the publishing world.
July 13, 2017
Exactly what you wait for avarage chick lit to be, no surprises. Main character is typical woman who makes a mess on her private life and career. Still entertaining enough to read it all the way to the end. But not interesting enough to read second part.
August 14, 2018
Pretty fast-reading book. Tess Drake is an agent at a large company (for authors, actors, etc.) but she really wants to start her own Agency after some unfortunate developments. Not the typical Brian Freeman story, that’s for sure.
December 1, 2020
I got to the fourth chapter or so and decided to look on Goodreads for reviews to decide if I thought there was any way I was going to enjoy this book. Nope, didn't finish it. Might be a pretty good story but Tess Drake was just too gritty and hard for my reading taste.
July 21, 2021
I should have researched this book before I got it. I assumed that it was a Brian Freeman book and that the “agency” was a government entity and was about spies, etc. Within 10 pages, I discovered how wrong I was and how I had better not take things at face value.
January 10, 2021
This book had me laughing and crying and just enjoying the drama. Definitely worth a read when you need something new and different.
August 1, 2023
This was pure fluff with just enough murder to keep me engaged. The main character is a bit horrible. That's fine. Makes me feel better about my choices. I'll probably keep on with the series.
January 6, 2026
this was an interesting read. I really loved the ending and was looking forward to reading book 2, till I realised it's not released in english haha
Read
March 16, 2017*** 1/2
November 2, 2009
The Agency by Ally O’Brien has to be one of the most fun books I have read in awhile. A mixture of racy chick lit, mystery, and adventure, you will find it hard to put this book down once you get started.
At first I didn’t think I would like this story but on page 6 when Tess describes her new boss as “She is our wicked witch – the kind of witch who would have bitch-slapped Dorothy and served Toto sausages to the flying monkeys.” I knew I would love this character!
The Agency is about media agent Tess Drake. She has been with her current company for nearly a decade and has fought hard for the status she enjoys in the highly competitive world of the publishing. She has a hugely successful children’s author in one hand and in the other an author who is suicidal and depressed but Tess think she owes him something. When her boss mysteriously dies at the onset of the novel, Tess starts contemplating her escape from Bardwright Agency. It has always been a dream of hers to be her own boss and have her own agency. That is the goal throughout the entire novel but she has one obstacle after another to contend with to get to where she wants to be.
It seems Tess always haphazardly puts herself into situations that could tear her world apart at any moment. She makes a joke about how her boss passed away which in turn has a police detective watching her every move. How did she know exactly how the man was dressed when he died? She sleeps with her best friend’s fiancé and wonders why the friend could be so mad when Tess didn’t know they were engaged yet. Some people may find reading a book about a self-centered, extremely snarky character is boring or not exciting but will think differently when you get into Tess’ world. She rubs elbows with Sean Connery, Sienna Miller, and even gets to throw a book into Tom Cruise’s lap despite Tom’s publicist hating Tess.
The main part of the story centers around Dorothy, Tess’ most lucrative client who writes a series of children’s books based on panda bears that teach children about conservation, recycling, and taking care of the planet. Life takes a turn for the worse when Dorothy is accused of plagiarism from the son of a long dead friend. So Tess battles being accused of murdering her boss AND has to juggle how to keep her client out of a career ending lawsuit all while sleeping with a married man (which is a huge surprise when you find out who his wife is!) and living the high life! The complex plot will keep you guessing and will definitely surprise you with the ending!
The Agency is written under the pen name of Ally O’Brien. This is a “pseudonym for the writing duo that includes an international author of suspense novels and a successful media agent based in London.” I am hoping there is a sequel!
At first I didn’t think I would like this story but on page 6 when Tess describes her new boss as “She is our wicked witch – the kind of witch who would have bitch-slapped Dorothy and served Toto sausages to the flying monkeys.” I knew I would love this character!
The Agency is about media agent Tess Drake. She has been with her current company for nearly a decade and has fought hard for the status she enjoys in the highly competitive world of the publishing. She has a hugely successful children’s author in one hand and in the other an author who is suicidal and depressed but Tess think she owes him something. When her boss mysteriously dies at the onset of the novel, Tess starts contemplating her escape from Bardwright Agency. It has always been a dream of hers to be her own boss and have her own agency. That is the goal throughout the entire novel but she has one obstacle after another to contend with to get to where she wants to be.
It seems Tess always haphazardly puts herself into situations that could tear her world apart at any moment. She makes a joke about how her boss passed away which in turn has a police detective watching her every move. How did she know exactly how the man was dressed when he died? She sleeps with her best friend’s fiancé and wonders why the friend could be so mad when Tess didn’t know they were engaged yet. Some people may find reading a book about a self-centered, extremely snarky character is boring or not exciting but will think differently when you get into Tess’ world. She rubs elbows with Sean Connery, Sienna Miller, and even gets to throw a book into Tom Cruise’s lap despite Tom’s publicist hating Tess.
The main part of the story centers around Dorothy, Tess’ most lucrative client who writes a series of children’s books based on panda bears that teach children about conservation, recycling, and taking care of the planet. Life takes a turn for the worse when Dorothy is accused of plagiarism from the son of a long dead friend. So Tess battles being accused of murdering her boss AND has to juggle how to keep her client out of a career ending lawsuit all while sleeping with a married man (which is a huge surprise when you find out who his wife is!) and living the high life! The complex plot will keep you guessing and will definitely surprise you with the ending!
The Agency is written under the pen name of Ally O’Brien. This is a “pseudonym for the writing duo that includes an international author of suspense novels and a successful media agent based in London.” I am hoping there is a sequel!
July 14, 2012
Note: I received an ARC of this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers programme.[return][return]Tess Drake is a high-flying literary agent on the staff of a top entertainment agency. Sufficiently high-flying that she wants to branch out on her own, rather than continue to take a salary that's a fraction of the money she brings into the business. As the novel opens, she's just been given one final push in that direction by the death of her boss. Tess liked Lowell; she loathes Cosima, the woman who's about to take over, and the feeling's mutual. [return][return]The problem for Tess is that she's made more enemies than just Cosima along the way to success. She's left frantically trying to put together her new business without letting slip what she's doing, in the middle of the uproar generated by Lowell's death from auto-erotic asphyxiation. Oh, and then there's the police investigation into the suggestion that Lowell's death wasn't an accident, and that Tess might have had something to do with it.[return][return]It's fast, funny, and more than a little over the top. It's also unashamedly for an adult audience, as is obvious right from the first page. There is swearing and there is sex, and most of it is there for genuine plot and character development reasons. There's also a lot of acidly funny commentary on the entertainment business, with much dropping of real names to add to the realism.[return][return]Tess is often unlikeable, but she's also aware of her flaws, and there's real growth in her character during the book. She's also fiercely loyal to a few people for more than commercial reasons, and genuinely regrets the damage she's accidentally caused to relationships she valued. [return][return]The book's a blend of chick-lit and mystery, and does a good job of both, but is not going to appeal to everyone. I can see why the reviews on LibraryThing range from loathing to loving it. For me personally it was a page-turner, and while I sometimes wanted to shake some sense into Tess, by the last few chapters I very much wanted her to break free of the trap that had been laid for her. The novel is complete in itself and does have a satisfying ending, but I'd love to see what happened next. I'd gladly read a sequel to this book.[return][return]It's also available in unabridged audiobook, read by Kate Reading. There's a sample available at the Audible.com page.
January 3, 2009
This may seem a little harsh but I was asked to read three hundred pages so I believe I am entitled to my true opinion.
“Sex, drugs, and literature...”, well Sarah Ivens allow me to disagree. The only “literature” I see in this book are some pinched and misquoted lines from other literary authors. It is a “plague” not a “pox” on both your houses. The original use of plague was placed there for a reason as the word “plague” has many connotations that “pox” simply does not have. And contrary to popular belief, they are not the same.
Second, Jane Austen’s “Mr. Darcy” is nothing like the Darcy in The Agency. The only resemblance they have with one another is their name. Just by mentioning Austen in this a novel does not make it literature.
Besides my beef with her pulled lines, I also have a problem with her stereotypical and flat characters. Why does O’Brien go into such detail about each characters appearance? Well we need something to tell them apart. All the women are the same; mean girls obsessed with or contrarily detesting sex (because in reality every women’s personality revolves around these two things).
There is always a reason for everything an author does whether it was intended to be intentional or not. I find the most amusing is of course the old open with a murder trick. Followed by vulgar sexual talk, and a thirty six year old who hasn’t got over the “bleach blonde and colours in her hair” stage most women drop when they mature. To top it off she has a very masculine trait of not being able to control herself. What does all of this dog and pony show indicate? Well, a lack of writing talent that is for sure, which writers believe they can make up for with dirty words and shocking plots. We can see a deficit in writing ability when the entire book relies on a plot that does not take off until page 100 but can be wrapped up in 3.
Over all I think this is no more than another chick lit, and not a good one either, which will join the other chick lits in the five dollar bin at Wal mart in due time.
Note: two type errors I found in the novel. At one point there is an occurrence of the line “an dear friend”. I don’t recall which page this is on. Also on page 309 there is a sentence missing a word. “If you worry about everything you don’t have before (you) do something, you’ll never do anything.”
“Sex, drugs, and literature...”, well Sarah Ivens allow me to disagree. The only “literature” I see in this book are some pinched and misquoted lines from other literary authors. It is a “plague” not a “pox” on both your houses. The original use of plague was placed there for a reason as the word “plague” has many connotations that “pox” simply does not have. And contrary to popular belief, they are not the same.
Second, Jane Austen’s “Mr. Darcy” is nothing like the Darcy in The Agency. The only resemblance they have with one another is their name. Just by mentioning Austen in this a novel does not make it literature.
Besides my beef with her pulled lines, I also have a problem with her stereotypical and flat characters. Why does O’Brien go into such detail about each characters appearance? Well we need something to tell them apart. All the women are the same; mean girls obsessed with or contrarily detesting sex (because in reality every women’s personality revolves around these two things).
There is always a reason for everything an author does whether it was intended to be intentional or not. I find the most amusing is of course the old open with a murder trick. Followed by vulgar sexual talk, and a thirty six year old who hasn’t got over the “bleach blonde and colours in her hair” stage most women drop when they mature. To top it off she has a very masculine trait of not being able to control herself. What does all of this dog and pony show indicate? Well, a lack of writing talent that is for sure, which writers believe they can make up for with dirty words and shocking plots. We can see a deficit in writing ability when the entire book relies on a plot that does not take off until page 100 but can be wrapped up in 3.
Over all I think this is no more than another chick lit, and not a good one either, which will join the other chick lits in the five dollar bin at Wal mart in due time.
Note: two type errors I found in the novel. At one point there is an occurrence of the line “an dear friend”. I don’t recall which page this is on. Also on page 309 there is a sentence missing a word. “If you worry about everything you don’t have before (you) do something, you’ll never do anything.”
June 23, 2009
Tess Drake is a literary agent and the protagonist of The Agency. She’s smart, she’s good at her job, and she certainly loves talking about herself, which was the impression I got after reading this book. The Agency is a good mystery novel wrapped up in a vapid, materialistic, and soul-killing book. As I as reading through the book, there were parts where I wanted to throw it to the ground because I was afraid of how much of my soul was dying. In that aspect, the authors were good at describing the superficial lives of high-powered talent agents.
The story is told from the perspective of Tess. The first half of the book has her going on and on about her breast, her assistant’s breast, the breasts of her friends, and then her breasts some more. When Tess isn’t talking about the bodies of other women or bragging about her sexcapades, she talks about her plans to break out and start her own agency. By itself this sounds boring, but the mystery that builds from that is what makes the book.
The supporting characters in The Agency were so one-dimensional (such as drug addict brilliant writer with a tortured and haunted past and the power-hungry no-holds-barred bitch of a boss) and the main character so self-centered that it was hard to enjoy this book; there was just no redeeming character I could relate to.
Despite how much I disliked the book, I couldn’t stop reading it in the way I can’t help watching trashy reality shows. Mostly it was because I wanted to see Tess fail. I wanted her plans to go awry and wanted to see her penniless and alone. It was more than just schadenfreude. I just have no sympathy for her sense of entitlement.
If it wasn’t for the last third of the book, the apex and the huge reveal, I don’t think I could have continued reading it. It’s hard to say much without giving the mystery away, but I really was caught off guard by the reveal. That particular section of The Agency made me wish the rest of the book was better.
This isn’t the type of book I’d buy for myself, but I’m glad I got it for review. If this is what chick-lit usually is like, I now know to stay away from it. The book left me with a sense of closure in regards to the story, but it didn’t end the way I wanted it to.
The story is told from the perspective of Tess. The first half of the book has her going on and on about her breast, her assistant’s breast, the breasts of her friends, and then her breasts some more. When Tess isn’t talking about the bodies of other women or bragging about her sexcapades, she talks about her plans to break out and start her own agency. By itself this sounds boring, but the mystery that builds from that is what makes the book.
The supporting characters in The Agency were so one-dimensional (such as drug addict brilliant writer with a tortured and haunted past and the power-hungry no-holds-barred bitch of a boss) and the main character so self-centered that it was hard to enjoy this book; there was just no redeeming character I could relate to.
Despite how much I disliked the book, I couldn’t stop reading it in the way I can’t help watching trashy reality shows. Mostly it was because I wanted to see Tess fail. I wanted her plans to go awry and wanted to see her penniless and alone. It was more than just schadenfreude. I just have no sympathy for her sense of entitlement.
If it wasn’t for the last third of the book, the apex and the huge reveal, I don’t think I could have continued reading it. It’s hard to say much without giving the mystery away, but I really was caught off guard by the reveal. That particular section of The Agency made me wish the rest of the book was better.
This isn’t the type of book I’d buy for myself, but I’m glad I got it for review. If this is what chick-lit usually is like, I now know to stay away from it. The book left me with a sense of closure in regards to the story, but it didn’t end the way I wanted it to.
January 19, 2009
This was the first (and only) book I have won through Goodreads. I received it a few days ago, while I was in the middle of reading Eat Pray Love. I was not anxious to drop my book as I was thoroughly enjoying it, but I am not regretful that I did.
I found The Agency to be a great chick-lit novel. It was a fast read (I am a painfully slow reader and managed to finish this one in two evenings). I agree with some of the other reviewers about how this book had way too much sexual content in it, but I found it to be more humourous than outrageous.
The main character, Tess, was a walking disaster, always creating trouble wherever she goes. But this seems to be the theme with chick-lit novels these days (think about any of Sophie Kinsella's heroines). Some parts reminded me of Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, how he was sacked and then had to beg his clients to stay with him. I found it even more ironic that Tom Cruise played a minor character in this novel!
Just when I thought that Tess could not get herself into any more trouble, she did. I was amazed at how she got herself out of most of it by the end although I knew that it would all be solved and hunky dory by the end of the story. I can only imagine how she will prosper (or not) in running her own business.
I will definitely recommend (or lend) this book to my girlfriends who like this type of literature. It's a light read that is great for students to read when trying not to think about their looming homework (as is my case).
I found The Agency to be a great chick-lit novel. It was a fast read (I am a painfully slow reader and managed to finish this one in two evenings). I agree with some of the other reviewers about how this book had way too much sexual content in it, but I found it to be more humourous than outrageous.
The main character, Tess, was a walking disaster, always creating trouble wherever she goes. But this seems to be the theme with chick-lit novels these days (think about any of Sophie Kinsella's heroines). Some parts reminded me of Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, how he was sacked and then had to beg his clients to stay with him. I found it even more ironic that Tom Cruise played a minor character in this novel!
Just when I thought that Tess could not get herself into any more trouble, she did. I was amazed at how she got herself out of most of it by the end although I knew that it would all be solved and hunky dory by the end of the story. I can only imagine how she will prosper (or not) in running her own business.
I will definitely recommend (or lend) this book to my girlfriends who like this type of literature. It's a light read that is great for students to read when trying not to think about their looming homework (as is my case).
February 28, 2009
THE AGENCY by Ally O'Brien was a very fun book to read. I think a book about the book industry is fun to read every now and then and this one spins a nice entangled web for the reader. The book's cover definitely signals chick-lit but inside is a good mystery that I enjoyed as a dedicated mystery lover.
THE AGENCY features the sexy, daring literary agent, Tess Drake, who is likeable as your book friend but not sure you would want her as your real best friend. The book's main setting is London so I found the vocabulary was 'just right' to give it the needed English flavor. The author is a pro at developing good solid characters and describing a scene for the reader.
As a reader, I challenge myself to figure out the mystery and expect the author to slip in clues with hopes to say 'gotcha' later. Ally successfully "sprinkled" in these clues which I didn't discover until the mystery unfolded. This book was enjoyable as the author integrated current actors, actresses, authors, and books into the story as characters and comparisions. Lastly, I found myself smiling alot with the humor-filled comments and thoughts of Tess throughout the book.
For any of you that know Ally O'Brien is actually a pseudonym for a male author of a top-notch mystery suspense series then you might even appreciate this book more. Quite a Stride for him to Dial up something so different from his normal excellence! If you haven't read his other books then you are in for edge-of-your seat suspense!
Last but not least, Oprah might like this book as one of her favorites is in it! LOL
Thanks,
Mike
THE AGENCY features the sexy, daring literary agent, Tess Drake, who is likeable as your book friend but not sure you would want her as your real best friend. The book's main setting is London so I found the vocabulary was 'just right' to give it the needed English flavor. The author is a pro at developing good solid characters and describing a scene for the reader.
As a reader, I challenge myself to figure out the mystery and expect the author to slip in clues with hopes to say 'gotcha' later. Ally successfully "sprinkled" in these clues which I didn't discover until the mystery unfolded. This book was enjoyable as the author integrated current actors, actresses, authors, and books into the story as characters and comparisions. Lastly, I found myself smiling alot with the humor-filled comments and thoughts of Tess throughout the book.
For any of you that know Ally O'Brien is actually a pseudonym for a male author of a top-notch mystery suspense series then you might even appreciate this book more. Quite a Stride for him to Dial up something so different from his normal excellence! If you haven't read his other books then you are in for edge-of-your seat suspense!
Last but not least, Oprah might like this book as one of her favorites is in it! LOL
Thanks,
Mike
February 21, 2009
This book is sooo good! It will keep you entertained for HOURS, unless you can read all 316 pg in less than one hour or something.
Tess is a 36 year old literary agent working for Bardwright Agency. After her boss dies, the next person to take the "throne" is the evil Cosima, who hates Tess's guts. This is the perfect opportunity for Tess to dump that agency and start her own. But....she's got some problems.
-She's one of the major suspects/person of interest hehe
-Dorothy, the rich children's novelist, has come across a few problems of her own, which cause a lot of stress for Tess
-Oliver, Tess's suicidal writer buddy and client of Bardwright Agency, has an incredible book (according to Tess), Singularity, that no one seems to care about.
-One way of getting Singularity some publicity would be to make a film of it and Tom Cruise is the PERFECT guy for it. Problem is his agent despises Tess and will not let her get that book anywhere near him.
-Tess's ex-best friend, Saleema, is still not talking to her and may be plotting to steal even more of Tess's clients all because Tess may have slept with Saleema's fiance, well ex-fiance. She totally slept with him, in her defense the first time was not her fault.
-Tess is sleeping with a married guy, and you will not believe who his wife is.
Drama, drama, and more drama plus awesome writing makes this book awesome, so go read it! Do I need to say anything else to convince you to read it? I don't think so. But read on anyway. :D
Tess is a 36 year old literary agent working for Bardwright Agency. After her boss dies, the next person to take the "throne" is the evil Cosima, who hates Tess's guts. This is the perfect opportunity for Tess to dump that agency and start her own. But....she's got some problems.
-She's one of the major suspects/person of interest hehe
-Dorothy, the rich children's novelist, has come across a few problems of her own, which cause a lot of stress for Tess
-Oliver, Tess's suicidal writer buddy and client of Bardwright Agency, has an incredible book (according to Tess), Singularity, that no one seems to care about.
-One way of getting Singularity some publicity would be to make a film of it and Tom Cruise is the PERFECT guy for it. Problem is his agent despises Tess and will not let her get that book anywhere near him.
-Tess's ex-best friend, Saleema, is still not talking to her and may be plotting to steal even more of Tess's clients all because Tess may have slept with Saleema's fiance, well ex-fiance. She totally slept with him, in her defense the first time was not her fault.
-Tess is sleeping with a married guy, and you will not believe who his wife is.
Drama, drama, and more drama plus awesome writing makes this book awesome, so go read it! Do I need to say anything else to convince you to read it? I don't think so. But read on anyway. :D
May 9, 2013
My copy of this book has been stored on my shelf for a long time, left unopened. It was very pretty much neglected. I got the copy (a hardcover) on sale. The cover was an eye-catcher right then my impulsiveness brought the book without knowing what was it all about. When I ran out of books to read and at the same time I decided to take a break from my usual historical fiction genre, I picked it up discovering it had harbored dusts for its idleness. I gave it a chance to be read and appreciated.
It was a story about a book agent named Tess Drake and the publishing world.
Tess Drake - deal-maker, witty, a true friend, guarded but a fool when hormones call
Publishing world - a place where one can rise and fall within a blink of an eye
This book is quite erotic. In that case, it failed me because I am not a fan of erotica based novels. Neither do the crime-solving part. What saved it from my distaste was the happy ending. I am a sucker for heroines who struggled greatly but in the end receives a happy ending as a compliment. I guess the writing style is not for me. It is not the kind of book that I will brood over for days because there are no more pages left for me to read. However, it did saved me from the sadness that I bore from the last book that I've read.
P.S. You can see a lot of people from the entertainment industry mentioned here. Tess Drake being acquainted with Sienna Miller. Sean Penn laughing at Tess Drake. Tom Cruise talking over the phone with Tess Drake for a movie rights. (...and I don't know why am I including this in my review.)
It was a story about a book agent named Tess Drake and the publishing world.
Tess Drake - deal-maker, witty, a true friend, guarded but a fool when hormones call
Publishing world - a place where one can rise and fall within a blink of an eye
This book is quite erotic. In that case, it failed me because I am not a fan of erotica based novels. Neither do the crime-solving part. What saved it from my distaste was the happy ending. I am a sucker for heroines who struggled greatly but in the end receives a happy ending as a compliment. I guess the writing style is not for me. It is not the kind of book that I will brood over for days because there are no more pages left for me to read. However, it did saved me from the sadness that I bore from the last book that I've read.
P.S. You can see a lot of people from the entertainment industry mentioned here. Tess Drake being acquainted with Sienna Miller. Sean Penn laughing at Tess Drake. Tom Cruise talking over the phone with Tess Drake for a movie rights. (...and I don't know why am I including this in my review.)
November 30, 2011
En lue paljon chick-lit:iä, joten oli pitkästä aikaa hauska heittäytyä tällaisen viekkaan ja hauskan kirjan pariin. Meno oli kevyttä ja sai minut usein naurahtamaan. Tess oli mukavan terävä, vaikkakin ajautui surkeisiin tilanteisiin (useinmiten tietenkin oma-aloitteisesti). Tarina oli mielenkiintoinen ja ihanan hektinen. Ennalta-arvattavuutta ei ollut liikaa, joten lukuinto säilyi loppuun asti.
Who run the world? GIRLS!
Menestyneiden naisten epäsuoraa valtataistelua ja juonimista oli jännittävää seurata sivusta. Tessin ajatusmaailma ja letkaukset olivat riemastuttavia, mutta minua häiritsi hieman Tessin suunnaton moraalittomuus ja jatkuva alkoholista uneksiminen kiperissä tilanteissa. Plussaa ehdottomasti kiinnostavasta kirjallisuusagentuurista ja businessmaailman naisvallasta! Miinusta liian "määräilevästä" alapäästä.
"Mikään ei vedä vertoja New Yorkin katukojujen hotdogeille. Niissä maistuu sadantuhannen pakoputken noki, karkeasti jauhettu epämääräinen liha ja syöpää aiheuttavat nitriitit. Ne ovat herkullisia." (s.164)
Tuomio:
Pidin tästä! Tämä oli todellista kevennystä arkeen. Tessin leväperäisyyttä ja moraalittomuutta lukuunotamatta viihdyin ja nautin tästä seikkailunomaisesta ja jännittävän kiihkeätempoisesta hömpästä. Kiva että kerrankin päähenkilö ei ollut täysin bimbo, vaan terävä-älyinen sekä menestynyt vahva nainen.
Suosittelen feministeille ja chicklit-faneille! Sopii hyvin tylsän arjen piristykseksi tai vaikkapa kevyeksi lomapokkariksi.
Who run the world? GIRLS!
Menestyneiden naisten epäsuoraa valtataistelua ja juonimista oli jännittävää seurata sivusta. Tessin ajatusmaailma ja letkaukset olivat riemastuttavia, mutta minua häiritsi hieman Tessin suunnaton moraalittomuus ja jatkuva alkoholista uneksiminen kiperissä tilanteissa. Plussaa ehdottomasti kiinnostavasta kirjallisuusagentuurista ja businessmaailman naisvallasta! Miinusta liian "määräilevästä" alapäästä.
"Mikään ei vedä vertoja New Yorkin katukojujen hotdogeille. Niissä maistuu sadantuhannen pakoputken noki, karkeasti jauhettu epämääräinen liha ja syöpää aiheuttavat nitriitit. Ne ovat herkullisia." (s.164)
Tuomio:
Pidin tästä! Tämä oli todellista kevennystä arkeen. Tessin leväperäisyyttä ja moraalittomuutta lukuunotamatta viihdyin ja nautin tästä seikkailunomaisesta ja jännittävän kiihkeätempoisesta hömpästä. Kiva että kerrankin päähenkilö ei ollut täysin bimbo, vaan terävä-älyinen sekä menestynyt vahva nainen.
Suosittelen feministeille ja chicklit-faneille! Sopii hyvin tylsän arjen piristykseksi tai vaikkapa kevyeksi lomapokkariksi.
July 22, 2011
Tess Drake has worked hard in London's literary world as an agent for authors. She has a gorgeous apartment, a secret lover, and a client she's helped rake in millions. Then her boss winds up dead from erotic asphyxia, leaving Tess' nemesis in charge of the agency. Having kicked around the idea of starting her own agency for a few years, the timing seems right. However, everything else seems to go wrong: her biggest client, Dorothy, faces a plagiarism claim; the police seem to think Tess has something to do with the untimely death of her boss; her brilliant yet underrated client Oliver is on the brink of suicide (barring divine Tom Cruise intervention); and Tess has just blurted out the dreaded "L" word to her married lover.
Tess is a flawed character who has burned a lot of bridges. She prides herself on not worrying what others think of her, but that comes back to haunt her when she's left to face who her real friends are.
Some readers may be put off by Tess' attitude, her language and actions. I loved her. She's dirty-mouthed, she's smart, she's a hard-working dynamo. And did I mention funny? This book made me laugh a lot!
FYI, this book is a collaboration between the amazingly talented mystery writer Brian Freeman and a real literary agent. I really hope there's a follow-up book!
Tess is a flawed character who has burned a lot of bridges. She prides herself on not worrying what others think of her, but that comes back to haunt her when she's left to face who her real friends are.
Some readers may be put off by Tess' attitude, her language and actions. I loved her. She's dirty-mouthed, she's smart, she's a hard-working dynamo. And did I mention funny? This book made me laugh a lot!
FYI, this book is a collaboration between the amazingly talented mystery writer Brian Freeman and a real literary agent. I really hope there's a follow-up book!
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