The Missing Agent: A Dora and Rex Mystery

Dora and Rex 1920s Mysteries #2

by Lynn Morrison

Spilled secrets, a dead spy, and a missing spymaster. When your enemies take bold action, there's no room for hesitation. London, 1922. Theodora Laurent, femme fatale and undercover spy, has spent several months training Lord Rex to be her new partner. It’s time for him to undertake his first assignment - finding out who passed along false intelligence to the Cabinet. Despite Theodora's training, the only thing Lord Rex knows for sure is his spying skills fall far short of hers. However, when London’s spymaster himself requests your help, you can’t just turn him down. As a peer of the realm, Lord Rex is the perfect person to take on the search for the loose-lipped politician. Manoeuvring amongst the elite in the halls of Parliament is well within his wheelhouse, promising to be low risk and high reward. Especially, with Theodora at his side. Or so they think… But when London’s #2 spy ends up dead, their simple assignment turns into a full-fledged murder investigation with England’s leading politicians among the suspects. Just when they think the situation can’t get any worse, someone kidnaps the spymaster. Can Theodora and Rex uncover the treacherous villain behind the murder and kidnapping before they lose their lives?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, British Literature

212 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2023

About the author

Lynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.

You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.

Reviews

[Lynn Morrison]

The Missing Agent is the second book in the Dora & Rex mysteries. Set in 1922 London, the main characters find themselves searching Parliament for a killer.

I set the book against the backdrop of a real series of political events that happened in September and October of 1922. I had a lot of fun digging into the historical record and finding interesting facts I could twist into fiction.

I hope you all enjoy the story!

[Nanette Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this cozy Brit series that has a bit of a James Bond vibe. Nobody does it like the Brits!

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent political murder mystery , with plenty of twists.

[Amanda Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for a quick easy listen. I don't know if I'll move on to the next title because I'm really tired of Dora being so beautiful men can't concentrate around her so she can do whatever she wants.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite possibly the worst character ever! Rex, a man of the British ton, veteran of war who had been on the front lines, getting sick because he saw blood?? Not a body, just some blood? He's presented as an ignorant, bumbling ninny, overwhelmed by everything. Meanwhile, Dora, who came from the same background is somehow a smart, tough, spy? Not very believable.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to back in Dora’s world of intrigue and interesting mysteries.
The pace starts quite gently, but it’s not long before things speed up a bit with the discovery of a dead body. Then bam, things really take off with a shocking occurrence - I may have woohoo’d out loud at that point! 😁 The subject of politics is one I normally cringe away from, but Ms Morrisons excellent writing - and the fact that it’s a Dora book, obvs! - drew me in and I found myself strangely (for me) fascinated by the political shenanigans back then. But I think that’s mostly because I love how well the plot of the book weaved and interwove seamlessly with the historical political goings on at that time. Or maybe . . . this really happened . . . ? 🤔🤨 Great writing.
Also love the subtle deepening of Dora and Rex’s feelings/relationship; I’d say it’s more of a slow ember than a slow burn at this point, perfect for the time period and setting. The beginnings of a natural progression from a work partnership into the potential for something more, romantically - which I have my fingers crossed for! I think they’re a-Dora-ble together 😆 couldn’t resist that! Sorry, not sorry 🤷🏼‍♀️😘 Talking of work partnership, Rex, admittedly after a bit of a wobbly start, is becoming more confidant in himself and his abilities. With Dora being Rex’s mentor, it goes without saying that he relies on her for insights and guidance, but there are subtly written signs that this may work both ways as their relationship, work and romance wise, progresses. I can see him and Dora as a formidable spy force together in the future.
And we got to see more of Inga and Harris, yeay! 😁
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, am looking forward to the next one and I’m hoping there will be many more after that ♥️

[Kenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fun continues in this one. Dora was as fabulous as in the first, while Rex took a step up in competence and general know how. Overall, a promising direction for the series.

Jotting down my mystery scorecard:

- The prose (i.e. how easily did I get into the flow of reading it): Light, airy, and with quips that brought a chuckle a chapter.

- The characters (i.e. how much did I enjoy the personalities): Still feel a bit simple at times, but things are building in the series overall.

- The criminal cleverness (i.e. how much "ooo that's smart" was there behind how the deed was pulled off): The main element here is the political setting in the halls of Westminister. The promise of political intrigue meets expectations. That said, there's nothing particularly interesting about how the murder was pulled off itself.

- The investigative cleverness (i.e. how much "ooo that's smart" was there behind how the detective figured it out): The chain of the investigation was fun to follow along as Rex and Dora hoped from conversation to conversation. There is an aha moment, but in a sense, our detectives have the answer handed to them, though it's true that they were close to figuring it out on their own.

All that to say: another evenly-rounded Victorian mystery read.

[Helen Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've not already discovered the Dora and Rex 1920s Mysteries then I suggest you hop over to Amazon now and pick up your copy of Murder, I Spy, the first on this series. The Missing Agent is book 2.

Dora has been training Lord Rex in the spy business for a while now and it's time for his first mission. And as he's a peer of the realm he's in a perfect position to find out what nefarious machinations are going on among England's politicians.

I loved his book. Rex is now finding his feet and we're getting to see a glimpse of the real Dora behind her 'cool spy' mask. There are twists and turn galore and the central mystery is engaging. Well written and lighthearted, I strongly recommend you give this series a try.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book even more than the first, if that is possible, great story, really moves along. I especially liked the weave of some historical facts woven into the story. It made it so much more interesting for me. Cannot wait for the next one. Rex, like any regular human, shows his vulnerabilities and doubts in himself, regardless of the fact that he has come through to the other side of war. One cannot be immune to blood or death, no matter how much you may have witnessed it. The fact that he shows his vulnerability makes his reactions so much more believable. Great book, well told.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A political mystery

Yes, Parliament, spies, and murder in the 1920s in London, with even a short appearance by Winston Churchill. Rex has been an apprentice spy under Dora’s tutelage, but when a spy in Parliament turns up dead, Rex must step up to fill his spot. Dora, too, has some stepping-up to do—soon or later, her parents and brother are sure to recognize her during her stay in London and that time comes. Masks drop in this installment and Rex realizes with whom he has been partnered. Intrigue and more hints of the romance that must come at some point.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Rex becomes the protege of Dora in learning the art of spying. But when they found a fellow agent dead, Rex steps into the lead and enters the House of Lords to continue the dead agent's work.

I liked that we see quite a bit of character development for Rex. His strong morality and progressive stance are becoming more evident in this book. As well as his confidence in whether he has the ingenuity to become a spy.

I'm not sure how they will resolve Dora's dual persona, but I'm very interested in finding out.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good to watch Rex and Dora’s slowly growing relationship, both business and personal. This story brings more of Dora’s family in and I enjoyed learning more about her background and her relationship with her own family. Rex is slowly learning the spy business and is thrown into politics along the way. Great characters, including Dora’s team and Rex’s grandmother. Quite a few twists and surprises fill this great mystery. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Party/A Spy/Politics/Kidnapped/Murder!

With a mission in mind to complete the task of a murdered spy, Dora & Rex put on their disguises and end up with more questions than answers. Back to the drawing board with all being fine with a night out until Dora glances her parents & brother. Mystery & intrigue in the House of Lords & Commons as Rex adds the final say- as usual without thinking!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to the first book in the series and the prequel, I thought this entry was a bit of a lightweight. The mystery was ok but I pretty much had it figured out before the reveal at the end. There were a few surprises which is why I awarded the book 4 stars (rounded up from 3.5). I think I've been spoiled by writers like Karen Baugh Menuhin, Benedict Brown and Jim Eldridge. All that said, I will still be picking up the next book in the series. Eventually.

[Erik Deckers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up one of these books on a whim just because I like 1920s cozy mysteries lately. I've liked the stories so far and am looking forward to more adventures with Rex and Theodora.

This story sees a lot of political intrigue and what looks like could be a dangerous adventure only to find it's a very polite kidnapping to get Lord Audley out of the way for a few days.

I like that Rex was able to find his spine and stand up for what was right in the face of immense peer pressure.

[Belinda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the series! I

In this story, we meet Dora’s esteemed parents and brother, Benedict. They are all strong characters who are held in the highest esteem. Rex’s grandmother is a most gracious hostess and she aids Rex and Dora in their latest escapade. We get a look into the British parliament and see the ugly underbelly. The plot is delightful and at the end of the day and the reader is primed for the next book in the series.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the this story of historical intrigue. The main and supporting characters are flamboyant, quite interesting, and endearing to the reader. The plot is easily followed and the political intrigue frankly makes me glad I have no political leanings whatsoever. I fully endorse this book and strongly recommend it.

[Stephanie Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!

What’s not to love about Dora and Rex? In addition to well-developed and engaging characters, the historical context is fascinating. I love this period of history and read a lot of books set between the wars. I learned some new things about the near involvement of Britain in the tensions between Greece and Turkey.

[Starfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this instalment a little more than Book 1 - possibly because Rex is just that little bit more competent now (although still not quite on Dora's level - I'm looking forward to them being something close to equal, and they're definitely not there yet)

Definitely enjoying it enough to keep going with the series on KU.

[A.J. Fotheringham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Dora and Rex’s adventures continue in this book and keep the reader going until the last word. The settings, historical references and the characters all combine to make this book a great read. Can’t wait for the next one in the series.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I like this series. Dora and Rex are very interesting characters. Upper class spies working for King and Country has some great draw to me, as an American. Keep 'em coming!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these Dora and Rex cozy mysteries! Background story in each book of the world as it existed at the time is very interesting. Characters are well fleshed out, dialogue between all characters is believable and also worth a chuckle at times as you read along.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

a bit different

I find that while the novel does follow many of the between-the-wars novel conventions there are just enough idiosyncrasies to make most entertaining cast of characters.

[Terri Borkgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Missing Agent
Lord Audley is kidnapped and Rex and Theodora must bring him home. Amidst the political scene of the Torres and Liberal, Lynn Morrison takes her readers through a mysterious journey and Rex and Theodora further on the journey of being spies.

[Carrie ✨ The Blinging Bibliophile✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mystery. Still enjoying the espionage aspect. Reeeealllly don't get why Rex is written as such a ninny and his hero worship of Dora is less than appealing. Dora, Inga and Harris are the team I want to follow. Maybe Rex will develop. Easy listen, well performed audio.

[Traci L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun look into the British aristocracy

In spite of the overuse of the word “vociferous,” this is an enjoyable read about the adventures of Theodora Laurent and a fun insight into the aristocracy of the past.

[Lana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was such a disappointment after the first book. Boring and nonsensical plot, plodding writing, and awkward and uninspired interactions between Rex and Dora. Hard to believe it’s the same author. Not sure what the publisher was thinking.

[Elizabeth Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still good, but a little more politics than I like.

[Peggy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story line. Can't wait to start.the next one.

[Beatrice Gleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline