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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
These are great audio reads... Enjoy Maisy Dobbs; however, I found her character quite the "busybody" in this one. Of course Winspear makes nearly all those she is "saving" grateful beyond imagining.
As I've noted before, I enjoy using my role as a Harper Collins reviewer (free books!!) to explore books I might not pick up on my own. I don't tend to "do" much in the mystery/detective realm, especially the serials. I read some as a teen but I guess I got snobby about them somewhere along the lines. I did enjoy this return to the realm. It was mind-candy with a little bit of added bonus in that it did have some compelling undercurrents.
A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear is the eighth in a series of mystery stories featuring a woman detective. I haven't read any of the prior books but that didn't pose much of a problem beyond a little trouble with names that regulars would likely recognize. This novel takes place between WWI and WWII and is clearly also a transition point for Maisie who has lost a mentor, gained a suitor, and is moving ahead in a solo career. She is asked by assorted British personnel to keep an eye on a college that they worry may have goings-on that threaten the national interests and becomes more deeply involved when a murder occurs during her stay. There is also a second mystery involving a friend and some general development on the personal front.
The college matters were fairly interesting. I was more drawn to the portrayal of the underlying climate, including the uncertainty of how to react to the advance of Hitler and his teachings. The book suggests this threat was largely overlooked and hints at how the teachings had appeal for the generation that followed WWI. The personal story and the second mystery were a bit more lost on me. I suspect they might hold more interest more a real Maisie follower.
I'll go with 3 of 5 stars....again, I'm a tough rater and that's a "good, but not great" from me and partly a reflection of the genre rather than the novel itself.
A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear is the eighth in a series of mystery stories featuring a woman detective. I haven't read any of the prior books but that didn't pose much of a problem beyond a little trouble with names that regulars would likely recognize. This novel takes place between WWI and WWII and is clearly also a transition point for Maisie who has lost a mentor, gained a suitor, and is moving ahead in a solo career. She is asked by assorted British personnel to keep an eye on a college that they worry may have goings-on that threaten the national interests and becomes more deeply involved when a murder occurs during her stay. There is also a second mystery involving a friend and some general development on the personal front.
The college matters were fairly interesting. I was more drawn to the portrayal of the underlying climate, including the uncertainty of how to react to the advance of Hitler and his teachings. The book suggests this threat was largely overlooked and hints at how the teachings had appeal for the generation that followed WWI. The personal story and the second mystery were a bit more lost on me. I suspect they might hold more interest more a real Maisie follower.
I'll go with 3 of 5 stars....again, I'm a tough rater and that's a "good, but not great" from me and partly a reflection of the genre rather than the novel itself.
Not my favorite Maisie Dobbs -- but still enjoyable. I'm interested in the oncoming threat of WWII as it pertains to Maisie's work, I just hope the "adventure" next time around is slightly less dry.
Fun, light mystery. Not necessary to have read the previous in the series, but now I want to go back and find out the history of some of the characters. Great narrator.
The Maisie Dobbs mystery series is a favorite (although I don't usually read mystery novels). I appreciate that Jacqueline Winspear is allowing Maisie to grow as a woman and investigator in response to larger political and social changes rather than keep her as a static character reacting to her war experience. Can't wait to see how Winspear manages Maisie and World War II!
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Alongside other novels in the franchise, this one feels quite flat and forgettable. Still not an awful book. Hence three stars but its just not as "Maisie Dobbs" -y
Another great Maisie Dobbs! Looking forward to reading book 9. Wish she would commit to James!
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Maisie is asked to work undercover in this story. She is ferreting out sedition at a college in Cambridge. Then there is a death. This has all the charmingly quiet detecting found on the other Maisie Dobbs books. It was quite pleasant.