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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
This was recommended by a reading group, and I can see the attraction. Well-written, engaging, and entertaining, with three-dimensional characters.
Lots of good history and social commentary. For those who like their mysteries with a tinge of the past, and a look at the future of that time. Puts things in perspective.
Ends with a hope for happiness, but we the reader, with our knowledge of what is to come, shudder at the fate of those involved.
As the main character is so worthy, I'll likely go through the series from the start.
Lots of good history and social commentary. For those who like their mysteries with a tinge of the past, and a look at the future of that time. Puts things in perspective.
Ends with a hope for happiness, but we the reader, with our knowledge of what is to come, shudder at the fate of those involved.
As the main character is so worthy, I'll likely go through the series from the start.
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
3.5 stars
It is 1932 in this book and Maisie is tasked with being a teacher/spy at a college that appears to teach the practice of peaceful resistance. The British government suspects there is more than meets the eye with this establishment and it turns out, there is, but not quiet the way they expect.
Times are changing and not just for Maisie and the people around her. Being on the other side of history when this book was written means that we know what happens in the upcoming years, but our characters don't. If you remove that knowledge from your brain while reading this, you will find that it is interesting how attuned Maisie is to "feelings" and that she senses that things can go very wrong if certain groups/people are not taken seriously.
I don't know when or where the next book takes us, but we are slowly creeping towards the beginning of WWII and I'm interested to see how this will affect, not just the daily lives of these characters, but how Maisie will handle it, having lived through the WWI.
It is 1932 in this book and Maisie is tasked with being a teacher/spy at a college that appears to teach the practice of peaceful resistance. The British government suspects there is more than meets the eye with this establishment and it turns out, there is, but not quiet the way they expect.
Times are changing and not just for Maisie and the people around her. Being on the other side of history when this book was written means that we know what happens in the upcoming years, but our characters don't. If you remove that knowledge from your brain while reading this, you will find that it is interesting how attuned Maisie is to "feelings" and that she senses that things can go very wrong if certain groups/people are not taken seriously.
I don't know when or where the next book takes us, but we are slowly creeping towards the beginning of WWII and I'm interested to see how this will affect, not just the daily lives of these characters, but how Maisie will handle it, having lived through the WWI.
I acquired A Lesson in Secrets through a first reads giveaway.
I had been intending to read the Maisie Dobbs series for a while. I am not a stickler for reading a series in order, but I am trying to be better about starting at the beginning. With that said, I was thrilled to win this book - the eighth in the series - and read it right away!
I very much enjoyed the historical setting, references to the war and the strong female characters that Jacqueline Winspear has created. I am quite eager to go back and begin with the first book in the series, although I suspect a few things have been spoiled for me by reading book eight first.
This is a light, intelligent mystery. Highly recommended!
I had been intending to read the Maisie Dobbs series for a while. I am not a stickler for reading a series in order, but I am trying to be better about starting at the beginning. With that said, I was thrilled to win this book - the eighth in the series - and read it right away!
I very much enjoyed the historical setting, references to the war and the strong female characters that Jacqueline Winspear has created. I am quite eager to go back and begin with the first book in the series, although I suspect a few things have been spoiled for me by reading book eight first.
This is a light, intelligent mystery. Highly recommended!
Listened to on audiobook. I read this one because it was available through my local library. I did enjoy it, and will be continuing to read this series (starting with the first book this time!)
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I like Maisie's journey; the looming second world war was very present in this one. Trouble ahead!
Winspear’s 8th outing with her continuing sleuth Maisie Dobbs, who’s a spunky young PI in England between WWI and WWII. This time, Maisie is undercover in a college when the principal is murdered. Dobbs then reveals her true identity as a detective and begins to solve the crime.
adventurous
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced