Reviews

A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear

mouseczko's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

melissa_who_reads's review against another edition

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4.0

Maisie has now inherited not only her mentor's business, but now his properties -- and his allegiance to helping out the secret service (MI5?6?). She is sent to a new British college in Cambridge, as a lecturer -- the mission of the college is peace, and it attracts students from all over the world. The Intelligence community is naturally suspicious of it.

But Maisie becomes increasingly suspicious of the adherents of Herr Hitler, and her higher ups do not share her suspicions, finding them harmless. Many in the upper echelons are attracted to fascism, and find it comforting in the era between the wars, and so their eyes are closed.

Though she does solve the murder, it is almost incidental to the rest of the story.

therealkathryn's review against another edition

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3.0

3 1/2 stars

Not quite as good as some of the others in the series but still worth reading. Maisie starts doing undercover work and we start to see signs of WWII. There was a little too much going on though so no story line felt fully covered.

mrscraftalot's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

kraley's review against another edition

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3.0

These are very comfortable mysteries. I have grown fond of Maisie over the last eight books and am excited to see what lies next for her as the time draws near fir the start of WWII. England stood alone against Hitler until Pearl Harbor. I can just imagine what is in store for her. I just hope not much more heartbreak. Poor girl. I recommend this series, But don't blame me if you have a sudden craving for scones.

soniapage's review against another edition

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3.0

Chalk up one more accomplishment for amazing Maisie Dobbs - impromptu college lecturer. She's becoming more and more of a superwoman. This book was a bit slow or maybe I'm just getting bored with the series. I still plan to see it through with the last books sometime.

michellehenriereads's review against another edition

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4.0

A Lesson In Secrets was a satisfying read full of twists and layers of complexity. One of Maisie's hardest things to face is her own relationship with James Compton. She is riddled with fears unwilling to accept that happiness possible.

As always I feel saddened by the atrocities of war that continue to be revealed. Man's inhumanity to man is always shocking. We can always hope that our government will learn....

To read the full review go to http://talesuntangled.wordpress.com

meaganmart's review against another edition

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3.0

Did not enjoy this one as much as I have some of the others. It is nice to see the series pivoting away from WWI and turning to face the rising threat of Hitler and WWII. I did really enjoy the introduction of Francesca Thomas’ character and I rather hope we will be seeing more of her.

In this installment Maisie is contracted by the Brian Huntley to investigate any activities at St Francis College that may not be in the best interest of the crown. While there she stumbles across a murder that Stratton and MacFarlane investigate.

kelly93's review against another edition

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3.0

Probably my least favorite of the Maisie Dobbs series, but still a perfect nightly audiobook. 

_lilbey_'s review against another edition

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4.0

I recognize I have the benefit of 20/20 hindsight out here, but Huntley is an idiot for thinking the Nazis are innocuous.