A Lesson in Secrets
I am a huge fan of the Maisie Dobbs series. Winspear writes beautifully about British life post-WWI. The characters are well-developed, and you learn about the trauma the war caused throughout the country. The mysteries are intended to stand alone, but I would highly recommend that they be read in the order written.
This book starts a transition from post-WWI life to pre-WWII, and the on-going characters have the beginnings of major changes in their professional and personal lives. I recommend the book, but thought some of the minor storylines in it detracted from the main story. I look forward to the next in the series.
Rated of 5
by Patricia F. (Stony Brook, New York)
A Cup of Tea, a Tapestry and Maisie Dobbs...
To quote our Maisie Dobbs...."She often thought of the early stages of an investigation as something akin to working a tapestry.." Picture the development and working of a tapestry and seeing meticulous labor and utmost care going into creating an important work of art. What a wonderful metaphor for a Maisie Dobbs novel! Maisie is an accomplished, capable investigator who is conducting intelligence work for the Crown. Maisie secures a job as an instructor at St. Francis College and in her undercover role, investigates the murder of Dr. Grenville Liddicote, principal of the school. This is classic Winspear at her best..peeling back the layers of the investigation with the professionalism and class expected of the time period.
Having read only two Maisie Dobbs' novels in the past, it was refreshing and welcoming to revisit Maisie and look ahead to more. It should be noted that enough information is included in each novel that each can be appreciated as a stand alone piece of work. A highly regarded addition to the series, A Lesson in Secrets will be read in one sitting.
Rated of 5
by David L. (Celebration, FL)
Another winner for Winspear's "Maisie Dobbs"
"Lesson in Secrets" is the 8th novel in the "Maisie Dobbs" mystery series. Jacqueline Winspear has a gift for capturing the look and feel of England between the two World Wars. Her characters -- some of whom, like Maisie, appear in all of the novels -- are fully fleshed out. Like the other novels in the series, "A Lesson in Secrets" is well-organized, intelligent, thought-provoking. A very good read.
Rated of 5
by Vy A. (Phoenix, AZ)
A Lesson in Secrets
A Lesson is Secrets, Jacqueline Winspear’s eighth novel featuring psychologist-investigator Maise Dobbs will not disappoint her fans who have come to expect a story that is rich in historical details (England, 1932), as well as a study of human nature as seen through Maise’s astute observations of peoples’ actions and behaviors. What appeals to me in the Maise Dobbs’ series is not only how she solves crimes but how she struggles with aspects of everyday life and the people she loves—her employees, her aging father, her romantic interest, James. My favorite quote from this book is “Secrets and lies always go together” and as the title implies, there are many secrets to explore. I also like that the Maise series moves forward in time and she too changes with the times and events in her life. If you are new to the series, you can still appreciate this story on its own. I can almost guarantee, however, you’ll want to read books one through seven while waiting for number nine.
Rated of 5
by Grace S. (Harrison Township, MI)
Another Engaging Maisie Dobbs Novel!
In A Lesson in Secrets, Maisie Dobbs continues to evolve both professionally and personally. Within the backdrop of World Wars I and II, Maisie skillfully unravels a tangle of multi-layered, intriguing, and puzzling events and in the process, thoroughly engages and satisfies the reader.
Rated of 5
by Fran Tessmer- formerly at San Diego Public Library
Reflection at Cambridge
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, the latest in the Maisie Dobbs series. More than some of the preceding novels, this one is quiet and reflective in tone, perhaps to accompany the more introspective tone of a university. Maisie, of course, is the central character and it is her intelligence, her temperament, and her insights which the author focuses us on. All of the other characters, while adding interest, and in most cases, being necessary to the plot's development, are secondary to Maisie. So it is that we see Maisie fully confident in her new professional duties, while still not ready to make important personal commitments. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes character driven, historical mysteries set in England, particularly those set between World War I and World War II. In addition, this book, or the series as a whole, could easily be used for discussion by a book club.
Rated of 5
by Elly M. (Roswell, NM)
A Lesson in Secrets
Maisie Dobbs is a treat - an endearing protagonist - and her adventures in "Secrets" were ambitious and fun to read.
Having read only the first in the series prior to this most recent, I was afraid "Secrets" might not stand alone. Unfounded fear, for it does indeed. It is a fast moving story wherein Maisie's new assignment with the British Secret Service adds yet another dimension to her active life, leaving the door open, I suspect, for more challenges and adventures in this charming series.
It is a joy to read Jacqueline Winspear's writing. She carries you through her novels in a manner that is guaranteed to capture your interest.
Finally, I would like to add, it is especially refreshing to read a novel written in impeccable English - totally void of sentences ending in a preposition!
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of 5
by Lori (Wayland, MA)
