What do readers think of A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear? Write your own review.

A satisfying read as always! Jacqueline Winspear's new Maisie Dobbs mystery finds Maisie working for the British Secret Service on a matter concerning the Queen's best interest. The story takes place in the early 1930's as Adolph Hitler and his Nazi party are coming to power in Germany and beginning to raise the interest of Her Majesty's Secret Service. There are several subplots; in fact, almost too many--as Maisie drives her little MG between London and Cambridge and Ipswich and Eltham and Chelstone and back to London. However, by the end of the story, answers are found to some secrets, but leaving others unanswered and, thus, a new story.

In this moderately good between-the-wars series installment, it's now the summer of 1932, and intrepid psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs has just been recruited by the British Secret Service. On assignment at Cambridge University, Maisie continues to filter and consider the enormous sociological changes happening in England and in the world at that time, while solving a serviceable mystery involving the questionable loyalties of eccentric academia. Her career now flourishing and headed in a new direction, loyal readers may wonder where Maisie's personal relationships are headed.

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.

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.

It's 1932 and the British Secret Service enlists Maisie Dobbs for her first undercover assignment. She is sent to a small university in Cambridge to teach psychology. And she soon encounters a murder. This is the 8th in a series featuring Maisie Dobbs as she struggles to establish herself as a professional woman in the period between the two world wars. This book can stand alone and will appeal to all readers of English mysteries of this period. But after an introduction to Maisie you will want to learn more about her and will probably seek out the first book in the series. Along the way you will also learn a great deal about the history of the period.

This whole series just gets better and better, and this installment is particularly satisfying on many levels. Maisie Dobbs is a great character, and the era of pre-WWII England provides a perfect backdrop for her professional and personal development. The book works well as a whodunnit, but it's also interesting to watch her struggle to find her place socially, as an intelligent and independent woman. It's also a nifty piece of historical fiction. Thumbs up!

"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.

This was a very entertaining mystery story. Maise Dobbs is a great character. Her fans will not be disappointed in latest adventure. Even though this book takes place in 1932, Maise is a very modern, independent woman. And she even
uses meditation to help her solve crimes. It's fun to read about her.