Author: Jacqueline WinspearGenre: Historical MysteryPublished: 2006Personal Rating: 4/5Yearly Count: 114
Maisie Dobbs, psychologist/private investigator, is asked by Georgiana Bassington-Hope to investigate the death of her twin brother, Nick. Nick was a remarkable artist, and his death came on the night before he was to unveil his long-awaited masterpiece. Maisie takes the case and begins gathering information to deduce if there was any foul play involved in Nick's death.
Messenger of Truth sounds like a simple who-dun-it, but in general, the Maisie Dobbs books contain much more depth than that. Winspear portrays the essence of London, post WWI, through the social classes, the aftermath of the war, life and death, Maisie's relationships, etc. She incorporates several aspects into the novel to bring that era to life. I enjoyed all the content surrounding the mystery almost more than the mystery itself. This was another very good read.
This sounds quite good. I love books set in this time period. I keep saying this but I need to set myself up a challenge just to get some of my historical fiction read. Thanks for the great review Joy.
ReplyDeleteI've only read the first 2. I really need to get back to this series.
ReplyDeleteI love a good British mystery and I've never heard of this series before. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I have read the first two and loved them. I need to get back to the series. I have all but the latest on Mt Git'r'Read keeper shelf.
ReplyDeleteDar ~ The first book in this series is all about Maisie growing up, so you get the background from which she came which bleeds into every book thereafter.
ReplyDeleteI usually like thrillers and fast-paced books, but this series is very subtle, quiet and reflective, yet with much meaning and purpose. I really enjoy them. However, I do know myself, so I need to be in the right kind of mood to read/listen to a Maisie Dobbs book. Oh yes, there is a component that I mentioned in my other book thoughts - the psychic/super natural aspect. I don't care for it, but it isn't "in your face" at all. (Sorry, I'm very talkative this morning!)
Tanabata ~ I love your photography! (Just thought I'd let you know.) :) I'm pleased to say that I think this series for the most part stays in the realm of "very good".
DebD ~ Oh! I think you'd really like this then. Like I said above, the mysteries are what propels the book, but it's very character driven. Does that make sense? :) Anyway, start at the beginning because Maisie's experiences are gently incorporated into later reads.
Vickie ~ I have surprised myself at how much I have enjoyed them. Hurry and catch up! :)
I have heard about this series but have yet to read one of the books. I love that era, so I don't know what I'm waiting for! Could you tell me which is the first in the series?
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about this series but I haven't read any of them yet.
ReplyDeleteGentle Reader ~ Maisie Dobbs is the title of the first one in the series. It's a very good hook-book. :)
ReplyDeleteLadytink_534 ~ If you like quiet sort of books/mysteries, then you probably would like it.