The only thing I didn't care for with this book is that Winspear started with the mystery, then gave Maisie's back story for the second third of the book, then went back to the mystery. I loved the setting (England and France during and just after World War I) and the odd little insightful observations on the psychology of the mind. The character of Maisie Dobbs completely won me over. An intelligent woman from the lower class making her mark on the world. Winspear didn't allow Maisie to be a martyr, either. I loved that other female characters would call Maisie out when she was wearing her difficult life as a badge of honor. The subject matter was pretty intense, but the writing was somehow light. Maybe just light compared to the last book I read? Either way, very enjoyable.