Set between the World Wars in Britain, this is the 8th Maisie Dobbs novel penned by Jacqueline Winspear. This was my first thanks to an ARC from Goodreads, and I was concerned that the story would not stand alone. I was wrong, as the characters were fully developed, their relationships melded, and the timeframe one of my favorite in history. Intrigue, murder, and foreshadowing of the upcoming rise of Hitler and his utopianism make for a gripping tale especially knowing the consequences. The author's tone and foreshadowing is more than effective in creating suspense. I have discovered a new author and will read more of the series. Very good, indeed.