Maisie Dobbs / Jacqueline Winspear

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

I am currently reading, Messenger of Truth A Maisie Dobbs Novel, the 4th book in the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. Set in England following WW I this is more than just a mystery series as Winspear examines the long lasting effects the war has had on those who fought in the war and those who waited at home.

Reviewers have compared this series to books by Dorothy Sayers with a bit of Upstairs Downstairs. I am really enjoying the series.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads]

I've read the first four of these - all this year, I think.

I liked the first three very much indeed, and the fourth one not quite so much, although it was still good.

I think there are several more in the series I haven't read, though.

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

I finished Messenger of Truth and did enjoy it. Winspear continues to develop the characters of Maisie and Billy and quietly explores the lack of health care for the poor and the healing powers of art.

I am looking forward to An Incomplete Revenge the next in the series.

[Vicki]

I ordered the first one through paperbackswap. They look interesting and I can't wait to start reading.

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

Hi Vicki, Do let us know what you think of Maisie after you read it.

[Janice]

Hi Vicki, I have read all the Jacqueline Winspear books and I adore Maisie can't wait for the next book. Has anyone read Alexander McCall Smith "The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency" series?

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

Hi Janice,

Yes, a number of us are big fans of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. There is a thread about them in the Cozy Mysteries folder.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads]

Yes, I like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books.

[Vicki]

Ok, the first one just came in the mail and I read the first two chapters. I have a good feeling about these books:)

[Nancy]

I have read all of the Maisie novels and I have found them fascinating. I love Maisie's attitude toward the investigation. One of my favorites is in the first novel when the husband asks Maisie to follow his wife - and Maisie makes it a part of the investigation to know how the husband will deal with and use the information that she discovers. The relationships in the books are wonderful - I found the first "mystery" in the first novel a bit over the top - but that part of the story line was secondary to the characters and the exploration of post WWI London and England.

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

Over the weekend I started An Incomplete Revenge the 5th Maisie Dobbs and as usual I am enjoying it very much.

[[deleted user]]

I've read, I think, the first 3 of the Dobbs series, and enjoyed them. It's been a while though.

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

I finally finished An Incomplete Revenge and I think it was the best of the series - so far - as they seem to get better and better as they go along.

[Joyce]

I really enjoy the Maisie Dobbs series; as a 'fix' between the Dobbs' books, I've started James R. Benn's Billy Boyle series set in England--WW II and enjoy them. Charles Todd's Ian Rutledge has also been recommended, so I've checked out the first in the series from my local library.

[Jan C]

I enjoy Charles Todd's Ian Rutledge series. I am about to start the sixth book, A Fearsome Doubt. There are about 4-5 more. And a new one is supposed to be coming out in January. I believe he may be starting another one about a WWI nurse.

Charles Todd was a son and mother writing team but I don't know if she is still writing with him or not.

[Donna, Co-Moderator]

I just noticed that a new Maisie Dobbs is being released. The Mapping of Love and Death is due out in April. I can't wait.

[Rosemary]

Donna wrote: "I just noticed that a new Maisie Dobbs is being released. The Mapping of Love and Death is due out in April. I can't wait."

Donna, I just ordered The Mapping of Love and Death last night. I'm looking forward to reading it, too!

[Vera]

Just finished the Mapping of Love and Death. I think I like Maisie's personal life better than the mysteries. Can't wait for the next book.

[[deleted user]]

Maisie is new to me, just ordered my #1 copy for the upcomming GroupRead. Who knows, I might become a fan..

[[deleted user]]

New to me too, Laura. I'm sure I will become a fan.