an adventure in reading: BOOK: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

BOOK: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear, 292 pages

Historical Mysteries; 4 Month Challenge: Proper name in title; 30s Mini-Challenge(it's set in 1929, but has the spirit of the 1930s)

I've been slow to jump on the Maisie Dobbs train, and I am of two minds. On the one hand, I've been missing this wonderful character and beautiful writing. On the other hand, there are seven more books in the series to discover, so I have that to look forward to.

Maisie Dobbs, a female private investigator slash psychologist, sets up shop in 1929 London. The mystery was slight in this first novel, as much time was spent on the back story of Maisie as a child, and during her time in World War I in France. But the mystery tied in with the flashbacks, and I was on the edge of my seat at one moment. Maisie had a most unique educational experience, and she is as much a psychologist as an investigator. Just a delightful novel all around.

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charley · 778 weeks ago

I've been craving a good mystery, so I'll add this one to my list. I like mysteries that involve a bit of psychology.

1 reply · active 778 weeks ago

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raidergirl3 91p · 778 weeks ago

It was a great read. I like British mysteries, and there is the whole ww1 aspect. Maisie is wonderful character. Hope you like it!

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Marg · 778 weeks ago

I have been reading another series with a similar setting so I have been resisting this series, but I really do want to read it at some point.

2 replies · active 778 weeks ago

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raidergirl3 91p · 778 weeks ago

What's the similar series? It was every bit as delightful as every review of Maisie you've ever seen and it will still be there when you get to it!

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Marg · 778 weeks ago

The series I have been reading is the Phryne Fisher series by Kerry Greenwood. It is set in the late 1920's in Melbourne, Australia and features a young socialite turned amateur detective.

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jennysbooks 89p · 778 weeks ago

1930s challenge! I have to be in a particular mood to read a new historical mystery, so I haven't read Maisie Dobbs yet. But it sounds great! I love flashbacks. :)

1 reply · active 778 weeks ago

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raidergirl3 91p · 778 weeks ago

almost 1930s challenge. Most of the book is flashback, and setting up the rest of the series, but I still enjoyed it.
I'm nearly always in the mood for a mystery, historical or not.

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Nan · 778 weeks ago

I love these books and am currently reading the latest in the series! I don't really think of them as mysteries, though that's the category they're in.

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suziqoregon 17p · 777 weeks ago

I've been doling out this series to myself slowly. I have the 4th one out from the library right now. I enjoy the fact that in addition to Maisie and the mystery du jour, it also tells the story of the time and place. They're such enjoyable period piece. I haven't read much historical fiction about this time period or place so it's quite interesting.