“A female investigator every bit as brainy and battle-hardened as Lisbeth Salander.” — Maureen Corrigan, NPR’s Fresh Air, on Maisie DobbsSunday September 3rd 1939. At the moment Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain broadcasts to the nation Britain’s declaration of war with Germany, a senior Secret Service agent breaks into Maisie Dobbs’ flat to await her return. Dr. Francesca Thomas has an urgent … Dobbs’ flat to await her return. Dr. Francesca Thomas has an urgent assignment for Maisie: to find the killer of a man who escaped occupied Belgium as a boy, some twenty-three years earlier during the Great War.
In a London shadowed by barrage balloons, bomb shelters and the threat of invasion, within days another former Belgian refugee is found murdered. And as Maisie delves deeper into the killings of the dispossessed from the “last war,” a new kind of refugee — an evacuee from London — appears in Maisie’s life. The little girl billeted at Maisie’s home in Kent does not, or cannot, speak, and the authorities do not know who the child belongs to or who might have put her on the “Operation Pied Piper” evacuee train. They know only that her name is Anna.
As Maisie’s search for the killer escalates, the country braces for what is to come. Britain is approaching its gravest hour — and Maisie could be nearing a crossroads of her own.
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Interesting historical mystery and a strong female lead, which I always enjoy.
Always good mystery
Didn’t see that ending coming…..
I love EVERY Maisie Dobbs book!
Really like this series.
This series is consistently very readable, full of great period detail – a very satisfying read.
Maisy Dobbs is the best
I love the Maisie Dobbs stories. She is an independent woman in a time when few were able to be. She plays by her own rules and creates the life she wants for herself. She is smart, courageous and unafraid. I wish I were more like her.
Excellent tale within WWII Paris with Historical accuracy.
While I enjoyed the book, I think I needed to know the history of the characters interaction. It was not a page turner.
Winspear guides the reader “through” Dobbs’ thinking. What a treat!
I have read all of the novels in this series. Each one is excellent. The depth of the characters and the historical surroundings are amazing. I would recommend starting with the very first book.
I enjoy the Masie Dobbs books, however this is not my favorite. Still loved it. Interesting take of personal lives of Belgium resistance kids after WWI ended. Always interesting to get a view of British life between the two world wars
Loved it! Will read more of her writing!
Have read all of the Maisie Dobbs series. Always worthwhile.
Loved it – love all the Maisie Dobbs books!
Love the combo nation of historical insights and the who dunnit. Would have given 5 but her prose sometimes makes following the characters confusing.
I love the Maisie Dobbs mysteries. They are so entertaining without being crude or gory. No nasty language.
I have always loved all of Jacqueline Windspear’s Mazie Dobbs books. I learn something about history from each one and her characters are so real to me. I find myself wishing I could be a part of Mazie’s world.
I love these books they are a break from the other cozies I like to read.