afox98's review against another edition
3.0
Maisie is undercover teaching at a university built on the premise that peace is the only way to go after WW I. Looking for any activity "against the best interests of The Crown," she investigates the principal's death, learns about some English students joining the nascent Nazi party and supporting its cause, and uncovers betrayal in the ranks. Slower plot than most of these books, but I appreciated the history of women in the intelligence community of WW I and the info about some Brits supporting the ideals of the Nazi party.
romonko's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This, the eighth the book in this long-running series, is a a little different than the previous books. In this story Maisie finds herself working for Special Branch instead of for herself. It is the summer of 1932, and England is still reeling from the War to End All Wars, and is trying to get itself ready for the future. But Hitler is already rattling his sabre in Germany, and, although the powers that be in England do not think it's much to worry about, there is a lot of uncertainty In England at this time, especially among the young, idealistic students of colleges and universities in England. Maisie is recruited by Special Branch to investigate a small college in Cambridge which is known for its peace and tranquitility dogma as an alternative to the upheaval and uncertainty of just a few years ago. She arrives at the St. Francis College as an interim lecturer and finds herself drawn into the the scholarly life and she enjoys herself with the students who are all eager to learn. But the undercurrents at the College, and the history of the Principal, begin to cause an uproar within the ranks. And while she's there a murder happens. Maisie has to tread lightly in order to not reveal her real reason for being there, but she can't help herself from getting involved in the murder investigation. It's been awhile since I revisited Maisie Dobbs, and I enjoyed getting back into her world. I need to continue on with her story.
orygunn's review against another edition
3.0
The mysteries were much less complex here and focused more on story, which is fine but left out the spark of Maisie working through a complex problem.
andrea_lievertz's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ajrenshaw99's review against another edition
5.0
I love the Maisie Dobbs character--very independent. The stories take place between WWI and WWII, and I always learn something interesting.
kayceeskidmore's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mjsteimle's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining enough, although I felt like the whodoneit was quite obvious this time. Either I'm getting better at figuring out these mysteries or this one wasn't as complex. I feel like this book was basically just setting things up for the next book. Also, I'm liking Maisie less and less. Her unwillingness to get close to people was understandable in the first couple of books, but by now she just needs to get over herself already.
chelsea_elyse's review against another edition
4.0
I love Maise and all these books. I had a harder time keeping these characters straight, but regardless, lovely.
roshk99's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent read, Maisie Dobbs is a competent and enjoyable main character and her keen perception allows her to solve even the most puzzling mystery