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bethyj218's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.5
mjwestbrook's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
celiapowell's review against another edition
4.0
Despite neglecting to rip disc 9 from this lovely audio book, which caused me great distress when I realised, I still really enjoyed this lovely mystery by Jacqueline Winspear.
I'm not sure how much I'd enjoy these books reading them rather than listening to them. Part of the appeal is the gentle tones of the narrator, and so when she reads somewhat long winded descriptions of character's clothing or appearance, I am not frustrated by it. I think I might be if I was reading it to myself though. It's nice period detail, certainly, but sometimes a little baldly inserted into the narrative.
The psychic aspects of Maisie's detective/psychology practice irritate me a little - I would much prefer a mystery where Maisie doesn't feel mysteriously drawn to a particular spot in a room, or sits to meditate next to a murdered body in order to connect with the feelings of the deceased. I enjoy these books despite those aspects, rather than because of them.
I think the mystery in this book was much improved from the central mystery in Maisie Dobbs, the first book in the series - I was very intrigued. I love the way the author makes the war a central thread in these novels - not just Maisie's personal history and memories, but every character, every mystery, is connected with the war. It's really an excellent portrayal of a nation slowly recovering from such a devastating event, and the death of so many men. That's really what I love about these books - feeling like I've visited 30s England, for a little while, and all my little whinges about the story in no way detract from that enjoyment.
I'm not sure how much I'd enjoy these books reading them rather than listening to them. Part of the appeal is the gentle tones of the narrator, and so when she reads somewhat long winded descriptions of character's clothing or appearance, I am not frustrated by it. I think I might be if I was reading it to myself though. It's nice period detail, certainly, but sometimes a little baldly inserted into the narrative.
The psychic aspects of Maisie's detective/psychology practice irritate me a little - I would much prefer a mystery where Maisie doesn't feel mysteriously drawn to a particular spot in a room, or sits to meditate next to a murdered body in order to connect with the feelings of the deceased. I enjoy these books despite those aspects, rather than because of them.
I think the mystery in this book was much improved from the central mystery in Maisie Dobbs, the first book in the series - I was very intrigued. I love the way the author makes the war a central thread in these novels - not just Maisie's personal history and memories, but every character, every mystery, is connected with the war. It's really an excellent portrayal of a nation slowly recovering from such a devastating event, and the death of so many men. That's really what I love about these books - feeling like I've visited 30s England, for a little while, and all my little whinges about the story in no way detract from that enjoyment.
sraybern's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
dragonofbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
librariesandlabradors's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this next installment in the Maisie Dobbs series. The mystery was interwoven with the historical fiction side very well and I loved seeing the little hints of a romance starting… can’t wait to keep going in this series!
adoptionmom's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent read
This is the second book in the Maisie Dobbs series. I'm so glad there are many of them for me to read. I already have the third one cued up. They are the very best kind of mystery that keep me guessing till the very end.
This is the second book in the Maisie Dobbs series. I'm so glad there are many of them for me to read. I already have the third one cued up. They are the very best kind of mystery that keep me guessing till the very end.