Reviews

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

caitibeth's review against another edition

3.0

I'm torn on this book. The pacing and structure didn't work for me - the extended flashbacks in particular - and I very nearly quit the book when it became clear that the central mystery was going to be derailed by a meandering backstory, complete with Tragic Romance. I can put up with a chapter of backstory, but when it's half the novel, that's just too much. A mystery the teenage Maisie solved might have been a better choice to more organically bring her origin story into the series (and leave this Retreat mystery for the second book).

Still, despite the structural drawbacks and a consequently weak central mystery, this book was a quick, atmospheric read. I liked Maisie (despite her tendency to be both precocious and perfect, which can become annoying), and am hoping that future books in the series will focus less on backstory and flashbacks, and more on developing a compelling central case. I liked the book well enough to continue the series.

bambiann's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

fem71's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

sparklymoom's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad slow-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

3.5

A little predictable
Liked the fact that Lady Rowan stepped outside of her lane and used it to lift Maisie up
Liked the relationships developing in unexpected places Billie & Maisie

webdoyenne's review against another edition

3.0

Starting the year off with this series, on the recommendation of a friend. Engaging enough that I will stick with it for the time being.

scarletta's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

defenders_iris's review against another edition

mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was an above average detective novel - I'm a sucker for both mysteries and historical fiction but find them both to be difficult genres to truly enjoy, and this book, while not perfect, was able to do just that. Maisie is a very fun character and I'm eager to pick up the next installment to follow along with both her adventures and her personal development.

lindseyrinehart's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad tense medium-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

3.5

I think this would have worked better for me with a slightly different structure. I didn’t like that the entire middle chunk of the book was flashback/backstory. Also, I am just not drawn to war stories. I did enjoy the characters and the writing, and I think going forward I might enjoy the books more.

juniperd's review

3.0

well, i finally got around to the first book in the series. it was fine.. though i suspect the series will get stronger as it goes along.

jlwilson's review against another edition

mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25