Reviews

A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear

eososray's review against another edition

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4.0

As I finally start finishing a few of the series I've got started, I think I'm going to be running out of things to say about the later books, like this one.
I'm curious how the author will eventually decide on what Maisie's romantic life will be. Whether she will ever settle down or if she'll stay single forever. I'm rather enjoying the fact that Maisie is putting her career first, as I'm sure quite a few women of the time had to do for lack of any other choice, but Maisie is doing on purpose.
It's a great series and I look forward to the next.

sognatrice1979's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

juliapr's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative mysterious medium-paced

4.0

afox98's review against another edition

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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

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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.

lindasdarby's review against another edition

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3.0

I love Maisie Dobbs. Always a fun read.

orygunn's review against another edition

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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 against another edition

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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

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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

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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