Maisie Dobbs (Book 1) Summary and Reviews

Maisie Dobbs (Book 1)
by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs (Book 1)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Jacqueline Winspear
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-05-25
ISBN: 0142004332
Number of pages: 294
Publisher: Penguin Books

Book Reviews of Maisie Dobbs (Book 1)

Book Review: "The extraordinary hides behind the camouflage of the ordinary."
Summary: 5 Stars

When I picked this Agatha Award Winner for First Novel to read I was expecting a great cozy mystery, but I was dead wrong. I got much, much more! This is a book that is part mystery, part saga, part historical novel and part romance, and all the different pieces are blended masterfully, yielding a compelling read.

As a result of the characteristics of this book the "pure mystery reader" may be disappointed. However, those not in this category have much to gain by reading this novel. One of the most impressive accomplishments of the author in this work is that the main character, Maisie Dobbs, comes to life and we feel like we understand her motivations and actions in a very short time. This is hard to do in a mystery series, and the unusual tenor of this book makes it possible.

The way in which the author portrays World War I and the effect it had on the citizens of England is engrossing and enlightening. Winspear uses the right amount of detailed information to convey her point without going overboard. Then, there is also the aspect that has to do with the social classes in England during that time and the way in which they interacted. This provided an almost "high-end soap opera" aspect to parts of the story, but without falling into trite terrain.

Overall, this was a surprisingly wonderful read and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

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