I acquired A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear through a first reads giveaway.
I had been intending to read the Maisie Dobbs series for a while. I am not a stickler for reading a series in order, but I am trying to be better about starting at the beginning. With that said, I was thrilled to win this book – the eighth in the series – and read it right away!
I very much enjoyed the historical setting, references to the war and the strong female characters that Jacqueline Winspear has created. I am quite eager to go back and begin with the first book in the series, although I suspect a few things have been spoiled for me by reading book eight first.
This is a light, intelligent mystery. Highly recommended!
Description:
In the summer of 1932, Maisie Dobbs’ career goes in an exciting new direction when she accepts an undercover assignment directed by Scotland Yard’s Special Branch and the Secret Service. Posing as a junior lecturer, she is sent to a private college in Cambridge to monitor any activities “not in the interests of His Majesty’s Government.”
When the college’s controversial pacifist founder and principal, Greville Liddicote, is murdered, Maisie is directed to stand back as Detective Chief Superintendent Robert MacFarlane and Detective Chief Inspector Stratton spearhead the investigation. She soon discovers, however, that the circumstances of Liddicote’s death appear inextricably linked to the suspicious comings and goings of faculty and students under her surveillance.
To unravel this web, Maisie must overcome a reluctant Secret Service, discover shameful hidden truths about Britain’s conduct during the war, and face off against the rising powers of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei—the Nazi Party—in Britain.
A pivotal chapter in the life of Maisie Dobbs, A Lesson In Secrets marks the beginning of her intelligence work for the Crown. As the storm clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Maisie will confront new challenges and new enemies—and will engage new readers and loyal fans of this bestselling mystery series.
