BookOpinion

BOOKOPINION REVIEW: I would like to introduce you to Jacqueline Winspear, the author of the Maisie Dobbs novels and a winner of the coveted Agatha Award. Winspear, originally from the United Kingdom, has created a compelling, fascinating heroine in the person of Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and private investigator. Maisie’s fascinating past and gift for looking beyond the obvious quickly draw the reader into complete absorption of the story being told.

In the latest novel, “Messenger of Truth,” Maisie is confronted with a fascinating case involving Nicholas Bassington-Hope, a famous and somewhat controversial artist who is about to open his new exhibit at the famous Mayfair Gallery. Unfortunately, Nicholas insists upon creating the arrangement of his paintings by himself and in the process, falls to his death from the scaffolding that he himself built. Naturally, the police conclude that the entire incident was an accident and proceed to close the case.

Enter Georgina, famous WWI journalist of some renown, and twin to Nicholas. Dissatisfied with the police investigation, Georgina consults with Maisie Dobbs in the hope that Ms. Dobbs will be capable of identifying the murderer of her beloved brother and the motive which drove someone to such a heinous crime. When Maisie questions Georgina regarding the reasons for investigating a case that the police have closed, Georgina states that she “feels” something is wrong. She has no evidence, no obvious reason, just a feeling. Intrigued, Ms. Dobbs agrees to take on this difficult case.

This is a dark journey that Maisie has undertaken, but with her usual determination and applying her own unique method, she begins to unearth bits of information and tantalizing clues that the police may have overlooked. Was Nicholas murdered? Or is this just the cry of a bereaved family member? And why would Maisie take a case based on someone’s feelings? Is there something in Maisie’s past that has influenced her to become emotionally involved in this case?

The Maisie Dobbs novels provide a fascinating look into the dark ambiance of the late 1920s and early ‘30s of post war London. Every case is unique, extremely complex and the methods utilized by Ms. Dobbs to reach the truth are unorthodox, to say the least.

“Messenger of Truth” was not my favorite Jacqueline Winspear novel but it is certainly a great read and well worth the time spent unraveling a complicated story. I think the most enticing signature of the Jacqueline Winspear novels is the characters themselves. Be sure to begin your introduction of Maisie Dobbs with the first novel…it explains the background of Maisie in great detail and is a beautifully, crafted work. Every character is brought to light with a delicate, thoughtful hand and the stories are woven around the players in great detail.

If you are a fan of a well written, English mystery and love the flair and sophistication of the early 20th century, then you are really going to enjoy reading the Maisie Dobbs books.

– Elizabeth Channery

The audio version of this book is also available for instant download at these sites: