There are so many historical mystery series out there now, but Maisie Dobbs remains for me the smartest and the best written. Winspear's historical detail always feels lived in (and makes me forget these books are written in the 21st century). That being said, I felt this installment fell short. I wasn't really invested in the mystery, which seemed to peter out a bit at the end, and also didn't feel emotionally invested enough in the romantic relationship. I'll definitely keep reading the series, but I wonder if Winspear isn't feeling a bit burnt out.

What a pleasure to return to the world of Maisie Dobbs, an intrepid, introspective, London-based private investigator. In the 16th novel of the series, the year is 1941, and the streets of the city are not safe. When a young boy witnesses a murder in the midst of a nighttime bombing raid, he turns to Maisie for help. As the events unfold and the motives take shape, familiar characters play pivotal roles in the plot. When personal and professional responsibilities conflict, Maisie is faced with some difficult decisions. Will she be able to live with her choices, or will their be regrets? Find out in this skillfully-woven tale by a talented author. A must-have for any historical fiction mystery collection!

Writing: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot: 3.5/5

Number 16 in the Maisie Dobbs series starts in October, 1941. As Britain is well immersed in WWII, Maisie is working with the War Office to psychologically vet potential recruits for undercover work in Nazi Germany — young, determined men and women who face low survival rates. Simultaneously, Maisie gets involved in a murder witnessed by a young (and disbelieved) boy that ties into high-level espionage with high-level allies.

I like the Maisie Dobbs series because each book moves us forward in time. Starting in the post WWI era, each installment features challenging situations that are set in the specific events of that period of history — it reminds me of one of my favorite British mystery series: Foyle’s War. Maisie is an interesting and ever-evolving character, leading an unusual investigation practice that blends psychology, forensic science, philosophy, and compassion in approaching tangled, often avoided or ignored problem knots. An appealing cast of expanding supporting characters helps set the mood and context.

SPOILER ALERT!

I cried when I finished Winspear’s newest Maisie Dobbs novel, realizing how much I’ve grown to love this hf mystery series.

GRACE
The author once said Maisie’s character came to her in “a moment of artistic grace.” All of her books — including this 16th in the series — bear that blessing.

LOVE AND HORROR
This latest beams bright with kindness, the search for truth and the healing power of family amid a horrendous time. It is 1941 in Britain, the Blitz in full force in London.

MURDER?
A young messenger, Freddie Hackett, tasked with delivering government missives across the city, often while bombs fall, witnesses a murder. The police don’t believe him because no body is found.

SEEKING MAISIE
Undaunted, Freddie goes to Miss Dobbs’ office, having delivered messages there and hoping the forensic psychologist can help.

TRIPLE THREAT
She has great empathy for the boy, traumatized by what he’s seen, the work he does, and the beatings he and his mother endure at the hands of his violent father.

SABOTAGE
Maisie attempts to uncover the truth while balancing her work with Britain’s SOE, the Secret Operations Executive Churchill founded to “set Europe ablaze” through sabotage.

DEATH
Then a body is found that looks like the victim Freddie saw. And a mysterious death occurs in an SOE camp in Scotland. Are the two related? And how can Maisie cope with her work interviewing potential SOE agents — two she knows —before approving them as Allied spies, knowing most die within three weeks in enemy territory?

ANTIDOTE
While murders and war shatter any sense of safety and fear grips Maisie’s heart, she takes strength from her extended family: her kind father and stepmother, darling adopted daughter Anna, handsome American lover Mark, loyal assistant Billy, best friend Priscilla, and the many she’s drawn close to over the years.

ADORED
Near the end, a brave character is buried, with the Welsh saying, “Roedd hi'n annwyl iawn” read at the funeral. During a later joyful event, with Maisie encircled by family, that saying could be applied to her too: “She was much loved.”

5 of 5 Stars (I’d give as many that fill the night sky if I could!)

Pub Date 23 Mar 2021

Heartfelt thanks to the author, Harper, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

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