Play Book Tag discussion

2.5 stars

In 1929, Masie Dobbs is opening up a detective agency and gets her first case. It’s not long before she solves this one, then the book takes us back in time to when she was younger and had to take a job as a servant, where she was not only treated well, but she was helped with an education. Then WWI hit, and she became a nurse.

This might not be a great summary, as I listened to the audio and missed much of it. I was interested at the start, then sort of missed the going back in time (although it did say the year at the start and I sort of wasn’t thinking, as I do – vaguely – recall hearing the new date). From there to the end of the book, what I paid attention to was patchy.

I was somewhat interested again for part of her time during the war. There were very few characters that I remembered who they were when mentioned again later in the book, though. I did like Simon and Maisie’s relationship with her father, Frank. They are pretty much the only other characters I remember (oh, and Lady Rowan – Maisie’s employer when she was a servant). I got the idea that there was another mystery at the end of the book, but I really had no clue what was going on there – apparently (based on other reviews), there was a murder – I had no idea! See how much I missed!? Although it’s considered a mystery, there is next to no time spent on a mystery in the book. Needless to say, I will not be continuing the series.

Sorry you didn't like this one more. I enjoyed the "upstairs/downstairs" aspect of Maisie's personal story and how she used new ideas of psychology and Eastern philosophy. The mystery itself is always the least interesting part of mysteries for me - I like the sense of time and place. This series usually related to the aftermath of WWI. I don't remember a murder in the end but there was a twist about the man she had loved during the war.

I liked the series until it took a dark turn in some of the characters' personal lives, maybe 6 books in. And then because time was passing, she ended up in the recent books in WWII and I can NOT read any more books with Nazis in them.

This series does get better, Cin. They are always a bit slow as far as the actual mysteries, but I like the historical content. Also, I think the reader changes after the first book or two. Orlagh Cassidy is definitely a better reader.

And yes, the series does continue through WW2.

Oh that's too bad, Cindy. I love this series so much but if it doesn't interest you then it's best to part ways with Miss Maisie.

Thanks for your review. I also liked the "upstairs/downstairs" aspect mentioned above. I'd probably only read another if it were available and I had nothing else (which happens sometimes...)

Jgrace wrote: "This series does get better, Cin. They are always a bit slow as far as the actual mysteries, but I like the historical content...."

And I do like historical fiction, I think if I was to try another, I would have to try to remember not to do the audio.

Robin P wrote: "how she used new ideas of psychology and Eastern philosophy...."

Have to say I missed all of this!