The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

This thread is for comments about our group read for July 15 -August 14 2010: Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline Winspear.

Maisie Dobbs is a historical mystery set in late 1920s London. It is the first volume in a series.

Please mark *SPOILERS* for those of us who haven't gotten all the way through the book!

My copy arrived today...perfect timing! Will start later this evening. Can't wait!!

That is good timing!

I am going to have to find my copy. I read this book some time ago and thoroughly enjoyed it and I continue to read this series.

I am looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks of Maisie.

I'm still waiting for my copy, hope it will arrive in time for some serious reading time in the wknd. Looking forward to it!

I don't think this is a spoiler....I love Maisie Dobbs. I read this a while ago and loved it....so much so, that I went on to read the next in the series.

So we are thrown into Maisie's new life, with no explanations, just little hints of her past... (not a spoiler: I'm on page 40!)

She was a nurse during the Great War, has loved and lost, worked as a maid for her benefactor, the mysterious Lady Rowan, and was 'apprenticed' to Maurice Blanche, who left Maisie his detective agency when he retired.

I'm sure a few flashbacks will fill in the stories later on in the book, but I am very curious, especially about Lady Rowan and how (and why) she has helped Maisie set up her agency, and about the able and mysterious Blanche. A really good start.

Yay, my copy was just delivered. Feels like a present when someone brings a little box to your doorstep! Already had a good book morning - will toss the others and start on Maisie in a bit. *happy*

Your post makes it sound very promising Hayes, thanks!

Yes, it does feel like a present at your door, doesn't it! Even if you know exactly what's in it.

Just got this book from the library yesterday. Can't start it until I finish Drood, but I'm really looking forward to it as I've never read a book from this series.

IMHO the back story of Maisie as revealed in the first book is the best part of the series, I found it fascinating to read of this time period and setting.

I'm just reading that part now Ann, and I agree. It's really interesting and I always enjoy learning about what happens behind the scenes, The Remains of the Day kind of thing.

I just started on that part too Ann and Heyes, and find it lovely. Although I agree with you, it did bother me a little that the Vincent-story stopped so suddenly. On the other hand, the role of Lady Rowan is intriging me.

For something else - I find Winspear's writing in the London accent way for Frankie and specially for Billy somewhat annoying. So many '''' - is that just me? It makes me have to think a little harder and read words twice. It might be because I'm reading in a second language. Found out it's not such a bother when I'm reading out loud. Very, very quietly ;)

Laura:
I like to read out loud to myself sometimes too, and quietly! ;) I listened to Maisie Dobbs on audio so didn't notice the print idiosyncrasies of the London character's accents!

Laura wrote: "For something else - I find Winspear's writing in the London accent way for Frankie and specially for Billy somewhat annoying. So many '''' - is that just me? It makes me have to think a little harder and read words twice. It might be because I'm reading in a second language. Found out it's not such a bother when I'm reading out loud. Very, very quitely ;) "

I've read all of Winspear's novels and just love Maisie and all of her friends and acquaintances. I hope you all will stay with it and get past the wierd cockney. I believe you will come to love Miss Dobbs as I do!

Just saw the current read and it's a series I've wanted to try... looking forward to this read!

I finished it the other day, but haven't had a moment to sit down and think about it yet. I really enjoyed it, I must say.

I need to get back on track with Maisie. I like her a lot, however I'm still a little in doubt on the book - or more specificly on the pace of it..

I finished this over the weekend.

I wasn't that into it, until we got to the flashback part and we learned more about Maisie.

I enjoyed the latter part much more than the beginning because then we know where Maisie has come from and what she has done.

So I wound up enjoying it more than I was thinking I would when I was still in the first third of the book.

Hi Jan, that sounds encouraging - thanks!

I thought it did a little too much backing and forthing in time. I got a little confused sometimes. She'd be talking about one thing, throw in a flashback comment, come back to the present.

I'm hoping the second in the series will be a little "tighter". Has anyone read that one?

I have books 2-3 on my TBR. I did not mind the flashes. after all, that's how life is. all of a sudden you'll remember something and be caught on a trip down Memory Lane.

I've read the first 5 in the series and I do think they get a bit more focused as they go on but they remain slower more thoughtful books - but that is just the kind of books they are.

I've read one - Birds of a Feather & thought it was ok, just not in a hurry to read any others. Have any of you read that one plus others to compare? Maybe I'm not being fair with just reading the one.

I have read Birds of a Feather, and it is, I think, a "tighter" book. I'd say it was less Maisie's backstory and more detective fiction.

I love the Maisie Dobbs novels. I recommend reading all 7 of the books (so far) right after the other. These books have sparked my interest in the WWI time period. I knew very little about WWI and the economy following the war. Since reading the series, I have read numerous books on the war, fact and fiction. Have you read "All Quiet on the Western Front" or "Between the Sword and the Wall"? Incredible books. If you are more interested in the era, "The First World War: A Complete History" by Martin Gilbert is an amazing history of the time. Winspear has done excellent research into the time period and the horrors of that war to "end all wars." The last time I was in England was in November and the country still remembers the end of the war on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 am. Everyone stops in their tracks in memory of those who died. Maisie and her contemporaries reflect the war and it's aftermath authentically, mixed with colorful characters and a good story. I love the detail and most of all, Maisie. I am waiting for the next book.

Vera:
so true and I love all of the books too - I hadn't known much about WWI before Maisie and have been fascinated ever since. Thanks for the suggestions of other books from that era to read.

Vera wrote: "I love the Maisie Dobbs novels. I recommend reading all 7 of the books (so far) right after the other. These books have sparked my interest in the WWI time period. I knew very little about WWI and the economy following the war."

A book I recently picked up would speak directly to what Maisie was doing in the war - Elsie and Mairi Go to War: Two Extraordinary Women on the Western Front by Diane Atkinson. This book only recently came out in the States.

I've long had an interest in WWI. I had an great-uncle who was killed there, He is mentioned in a book To Conquer Hell: The Meuse-Argonne, 1918 by Edward G. Lengel. It's only a small mention but it was in the battle that Alvin York was in and the author is related to Alvin York.

Thanks for the titles, they both will go on my to read list.

Jan wrote: "A book I recently picked up would speak directly to what Maisie was doing in the war - Elsie and Mairi Go to War: Two Extraordinary Women on the Western Front by [author:Diane Atkins..."

I just finished Maisie Dobbs the other day and I have to agree that I felt the back and forth in the beginning got a little confusing. But I also felt that it came together after the big flashback to her life during the war. The last 1/3 really brought it together for me and I felt more emotionally invested than I think I would have had it been told chronologically.

I do think the inter-war period is fascinating as well and look forward to checking out some of the books mentioned here. For fiction, has anyone else read the Ian Rutledge mystery series by Charles Todd? I've read the first three and enjoyed them but I have to be in the right mood for them. The lead character is definitely haunted by his actions/experiences on the battlefield. There is also a second series that they just started about a WWI nurse but I haven't read that one yet.

Back to Maisie Dobbs - This may be a slight SPOILER but I have to say that Maurice Blanche was not at all what I expected from the way he was referred to in the beginning of the story.

I read Maisie Dobbs after reading book 2 and 3 in the series. The later books are better mysteries but it was nice to learn more of Maisie's story. Winspear does a great job describing the details of the time and weaving political and social issues into her mysteries.

In addition to Charles Todd's series, I also read Rennie Airth. I think he has three books out now. I'm still reading #2. I am on Todd's #6.

My first mystery set in this time period, and I enjoyed it very much. Not a happy story especially, but a thoughtful one. I really like Maisie and feel as if she has depths still to be discovered. I will continue with this series.

I am just starting The Mapping of Love and Death which is number 7 in the series and am drawn right into the story as always.
You have a lot of good reading ahead, Linette!

I read this book last year...and am now a hard core Maisie Dobbs fan! Such a great book to get lost in.

Vera wrote: "Thanks for the titles, they both will go on my to read list.

Jan wrote: "A book I recently picked up would speak directly to what Maisie was doing in the war - Elsie and Mairi Go to War: T..."</i>

I read the Charles Todd book, [book:A Duty to the Dead and really enjoyed it. I am a huge Maisie fan (having read all of the books in the series), and I found the Todd book to be similar in a good way, and look forward to reading the next.

There is something about that period, esp. Europe in the aftermath of WW1 and the beginnings of WW2 that I find fascinating.

Another book that takes place in this same time period is Laurie King's Justice Hall. It might be a bit confusing if you haven't read the others in the series, but the description of what the young men went through during the war was described very well.

Just picked up my copy today-- looking forward to reading it with all the different comments so far.

I actually liked the back and forth nature of the book. This would have been a good "prequel" book, after a full book of deep sleuthing. didn't satisfy my craving for a good mystery, but has tempted me to try the second one.

Having just finished The Empty Chair, non-stop suspense, Maisie started out a bit slow. However, I've settled in, and am really enjoying the book. I loved the flashback - Maisie's history creates a very interesting and likeable person. Winspear paints a vivid picture of the time period without dragging down the story.

Must say that I liked this one after all. As I was reading the middle part I completely forgot about the story that started. It felt like reading a different book. First I didn't like the Vincent-part ending. Later on really liked the peak into Maisie's life.
This softer mystery genre is not my usual favorite, but I will try Maisie again. :) I'm sort of curious how she will handle being a Detective.


SPOILER!
The tiny surprise in the end - or am I the only one that didn't see it coming that Simon was still alive? - made Maisie a lot more credible and lovable to me than the Goody Two Shoes I held her for. Nice unexpected turn!

Laura:
You have a lot of good reading ahead of you!
I just finished the latest Maisie, The Mapping of Love and Death last night (#7) and it was very enjoyable.
Laura wrote: "This softer mystery genre is not my usual favorite, but I will try Maisie again. :) I'm sort of curious how she will handle being a Detective."

I hope to start this soon.

I loved this book. I thought the way she intertwined Maisy's past with her current life kept you pushing to the end to find out more. It was almost like reading two books in one.

I enjoyed the way she explored the theme of social barriers in England and how Maisy was able to in a way transcend them. I also liked the way that people believed that after the war the social barriers would drop.

I liked her exploration of good and evil and how war in itself gives evil a fertile ground to grow. I also agreed with her theory that there is good and evil in us all (or am I mixing up my reads. I have been reading so many books lately).

All I can say is WOW, and I will definitely continue with this series. Thanks for choosing it.

I took your suggestions and I bought the Charles Todd book, A Duty to the Dead. I started it yesterday and so far so good. Thanks for the tip.

Karen wrote: "I just finished Maisie Dobbs the other day and I have to agree that I felt the back and forth in the beginning got a little confusing. But I also felt that it came together after the big flashback..."

I couldn't finish Maisie Dobbs. I thought the writing was very amateurish. The characters lacked any quality of seeming real and human. Maisie seemed to be a character with no flaws; yet I didn't like the way she manipulated the people around her, like Celia Davenham. Celia's husband hired Maisie, so Maisie is in a professional relationship to him. Yet she befriends Celia - on a false pretext - and gets Celia to unburden her emotions, at the same time she's collecting a fee from her husband. I didn't finish so I don't know if their friendship lasted, but if I had a friend who created a false pretext in order to befriend me, I wouldn't want to be their friend any more. I found Maisie to be a goody-two-shoes yet a manipulative one, which was a really unpleasant combination.

How far did you get? I thought the most interesting part of it was Maisie's personal history from service through the war.

Susanna wrote: "How far did you get? I thought the most interesting part of it was Maisie's personal history from service through the war."

I didn't get that far.

I agree, the start of the book (and frankly most of the mystery) wasn't too good. Also found the war part more interesting.

Susanna wrote: "How far did you get? I thought the most interesting part of it was Maisie's personal history from service through the war."

Oh, I've read the third. So I'm alittle along on her life story. Lovely read!