On the library stacks: Adult Mystery Fiction
Awards: Agatha Award Nominee for Best Historical Novel (2012)
Series: Maisie Dobbs #9
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
From the back cover:
Early April 1933. To the costermongers of Covent Garden—sellers of fruits and vegetables on the London streets—Eddie Pettit was a gentle soul with a near-magical gift for working with horses. So who would want to kill him . . . and why?I adore Maisie Dobbs. Even though this particular installment wasn't my favorite (and I really don't recommend starting in the middle) I still love this series.
Maisie Dobbs's father, Frankie, had been a costermonger, and she remembers Eddie fondly. But it soon becomes clear that powerful political and financial forces are determined to prevent her from learning the truth behind Eddie's death. Maisie's search for answers on the working-class streets of Lambeth leads her to unexpected places and people: to a callous press baron; to a has been politician named Winston Churchill; and, most surprisingly, to Douglas Partridge, the husband of her dearest friend, Priscilla. As Maisie uncovers lies and manipulation on a national scale, she must decide whether to risk everything to see justice done.
Winspear is really adept and incorporating historical elements into her novels. Where this book fell a little short for me is that it seemed like a transition novel for Maisie personally and so the mystery element was not as satisfying. However, when you have a series that has been going on as long as this one, it's to be expected. By the way, I am a huge fan of these new book covers.
I am anxiously looking forward to reading the next installment that just came out this week. For more information on her new novel, Leaving Everything Most Loved, check out Winspear's website and Facebook page. You can also check out her discussion on Blog Talk Radio from earlier this week.
Also reviewed by: Axe for the Frozen Sea ~ Bermudaonion's Weblog ~ A Work in Progress ~ Thoughts of Joy ~ Your link here?
Source: I received this book from the publisher as part of the TLC Book Tour.
6 comments:
A lot of my friends love Maisie too. This is the only Maisie book I've read and I'd probably give it 3 stars as well. After I read it, I learned that the series really should be read in order. I guess I need to go back and start from the beginning.
I've only read the first book so far and I HAVE to read things in order so it will take me a while to get to this one. :)
I'm glad you're enjoying the series in general even though this installment wasn't your most favorite.
Thanks for being on the tour!
I had the exact sentiments. :) Thanks for the link-love.
This was one of the first Maisie books I read as it was the only one available at the library at the time. I enjoyed it but it did make me want to start the series at the beginning.
The author is visiting the local bookstore near where we lived in WA. Not even touching Utah. Oh well.
Paige: I notice WA gets a lot of good authors on tour. We don't get many in our parts either.
I'm a couple books behind in this series, but I hope to get caught up soon. Glad you continue to enjoy it, even if this wasn't your favorite. I recommend this series to customers at my library all the time, and it's always a hit. It's one of the few "grownup" series I read (as a children's librarian).
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