Scaffold...Art world...Murder!

Another mind provoking mystery set in post World War I England where we find our private detective heroine, Maisie, hired by Georgina Bassington-Hope to help solve the mystery as to who killed her brother Nick. Although the surrounding circumstances point to an accident, Georgina believes otherwise. And off the book begins following Maisie as she begins to unravel and piece together this puzzling case.

Jacqueline Winspear has a talent to showcase the different backgrounds in her characters: from the wealthy to the downright poor in this time of history to give us a very good visual of their lives.

Subplot after subplot, the author weaves each of the individual storylines to capture your intrigue. You get to ‘experience’ the characters pains, thoughts, hurt, love  and pattern of deduction.

Maisie Dobbs is a well-crafted character and you can’t help but be drawn to her gentleness yet quick thinking personae.

Jacqueline Winspear’s ability to move a story forward yet offer various storylines just heightens the mysterious surroundings in this novel. From the beginning, we meet gentle Billie, Maisie’s assistant, wealthy Georgina with a straightforward attitude, Nick the artist and the passion he placed in his paintings, getting his life’s story while Maisie investigates his death., and the various family and friends in the Bassington-Hope circle.

For those who enjoy a well-paced mystery and a look back into history, this was a Great Read.

Lea Schizas - Muse Book Reviewer

Jacqueline Winspear is the author of three previous Maisie Dobbs novels, Maisie Dobbs, Birds of a Feather, and Pardonable Lies. A finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel, Maisie Dobbs won the Agatha, Alex, and Macavity Awards, and Birds of a Feather won the Agatha Award. Originally from the United Kingdom, Winspear now lives in California.

                            *GREAT READ