Journal Entry 1 by crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, November 16, 2007

Amazon Synopsis:
Young, feisty Maisie Dobbs has recently set herself up as a private detective. Such a move may not seem especially startling. But this is 1929, and Maisie is exceptional in many ways. Having started as a maid to the London aristocracy, studied her way to Cambridge and served as a nurse in the Great War, Maisie has wisdom, experience and understanding beyond her years. Little does she realise the extent to which this strength of character is soon to be tested. For her first case forces her to uncover secrets long buried, and to confront ghosts from her own past...In Maisie, Jacqueline Winspear has created a character that readers will immediately take to their hearts. Her first case combines a gripping investigation with a moving portrait of love and loss. It marks the beginning of a wonderful new detective series. 

Journal Entry 2 by crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, November 16, 2007

A very gentle story as far as detective stories of the private investigator breed are concerned. The present day (1929) 'mystery' is not as important or as interesting as the way Masie goes about her work with the help of her teacher and mentor, Maurice Blanche. Perceptive observation, meticulous attention to detail and an abundance of applied psychology is the approach used here.

What's good: The book has a great sense of time and place; set in London and Kent in the years following WWI, with flashbacks to the war years in both England and France. There is also a long section introducing us to the teenage Masie; giving background which sets up not only this book but the ones which are obviously to follow. Most of the characters are well developed and interesting, and Masie is certainly one of a kind.

What's not good: The plot line of the current 'mystery' is weak, and has an absolutely awful final build up and climax scene in the quarry. Masie does come across as 'too good to be true', and at times she is vested with what amounts to psychic powers. But hey, it's a story - and overall a pretty good one.


Now reserved - as it is promised to BellaMack.


Update 19th November:
Posting tomorrow with a bunch of friends. Enjoy! 

Journal Entry 3 by BellaMack from St Helens, Tasmania Australia on Tuesday, November 27, 2007

I just love Maisie Dobbs ... for some reason I am drawn to the 20's and 30's. I have anything by Jacqueline Winspear on my wishlist so thank you very much for this one crimson-tide 

Journal Entry 4 by BellaMack from St Helens, Tasmania Australia on Monday, December 03, 2007

I just couldn't resist this book. I had looked forward to it for a couple of weeks and was not disappointed. Another fabulous Maisie Dobbs and so good to be able to read the story of her life prior to Birds of a Feather. Now I will languish waiting for the next book. Thanks so much crimson-tide , I loved it!
Passing on to catsalive who has it on her wishlist through bookrelay. 

Journal Entry 5 by BellaMack at Book Relay in Book Relay, A Book Relay -- Controlled Releases on Monday, December 03, 2007

Released 4 yrs ago (12/4/2007 UTC) at Book Relay in Book Relay, A Book Relay -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Posting off to catsalive tomorrow. 

Journal Entry 6 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Thursday, December 20, 2007

Ooh, lovely. Thanks BellaMack. 

Journal Entry 7 by catsalive from Rooty Hill, New South Wales Australia on Sunday, August 10, 2008

Very enjoyable, although I agree that Maisie comes across as too good to be true at times, as do the people in her life. Gentle and quite touching in places. I look forward to reading the next episode in Maisie's adventures. 

Journal Entry 8 by catsalive at Romance VBB, Virtual Bookbox -- Controlled Releases on Friday, October 10, 2008

Released 3 yrs ago (10/9/2008 UTC) at Romance VBB, Virtual Bookbox -- Controlled Releases

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Sent to CdnBlueRose in USA for round 14 of the HistFic VBB. 

Journal Entry 9 by CdnBlueRose from Arvada, Colorado USA on Friday, October 24, 2008

Received today, thanks - looks intriguing!! 

Journal Entry 10 by CdnBlueRose at Arvada, Colorado USA on Sunday, May 27, 2012

Planned Release in 1 wk (6/8/2012 UTC) at Arvada, Colorado USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Excellent read - great storyline and wonderful writing style - descriptions of wartime brought me to tears. Maisie Dobbs is a unique heroine and I want to read more. Passing along at a garage sale.