Pardonable Lies / Messenger of Truth

Maisie Dobbs #3-4

by Jacqueline Winspear

Pardonable Lies and Messenger of Truth

Books 3 and 4 in the New York Times Bestselling Series

Pardonable Lies, by Jacqueline Winspear
(Maisie Dobbs novel #3)

In the third novel of this unique and masterly crime series, a deathbed plea from his wife leads Sir Cecil Lawton, KC, to seek the aid of Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and investigator. As Maisie soon learns, Agnes Lawton never accepted that her aviator son was killed in the Great War, a torment that led her not only to the edge of madness but also to the doors of those who practice the dark arts and commune with the spirit world.  Set against a finely drawn portrait of life between the World Wars, Pardonable Lies is "a thrilling mystery that will enthrall fans of Jacqueline Winspear's heroine and likely win her new ones" (Detroit Free Press).

Messenger of Truth, by Jacqueline Winspear
(Maisie Dobbs novel #4)

On the night before the opening of his new and much-anticipated exhibition at a famed Mayfair gallery, Nicholas Bassington-Hope falls to his death. The police declare it an accident, but the dead man's twin sister, Georgina, isn't convinced. When the authorities refuse to conduct further investigations, Georgina takes matters into her own hands, seeking out a fellow graduate from Girton College: Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and investigator. In Messenger of Truth, a Sue Feder/Macavity Award for Best Historical Mystery Award nominee, Jacqueline Winspear delivers another vivid, thrilling, and utterly unique episode in the life of Maisie Dobbs.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, British Literature, Historical Mystery

639 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2011

About the author

Jacqueline Winspear was born and raised in the county of Kent, England. Following higher education at the University of London’s Institute of Education, Jacqueline worked in academic publishing, in higher education and in marketing communications in the UK.

She emigrated to the United States in 1990, and while working in business and as a personal / professional coach, Jacqueline embarked upon a life-long dream to be a writer.

A regular contributor to journals covering international education, Jacqueline has published articles in women's magazines and has also recorded her essays for KQED radio in San Francisco. She currently divides her time between Ojai and the San Francisco Bay Area and is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom and Europe.

Jacqueline is the author of the New York Times bestsellers A Lesson in Secrets, The Mapping of Love and Death, Among the Mad, and An Incomplete Revenge, and other nationally bestselling Maisie Dobbs novels. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Agatha, Alex,
and Macavity awards for the first book in the series, Maisie Dobbs, which was also nominated for the Edgar Award for best novel and was a New York Times
Notable Book.

Series:
* Maisie Dobbs

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jacque...

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

After taking a break from Reading Books 1 and 2 of the Maisie Dobbs series and while my local library hunted them down, reading them was like a heart warming homecoming. I can only hope it won't take as long for them to get books 5 and 6. This series will prompt you to briskly move on to the next book in sucession, Love them!

[Linda Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories keep getting better.

This was a thought provoking story. I can only relate war to the people I knew and loved before and after returning from Vietnam Nam.
Her plots are fast moving and some of the people are interesting and some are aggravating. I love Billy and how he is mostly accepting of his life of hardships. He has no resentment towards Maisie, her spots car, or her new apartment, while he and his three kids and wife live in the slums of the east end.
The life of the dead artist who she's investigating for his twin sister was quite interesting. The description of the paintings was so good that I actually felt as though I was seeing them. Loved all the books so far. I only hope that Maisie helps Billy more and gets him and his family out of the slums. She mainly works for very wealthy aristocrats. She could afford to charge more and give Billy a sizeable raise to help. After all he is at her beck and call 24/7.

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pardonable Lies was 4 stars. Masie faces her fears while solving the mystery. The journey to France was intriguing.

Messenger of Truth was boring to me. Masie's dithering has become annoying. The plot of this one was weak to me. At best this tale was a very weak 3, which impacted the overall rating.

[Gretchen Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could have reviewed these two books individually, but I bought them as a two-volume set so I suppose I am bound to a single review as they are bound together. I liked Pardonable Lies very much. Kept me glued to every word. It was a good story and well-written. And it made me like the character Maisie Dobbs even more. Even through the next volume, Messenger of Truth, I'm finding a fiercely independent woman making a way for herself in a Post - WW II world and in a profession (private investigation) ordinarily the domain of men. But in Messenger of Truth, I found that Maisie has developed a hardness to her. I didn't like her very much and I didn't like most of the other characters. I found myself bogged down with the details and skimming pages just to get through. So I would give that volume only three stars. Pardonable Lies would be closer to 4.5.

[Linda McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Pardonable Lies, Maisie is asked to confirm the battlefield death of a man's son, as well as to find out more about a friend's brother who was reported missing, presumed dead, in WWI as well. It means Maisie must return to France and fight her own demons after being wounded at a battle station while nursing. And to make matters worse, someone wants her dead. I loved this book. I think it's one of the best so far, after the first book which was excellent. I do recommend this series.

Messenger of Truth also revisits the specter of WWI. A female journalist, Georgina Bassington-Hope, asks Maisie to investigate whether her artist brother's death was murder or a terrible accident. Maisie, who is a psychologist as well as an investigator, never does anything half way, so she ends up dredging up a lot of skeletons from the Bassington-Hope closets. Also good, but not quite as much as Pardonable Lies.

I'm enjoying this series a lot.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pardonable Lies was a triple case mystery from a last year's read. Jumping into "Messenger of Truth"was quite a switch into the art world, theft, and a look at the world of affluence with its self gratification and rule breaking. Billy and his family experienced the devastation of a diphtheria epidemic which historically was tragic for England during 1931. The result of World War I caused such mental anguish and swept aside by many causing further heartache. The Museum of War is explained by Winspear so that No Man's Land would be a future road trip to be fulfilled. These stories take the reader to many out of way spots and reveal the lifestyle of so many Brits. The use of railway cars for homes is one very new idea to explore also. It reminded me of a music friend in college owning one in the downtown area, cozy and perfect for one person.
Fun read, entertaining and it does deserve another star!

[Pam Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the Maisie Dobbs books. I call her my grown-up answer to Nancy Drew. I have read the first four. Maisie's life and experiences are far more complex and real than Nancy's however. The effects of WWI are still being felt during the great depression. The reader knows WWII looms. I read these between other books that may be considered more serious but what is more serious than shell shock or PTSD as we know it? I have read criticism of the portrayal of Maisie as a person who uses her sensory powers. That is an aspect I like. I hope others find Maisie's adventures interesting.

[Diane McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pardonable Lies was hard to put down as the cases were intriguing, relationships were changing, the past was beckoning, and Maisie carefully shares the results of her case about Ralph with the father. Ready for the next in the series.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second read, and I think this may be one of my favorite of all the Maisie Dobbs series. The reader learns a lot more about Maisie, and particularly her friendship with Priscilla Partridge. Winspear also reminds us of the long-term devastation of war, long after the gunfire has ceased.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masie Dobbs continues to improve. A good read for lovers of historical fiction and mystery

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. It's interesting in the ongoing narrative along all the books as well as each individual book with its own story and mystery.

[Bonnie Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to read

The Maisie Dobbs mysteries fascinate and challenge my imagination. I never quite figure out who done it since the truth unfolds so gradually.

[Carol Chiligiris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Dobbs is becoming a friend. She has an amazing way of using her senses and intelligence to solve the crimes. Like the twists and turns. Enjoyed both books.

[Jacob Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read all her books outloud and enjoyed them all fun books to read outloud.

[J Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome tale!

Well researched, historically accurate & emotionally touching. I’m looking forward to the next & hesitant to read the series too quickly!

[Marye E · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Challenges of Truth

Excellent story with twists and turns, but primarily characters who mature, and are richer, from facing hard truths - being willing to push through to the other side, being willing to be human. Thank you Jacqueline for the great character development with each progression of novels. And, thanks for creating rich stories to read with a strong cup of tea.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pardonable Lies:
As a teacher, it’s interesting and delightful to see a writer’s craft develop. I believe I am witnessing that development of art and skill in Jacqueline Winspear. With each book in the Maisie Dobbs series, she is just better. The plots have seemed to have more “pizzazz” and the characters just get rounder and rounder. I really liked that this book was in three sections, with the first section set in England, the second in France, and the last back in England. As in the previous books, the lingering ill effects of WWI loom large within the plot. With the trip to France, Maisie herself deals with her own “dragons” faced on the muddy fields of France as a nurse. Issues of class remain a major element as well but this book also explores the difficulties of a gay man, the son of a knight, and his difficulties. There is also a bit of intrigue since of course England had utilized spies and there was a French resistance movement during the Occupation. The book is in many ways an essay of the moral dilemma surrounding truthfulness, hence the title. It essentially asks the question of when is it more honorable to withhold the absolute truth. I haven’t read a series of any sort since I finished the last Harry Potter back in 2008 or so. I’m really enjoying the feeling of truly getting to know the characters, how they view the world, how class and circumstances have affected them, and their relationships to the other characters. In a sense, they’ve become friends. Overall, I have found this book very satisfying and would definitely recommend it to a friend.


Messenger of Truth:
While this book did not immediately grab me in the manner that the previous Masie Dobbs books did, in the end it may have been the best one yet. The title, Messenger of Truth, was indeed apt although its true meaning took some reading to discern. The main character, Maisie Dobbs, is at something of a crossroads in her life and the book ended with the words, "Readiness for rebirth. Winter warming to spring; the land new again after battles have raged; a child dead, and a baby born. It was time to move on, to dance with life again." To me, as a cancer survivor, these words rang enormously true. I most heartily recommend this book.

[Roya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency) recommended this author and I have enjoyed the books so far. If you like Alexander McCall Smith, Agatha Christie, etc., you will enjoy this series too. It is set in the U.K. (for the most part) between the World Wars. The main character is Maisie Dobbs, "psychologist and investigator." She is also a little bit "New Age." She is an interesting character, as are the characters associated with her in the book. The light psychology and New Age touch add in interesting perspective that we can all relate to on some level. This volume includes "Pardonable Lies" (Book 3 of the Series) and "Messenger of Truth" (Book 4). All of the books are related to the aftermath of WW I and WW II is foreshadowed as the series progresses. It is an interesting, yet light read.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy this author. Love the mix of history, mystery and psychology all rolled into one. Listened to this on my commute so there was a small mishap where four chapters were skipped but didn't lose out on the story much just my prolonged enjoyment. Author doesn't belittle the reader nor does she not give you a chance to figure out the mystery. Guess the best thing I can say is that I have just completed the download for the next book. Someday I'll read a print book again after planning for my summer trip has been finalized--seem to be reading History Today, Hello and In Britian (even though I'm going to The Netherlands, Belgium and Prague).
Okay, not saying anything about the book so I'll call a halt to my ramblings.

[Bob Lenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pardonable Lies:

There's no murder here, so in some ways it is not a traditional mystery. But it is still a mystery nonetheless. And though the mysteries aren't deep, there are multiple plots running at the same time and this makes it rather suspenseful. I find Ms. Winspear's writing easy to read and am really enjoying this series. Having read most of the Ian Rutledge series by Charles Todd too, I find these British after-the-war historicals informative as well as entertaining.

Messenger of Truth:

As steeped in social commentary as mystery. This is why some of us are so keen to read these series set in the aftermath of WWI. There is evil in this story, but you have to do more than solve the mystery to spot it all.

[Cissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually a mystery reader, but thanks to book club, I started into this great series. The history and psychology keep me interested even when the actual case is only so-so. I like books that are more character-driven, so I enjoyed slowly figuring out the story of this thoughtful, brilliant, sometimes nervous and troubled, British gal. I'm finding myself picking up the next book from the library whenever I need a good, fun, but not stupid or shallow, read. (I do think that the case in the first book is the weakest, so if you're turned off by that particular aspect, try the next couple anyhow.)

[Jan Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Maisie

Such a good read. Hard to put down. This is my fourth Maisie Dobbs book and I plan to read them all. Most reviewers like to tell part of the story...not me. I don't want to spoil the story for you. I just want to assure you that Jacqueline Winspear is a master story teller and holds your interest from beginning to end. She fleshes out her characters so you can really see them. Her landscape descriptions are brilliant. Buy her books, you will not be disappointed..and you'll wish for more. Thanks Ms. Winspear for so many hours of reading enjoyment. Just ordered your newest...can't wait.

[Ginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It shouldn't have taken me 2 months, but I finally finished Messenger of Truth today. I suppose Maisie Dobbs is a very intense character. For me, she requires long periods of calm reflection.

This book was about an artist and his art. Reading about art and reading about someone trying to understand the artist also requires long breaks of calm reflection. Some of my breaks were maybe too long but the writing and story are tight enough to 'draw' me in. Kept me reading to the end. And the end is the best part too.

Now on to Maisie Dobbs #5.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. I am not a fan of historical fiction as a rule but I find this period in England to be fascinating. The strength and gentleness of Maisie is a marvelous and compelling combination. Once deep in these books, I become oblivious to the world, having escaped across the sea to a world far removed from my own.

[Jeanne]

These are both great stories. Always there are philosophical questions to answer. Maisie knows just how to handle the situations she's confronted with and it's never easy. The only life she doesn't seem to know how to give advice for is her own. Thankfully she has a wonderful friend in Priscilla who calls 'em like she sees 'em.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Maisie Dobbs stories! The 3rd one I like a little better than the fourth in this book but both were great. I appreciate that she is a strong, smart female living in s time when females were suppose to be neither of those things. Interested to see how this series deals with the lead up to WW2.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok books--- could not get pulled into the story or characters like I wanted to!! But glad I read the books as they were recommended to me. Liked that each had a mystery and stories that twist and turn, but it was not the type of story that had me reading it all in one sitting ....

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think of a 30s Miss Marple sort of crime solver. No sex or violence to speak of. Quiet, thoughtful and seemingly accurate to the period. Good but not compelling reading.

[Patty]

great escape; nice series

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I like Maisie Dobbs. I don't know why I only feel 3 stars about her. For the good writing, strong female lead and interesting tales, what is it that leaves me wanting?