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Maisie Dobbs #10
Leaving Everything Most Loved
London, 1933. Two months after the body of an Indian woman named Usha Pramal is found in the brackish water of a south-London canal, her brother, newly arrived in England, turns to Maisie Dobbs to find the truth about her death. Not only has Scotland Yard made no arrests, evidence indicates that they failed to conduct a full and thorough investigation.
Before her death, Usha was staying at the Ayah's Hostel, alongside Indian women whose British employers turned them out into the street, penniless and far from their homeland, when their services were no longer needed. As Maisie soon learns, Usha was different from the hostel's other lodgers. But with this discovery comes new danger-another Indian woman who had information about Usha is found murdered before she can talk to Maisie.
As Maisie is pulled deeper into an unfamiliar yet captivating subculture, her investigation becomes clouded by the unfinished business of a previous case as well as a growing desire to see more of the world, following in the footsteps of her former mentor, Maurice Blanche. And there is her lover, James Compton, who gives her an ultimatum she cannot ignore.
Bringing a crucial chapter in the life and times of Maisie Dobbs to a close, Leaving Everything Most Loved marks a pivotal moment in this remarkable series.
Before her death, Usha was staying at the Ayah's Hostel, alongside Indian women whose British employers turned them out into the street, penniless and far from their homeland, when their services were no longer needed. As Maisie soon learns, Usha was different from the hostel's other lodgers. But with this discovery comes new danger-another Indian woman who had information about Usha is found murdered before she can talk to Maisie.
As Maisie is pulled deeper into an unfamiliar yet captivating subculture, her investigation becomes clouded by the unfinished business of a previous case as well as a growing desire to see more of the world, following in the footsteps of her former mentor, Maurice Blanche. And there is her lover, James Compton, who gives her an ultimatum she cannot ignore.
Bringing a crucial chapter in the life and times of Maisie Dobbs to a close, Leaving Everything Most Loved marks a pivotal moment in this remarkable series.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published January 1, 2013
1482 people are currently reading
7013 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Winspear
61 books8,327 followersJacqueline 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...
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...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,078 reviews
May 4, 2018
I don't know why I keep reading Maisie Dobbs mysteries, I really don't. Maisie is one of the most annoying protagonists that I can't leave alone, and I can't even figure out why, really. On the good side, there is always a good and properly devious mystery to unravel. This book was no exception. The author's research is impeccable. The writing style is good.
On the downside I think Maisie has become too much--much, much, MUCH too much! She comes from the lower classes and has made her way unrealistically high up the social ladder so that she's living the life of an upper-class, educated, modern woman, but she's still uneasy about it. She has lost her mentor and spends quite a lot of time fighting the impulse to "fix" everybody's lives for them. Then she spends quite a lot of time dithering about her future and worrying about how her choices will impact everybody around her, but she seems to have no trouble making the most selfish of plans. So the author conveniently has everybody fall into the roles and plans Maisie has "not" fixed for them, curiously aligning their lives perfectly with Maisie's own plans for her life. I would have liked to see nothing go her way and watch the real wrenching when she decides to do what she wants anyway. As it is, Maisie is one of the most spoiled women anywhere, and she doesn't seem to have to pay for it. She talks about her heart breaking, but it's described within a few sentences and then she's recovering quickly. I am considerably annoyed. But I will probably keep reading the series! Why? I guess I like the ambiguity of it all.
Update, May 2018: I have kept reading the series and it has been an extremely rewarding choice! Hang in there with Maisie. She goes through realistic growth stages and is fascinating to watch. Besides, the mysteries are among the best I've found.
On the downside I think Maisie has become too much--much, much, MUCH too much! She comes from the lower classes and has made her way unrealistically high up the social ladder so that she's living the life of an upper-class, educated, modern woman, but she's still uneasy about it. She has lost her mentor and spends quite a lot of time fighting the impulse to "fix" everybody's lives for them. Then she spends quite a lot of time dithering about her future and worrying about how her choices will impact everybody around her, but she seems to have no trouble making the most selfish of plans. So the author conveniently has everybody fall into the roles and plans Maisie has "not" fixed for them, curiously aligning their lives perfectly with Maisie's own plans for her life. I would have liked to see nothing go her way and watch the real wrenching when she decides to do what she wants anyway. As it is, Maisie is one of the most spoiled women anywhere, and she doesn't seem to have to pay for it. She talks about her heart breaking, but it's described within a few sentences and then she's recovering quickly. I am considerably annoyed. But I will probably keep reading the series! Why? I guess I like the ambiguity of it all.
Update, May 2018: I have kept reading the series and it has been an extremely rewarding choice! Hang in there with Maisie. She goes through realistic growth stages and is fascinating to watch. Besides, the mysteries are among the best I've found.
October 3, 2017
This was not one of the best books in this series so far. Much too much introspection on Maisie's part made the book slow and occasionally dull.
On the plus side the mystery was quite good and I was rather surprised when the identity of the murderer was revealed. It was a little disappointing though that Maisie had a 'too stupid to live' moment, challenging the murderer on her own and having to be rescued by the cavalry in the form of a dog, Billy and a number of policemen.
I like the fact that Maisie has closed her detective agency and is heading off into pastures new. Hopefully this will give us some variety and a new direction for future books.
On the plus side the mystery was quite good and I was rather surprised when the identity of the murderer was revealed. It was a little disappointing though that Maisie had a 'too stupid to live' moment, challenging the murderer on her own and having to be rescued by the cavalry in the form of a dog, Billy and a number of policemen.
I like the fact that Maisie has closed her detective agency and is heading off into pastures new. Hopefully this will give us some variety and a new direction for future books.
July 1, 2013
Maisie debates making a big change in her life while investigating the months-old murder of an intriguing Indian woman.
This mystery is meatier than the one from the previous installment, though it didn't feel any more satisfying. Maisie continues to baby step through the personal side of the story.
I can't help thinking that those around her deserve better. It also annoys me that, while she flouts convention and drags her feet in equal measure, she faces little in the way of real disapproval beyond the occasional token mention of how odd a lady detective may seem. Maisie's decisions seem to lead mostly to guilt or awkwardness rather than any external consequences.
These books have always been slow and introspective, but there used to be a quiet, driving passion to them. While the prose is as pretty as ever, they now feel bloodless and almost dull.
Maisie's finally moving toward her future, but it could be too little too late for my taste. There's a good chance that I'm going to stop here and just pretend that, after receiving word that Maisie was been eaten by a tiger, James has a whirlwind romance with a dashing young aviatrix who, unlike her predecessor, can allow herself to be happy.
This mystery is meatier than the one from the previous installment, though it didn't feel any more satisfying. Maisie continues to baby step through the personal side of the story.
I can't help thinking that those around her deserve better. It also annoys me that, while she flouts convention and drags her feet in equal measure, she faces little in the way of real disapproval beyond the occasional token mention of how odd a lady detective may seem. Maisie's decisions seem to lead mostly to guilt or awkwardness rather than any external consequences.
These books have always been slow and introspective, but there used to be a quiet, driving passion to them. While the prose is as pretty as ever, they now feel bloodless and almost dull.
Maisie's finally moving toward her future, but it could be too little too late for my taste. There's a good chance that I'm going to stop here and just pretend that, after receiving word that Maisie was been eaten by a tiger, James has a whirlwind romance with a dashing young aviatrix who, unlike her predecessor, can allow herself to be happy.
December 5, 2022
"I have learned that if you must leave a place that you have lived in and loved and where all your yesteryears are buried deep, leave it any way except a slow way, leave it the fastest way you can. -- BERYL MARKHAM, WEST WITH THE NIGHT
And that is how we begin the tenth book of the Maisie Dobbs series that I have loved over the years. This was such an interesting book as we saw so many changes and development in the characters of the series that we have all embraced. This was a riveting book as Maisie Dobbs investigates the murder of an Indian immigrant woman and her friend in London in 1933, as she joins with Scotland Yard to solve the mysterious deaths. This was a pivotal book in this series as the title suggests that there are a lot of changes in play. In the course of Maisie Dobbs investigation, she befriends another beautiful woman who came to Great Britain from India as a young bride embracing her new home and culture. As Maisie has been reading more of the diaries of her mentor and benefactor Maurice, she begins to think that she may need to follow her heart and travel to India as he did. In contemplating that momentous decision, she goes to see her new friend Lakshmi to discuss how it was for her to leave her home in India and all that she had known and loved. Lakshmi looked at Maisie with her deep brown eyes, and said:
This has been such a wonderful series and I am in awe of Jacqueline Winspear's wisdom and courage to journey on with the development of these characters as the world is coming to terms with the rise of Hitler and all that portends. I will be looking forward to the next book in the Maisie Dobbs series.
And that is how we begin the tenth book of the Maisie Dobbs series that I have loved over the years. This was such an interesting book as we saw so many changes and development in the characters of the series that we have all embraced. This was a riveting book as Maisie Dobbs investigates the murder of an Indian immigrant woman and her friend in London in 1933, as she joins with Scotland Yard to solve the mysterious deaths. This was a pivotal book in this series as the title suggests that there are a lot of changes in play. In the course of Maisie Dobbs investigation, she befriends another beautiful woman who came to Great Britain from India as a young bride embracing her new home and culture. As Maisie has been reading more of the diaries of her mentor and benefactor Maurice, she begins to think that she may need to follow her heart and travel to India as he did. In contemplating that momentous decision, she goes to see her new friend Lakshmi to discuss how it was for her to leave her home in India and all that she had known and loved. Lakshmi looked at Maisie with her deep brown eyes, and said:
"I'll tell you this. Leaving that which you love breaks your heart open. But you will find a jewel inside, and this precious jewel is the opening of your heart to all that is new and all that is different, and it will be the making of you--if you allow it to be."
This has been such a wonderful series and I am in awe of Jacqueline Winspear's wisdom and courage to journey on with the development of these characters as the world is coming to terms with the rise of Hitler and all that portends. I will be looking forward to the next book in the Maisie Dobbs series.
April 18, 2021
I’m totally addicted to these Maisie Dobbs books, as much as I am to the Ruth Galloway series, and I’m grateful that in this series I still have more already published books I’ve yet to read.
In every book Maisie has grown and changed and her circumstances have changed but this book, the next book really, includes the most major change thus far.
Toward the end of this book Maisie reflects on every one of her cases thus far and it was a satisfying review.
I do feel sad that my friend, the one I read the first five books to/with died before she could see Maisie go to India. I think she knew that would happen. My friend’s trip to India with her cousins was one of the highlights and most treasured memories of her life. I’m not worried that I won’t like future books in this series. I’m expecting to keep enjoying them.
4-1/2 stars
In every book Maisie has grown and changed and her circumstances have changed but this book, the next book really, includes the most major change thus far.
Toward the end of this book Maisie reflects on every one of her cases thus far and it was a satisfying review.
I do feel sad that my friend, the one I read the first five books to/with died before she could see Maisie go to India. I think she knew that would happen. My friend’s trip to India with her cousins was one of the highlights and most treasured memories of her life. I’m not worried that I won’t like future books in this series. I’m expecting to keep enjoying them.
4-1/2 stars
June 23, 2013
Pros - no obsessing/description over her dreary clothes and her hair, and even wore a lovely dress James bought for her. Woohoo!
Cons - was she eating soup nearly every night? There was a cook in the house and maybe James likes more than soup.
Pros - her Billy guilt subdued; that damn case she had for so long is no longer discussed (it was covered in blood in #6?); and that damn nurse's watch isn't mentioned repeatedly either.
Cons - minor pointless subplot with Sandra; her father was virtually invisible; poor, patient James - he doesn't deserve this treatment; "pee or get off the pot, Maisie".
Maisie is thinking about India and maybe she should go and re-trace Maurice's steps, and then has a mystery concerning the murder of an Indian woman. She channels, she revisits the same people several, several, SEVERAL times. Then she ties up loose ends and says good-bye for about 20 pages, and it was still not very emotionally satisfying.
Pros - the book is over; I borrowed it from the library.
Cons - I still feel sorry for James; I am worried that there might be another book squeezed in before James' March 31 deadline to Maisie.
Oops! Was that a spoiler?
March 21, 2015
Leaving Everything Most Loved is the tenth book in the Maisie Dobbs series by British-born American author, Jacqueline Winspear. Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and private investigator, is engaged by (former) Sergeant-Major Pramal, of India, to investigate the murder, some two months earlier, of his sister, Usha, a governess living in London. Scotland Yard have made no progress with the case, so Maisie’s team have a challenge ahead of them with this cold case. When Maisie visits the ayah’s hostel where Usha had been living, she gets the impression that the couple running the supposedly charitable institution are not quite what they seem, and before Maisie can speak to her privately, Usha’s friend and fellow lodger, Maya Patel is murdered in the same manner: shot between the eyes and found in the nearby canal.
Maisie’s assistant, Billy Beal is back in the job, but apparently not completely recovered from the attack that hospitalised him: his distraction affects his investigative abilities. Maisie takes over the case of a missing boy and a chance remark by DI Caldwell has her wondering if their two cases are linked. But Maisie is distracted too, by her burgeoning desire to travel overseas in her mentor’s footsteps. It seems that Usha Pramal was well loved, for her personality and her healing powers. As Maisie investigates, all manner of possible suspects present themselves. Maisie wonders if jealousy or a case of mistaken identity are the answer, or was there some sort of racial motivation? Or is it all about love? Winspear once again gives the reader a plot with plenty of twists and turns. She touches on the plight of Indian ayahs abandoned far from home; shell shock and mixed marriage also feature. The final chapters ensure that future books in the series will be quite different. Another excellent read.
Maisie’s assistant, Billy Beal is back in the job, but apparently not completely recovered from the attack that hospitalised him: his distraction affects his investigative abilities. Maisie takes over the case of a missing boy and a chance remark by DI Caldwell has her wondering if their two cases are linked. But Maisie is distracted too, by her burgeoning desire to travel overseas in her mentor’s footsteps. It seems that Usha Pramal was well loved, for her personality and her healing powers. As Maisie investigates, all manner of possible suspects present themselves. Maisie wonders if jealousy or a case of mistaken identity are the answer, or was there some sort of racial motivation? Or is it all about love? Winspear once again gives the reader a plot with plenty of twists and turns. She touches on the plight of Indian ayahs abandoned far from home; shell shock and mixed marriage also feature. The final chapters ensure that future books in the series will be quite different. Another excellent read.
February 10, 2019
Oh the end of this has made me so weepy that I cannot even write a good review; I love these books so very much.
August 11, 2024
I really enjoy this series. If you’re an empathic, introspective thinker and are intrigued by psychology and intuitive detection, I can’t think of a better set of books to have a go with. The audio versions are excellent too, and are all narrated by Orlagh Cassidy.
Early on, I wasn’t in love with Maisie, the main character, but as she matures, she’s really grown on me. And as with most crime fiction, I read the series primarily for the recurring characters, although I really appreciate the historical aspects in this series too. And the mysteries are good! And never too gritty or gory.
A lot is changing with the main character in this one, and I can’t say I wasn’t surprised by some of the things she is contemplating. I’ll be moving on to the next book soon. I love the voice this writer gives her characters. There is something soulful and satisfying about them.
Early on, I wasn’t in love with Maisie, the main character, but as she matures, she’s really grown on me. And as with most crime fiction, I read the series primarily for the recurring characters, although I really appreciate the historical aspects in this series too. And the mysteries are good! And never too gritty or gory.
A lot is changing with the main character in this one, and I can’t say I wasn’t surprised by some of the things she is contemplating. I’ll be moving on to the next book soon. I love the voice this writer gives her characters. There is something soulful and satisfying about them.
July 3, 2020
Never thought I'd rate a Jacqueline Winspear book a 3 but there were so many confusing moments that I came away wondering what happened. Did I miss a big chunk? Where did *that* come from? No, wait, let me reread that part.... I'm still puzzling over how Maisie came to the conclusion that a 15 year old boy was a serial killer sophisticated enough to stump both her and Scotland Yard.
Very much in the style readers are accustomed to with a Maisie Dobbs novel but I think some of the story lines were either a bit rushed through, or just not well thought through from a reader's standpoint. Still one of my very favorite writers and one of my very favorite series ever and I'll definitely keep reading on.
Very much in the style readers are accustomed to with a Maisie Dobbs novel but I think some of the story lines were either a bit rushed through, or just not well thought through from a reader's standpoint. Still one of my very favorite writers and one of my very favorite series ever and I'll definitely keep reading on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2013
I am a huge Maisie Dobbs fan and I think this is the author's best so far. In all of the 10 Maisie Dobbs books, Winspear does not shy away from controversial subjects and does so with balance and thoughtfulness. This particular book deals with the murder of an Indian women in London. Her brother comes to London in the hopes of finding out who killed her and why and hires Maisie because he feels Scotland Yard has dropped the ball. I had the pleasure of hearing Jacqueline Winspear speak in Cambridge last night and she talked about how she came to write this story and what it actually means to be an outsider.
January 24, 2022
Talk about a trip down the psyche of Britain post WW1. Here it’s India and Indian people in Britain. At a time when the British Raj is on its last dangerous legs. Maggie’s search for the truth about a young Indian woman’s death leads her to face her own future. Along the way she tries to take on board the fact that she can’t fix things for people. Again a stunning read. I am so into this series!
April 20, 2013
After the deep disappointment of the last book, I was hesitant to get this book and I’ll admit, it was hard to rate. The mystery gets a solid three stars; Maisie’s personal life barely rates a two. I enjoyed the mystery but the overwrought personal stuff left me cold.
The mystery: Usha Pramal’s brother believes the police did a poor job investigating his sister’s murder and even detective Caldwell reluctantly admits this might be true. Usha had left India to be governess to an English family. Somehow she ended up turned out and living in a house with other ayahs and doing odd jobs as she saved money to set up a school for underprivileged girls in India. And then someone shot her in the head.
As Maisie starts to investigate, she can’t find the Allison’s whom Usha had come to England with as they are currently abroad. The house where Usha lived is more promising. It’s run by a religious couple who don’t let their beliefs get in the way of them bilking the otherwise homeless Indian girls out of most of their wages and forcing them to church with Reverend Griffith who has a strange branch of Christianity going. Maisie also learns that Usha was very touchy feely and we’re never sure but does she have therapeutic touch or Ayurvedic healing medicines; either way she’s making more money doing that. Her friend, Maya, was willing to meet with Maisie but soon after is also shot in the head.
Maisie has to confront that after Billy’s head damage in the beating last book, he’s not the same man. He’s quick to anger and doing a very poor job of investigating and she has to pick up the trail of a missing young boy. However, she starts to see intersecting threads between the cases but are they real or imagined.
Overall the mystery wasn’t bad. Usha was a bit too much of a Mary Sue, so much so that Maisie at the end is reminding people she was just a good woman and not a goddess on a pedestal. The rest, however, is a mess. I was wondering if this would be the last book. She has all the drama of trying to find Billy a different job but oooo am I overstepping my boundaries dilemma again and again. Then is Sandra and Billy having an affair? Well it’s none of her business as we’re reminded of too often. As for poor James Compton, Maisie claims to love him, refuses to accept him working with John Otterburn (see last book for why) and he’s going to Canada for a while and wants her to marry him so we get the will she/won’t she crap ad nauseam and it doesn’t even get resolved.
But the worst of the melodrama is Maisie wants to go exploring. Okay, fine but she makes such a huge deal of it. She wants to follow her mentor Maurice’s footsteps, you know, instead of being original. Oh where oh where shall I go? How long will I stay? Honestly, I didn’t give a damn. All it did was take away from and drag down the mystery. And then her answer to how to go about this almost made me toss the book across the room. I’m no Priscilla fan but she had it right when she pointed out all the stupidity of this move to Maisie. And if I want to know how it turns out I have to get the next book. Sigh. This series used to be so much better.
The mystery: Usha Pramal’s brother believes the police did a poor job investigating his sister’s murder and even detective Caldwell reluctantly admits this might be true. Usha had left India to be governess to an English family. Somehow she ended up turned out and living in a house with other ayahs and doing odd jobs as she saved money to set up a school for underprivileged girls in India. And then someone shot her in the head.
As Maisie starts to investigate, she can’t find the Allison’s whom Usha had come to England with as they are currently abroad. The house where Usha lived is more promising. It’s run by a religious couple who don’t let their beliefs get in the way of them bilking the otherwise homeless Indian girls out of most of their wages and forcing them to church with Reverend Griffith who has a strange branch of Christianity going. Maisie also learns that Usha was very touchy feely and we’re never sure but does she have therapeutic touch or Ayurvedic healing medicines; either way she’s making more money doing that. Her friend, Maya, was willing to meet with Maisie but soon after is also shot in the head.
Maisie has to confront that after Billy’s head damage in the beating last book, he’s not the same man. He’s quick to anger and doing a very poor job of investigating and she has to pick up the trail of a missing young boy. However, she starts to see intersecting threads between the cases but are they real or imagined.
Overall the mystery wasn’t bad. Usha was a bit too much of a Mary Sue, so much so that Maisie at the end is reminding people she was just a good woman and not a goddess on a pedestal. The rest, however, is a mess. I was wondering if this would be the last book. She has all the drama of trying to find Billy a different job but oooo am I overstepping my boundaries dilemma again and again. Then is Sandra and Billy having an affair? Well it’s none of her business as we’re reminded of too often. As for poor James Compton, Maisie claims to love him, refuses to accept him working with John Otterburn (see last book for why) and he’s going to Canada for a while and wants her to marry him so we get the will she/won’t she crap ad nauseam and it doesn’t even get resolved.
But the worst of the melodrama is Maisie wants to go exploring. Okay, fine but she makes such a huge deal of it. She wants to follow her mentor Maurice’s footsteps, you know, instead of being original. Oh where oh where shall I go? How long will I stay? Honestly, I didn’t give a damn. All it did was take away from and drag down the mystery. And then her answer to how to go about this almost made me toss the book across the room. I’m no Priscilla fan but she had it right when she pointed out all the stupidity of this move to Maisie. And if I want to know how it turns out I have to get the next book. Sigh. This series used to be so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2013
I have liked the Maisie Dobbs novels, but this one left me cold. Maisie has always been a little too self composed, but this time she is almost removed from the story—there, but not seeming engaged. The mystery is engaging, and I always like the Maisie novels because I know it will be more intellectual than action-based. This time the main characters spend much of the book unraveling their lives, so at the end of the novel all are poised to go in different directions. Is it possible that Winspear is done with the Maisie Dobbs books?
July 10, 2019
3 stars
Book #10 in the Maisie Dobbs series.
In this episode Maisie is challenged with finding the killer of a young foreign India girl, who was in London as an au pair and maid. While at the same time Maisie begins to make changes in her own life - expecting travel, putting her 'love' for James on hold, watching her father marry and closing her office, among worries for her side kick Billy.
Book #10 in the Maisie Dobbs series.
In this episode Maisie is challenged with finding the killer of a young foreign India girl, who was in London as an au pair and maid. While at the same time Maisie begins to make changes in her own life - expecting travel, putting her 'love' for James on hold, watching her father marry and closing her office, among worries for her side kick Billy.
March 12, 2020
I found this story intriguing, not because Maisie was able to identify the killer of the two women in the story, but because of the changes that are happening in her personal life and in her business life. I do not like to put spoilers in my review, and it is hard to say things without giving things away for future readers. There was a very tearful ending among so many of the characters that I have grown to care about. There was an ultimatum given and a hopeful new beginning.
I am looking forward to the next book to see what Maisie will be up to.
I am looking forward to the next book to see what Maisie will be up to.
March 26, 2013
I picked this up on release day because I find the series dependable: Maisie is a character who's slow to change, so if you like her quiet, people-oriented investigations, you'll probably be well-satisfied.
Maisie seems to be settling well into her business, with two employees and Scotland Yard happy to cooperate with her on cases. In this one, an Indian woman has been murdered, and her brother has come to London to seek out her murderer. I'm not clear on the situation of Indians in England during this time period, but Winspear does acknowledge the prejudice that must have existed -- at one point it's considered that the murder was a case of mistaken identity, since some people see only the color of the skin, rather than an individual's features.
Because it seems that no one could have wanted to kill Usha Pramal. She was a highly educated woman who came to England as a governess, and wanted to earn enough money to open a school back in India. Many men sought her hand, and she carried such a sweetness that everyone was drawn to her, and she in turn was kind and open enough to touch lepers and try to soothe the sick. In all honesty, I found her unbelievable, and therefore not as sympathetic a victim as Winspear might have intended.
Although it followed Maisie's trademark methods of gentle interrogation and keen observation of character, solving the murder felt a bit clumsy in authorly execution, tangled as it was in a major coincidence and repeated visits to question the same people over and over again. But I think this book was primarily intended to move Maisie on to a new stage of her life. Quite a few pages are devoted to the evolving troubles of her employees and James's lingering, unanswered proposal of marriage.
I am quite curious about the premise of the next book, and will pick it up just as quickly as I did this one, but this one is a less than ideal introduction to the series, given how transitional a phase it brings its characters through.
Maisie seems to be settling well into her business, with two employees and Scotland Yard happy to cooperate with her on cases. In this one, an Indian woman has been murdered, and her brother has come to London to seek out her murderer. I'm not clear on the situation of Indians in England during this time period, but Winspear does acknowledge the prejudice that must have existed -- at one point it's considered that the murder was a case of mistaken identity, since some people see only the color of the skin, rather than an individual's features.
Because it seems that no one could have wanted to kill Usha Pramal. She was a highly educated woman who came to England as a governess, and wanted to earn enough money to open a school back in India. Many men sought her hand, and she carried such a sweetness that everyone was drawn to her, and she in turn was kind and open enough to touch lepers and try to soothe the sick. In all honesty, I found her unbelievable, and therefore not as sympathetic a victim as Winspear might have intended.
Although it followed Maisie's trademark methods of gentle interrogation and keen observation of character, solving the murder felt a bit clumsy in authorly execution, tangled as it was in a major coincidence and repeated visits to question the same people over and over again. But I think this book was primarily intended to move Maisie on to a new stage of her life. Quite a few pages are devoted to the evolving troubles of her employees and James's lingering, unanswered proposal of marriage.
I am quite curious about the premise of the next book, and will pick it up just as quickly as I did this one, but this one is a less than ideal introduction to the series, given how transitional a phase it brings its characters through.
September 1, 2016
I love the time period and location of this novel. London, 1933. An Indian woman named Usha Pramal is found dead in a canal and Scotland Yard hasn't done too much to solve her murder. Detective Inspector Caldwell of Scotland Yard has brought Usha's brother, Mr. Pramal, to meet with the psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs to see if she can find the murderer.
As Maisie learns more about Usha, she has lots of questions to answer before she can figure out what happened to her. Usha was loved by many people, so who would want to kill her? Usha also had some secrets and when Maisie sets up an appointment with another Indian woman who was close to her, she ends up dead before they can meet. This is a great story with twists and turns and the reveal was one I wasn't expecting.
This is the first book I've read in this series (it's #10) and I think it's a great stand alone novel! There are references to other cases and characters but I didn't feel confused. I think enough back story was given to give an overview but not too much detail that it bogged the story down. If you've read the other novels, there are story lines that continue to evolve and if this is the first book you read, you won't feel like you've missed out on everything. I also liked that the title applied to both story lines. Maisie makes a major decision towards the end and there is some reminiscing of earlier times so a long time reader of the series will love that.
If you like historical mysteries, this is a book and series that will appeal to you! I would love to go back and read some of the earlier novels at some point in time. I would also love to check out more of Jacqueline Winspear's books!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
As Maisie learns more about Usha, she has lots of questions to answer before she can figure out what happened to her. Usha was loved by many people, so who would want to kill her? Usha also had some secrets and when Maisie sets up an appointment with another Indian woman who was close to her, she ends up dead before they can meet. This is a great story with twists and turns and the reveal was one I wasn't expecting.
This is the first book I've read in this series (it's #10) and I think it's a great stand alone novel! There are references to other cases and characters but I didn't feel confused. I think enough back story was given to give an overview but not too much detail that it bogged the story down. If you've read the other novels, there are story lines that continue to evolve and if this is the first book you read, you won't feel like you've missed out on everything. I also liked that the title applied to both story lines. Maisie makes a major decision towards the end and there is some reminiscing of earlier times so a long time reader of the series will love that.
If you like historical mysteries, this is a book and series that will appeal to you! I would love to go back and read some of the earlier novels at some point in time. I would also love to check out more of Jacqueline Winspear's books!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
January 9, 2016
3 1/2 mixed feelings stars
This is a favorite series and I really liked the story told in this installment (#10!). An Indian woman is killed and months later Maisie is engaged by Scotland Yard no less to solve the mystery. They had neglected the case until the woman's brother showed up in London to find out how his sister was killed and why there was no progress of finding the murderer. Maisie's seeming nemesis at the Yard, Inspector Caldwell, comes to her to take on the case believing that she will be more successful than they. And guess what? She is! 4 stars for the story and the way it is told.
My mixed feelings come from something that bugs me about Winspear's approach to writing these mysteries. She feels compelled to tell us much about what has transpired in past books. For me, this gets in the way of enjoying the present story when she is filling in irrelevant blanks from previous stories. She is not the only mystery writer who does this (Martin Walker anyone?) and it bugs me in other series as well. 3 stars for this annoying aspect of Maisie Dobbs mysteries.
In an afterward, Winspear explains how she came to her interest in the "ayah's hostels" in London during this time period. I enjoyed learning about this sub-culture that developed from maids who came to England when a British family returned from India and who were subsequently turned out with nowhere to go. Learning about post WWI society in Great Britain is one of the things I like most about this series.
This is a favorite series and I really liked the story told in this installment (#10!). An Indian woman is killed and months later Maisie is engaged by Scotland Yard no less to solve the mystery. They had neglected the case until the woman's brother showed up in London to find out how his sister was killed and why there was no progress of finding the murderer. Maisie's seeming nemesis at the Yard, Inspector Caldwell, comes to her to take on the case believing that she will be more successful than they. And guess what? She is! 4 stars for the story and the way it is told.
My mixed feelings come from something that bugs me about Winspear's approach to writing these mysteries. She feels compelled to tell us much about what has transpired in past books. For me, this gets in the way of enjoying the present story when she is filling in irrelevant blanks from previous stories. She is not the only mystery writer who does this (Martin Walker anyone?) and it bugs me in other series as well. 3 stars for this annoying aspect of Maisie Dobbs mysteries.
In an afterward, Winspear explains how she came to her interest in the "ayah's hostels" in London during this time period. I enjoyed learning about this sub-culture that developed from maids who came to England when a British family returned from India and who were subsequently turned out with nowhere to go. Learning about post WWI society in Great Britain is one of the things I like most about this series.
June 12, 2023
This is the tenth book in the Maisie Dobbs series.
I have discussed at least 2, probably 3 of the Maisie Dobbs books with the Library Book Discussion Group during my tenure.
So, when this book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought, I would read it before leaving it for the neighborhood readers.
This one was read sometime in 2019.
If you have never read Maisie Dobbs before, this is a good stand-alone. It gives quite a good recap of her past history.
If you have read any of the Maisie Dobbs series, you understand that Maisie is a character who's slow to change.
If you like quiet, people-oriented investigations, you'll probably be well-satisfied with Maisie.
Although this story followed Maisie's trademark methods of gentle interrogation and keen observation of character, solving the murder felt a bit clumsy in execution, tangled as it was in a major coincidence and repeated visits to question the same people over and over again.
Still, if you like historical mysteries, this is a book and series that might appeal to you. 3.5 stars
I have discussed at least 2, probably 3 of the Maisie Dobbs books with the Library Book Discussion Group during my tenure.
So, when this book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I thought, I would read it before leaving it for the neighborhood readers.
This one was read sometime in 2019.
If you have never read Maisie Dobbs before, this is a good stand-alone. It gives quite a good recap of her past history.
If you have read any of the Maisie Dobbs series, you understand that Maisie is a character who's slow to change.
If you like quiet, people-oriented investigations, you'll probably be well-satisfied with Maisie.
Although this story followed Maisie's trademark methods of gentle interrogation and keen observation of character, solving the murder felt a bit clumsy in execution, tangled as it was in a major coincidence and repeated visits to question the same people over and over again.
Still, if you like historical mysteries, this is a book and series that might appeal to you. 3.5 stars
November 10, 2014
Ahhhhh Masie why'd you have to go and read Eat Pray Love? You don't have to find yourself on the back of colonialism and a few stereotypes. Really.
April 9, 2013
The tenth novel in the Maisie Dobbs series has been described as "pivotal" in the series by more than one reviewer. It is also one of the most emotional. In the last book, "Elegy for Eddie," we learned that Maisie was starting to feel restless. As a result of a generous bequest by her former teacher and mentor, she is a wealthy woman in her own life. Plus, she is now in a relationship with James, the son of her former employers where she started as a housemaid at the age of 12.
Educated, intelligent and independent, Maisie has a growing business as a private investigator. Her lover, James, wants to formalize their relationship and marry her. However, he is planning on going back to Canada to get involved in the building of a visionary airplane.
It is 1933 and the darkening cloud of yet another war is already apparent to many but not most. Not one to make plans in haste, Maisie is still thinking about when and how she will wind up her business. She want to make sure that her two employees have other positions as well.
A call from Scotland yard inspector Caldwell comes as a surprise. He has referred a client to her. A young Indian woman has been murdered. Her brother, a former Sgt Major in the Great War, is unhappy with the way that the murder has been investigated.
As always in Winspear's books, the answer is far more complicated than it may seem from the onset. Some readers have expressed a concern for the turn in the series. I guess we'll have to see how Ms. Winspear handles the next Maisie adventure. Somehow, though, I don't think we'll be disappointed.
Educated, intelligent and independent, Maisie has a growing business as a private investigator. Her lover, James, wants to formalize their relationship and marry her. However, he is planning on going back to Canada to get involved in the building of a visionary airplane.
It is 1933 and the darkening cloud of yet another war is already apparent to many but not most. Not one to make plans in haste, Maisie is still thinking about when and how she will wind up her business. She want to make sure that her two employees have other positions as well.
A call from Scotland yard inspector Caldwell comes as a surprise. He has referred a client to her. A young Indian woman has been murdered. Her brother, a former Sgt Major in the Great War, is unhappy with the way that the murder has been investigated.
As always in Winspear's books, the answer is far more complicated than it may seem from the onset. Some readers have expressed a concern for the turn in the series. I guess we'll have to see how Ms. Winspear handles the next Maisie adventure. Somehow, though, I don't think we'll be disappointed.
March 15, 2013
Do you know Maisie Dobbs? If you don't you should. She is a wonderful, positive female character written by Jacqueline Winspear.
I met Maisie in the first novel, "Maise Dobbs". Simple title, not a simple mystery.
Over the next 8 books, which I read one after the other, Maisie faced life in the aftermath of World War I and brought the early 20th century into vogue way before Downton Abbey (yes, she did)
In this latest chapter of Maisie's life, as a Psychologist & Investigator, she faces her doubts about her own life and where and what she should be doing while she investigate the murder , in Southeast London, of a woman from India, Usha Pramal. I found myself holding my breath at several events due to the anticipation of what may happen next. Especially towards the end of the book. I read each page with a sense of anticipation and fear that something different was about to happen.
I can't say much about this book - because I hate spoilers and being a spoiler - What I can say is treat yourself to a well written mystery about both murder and life.
Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear will be at your local bookshops beginning March 26th 2013. Do yourself a favor and get it. Do yourself an even bigger favor and start with Maisie Dobbs and read the following 9 books. You'll like Maisie and her friends.
BTW - I got an advance copy of the book due to a giveaway here on Goodreads! :D
I met Maisie in the first novel, "Maise Dobbs". Simple title, not a simple mystery.
Over the next 8 books, which I read one after the other, Maisie faced life in the aftermath of World War I and brought the early 20th century into vogue way before Downton Abbey (yes, she did)
In this latest chapter of Maisie's life, as a Psychologist & Investigator, she faces her doubts about her own life and where and what she should be doing while she investigate the murder , in Southeast London, of a woman from India, Usha Pramal. I found myself holding my breath at several events due to the anticipation of what may happen next. Especially towards the end of the book. I read each page with a sense of anticipation and fear that something different was about to happen.
I can't say much about this book - because I hate spoilers and being a spoiler - What I can say is treat yourself to a well written mystery about both murder and life.
Leaving Everything Most Loved by Jacqueline Winspear will be at your local bookshops beginning March 26th 2013. Do yourself a favor and get it. Do yourself an even bigger favor and start with Maisie Dobbs and read the following 9 books. You'll like Maisie and her friends.
BTW - I got an advance copy of the book due to a giveaway here on Goodreads! :D
February 13, 2013
One would think that Maisie Dobbs, at this point, had it made: She has inherited a substantial estate and fortune from her mentor, Dr. Maurice Blanche; she has a loving father; wonderful friends; a successful business; loyal employees, and a handsome, wealthy suitor who very much wants to marry her. And yet, she feels at loose ends, reflecting she is unfulfilled and wanting to follow in Blanche’s footsteps, traveling, perhaps to India and learn more about the world.
But before she can decide, she has to solve the murder of an Indian woman who has traveled to England and worked as a governess for a family, before leaving its employ and living in a home for similar immigrants who had lost their jobs, resorting to menial work as cleaning women and the like. Since this is a Maisie Dobbs mystery, there are overlapping plots and themes which must be tied together before we move on to the next chapter in Maisie’s life.
In each of the ten novels in the series, we have witnessed the development of Maisie’s experiences and character growth, as well as world developments as the 1930’s unfold toward what is likely to be World War II. But this entry takes place in 1933, so there is plenty of time for several more Maisie Dobbs stories. And that is something worth waiting for.
Recommended.
But before she can decide, she has to solve the murder of an Indian woman who has traveled to England and worked as a governess for a family, before leaving its employ and living in a home for similar immigrants who had lost their jobs, resorting to menial work as cleaning women and the like. Since this is a Maisie Dobbs mystery, there are overlapping plots and themes which must be tied together before we move on to the next chapter in Maisie’s life.
In each of the ten novels in the series, we have witnessed the development of Maisie’s experiences and character growth, as well as world developments as the 1930’s unfold toward what is likely to be World War II. But this entry takes place in 1933, so there is plenty of time for several more Maisie Dobbs stories. And that is something worth waiting for.
Recommended.
August 11, 2016
I can't decide if I like these books or not. They go deeper than most detective books, getting to the societal and psychological reasons behind crimes, in a way that stays with me and makes me think. However, I just really don't like Maisie. She's such a killjoy! She's seriously so obnoxious. She just can't ever let anyone be, or let anyone enjoy anything without bringing them down. For example, the Scotland Yard inspector is excited about having supposedly solved a case, and Maisie says something like, "let us not forget that two people have died." It's just so obnoxious. And she's so obsessed with gentility and respectability in the way she is treated by others and then flaunts the rules of propriety herself. And the weird like touchy-feely stuff is really annoying, too, like when she looks at a man and notices his hunched shoulders and decides that his posture is a development of him trying to protect his heart. That just doesn't even make any sense. Anyway. There it is.
December 6, 2023
This installment in the Maisie Dobbs series was very slow and arduous in my opinion. I've really enjoyed the series up until now. I definitely plan to continue as at the end of this book there is a major change in Maisie's life which should be interesting. Somehow this particular mystery and story was just way too boring for me.
November 11, 2019
Another good entry in the series. Change is hard and I hope that Maisie’s is for the best. The story was well done and the writing excellent as always.
October 4, 2021
Loved the twists and turns in this, my 10th Maisie Dobbs.
Usha Pramal is a beautiful Indian woman with a complicated romantic past. She comes to England to be a governess. She ends up dead. Of course, Maisie will figure out why and by whom, even if Scotland Yard can't.
5 stars
Usha Pramal is a beautiful Indian woman with a complicated romantic past. She comes to England to be a governess. She ends up dead. Of course, Maisie will figure out why and by whom, even if Scotland Yard can't.
5 stars
May 6, 2024
3.1.2021 update:
Changed rating to 4 stars to average out my three readings. As I get older (and closer to Maisie's age), I am more understanding of Maisie's behavior and thoughts. What didn't make sense to me about a decade ago now does, the need to know yourself and who you are before fully committing yourself to another person. And sometimes that means taking risks, uprooting yourself, and exploring the world on your own.
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5.28.2018 update:
Huh. I'd give this 2, maybe 3, stars upon a reread. This one just didn't draw me in like previous novels in the series. I was frustrated by Maisie's waffling (about James) and meddling (with Billy), and I found it hard to focus on the mystery amidst all Maisie's personal issues.
This would make a lovely episode of a TV show, though...
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4.2.2013 review:
Changed rating to 4 stars to average out my three readings. As I get older (and closer to Maisie's age), I am more understanding of Maisie's behavior and thoughts. What didn't make sense to me about a decade ago now does, the need to know yourself and who you are before fully committing yourself to another person. And sometimes that means taking risks, uprooting yourself, and exploring the world on your own.
**********************************
5.28.2018 update:
Huh. I'd give this 2, maybe 3, stars upon a reread. This one just didn't draw me in like previous novels in the series. I was frustrated by Maisie's waffling (about James) and meddling (with Billy), and I found it hard to focus on the mystery amidst all Maisie's personal issues.
This would make a lovely episode of a TV show, though...
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4.2.2013 review:
April 10, 2013
Maisie finds herself investigating two cases at once -- the disappearance of a 14 year old boy and the murder of an Indian woman. Maisie is pulled into the Indian subculture of London and discovers her own urge to see the world. Her office assistant, Billy, still is suffering from injuries received in a prior case and her secretary, Sandra, develops into more of an assistant. Will they all be able to solve the mysteries and help Maisie make decisions about her future.
This is perhaps the lowest rating I've given a Maisie Dobbs book. While the Indian culture in London is interesting, the whole story didn't come together for me...or perhaps it came together a little too neatly. Maisie is so angsty about what she wants to do with her life. As good as she can be in solving mysteries, she seems unable to solve the "mystery" inside of her.
I love this series and do enjoy watching characters develop over many books. But I'm getting kind of edgy myself wondering in which direction this series will go.
At the same time, it was had to put this book down. So perhaps 3.5 stars.
This is perhaps the lowest rating I've given a Maisie Dobbs book. While the Indian culture in London is interesting, the whole story didn't come together for me...or perhaps it came together a little too neatly. Maisie is so angsty about what she wants to do with her life. As good as she can be in solving mysteries, she seems unable to solve the "mystery" inside of her.
I love this series and do enjoy watching characters develop over many books. But I'm getting kind of edgy myself wondering in which direction this series will go.
At the same time, it was had to put this book down. So perhaps 3.5 stars.
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