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Maisie Dobbs #4
Messenger of Truth
In London, 1931, the controversial artist Nick Bassington-Hope falls to his death. The police rule it an accident, but Nick's twin sister, Georgina, a wartime journalist, isn't so sure. When the authorities refuse to consider her theory that Nick was murdered, Georgina seeks out an old classmate from Girton College, Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and investigator, for help. Before long the case leads Maisie to the desolate beaches of Dungeness in Kent, and into the sinister underbelly of the city's art world.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
1443 people are currently reading
6318 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Winspear
61 books8,331 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 2,327 reviews
March 25, 2016
Three stars for a book which contained some things I liked but sadly some that I did not care for. I liked the setting and the details about life in post war England. I quite enjoyed the mystery although the ending was a little weak. I liked Maisie as a main character but she would be so much better if she did not endlessly evaluate her life. And I could wish that the author had never decided to bring in the psychic aspect at all. I am sure Maisie's talent for sleuthing and her intelligence and training are sufficient. The other is a distraction, a bit of silliness in an otherwise sane and sensible book. Overall a readable book and I will read more of the series, though not immediately.
December 13, 2020
Maisie Dobbs, book 4. I’m so used to reading e-books now that I ended up reading a Kindle edition from the library even though I had a hardcover edition available to me by midway through. Book 5 I have a friend’s autographed hardcover and it will be fun to read a “real” book again, and sans plastic library cover. I’m reading this series out loud to a friend.
This one has the usual wit & humor, and the psychological insight, and suspense at times too.
One incredibly sad happening
The Great Depression is being dealt with now, as WWI was and is. My friend and I were disappointed that in earlier books the 1918 flu pandemic was barely mentioned. Given our current pandemic we’d been looking forward to seeing how these characters handled it.
This book was interesting. I liked the art world aspect of it.
These books so far have all been 4-1/2 stars for me. Rounding up or down is not an easy decision. I know I’m enjoying them more than I would were I reading them on my own. My friend and I tend to have the same sense of humor and similar sensibilities, and know what kind of personal meaning certain plot points and relationship issues have for ourselves and each other. Great fun! I would enjoy this series no matter what. Maisie is a great character as are all the regular more minor characters & guest characters and as are the locations described. The author is a fabulous storyteller.
ETA: One of my favorite things about these books is the absence of black and white and the presence of shades of gray.
This one has the usual wit & humor, and the psychological insight, and suspense at times too.
One incredibly sad happening
The Great Depression is being dealt with now, as WWI was and is. My friend and I were disappointed that in earlier books the 1918 flu pandemic was barely mentioned. Given our current pandemic we’d been looking forward to seeing how these characters handled it.
This book was interesting. I liked the art world aspect of it.
These books so far have all been 4-1/2 stars for me. Rounding up or down is not an easy decision. I know I’m enjoying them more than I would were I reading them on my own. My friend and I tend to have the same sense of humor and similar sensibilities, and know what kind of personal meaning certain plot points and relationship issues have for ourselves and each other. Great fun! I would enjoy this series no matter what. Maisie is a great character as are all the regular more minor characters & guest characters and as are the locations described. The author is a fabulous storyteller.
ETA: One of my favorite things about these books is the absence of black and white and the presence of shades of gray.
May 13, 2012
I'm a Maisie Dobbs fan. Her character is developing over the series. In this book, she tests her independence on several fronts: professionally, by not calling on her mentor, Maurice Blanche, domestically, by living alone, and romantically, by separating from her suitor. She is investigating the death of an artist, meanwhile observing much about the society around her (1931, London), including veterans, the brutality of war, the rise of fascism, class differences, poverty, family relationships, and access to health care, as well as a criminal operation. Maisie is smart, but does not move easily in the world, owing to her own intimate losses and need for individual expression, which she accomplishes through her work. There are just a few dull passages; they are necessary for the plot, but they reference police procedures rather than the rich psychological techniques that Maisie relies upon.
September 4, 2022
Good writing, an extraordinary female main character, but not my type of book or story. Too much talking and divagations, and few thrilling scenes for a "mystery" book.
SUMMARY: "London artist Nicholas Bassington-Hope is found dead in his gallery, where he had been erecting scaffolding for the mysterious pièce de résistance of his upcoming show. Scotland Yards rules Nick’s death an accident and closes the case.
But his twin sister, Georgina, is convinced that there was foul play and hires psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs to look into the matter. Maisie spends the next several days acquainting herself with Nick’s high-brow family, his loyal friends, and the rich patrons who were interested in buying his work.
She learns that Nick, while universally respected as a talented artist, also produced a body of evocative and even offensive work. Did his latest masterpiece, which he had kept hidden from even close family and friends, have the potential to shock and anger someone into murder?
As Maisie flits among the moneyed gentry of the Bassington-Hopes, she is all too aware of the growing chasm between their world and the rest of London. Her own assistant, Billy, can hardly pay for a doctor for his dying toddler." (Kirkus Reviews)
SUMMARY: "London artist Nicholas Bassington-Hope is found dead in his gallery, where he had been erecting scaffolding for the mysterious pièce de résistance of his upcoming show. Scotland Yards rules Nick’s death an accident and closes the case.
But his twin sister, Georgina, is convinced that there was foul play and hires psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs to look into the matter. Maisie spends the next several days acquainting herself with Nick’s high-brow family, his loyal friends, and the rich patrons who were interested in buying his work.
She learns that Nick, while universally respected as a talented artist, also produced a body of evocative and even offensive work. Did his latest masterpiece, which he had kept hidden from even close family and friends, have the potential to shock and anger someone into murder?
As Maisie flits among the moneyed gentry of the Bassington-Hopes, she is all too aware of the growing chasm between their world and the rest of London. Her own assistant, Billy, can hardly pay for a doctor for his dying toddler." (Kirkus Reviews)
October 8, 2018
Rating Clarification: 2.5 stars
This series seems to be getting weaker and weaker, or more likely I'm getting more and more fed up with Maisie Dobbs: "New Age Geru Detective Extraordinaire".
#4 in the series finds Maisie on the hunt to determine whether her client's artist brother fell from some scaffolding, or was pushed to his death on the eve of his big art exhibition.
Along the way, Maisie discovers an appreciation for "ART", and Winspear tries to breath some color and emotion into her character as a result, but I don't buy it for a New York minute. Maisie has, unfortunately, the aesthetic sensibility of a rock.
Regardless, I will still continue with the series, which does have it's appeal (main character notwithstanding). However, I'm learning the hard truth that for me, Maisie is best taken in smaller doses.
This series seems to be getting weaker and weaker, or more likely I'm getting more and more fed up with Maisie Dobbs: "New Age Geru Detective Extraordinaire".
#4 in the series finds Maisie on the hunt to determine whether her client's artist brother fell from some scaffolding, or was pushed to his death on the eve of his big art exhibition.
Along the way, Maisie discovers an appreciation for "ART", and Winspear tries to breath some color and emotion into her character as a result, but I don't buy it for a New York minute. Maisie has, unfortunately, the aesthetic sensibility of a rock.
Regardless, I will still continue with the series, which does have it's appeal (main character notwithstanding). However, I'm learning the hard truth that for me, Maisie is best taken in smaller doses.
April 2, 2025
The year is : 1931. The night before the opening of his new art exhibition, Nicholas Bassington-Hope falls to his death. It is ruled an accident by the police, but his sister Georgina Bassington- Hope isn’t so sure. She asks Maisie Dobbs to investigate.
What I appreciate about Winspear’s novels is how she incorporates the time into her story. It is 13 years post the Great War, but people are still suffering. Oswald Mosley makes an appearance as England’s potential saviour. Diphtheria is quite rampant, especially in London’s East end. I loved the inclusion of all these details. As well, she really delves into the art world.
I really enjoyed both listening and reading this book. Maisie is a memorable investigator.
The book was read by Orlagh Cassidy. Loved listening to her voice.
Publication: 2006
What I appreciate about Winspear’s novels is how she incorporates the time into her story. It is 13 years post the Great War, but people are still suffering. Oswald Mosley makes an appearance as England’s potential saviour. Diphtheria is quite rampant, especially in London’s East end. I loved the inclusion of all these details. As well, she really delves into the art world.
I really enjoyed both listening and reading this book. Maisie is a memorable investigator.
The book was read by Orlagh Cassidy. Loved listening to her voice.
Publication: 2006
November 1, 2010
Maisie and I need to have some time away from each other. She's so cold and conceited these days. Her ever-increasing super powers are grating.
July 22, 2014
WARNING: You are about to enter a twisted, angry review where every innocent question hides a deadly and maleficent SPOILER!!!!
****
What kind of mystery novel spends two hundred pages trying to tell you nothing but how goofed up the murder victim's relatives are?
What kind of detective spends all her time holding hands with twits like the dead man's sister, then nabs the "killer" without even trying on the last page?
What kind of idiot gets into a shoving match with his father while standing high atop a rickety scaffold?
What kind of dad lives fifty five years without ever striking any of his kids, then "suddenly" shoves his son off a high scaffold "by accident?" Because he's "shocked" by a war painting?
What kind of "war painting" shocks people enough to commit murder, when all it shows is a German soldier and an English soldier having a "group hug" in the middle of no man's land?
All the problems in this novel come down to one thing. Dear, sweet Maisie Dobbs just can't fathom evil as a factor in human behavior. Unlike Sam Spade, who's favorite toast is "success to crime" Maisie has no ability to find the criminal impulse in her own emotions. There are no criminals in these novels, just bewildered lost souls who need Maisie's mystical brand of healing. It's all fearfully sweet and fearfully dull. And it only gets sillier as the time period advances and we hear more and more about real evil on the march -- Hitler in Germany, Moseley in England.
****
What kind of mystery novel spends two hundred pages trying to tell you nothing but how goofed up the murder victim's relatives are?
What kind of detective spends all her time holding hands with twits like the dead man's sister, then nabs the "killer" without even trying on the last page?
What kind of idiot gets into a shoving match with his father while standing high atop a rickety scaffold?
What kind of dad lives fifty five years without ever striking any of his kids, then "suddenly" shoves his son off a high scaffold "by accident?" Because he's "shocked" by a war painting?
What kind of "war painting" shocks people enough to commit murder, when all it shows is a German soldier and an English soldier having a "group hug" in the middle of no man's land?
All the problems in this novel come down to one thing. Dear, sweet Maisie Dobbs just can't fathom evil as a factor in human behavior. Unlike Sam Spade, who's favorite toast is "success to crime" Maisie has no ability to find the criminal impulse in her own emotions. There are no criminals in these novels, just bewildered lost souls who need Maisie's mystical brand of healing. It's all fearfully sweet and fearfully dull. And it only gets sillier as the time period advances and we hear more and more about real evil on the march -- Hitler in Germany, Moseley in England.
September 27, 2023
Book 4
Once again Maisie Dobbs steps up to the plate to solve the murder. I love this series and everything the author puts into it.
Historical fiction at it's best.
Highly Recommended!!
Once again Maisie Dobbs steps up to the plate to solve the murder. I love this series and everything the author puts into it.
Historical fiction at it's best.
Highly Recommended!!
October 28, 2007
This book, the fourth in the series, is a failure as a mystery. Maisie Dobbs is asked to investigate a death that might be murder, and eventually she uncovers not only the truth but also a smuggling ring. Unfortunately, although the reader can follow the trail of the smugglers, the resolution of the central death seems to depend on Maisie's psychic abilities--abilities that the reader doesn't have. The resolution makes sense, but it seems to come out of the blue.
There are, however, a number of reasons to read this book. Maisie herself is an interesting character. She has now moved into the flat she bought at the end of the third novel and is struggling to recover from the aftermath of an emotional breakdown. Her relationships with her mentor and her "young man" are changing. And everyone is still haunted by WWI. The book is very good at using both the war and the difficult economic and political situation, although Maisie does preach a bit. The book's end implies a new direction for Maisie's life.
There are, however, a number of reasons to read this book. Maisie herself is an interesting character. She has now moved into the flat she bought at the end of the third novel and is struggling to recover from the aftermath of an emotional breakdown. Her relationships with her mentor and her "young man" are changing. And everyone is still haunted by WWI. The book is very good at using both the war and the difficult economic and political situation, although Maisie does preach a bit. The book's end implies a new direction for Maisie's life.
December 28, 2015
Oh, my goodness! Holy shit, Batman! I am blown away by this series and Winspear's writing. This is so very much more than just a "mystery" or a venture into "historical fiction"...it is some of the most thought-provoking introspective fiction I have read. Especially this, the fourth installment in the series. I cried. Not bawling, but I cried. Winspear is absolutely one of the very best authors at making me FEEL as the characters FEEL. No wonder I stayed up much of last night reading this. I have loved all four thus far, but this one...well, this one...is just in the top ranks of my 'favorite reads ever' listing! I feel as if any words I might use to describe Winspear's communication about societal and cultural issues and controversies to be so very lacking and insufficient. I am in such agreement regarding the futility of war (that endless cycle of violence...) and yet, I find this time period so extremely fascinating--the buildup of Hitler's regime in Germany in these years prior to World War II. I keep thinking...did anyone truly suspect his mania? And if so, when? And how will Winspear play this out in the further books of this series? This book specifically dealt with 'class' (what we would now term SES) issues and the impact of the 'haves' vs. the 'have nots,' not only upon peoples' physical well-being, but emotional as well--LIFE and DEATH at times. It is so revealing to realize these same issues of access to healthcare are STILL at the forefront today, especially in the U.S. where we refuse to grant access to healthcare for ALL! (Of course, England has done so.) Winspear does not just depict one side of these issues, but tackles it all, through the characters' experiences, feelings, and behaviors. It is so very powerful! And although Maisie may be considered by some to be an "Amazon," especially during this time period, she is also so very vulnerable... I just can't adequately describe the experience of reading this series. It is amazing!
January 8, 2022
3.75 stars. I’m enjoying this series overall. I was warned by my friend Lisa that this one was a little depressing, and she was right 😬 It’s good I was prepared for it, though, bc I think expecting one thing and getting something else are where books get downgraded, in my experience.
Although I enjoy the recurring characters and the setting in general, this one didn’t really call me back to it. There was a rather poignant death here, and other unrest that wasn’t good for my empathic soul. At over halfway through, I found myself wanting to just skim and be done with it. I didn’t skim, but wanted to haha.
Saying all of that though, the ending had me upgrading this to almost four stars, which says something, considering the overall tone of this book and the fact that I read most of it in January, when I prefer something uplifting, etc.
A note about the audio performance: this series seems to have one narrator. Overall, I like her but her tone when she speaks for Maisie and sometimes even the thoughts from her POV make her sound snobby. I think it’s pretty clear to anyone who has read this far into the series that Maisie isn’t a snob. She’s pretty much the opposite. So although I appreciate the speed with which the narrator reads, and the reading in general, the snobby undertone comes up often throughout the book. Sometimes characters are a bit snooty, so it follows, but more than not, it refers to Maisie/her thoughts. If you listen more than read, it can be distracting and off putting. Just in case that may matter to someone reading this, wanted to point it out.
Although I enjoy the recurring characters and the setting in general, this one didn’t really call me back to it. There was a rather poignant death here, and other unrest that wasn’t good for my empathic soul. At over halfway through, I found myself wanting to just skim and be done with it. I didn’t skim, but wanted to haha.
Saying all of that though, the ending had me upgrading this to almost four stars, which says something, considering the overall tone of this book and the fact that I read most of it in January, when I prefer something uplifting, etc.
A note about the audio performance: this series seems to have one narrator. Overall, I like her but her tone when she speaks for Maisie and sometimes even the thoughts from her POV make her sound snobby. I think it’s pretty clear to anyone who has read this far into the series that Maisie isn’t a snob. She’s pretty much the opposite. So although I appreciate the speed with which the narrator reads, and the reading in general, the snobby undertone comes up often throughout the book. Sometimes characters are a bit snooty, so it follows, but more than not, it refers to Maisie/her thoughts. If you listen more than read, it can be distracting and off putting. Just in case that may matter to someone reading this, wanted to point it out.
December 31, 2025
I continue to enjoy this historical series set in England post WWI. Maisie Dobbs is an investigator and psychologist who finds answers for people, mostly about family members. This story involves finding answers about the death of an artist who served in the Great War and then painted the stories that he saw. He died in the art gallery putting his work up. His twin sister feels that he was murdered. Maisie finds answers with help from her assistant Billy. Billy has a tragic event in his own family in this story. These stories are emotional and touching with mysteries that Maisie has a unique way of solving. In this case, I was surprised by what happened. I will continue to listen to the series as I did this one via Libby audio.
May 18, 2024
The ending was quite powerful! Many moving and emotional moments… Maisie is a wonderful character. Billy Beale has my heart ❤️ Really loving this series!
November 22, 2023
I had given up on a previous Maisie Dobbs, why did I try again? The result is the same, abandoned halfway through!
It must be me I imagine but I found the plot utter tosh and it was going nowhere. I was determined to continue reading it until I decided that it was a few hours of my life that would have been wasted so I gave it up.
Sorry, Maisie but you are just not for me.
It must be me I imagine but I found the plot utter tosh and it was going nowhere. I was determined to continue reading it until I decided that it was a few hours of my life that would have been wasted so I gave it up.
Sorry, Maisie but you are just not for me.
September 7, 2015
This series seems to be going downhill. I want to scream every time she says "Maisie inclined her head". In the beginning of the series, I thought Maisie was this strong character but she has morphed in a self righteous, smug person.
January 10, 2023
Once again, Maisie Dobbs did not disappoint. I love historical mysteries, and author Jacqueline Winspear gets extra points for having the detective be a woman, which in 1931 would have been unprecedented. It was a 2006 Agatha Award Nominee for Best Novel—always a good sign. (Incidentally, Louise Penny has won the award seven times.)
Nicholas Bassington-Hope was commissioned to paint war propaganda after sustaining injuries in combat. On the night before the opening of his exhibition at a celebrated Mayfair art gallery, he falls from a scaffolding to his death. The police rule it an accident, but the dead man’s twin sister suspects foul play. Where is the painting he was hanging?
When the authorities close the case, Georgina—a renowned wartime journalist—hires Maisie Dobbs to investigate. The case takes Maisie to the desolate beaches of Dungeness and the underbelly of the art world. To solve the mystery, she will have to remain steady as the forces behind his death try to silence her.
Winspear adds plenty of vivid period details to Messenger of Truth, and she juxtaposes the extravagances of the aristocracy with the plight of the poor. The twist at the end was stupendous… the identity of the murderer shocked me! The book concludes with a sense of hope as Maisie is ready to begin a new adventure. Jacqueline Winspear delivers another thrilling episode in the life of Maisie Dobbs. This was book number four in the series for me and I’m eager to read the next installment.
Nicholas Bassington-Hope was commissioned to paint war propaganda after sustaining injuries in combat. On the night before the opening of his exhibition at a celebrated Mayfair art gallery, he falls from a scaffolding to his death. The police rule it an accident, but the dead man’s twin sister suspects foul play. Where is the painting he was hanging?
When the authorities close the case, Georgina—a renowned wartime journalist—hires Maisie Dobbs to investigate. The case takes Maisie to the desolate beaches of Dungeness and the underbelly of the art world. To solve the mystery, she will have to remain steady as the forces behind his death try to silence her.
Winspear adds plenty of vivid period details to Messenger of Truth, and she juxtaposes the extravagances of the aristocracy with the plight of the poor. The twist at the end was stupendous… the identity of the murderer shocked me! The book concludes with a sense of hope as Maisie is ready to begin a new adventure. Jacqueline Winspear delivers another thrilling episode in the life of Maisie Dobbs. This was book number four in the series for me and I’m eager to read the next installment.
August 27, 2021
Maisie Dobbs is asked to investigate the accidental death of an artist. His sister does not believe the fall was clumsiness, but the act of will. Also, the artist's main work has not been found. Maisie starts digging, and a truth about the artist emerges that many would prefer wasn't shown. Again, a lot of the trauma and plot line harks back to World War I, which had ended a decade and a half earlier. Wounds had not healed by the 1930's.
Maisie Dobbs is a fascinating character, with her own World War I trauma - her fiancé was damaged beyond repair and she herself was a nurse in the war. At the same time, she is brave and curious, a more ravaged form on Nancy Drew. I will pick this series up again, definitely.
Maisie Dobbs is a fascinating character, with her own World War I trauma - her fiancé was damaged beyond repair and she herself was a nurse in the war. At the same time, she is brave and curious, a more ravaged form on Nancy Drew. I will pick this series up again, definitely.
January 25, 2015
I like these Maisie Dobb books. They are somewhat light, but thoroughly intriguing mysteries, and there is always the historical element that Jacqueline Winspear adds to the tale. This time it's 1931 and an artist dies while setting up his latest exhibit. The authorities think it's an accident. The dead man's twin sister thinks it might be something else and contacts Maisie to look into it. Turns out, there is something more to it.
Maisie has some uncanny abilities to see more than what is on the surface in all her investigations. This time she jumps in and puts herself into a little bit of danger. I liked that. She's getting a little more daring as her PI career takes off.
Maisie has some uncanny abilities to see more than what is on the surface in all her investigations. This time she jumps in and puts herself into a little bit of danger. I liked that. She's getting a little more daring as her PI career takes off.
September 6, 2007
This was my latest experience with Maisie Dobbs, the post-WWI British heroine created by Jacqueline Winspear. This fourth book in the series was good, but somehow I didn't enjoy it as much as the third three- don't know why. I highly recommend the whole series though!
I was excited to read in the p.s. section of the third book, "Messenger of Truth", that the series will be adapted for British television and that Winspear envisioned Anthony Hopkins and Maggie Smith as playing roles, although I don't know if that will come to pass. Something to look out for!
I was excited to read in the p.s. section of the third book, "Messenger of Truth", that the series will be adapted for British television and that Winspear envisioned Anthony Hopkins and Maggie Smith as playing roles, although I don't know if that will come to pass. Something to look out for!
June 19, 2020
This is book 4 in the Maisie Dobbs series. I really enjoyed this story. We are in London 1931. Maisie is hired to investigate the death of an artist and determine if it was truly an accident or was it murder?
Maisie's personal life takes a next step and she helps Billy through his own personal tragedy. Meanwhile she's getting involved in the London underworld and smuggling rings while investigating her case.
The author does a fabulous job of creating the time period. I can feel the scenery and I love that!
At the end I was very satisfied. I enjoyed this one more than book 4. Can't wait to read the next one!
Maisie's personal life takes a next step and she helps Billy through his own personal tragedy. Meanwhile she's getting involved in the London underworld and smuggling rings while investigating her case.
The author does a fabulous job of creating the time period. I can feel the scenery and I love that!
At the end I was very satisfied. I enjoyed this one more than book 4. Can't wait to read the next one!
June 24, 2014
Messenger of Truth is the fourth book in the Maisie Dobbs series by British-born American author, Jacqueline Winspear. When the death of controversial artist Nicholas Bassington-Hope, from a fall whilst setting up his latest exhibition, is ruled as accidental, his twin sister Georgina is unconvinced. Georgina, an outspoken journalist, seeks out the help of Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and investigator. In the course of her investigations, Maisie meets the bohemian Bassington-Hope family, Nick’s fellow artists from the colony at Dungeness, his promoter, gallery owner Stig Svenson, and the collector who is determined to own all of his work, wealthy American Randolph Bradley. And while all the evidence points to an unfortunate fall, Maisie soon finds that plenty of possible motives exist for Nick’s murder. Nick was known for including real people in his paintings, careless of whom it might upset. Did his latest masterpiece, secreted away in an unknown lockup, offend the wrong person? Or did he fall foul of his younger brother’s contacts with the underworld? Was Randolph looking to increase the value of his collection (as the death of an artist is bound to do), or annoyed that he refused to sell the masterpiece? What were his artist friends, of late noticeably wealthier, hiding? Were the recent quarrels with his siblings relevant? Maisie is left to determine the true story alone, as Billy Beale has problems of his own. DI Stratton is being less than helpful and things come to a head with Maisie’s suitor, Andrew Dene. This instalment touches on war artists, war propaganda, the atrocities of war, the scourge of childhood diseases, and the loss of art works to richer countries. Stolen heirloom diamonds, European works of art and smugglers all feature as Maisie delves into the world of art. Winspear develops her main characters further and gives the reader an original plot with enough twists to keep the pages turning. Winspear uses some wonderfully descriptive prose: her depiction of the converted railway carriage is particularly evocative. This is another excellent mystery that skilfully conjures the feel of post-war England and her inhabitants. Fans will look forward to the next book in the series, An Incomplete Revenge.
May 16, 2015
The Maisie Dobbs series is more than just a collection of stories about a female sleuth tumbling headlong into private investigation. Jacqueline Winspear takes Maisie's intriguing cases and weaves in historical events and social issues in England in the years after WWI. Maisie and her sidekick Billy Beale are an interesting duo. Their investigative dance is quite graceful, especially given their opposite personalities and lifestyles. They are a good pair!
In Messenger of Truth, Winspear once again presents lingering problems in the aftermath of the Great War and juxtaposes them with domestic issues of poverty and injustice. Messenger of Truth also sees Maisie continue to grow into an independent woman who recognizes the need to make hard personal choices and recognizes the need to let go and move forward.
Without giving anything away, this installment of Maisie Dobbs is engaging, touching, and full of good old-fashioned mystery. Maisie knows her business, and she's not afraid to get her hands dirty and ask difficult questions. I like her and her methods, both traditional and unorthodox. She's vulnerable yet strong minded. She's gently forthright.
I am thoroughly enjoying these books!
***
"'Sometimes help takes the form of directing. And peace is something we find when we have a companion on the journey.'" ~ prologue
"At the end of the day, wasn't it all about who had money, and who hadn't; who could make money, and who couldn't? And no matter how pleasant the people might be, wasn't it just plain unfair that there were those who had the wherewithal to paint all day, when others knew only the bitterness of unemployment, the gnawing hunger of want?" ~ chapter 9
"these were men——and women——whose country had needed them but who were now without a means to support themselves. They were the forgotten heroes now waging another battle for honor." ~ chapter 9
In Messenger of Truth, Winspear once again presents lingering problems in the aftermath of the Great War and juxtaposes them with domestic issues of poverty and injustice. Messenger of Truth also sees Maisie continue to grow into an independent woman who recognizes the need to make hard personal choices and recognizes the need to let go and move forward.
Without giving anything away, this installment of Maisie Dobbs is engaging, touching, and full of good old-fashioned mystery. Maisie knows her business, and she's not afraid to get her hands dirty and ask difficult questions. I like her and her methods, both traditional and unorthodox. She's vulnerable yet strong minded. She's gently forthright.
I am thoroughly enjoying these books!
***
"'Sometimes help takes the form of directing. And peace is something we find when we have a companion on the journey.'" ~ prologue
"At the end of the day, wasn't it all about who had money, and who hadn't; who could make money, and who couldn't? And no matter how pleasant the people might be, wasn't it just plain unfair that there were those who had the wherewithal to paint all day, when others knew only the bitterness of unemployment, the gnawing hunger of want?" ~ chapter 9
"these were men——and women——whose country had needed them but who were now without a means to support themselves. They were the forgotten heroes now waging another battle for honor." ~ chapter 9
March 17, 2023
I quite enjoyed this! A very different type of murder solved in this, with high society and family drama at the forefront. I just wish there was more Maisy/Stratton action, but I don’t think that’ll be a thing for a long while (I’m predicting). I loved the interview the author gave at the end of the audio book, it was fascinating to hear her process of writing each Maisie book. Looking forward to the next!
January 9, 2022
1931 and Maisie is investigating the death of a radical young artist. Those with vision have an eye upon Hitler. Mosley is being hailed as a hero in some circles. Once again Winspear whirls us into those times, and into Maisie’s life. There’s tragedy on more than one level, confrontation and yearning. Absolutely brilliant!
January 19, 2019
Personal difficulties with cozy mystery type series so really a 2.5 but as it doesn't seem fair to give a 2 as it's probably a well-done cozy, I've bumped the rating up to 3.
December 19, 2018
3 stars
Although I cannot say that this is my favorite all time series, I thought that this book was maybe the best of the 4 I have read. Maisie did not get spread too thin with multiple crimes to solve in this book, she concentrated on one issue - whether or not an artist fell to his death or was pushed. What I felt made this book so much better was the side story involving her assistant Billy.
On to the 5th installment...
Although I cannot say that this is my favorite all time series, I thought that this book was maybe the best of the 4 I have read. Maisie did not get spread too thin with multiple crimes to solve in this book, she concentrated on one issue - whether or not an artist fell to his death or was pushed. What I felt made this book so much better was the side story involving her assistant Billy.
On to the 5th installment...
November 14, 2015
I have read other Maisie Dobbs books and enjoyed them. This much less so. It was hard going for a start. I began to find I was not picking and felt the book was solely directed at a transatlantic readership. Why else should an English writer spell 'neighbor' thus? At one point the protagonist goes through the 'turnstile' at a London Underground station. We don't have such, but they are a feature of the New York subway. Then again, she hasn't checked her facts. She says that the railway carriage cottages at Dungeness were as a result of the closure of the line from Rye. The book is set in 1931 and the railway to Dungeness was not to close to passengers until 1937 - and it ran from New Romney. The carriages arrived in the early 1920s having been brought by workers at the Ashford railway works. Most egregious of all she has a character referring to 'that tyrant in Germany' meaning Hitler. It was not until 1933 that he seized power. Two years earlier it was anyone's guess who would come out top in the street fighting which marked the last years of the Weimar Republic. So far as the story is concerned, the way Maisie arrives at the identity of the killer is never spelled out, even in her epilogue meeting with her client. This really is unforgivable. Throughout I found the descriptions of the art of the deceased Nick Bassington-Hope totally unbelievable. Two * is generous. Oh yes. Addendum. The author constantly refers to men having 'kerchiefs' in their breast pocket. They don't. They have a handkerchief. A kerchief is a bandana worn either on the head or around the neck. As any dictionary will tell you.
August 30, 2016
The story was good and the details excellent, as usual for this series. However, the pacing was just too 'the same' all the way through on this book - thoughtful, careful, considered. Needed more action, less reflection. Not quite as good as the earlier books, still a wonderful series and I will continue by reading the next one.
December 25, 2025
Nuova indagine per la psico-investigatrice Maisie Dobbs.
Georgina Bassington-Hope, nota e sofisticata reporter, si rivolge a Maisie perché non è convinta che la morte di suo fratello gemello Nick, celebre pittore, sia dovuta all’accidentale caduta da una impalcatura. Nicholas si stava dedicando a un cruciale dipinto di guerra, come, e forse più dei precedenti, portatore di verità sugli orrori e sulle turpitudini perpetrate nei campi di battaglia.
(Siamo nel 1930 e altre nubi si addensano all’orizzonte: comincia in Germania l’ascesa di Hitler e il conflitto da poco concluso non sarà purtroppo l’ultimo. L’inquietudine serpeggia, nonostante la minaccia totalitaria non si sia ancora tradotta in eventi concreti).
In contemporanea alla vicenda principale, come al solito seguiamo anche la storia personale di Maisie e, insieme, anche quella del suo fedele collaboratore Billy Beale. Gli eventi narrati ci portano a ragionare sul divario sempre più scandaloso tra ricchi e poveri e a constatare come la devastante crisi economica si abbatta solo sui più fragili.
Con i metodi appresi dal suo maestro Maurice Blanche, con il progressivo affinamento di quelle tecniche e con l’intelligenza intuitiva che a lei unicamente appartiene, Maise sbroglierà la matassa e arriverà a trovarne il capo.
A noi, ancora una volta, il gusto di accompagnarla e procedere insieme a lei.
Georgina Bassington-Hope, nota e sofisticata reporter, si rivolge a Maisie perché non è convinta che la morte di suo fratello gemello Nick, celebre pittore, sia dovuta all’accidentale caduta da una impalcatura. Nicholas si stava dedicando a un cruciale dipinto di guerra, come, e forse più dei precedenti, portatore di verità sugli orrori e sulle turpitudini perpetrate nei campi di battaglia.
(Siamo nel 1930 e altre nubi si addensano all’orizzonte: comincia in Germania l’ascesa di Hitler e il conflitto da poco concluso non sarà purtroppo l’ultimo. L’inquietudine serpeggia, nonostante la minaccia totalitaria non si sia ancora tradotta in eventi concreti).
In contemporanea alla vicenda principale, come al solito seguiamo anche la storia personale di Maisie e, insieme, anche quella del suo fedele collaboratore Billy Beale. Gli eventi narrati ci portano a ragionare sul divario sempre più scandaloso tra ricchi e poveri e a constatare come la devastante crisi economica si abbatta solo sui più fragili.
Con i metodi appresi dal suo maestro Maurice Blanche, con il progressivo affinamento di quelle tecniche e con l’intelligenza intuitiva che a lei unicamente appartiene, Maise sbroglierà la matassa e arriverà a trovarne il capo.
A noi, ancora una volta, il gusto di accompagnarla e procedere insieme a lei.
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