Thursday, September 10, 2009

Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear




Maisie Dobbs has been called in to help on a case. There is a man who is threatening to do horrible things if his fellow soldiers do not get the help that they need whether it be pension or food. Having served as a nurse, Maisie might just have the insight into the world to help identify the letter writer. She has no idea how much over her head she will become or the fact that things will have to be monitored along the way. Can she do it before the worst happens?

Ms. Winspear crafts a story set in a time that one doesn't always like to remember. Yet through the pages, you get a glimpse into history and see how poorly things were handled. Yet her characters do their best to solve the crime and help the person involved if possible. The research involved in keeping a story like this accurate must be a lot. Yet I never felt like the story was rushed. The pacing was excellent!

Maisie is trying to find a way into her life. She is helping her assistant Billy Beale, yet making sure that he never feels like he is getting charity. She has the utmost respect for him and would hate to lose him. Billy's family is under a lot of stress and so Maisie wants to do her best to help them. Her best friend Priscilla makes an appearance and it was fun to see how those two relate to one another.

This series keeps on getting better! I truly hope Ms. Winspear continues it. There is a depth that I love and the time period just fascinates me. Maisie is a woman who truly wants to help others and it shows. I'm not sure where it could go next but I am pleasantly awaiting the next one, if there is one.


Jacqueline Winspear/ Maisie Dobbs series/ 302 pages/ England/ 5 out of 5

This one took a little longer than I thought it would but definitely was worth the time reading! I've started the next library book I have but not sure when I'll finish it.