A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear


Jun 15, 2011


I am very excited to finally see WWII on the horizon in this series. I describe it as a "slow burn" to prospective readers because I need them to understand that Maisie isn't about action and adventure as much as she is about peeling away the layers of the people who lived through WWI.

Here, we see Maisie starting to separate from her own practice and begin to take orders from the Secret Service. She is nosing around a small college dedicated to the practice of peace but ...moreI am very excited to finally see WWII on the horizon in this series. I describe it as a "slow burn" to prospective readers because I need them to understand that Maisie isn't about action and adventure as much as she is about peeling away the layers of the people who lived through WWI.

Here, we see Maisie starting to separate from her own practice and begin to take orders from the Secret Service. She is nosing around a small college dedicated to the practice of peace but which may harbor traitors (both foreign and domestic?). The Nazis may be infiltrating Britain and Maisie is on the case to discover what the younger generation could find appealing about their philosophies.

Simultaneously, Maisie falls back into romantic doubt-- this time with her new beau, James Compton. Can Maisie finally trust her heart, especially when the postmarks on James' letters look as if he may be deceiving her?

These cozy mysteries are a pleasure to read, and can be recommended to people who love bittersweet romance, historical studies, and all-too-human heroines.

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Reviewed by Library Staff