The Mapping of Love and Death

February 15, 2010
Set in 1932, bestseller Winspear's endearing seventh Maisie Dobbs novel (after 2009's Among the Mad
) centers on Michael Clifton, a young American cartographer during the Great War, whose remains turn up in a French field. Evidence suggests to Maisie that Michael, rather than dying in a shell blast, was murdered. Michael's parents arrive in London with letters from an unnamed English nurse that raise disturbing questions about the nurse's relationship with their son. The plucky inquiry agent embarks on a search for this woman, following a trail that leads to Chatham, home of the School of Military Engineering, which Michael attended. There she learns about the vital role that cartography played in the war. At times, subplots involving socialite James Compton, a frustrated suitor, and the family problems of Maisie's assistant, Billy Beale, slow the pace. As often in this winning series, the action builds to a somewhat sad if satisfying conclusion. 10-city author tour.

Orlagh Cassidy is the quintessential Maisie in Winspear's popular WWI mystery series. In 1932, the London psychologist and private investigator is retained by a deceased soldier's parents to find the unnamed nurse whose love letters were among their son's belongings. Cassidy voices tones of gentle compassion as intrepid sleuth Maisie pursues clues replete with history, violence, intrigue, romance, and suspense. Cassidy expresses the subtle differences between the other British characters and even perfects the French accent of Maisie's mentor, Maurice. But Cassidy falters a bit with the American accents, which are unintentionally all over the U.S. map. Still, along with Maisie's unique gift for wisdom beyond her years, fans will enjoy her solution to a case of wartime love, murder, and mysterious treasure. A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Starred review from August 1, 2010

Some two decades after cartographer Michael Clifton enlisted for service in the war in 1914 England, his remains appear in France, and his parents retain Maisie Dobbs to find his former sweetheart. When Maisie's inquiries prompt assaults on both her and the elder Cliftons, it's clear the mystery is still fresh. Actress Orlagh Cassidy narrates this seventh episode in Winspear's (www.jacquelinewinspear.com) character-driven series, both a family-friendly mystery and a brilliant snapshot of England during the global depression of the early 1930s. Offering a fine balance of personal details and steady plot progress, this novel will satisfy fans and capture newcomers who enjoy British mysteries or historical fiction; highly recommended. [The New York Times best-selling Harper hc also received a starred review, LJ 2/1/10; BBC Audiobooks America is the only audio publisher to carry the complete Winspear backlist.--Ed.]--Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.