Pardonable Lies

Description

Much-loved Maisie Dobbs returns to investigate her third case, a thrilling story of family tensions and mysterious deaths in World War I. When Maisie Dobbs is called to a short meeting with Sir Cecil Lawton one summer evening in 1930, little did she realise what she was getting herself into. For Sir Cecil sets her a seemingly impossible challenge. She must prove that his son Ralph, a pilot in the Great War, really did die in action. Maisie's investigation takes her from the world of the English aristocracy, with its secrets and hidden scandals, to the battlefields of France. Not only must she uncover some difficult family truths, but she must also confront her own past, and the turmoil and love that she experienced as a nurse in the war. "Pardonable Lies" is a brilliantly told mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the final pages. It is a wonderful sequel to "Maisie Dobbs and Birds of a Feather", and will win Jacqueline Winspear yet more fans.

Reviews

'These clever mysteries, their period settings and the unusual character of Maisie herself are bang on target for the classic crime buyer' -- Sue Baker, Publishing News 20051125 'Jacqueline Winspear paints a deeply sympathetic portrait of an independent woman detective' -- Books Quarterly (Waterstone's) 20051125 'In Maisie Dobbs, Jacqueline Winspear has given us a real gift. Maisie Dobbs has not been created -- she has been discovered. Such people are always there amongst us, waiting for somebody like Ms. Winspear to come along and reveal them. And what a revelation it is!' -- Alexander McCall Smith 20060515 'The British counterpart to Alexander McCall Smith's The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' -- Associated Press 20060515 'A fine new sleuth for the twenty-first century' -- Elizabeth George 20060515 'A heroine to cherish' -- New York Times 20060515 'A wry and immensely readable beginning to what promises to be a vivid new addition to crime fiction' -- Praise for MAISIE DOBBS, Daily Mail 20060515 'Feisty, working-class heroine Maisie is a deliberate throwback to the sleuthettes of old-fashioned crime writing. The well-plotted story, its characters and the picture of London between the wars are decidedly romantic. American readers loved it; many Brits will, too.' -- Guardian 20060515 'A terrific mystery ! Intriguing and full of suspense, it makes for an absorbing read' -- Observer 20060515 'For readers yearning for the calm and insightful intelligence of a main character like P D James's, Maisie Dobbs is spot on' -- Boston Globe 20060515 'Even if detective stories aren't your thing, you'll love Maisie Dobbs' -- New Woman 20060515 '(Maisie Dobbs') most engaging adventure so far' -- Sydney Morning Herald 20060515 'It is only a question of time before this series hits the television screens, for it is just made for it' -- The Irish Times 20060520 'Altogether an excellent mystery story, which grips the reader all the way through. Contains many ideas which would interest book groups' -- New Books Magazine 20060701 'Wonderfully nostalgic and traditional sleuthing in post-First World War London' -- Bookseller 20050909 'Maisie Dobbs is a delightful character... The war's long shadow over Maisie and her clients and suspects lends emotional depth to an enjoyable mystery' -- Literary Review 20060301 'Think Upstairs Downstairs meets Miss Marple -- with a touch of chirpy cheerful Cockney from the Dick Van Dyke school' -- Yorkshire Post 20060301 'The classic crime buyer' -- Publishing News 20060519

Author description

Jacqueline Winspear was born and grew up in Kent. The Maisie Dobbs mysteries have won acclaim from readers and reviewers alike, and have been nominated for many awards. The first two novels in the series, Maisie Dobbs and Birds of a Feather are available now in paperback, published by John Murray.