Maisie Dobbs investigates the mysterious death of a controversial artist—and World War I veteran—in the fourth entry in the bestselling series London, 1931. The night before an exhibition of his artwork opens at a famed Mayfair gallery, 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 and a infamous figure in her own right, isn't convinced. When the authorities refuse to consider her theory that Nick was murdered, Georgina seeks out a fellow graduate from Girton College, Maisie Dobbs, psychologist and investigator, for help. Nick was a veteran of World War I, and 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. In Messenger of Truth, Maisie once again uncovers the perilous legacy of the Great War in a society struggling to recollect itself. But to solve the mystery of Nick's death, Maisie will have to keep her head as the forces behind the artist's fall come out of the shadows to silence her. Following on the bestselling Pardonable Lies, Jacqueline Winspear delivers another vivid, thrilling, and utterly unique episode in the life of Maisie Dobbs.
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"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."
— Peggy (5 out of 5 stars)
“The author provides an insightful look at class divisions and dangerous political undercurrents of homegrown fascism in early 1930s Britain…Fans of quality period fiction will be well satisfied.”
— Publishers Weekly“A cast of vivid characters and plenty of rich period detail boost Winspear’s somewhat lethargic plot.”
— Booklist“What makes this book delightful is how Winspear shows Maisie’s emotional development amid the bitter legacy of the Great War. Her growing fan base should enjoy this latest entry.”
— Library Journal“What makes the British-reared, award-winning Winspear so special is her ability to write convincing historical fiction…Winspear chronicles the uncharted, sometimes rocky path chosen by her protagonist and delivers results that are educational, unique and wonderful.”
— USA Today“Maisie captivated me immediately. She's sensitive, smart and dogged. It was an all-around great audiobook.
— Philadelphia Inquirer on Pardonable LiesWinspear excels in depicting trauma.... Descriptions of body language are unsurpassed. Orlagh Cassidy's narration creates a unique voice for each character…she is able to keep Maisie's accent unique and change it slightly as she interacts with a plethora of supporting characters.
— AudioFile on Pardonable Lies, Winner of AudioFile’s Earphones Award for truly exceptional presentations" The first book in this series grabbed me right away. This fourth one? Not so much. I "got it" early on in the book and just slogged through it afterwards to get to the end. The direction the series is taking, with Maisie knowing what's best for everyone in each and every situation, and with guidance from the beyond, is taking me further away from enjoyment thereof. "
— Diane, 2/20/2014" The first book in this series grabbed me right away. This fourth one? Not so much. I "got it" early on in the book and just slogged through it afterwards to get to the end. The direction the series is taking, with Maisie knowing what's best for everyone in each and every situation, and with guidance from the beyond, is taking me further away from enjoyment thereof. "
— Diane, 2/20/2014" I enjoyed this installment in the Maisie Dobbs series very much. The series as a whole is so interesting and involving -- can't believe there's only one more to go. This particular mystery...about a painter who may or may not have been accidentally killed...was interesting, though not to the level of the prior two in my estimation. The subplot involving Billy's family was a highlight. "
— Kay, 2/17/2014" I enjoyed this installment in the Maisie Dobbs series very much. The series as a whole is so interesting and involving -- can't believe there's only one more to go. This particular mystery...about a painter who may or may not have been accidentally killed...was interesting, though not to the level of the prior two in my estimation. The subplot involving Billy's family was a highlight. "
— Kay, 2/17/2014" Not as much fun as the first three Maisie Dobbs books. The plots is more complex and Maisie follows many leads that create a backstory but do not contribute to solving the mystery at hand. Maisie continues to become increasingly independent as she mingles with people who introduce her to cultural and social issues that she missed out on during her sheltered adolescence in service and under the tutelage of Maurice. And the Great War continues to cast forth its wounded participants into all sorts of post-war difficulties. The plight of the underclass, personified by Billy Beale and his family, moves toward center stage in this book. "
— John, 2/16/2014" Not as much fun as the first three Maisie Dobbs books. The plots is more complex and Maisie follows many leads that create a backstory but do not contribute to solving the mystery at hand. Maisie continues to become increasingly independent as she mingles with people who introduce her to cultural and social issues that she missed out on during her sheltered adolescence in service and under the tutelage of Maurice. And the Great War continues to cast forth its wounded participants into all sorts of post-war difficulties. The plight of the underclass, personified by Billy Beale and his family, moves toward center stage in this book. "
— John, 2/16/2014" This series is still keeping me engrossed. Maisy Dobbs is a fascinating protagonist and each novel deepens the dimensions of her character. These are not "happy" books, but they are quite satisfying. The author raises serious issues and invites the reader to wrestle with them along with Maisie. "
— Deb, 2/5/2014" This series is still keeping me engrossed. Maisy Dobbs is a fascinating protagonist and each novel deepens the dimensions of her character. These are not "happy" books, but they are quite satisfying. The author raises serious issues and invites the reader to wrestle with them along with Maisie. "
— Deb, 2/5/2014" This is probably my least favorite Maisie Dobb's book thus far. I felt that the mystery wasn't very exciting and Maisie's development felt rather stagnant. Hopefully the next installment is better. "
— Ami, 2/2/2014Jacqueline Winspear is the author of several New York Times bestsellers in her historical fiction series featuring Maisie Dobbs. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Agatha, Alex, and Macavity awards. She was born and raised in the county of Kent in England. Her grandfather had been severely wounded and shell-shocked in World War I, and learning his story sparked her deep interest in the “war to end all wars” and its aftereffects, which would later form the background of her novels. She studied at the University of London’s Institute of Education and later worked in academic publishing, in higher education and in marketing communications in the United Kingdom before emigrating to the United States.
Orlagh Cassidy, an American actress of stage, television, and film, is an audiobook narrator who has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration, as well as many AudioFile Earphones Awards. She is a graduate of SUNY at Purchase and a recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation Scholarship. She has been seen on and off Broadway and in films, including Definitely Maybe and Calling It Quits. Her television credits include roles in Law & Order and Sex and the City and as Doris Wolfe on Guiding Light.