|
Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Jacqueline Winspear's PARDONABLE LIES.
Alan from Los Angeles, CA
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
No, this is my first. And even though this was the third in a series, I did not get any sense of being at a disadvantage not having read the first two books. I never felt left out on any important background about her main character. This is one of the several strengths of the book.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Lawrence Block, George Pelecanos, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, Donald E. Westlake, Ken Bruen, Allan Guthrie, James Crumley, Denise Hamilton, Ian Rankin, John Shannon, Reed Farrel Coleman, Jim Fusilli, Colin Bateman, Ed
McBain and many, many others!
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
I enjoyed it completely! I was afraid it might be a "cozy," all fluff and manners. (Which, as you may guess from the list of writers above, is not my cup of whiskey.) But instead it was an intelligently written narrative with a completely fascinating main character. I found Maisie Dobbs to be surprisingly self-reliant and resourceful, yet compassionate and often conflicted. A woman of her times with an attitude more fitting of our more liberated times. And I also appreciated how Ms. Winspear did not overwhelm the story with nostalgia for a time past, but instead used the period and history to the story's great advantage.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes! No doubt about it.
Annabelle from Chicago, IL
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I've read and enjoyed both MAISIE DOBBS and BIRDS OF A FEATHER.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Alexander McCall Smith, Elizabeth Peters, Karin Fossum, Stephanie Barron and Agatha Christie.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
Jacqueline Winspear can do no wrong. Like its predecessors, PARDONABLE LIES is a marvelous mix of mystery, historical fiction and romance. One doesn't have to have read the first two books in the series to appreciate the third, but I believe Winspear's fans will enjoy the growth Maisie exhibits in this book. It was also great fun to have her involved with three mysteries in one.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Absolutely!
Beth from Moorhad, MN
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes, I read both MAISIE DOBBS and BIRDS OF A FEATHER this past winter. They were in a double volume I got from the Quality Paperback Book Club.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I don't often read mysteries, but have long been a fan of Agatha Christie. I read the Father Brown mysteries many years ago as well as a series by an author I have forgotten (TUESDAY THE RABBI SAW RED) and have also read some of Rita Mae Brown's books. Recently, I read a fun little book called DEATH BY DARJEELING by Laura Childs.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
I thoroughly enjoyed PARDONABLE LIES. It was fun to connect with Maisie Dobbs again. It was also interesting to see how relationships from the first books grew and changed. Again, Jacqueline Winspear has given both a good story and insight into the British and French sensibilities between the tow world wars. As someone born in the US after both of those conflicts, I find the books offer valuable historical information.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes, I would certainly read another Maisie Dobbs book --- and would probably give another topic by Winspear a try.
Jackie from Marshfield, MO
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
No, this is my first read by Ms. Winspear
What other mystery writers do you read?
I love romantic mysteries and Stephen King-type mysteries.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
This book was very good --- really grabbed me from the very start, and held on till the end. The characters were very believable, and story line was interesting.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes, I would love to read books by Ms. Winspear.
Kathleen from Ruskin, FL
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes, I read MAISIE DOBBS.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Michael Connelly, Elizabeth George, Anne Perry, Martha Grimes and Sara Paretsky.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
This was an enjoyable read --- a book to get lost in. Her vivid sense of place reminds me of Anne Perry. The strong details transport you to England between the wars where Maisie Dobbs most overcome her own fears to solve a haunting mystery. The memorable characters from her first book (Maisie Dobbs) are book --- and in fine form. Her assistant, Billy Beale, street smart and damaged by war, is an unlikely but good detective and Maisie keeps growing as a character. She is inspiring --- a woman who looks outward rather inward --- and triumphs.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Definitely.
Louanne from Granton, Ontario
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I have not previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear. I was pleasantly surprised!
What other mystery writers do you read?
My favourite British authors are Elizabeth George and Anne Perry. The Maisie Dobbs character puts me in mind of Perry's Pitt and Monk series. We are offered a snapshot of a time period with fascinating social and historical details as well as a mystery.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
The Maisie Dobbs character captured me immediately. I found the combination of a psychologist and investigator --- especially a female during the war years --- fascinating.
Maisie is asked to prove that a young aviator did indeed die during the war --- despite a body never being found. This case brings old ghosts back to haunt Maisie --- she too has been wounded by the war. When she mentions this case to her old friend Priscilla, she too has been suffering. Priscilla's brother was killed during the war as well. Two seemingly disparate inquiries are intertwined.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I would definitely read future books by Winspear. My only negative comment would be in the cover design. I don't know if it is "interesting" enough to grab for an inside look.
Marsha from Fullerton, CA
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I have not read a book by Jacqueline Winspear but am now an avid fan.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I read Elizabeth George, Janet Evanovich, Marcia Muller, Sue Grafton, Alexander McCall Smith, Elmore Leonard, Ed McBain, among others.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
I was enchanted by Maisie Dobbs and her journey towards truth. This is first-rate writing reminding us that the wounds of war are never fully healed. Her vision, tenacity and spirit are spellbinding.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I not only plan to read future books by the author but hope to read the first two Maisie Dobb books. Thank you for the opportunity to become acquainted with Winspear's talent. Rest assured I shall recommend it to all three of my book clubs.
Mary Lou from Silverado, CA
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
This was my first experience with Jacqueline Winspear. (What a great name --- very British.)
What other mystery writers do you read?
Other mystery writers that I enjoy include PD James, Stephen J. Cannell, Michael Connelly, Rita Mae Brown, Sara Paretsky, Marsha Grimes, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Joseph Keller, James Lee Burke, Sue Grafton and, of course, Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. (I did not list Stephen King and Dean Koontz, because they are probably more horror or suspense, but I love them all the same.)
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
My take on PARDONABLE LIES is that it is a beautifully written book --- lots of great plot twists and a wonderful main character in Maisie Dobbs. It is a much less intense book than many of the other mystery books on the market, and I found at times that I had to re-read certain passages. I guess what I am saying is that the story was more subtle than others of its genre on the market. This was good in that it helped to set the mood. I was absolutely enchanted by the setting --- 1930 England and France. Ms. Winspear's descriptions of clothing, furniture, cars, etc., it was all wonderful. Also, the horror of WWI and its impact on a society attempting to heal, combined with the hindsight knowledge that we all have of what horrors were awaiting, gave me much to ponder. I think that period between the two "great" wars is often ignored. It is a very interesting time in history, as well as being the infancy of so much of our technology that we take for granted today.
I liked the way Maisie approached her challenges --- by centering, deep breathing, paying attention to her own and other's body language and listening (or not) to intuition. I wonder, though, how much appeal this book will have to the general reading audience. I discovered in reading "about the author" at the end, that the book is deemed suitable for young adults, and I absolutely agree. It puts me in mind of a much more developed, but equally charming, Nancy Drew story. The only drawback I could see for the "young adult" market is its length. This might put a young adult reader off.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
On the whole, the book was great. I would definitely like to read the first two books in the series, as well as any more Ms. Winspear is going to publish.
Nancy from Miami, FL
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I have read both of Jacqueline Winspear's previous Maisie Dobbs mysteries.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I read too many other mystery writers to list them all. Here are some of my favorites: Robert Crais, Anne Perry, Bill Pronzini, Rhys Bowen, Robert B. Parker, Nevada Barr, M.C. Beaton, Barry Eisler, John Dunning, Harlan Coben, Elmore Leonard, Thomas Perry, Bruce Alexander, Ed McBain, Harold Adams, Marcia Muller, Margaret Maron, Lawrence Block, Conrad Allen, Kate Kingsbury, Michael Connelly, John Sandford, K.J. Erickson, Sue Grafton, G.M. Ford and Simon Brett.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
I like this series a lot. I especially enjoy the setting. I'm very fond of historical mysteries, and this is set in an interesting time period. It sort of has an Upstairs/Downstairs feel to it. I enjoyed the relationship between Maisie and her mentor, Maurice. We learn more about Maisie's experiences as a nurse in WWI, and Maurice's important role in that war. I look forward to following Maisie's career.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I certainly plan to continue reading this series.
Pam from Johnson City, TN
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
No.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Sharyn McCrumb.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
I liked it very much. Winspear handles her characters very well and develops her plot rather nicely and everything just jazzes right along.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes.
Sandy from Chicopee, MA
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading PARDONABLE LIES. I have also read the first two books in the Maisie Dobbs series and have become a fan! I love historical fiction and mysteries so I knew Winspear's books would appeal to me. She makes the world of 1930's London come alive in the present.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
The plot of PARDONABLE LIES was very interesting and intriguing. Winspear really showed how people react differently to the aftereffects of war. I like how Maisie is evolving with each book and here she has to deal with some personal issues that really show the depth and growth of her character. Winspear makes her so intelligent, but believable. It's a book I would recommend to others.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Some other mystery writers I enjoy are Dennis Lehane, Caleb Carr, Sue Grafton, Dianne Day, Janet Evanovich and Robert Crais, to name a few!
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I would definitely read a future book from Jacqueline Winspear!
Shirley from West Bloomfield, MI
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
This is the first book that I have read by Jacqueline Winspear.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Mystery writers that I have read are Dan Brown, David Baldacci, Daniel Silva, Michael Connelly and Phillip Margolin, to name a few.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
I enjoyed reading PARDONABLE LIES very much. This is the first book that I have read that took place in England and France in 1930, and I found how she wrote about the people and the countryside quite interesting. I loved Maisie Dobbs and all the twists and turns kept me going till the very end.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I would definitely read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear, and I'm going to read her two earlier Maisie Dobbs books.
Sonia from Ocean Pines, MD
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
No, I have not.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I've read some John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Robin Cook and, of course, Agatha Christie.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
I enjoyed not only the story that kept me hanging on, but the time period with the historical happenings, the locations in England and France and, of course, the English flair of speaking. Maisie was definitely a woman ahead of her time. The characters were all so interesting. The story was not predictable at all. It was as you said, not genteel mysteries that Maisie was investigating while dealing with her own past ghosts.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes, and I plan to read her two previously published books.
Rena from Palatka, FL
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I have never read one of the author's books, but this was a wonderful read and I will certainly look for her other novels.
What other mystery writers do you read?
I read almost anything. Patricia Cornwell is one of my favorites, along with Diane Mott Davidson, Jeffery Deaver, Dean Koontz and Sue Grafton.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
The book has at least 3 separate mysteries going on at the same time along with the main characters' personal struggles. It works to make a book that is easy reading but very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to others.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
I look forward to reading another book by this same author. Thank you for the opportunity to read PARDONABLE LIES.
ElsieMay from Des Moines, WA
What other mystery writers do you read?
Harold Robbins, Sidney Sheldon, John Grisham, John Nance, J. A. Jance, Sue Grafton, John Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, David Baldacci, John D. MacDonald, Lisa Scottoline, Ridley Pearson, Gerry Spence and Ed McBain are just a few of the authors whose books I thoroughly enjoy.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
PARDONABLE LIES is set in the early 1900's in Europe. Maisie Dobbs is a very independent thinking, amazing young woman of the early 1900's. She is a thoughtful, thorough, insightful business woman. She is a sleuth extraordinaire. She has moxie, smarts and style. Jacqueline Winspear has the ability of being able to transport me to a different time and place. I found myself in a foreign land and in a different century and time where I was thoroughly immersed in that culture, place and time. I was mesmerized by Maisie Dobbs. I enjoyed hearing about what was happening during that time period. The pacing was just perfect for that time period.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Maybe, although I enjoy a more intense plot with faster pacing. I think Jacqueline Winspear will do very, very well. She will certainly develop her own following.
Bill from Whittier, CA
Have you previously read a book by Jacqueline Winspear?
Yes, I have signed first editions of her first 2 books.
What other mystery writers do you read?
Will Thomas, Henning Mankell, James Patterson, Aaron Elkins and Michael Dobbs.
What did you think of PARDONABLE LIES?
It is another great read from a great writer. I recommend it to any and all.
Would you ever read a future book by Jacqueline Winspear?
In a heartbeat! Yes, I look forward to her next book.
© Copyright 1996-2009, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
