Bibliography: Winspear, Jacqueline. (2005). Pardonable Lies. New York: Henry Holt. ISBN: 978-0805078978 (hc) 978-0312426217 (pbk)
Plot Summary: Psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs is asked to fulfill a death bed wish: settle once and for all whether a couple’s aviator son was killed as reported in the Great War. Starting with psychics in London, the case takes her to France and a visit with dear friend Priscilla who lost her three brothers in the war, one who may have a connection to the case. Maisie is forced to deal with her feelings about the war and comes to realize there is much she doesn’t know about her mentor Maurice.
Critical Analysis: Maisie Dobbs remains one of my favorite characters in fiction. Winspear has a real talent for creating complex, layered real people who live in complex real worlds. The setting, the time period only add to feeling–looking back and moving forward from a momentous event that left no one unchanged.
In this volume, I especially liked the deft plot–the mystery within the mystery alongside a parallel case with a twisty ending that may be one of the most suspenseful scenes I’ve read in years. I actually feel lucky to be a little behind the series, since that means there are several more volumes waiting for me.
Readalikes: For a different perspective on recovering from the Great War, check out Charles Todd’s Inspector Rutledge series. Rutledge postponed his career at Scotland Yard to fight in the war. Now he is back, shell shocked with a dark secret.
I think Maisie Dobbs and Laurie King’s Mary Russell might be kindred spirits. I was especially reminded of The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, which features multiple mysteries and Locked Rooms where Russell remembers and confronts her past. Maisie, part of the joy in the series lies in the world building and character growth across the series.
Review Excerpts: ”Fans of Miss Marple and Precious Ramotswe are sure to embrace Maisie, a pitch-perfect blend of compassion and panache.”–Booklist
“Filled with convincing characters, this is a complex tale of healing, of truth and half-truth, of long-held secrets, some, perhaps, to be held forever. Winspear writes seamlessly, enriching the whole with vivid details of English life on a variety of social levels.”–Publisher’s Weekly
“A thought-provoking series entry, the story contains revelations of secret missions, homosexuality, the lives of persons from all layers of society, and a winning heroine who is not perfect and is willing to learn from her mistakes.”–School Library Journal
Reviewed from public library audio book. Amazon Affiliate: If you click from here to Amazon and buy something, I receive a percentage of the purchase price.
