Tag Archive: thriller



The Comfort of Ghosts (Maisie Dobbs)The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I put off writing this review because it is so hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful series. I lived with Maisie Dobbs through all her trials and good times. I don’t think it would be easy to write another chapter in this life, but it seemed a good finale.

Libby had all the books ready on audiobooks, so I listened to Orlagh Cassidy narrate all the books. I loved each and every one. I may have to get these on Audible so I can relive the whole story. Jacqueline Winspear’s writing is so compelling that you feel you are right there in Maisie’s head, experiencing everything she sees, feels, and hears.

I have my good friend, Kay, to thank for letting me experience this series. If you get the chance, you will find that truth that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology changes a little, but hearts and minds are complex and give each of us so much to learn and love.

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A Sunlit Weapon (Maisie Dobbs, #17)A Sunlit Weapon by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m so sad to say I have finished the series. I read and listened so quickly that I forgot to review the books in between.

Each book has a unique story, and each pulls the reader into the life of the story. One feels they are there, immersed in the time and place with all the triumphs and terrors of the time of war.

This story highlighted the lives of female flyers. And the aftermath of bombing attacks. And murder.

I was fortunate to borrow these audiobooks from Libby.

Jacqueline Winspear’s writing and research are amazing. Orlagh Cassidy’s narration made me see the world from the characters’ eyes.

Thank you, Kay, for recommending this series.

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In This Grave HourIn This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things are getting more like war. Blackout curtains, no driving at night, things like that. Children have to find safer places to live. People are dying in the war. That makes adoptions necessary.

And the deaths are not just war-related. Life not in the line of fire goes on the best way it can. So murders happen. But it is more complicated. Harder to nail down what caused a death. And so on.

Maisie is called upon to figure out why a young man died. And although it seems easy and safe, it is actually complicated and involves much more than expected.

This book seems to be my favorite so far. There is so much here to digest. This kind of life has not been something my generation has had to experience, but I think it’s good to learn what we can from those who have been through it.

Jacqueline Winspear’s writing and research are fantastic. Orlagh Cassidy’s narration only gets better! I feel so fortunate that my friend, Kay, recommended this series, and that Libby has them available. I highly recommend these books.

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A Dangerous PlaceA Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As with the rest of the series, this book taught me as much as it entertained me. The new German language and dialects are added to the English, and now in Spain, there are Spanish language and accents, making the world larger while honing in on the imminent war. Orlagh Cassidy manages to carry off all the new characters with the seeming ease she portrayed of the many accents of the British Isles.

The world is getting more dangerous. Refugees flock to safety as they see the writing on the wall. Little wars are starting alongside the larger menaces of the globe. Maisie seeks out killers in whatever way she can while avoiding getting sucked into any of them. Her health and safety are in jeopardy.

I am so grateful to have the chance to listen to this audiobook via Libby. And thankful that my friend, Kay, recommended these to me.

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Among the Mad (Maisie Dobbs, #6)Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This might be the best book of the series and the most frightening. I must admit to having a nightmare or two from reading it at bedtime.

What is weird and special is that the author, Jacqueline Winspear, has taken historical events and shows us lessons we should have learned. In this particular book, the troubles of PTSD, homelessness, and depression are on display within the context of sophisticated British literature and history.

Orlagh Cassidy (Narrator) has the acting chops to keep the reader (listener) engaged with each character. She finds a way to make each person individual.

This series is one of the best. I thank my friend, Kay, for recommending it to me. I highly recommend all the Maisie Dobbs books so far!

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Messenger of Truth (Maisie Dobbs, #4)Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one was particularly bittersweet. The art world of the day was brought to light. But also, there was a deep sadness for our main characters.

These story bits were mixed into the murder mystery. Was it a murder? Another part of the mystery.

I highly recommend these books. Jacqueline Winspear’s research and writing abilities keep the story engaging. So far, I have been able to read/listen to the audio version of the books on Libby. Orlagh Cassidy (Narrator) brought it all to life.

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Apples Never FallApples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very serendipitous read. I ran out of story before sleep took over. I looked up ready to borrow books from Libby and this one was ready.

At first, I thought it was too meandering. It seemed all over the place. There were a lot of characters and points of view. But soon, curiosity took hold of me, and I found I just wanted to know what was happening and why.

Caroline Lee (Narrator) gave the story depth and the Australian accents needed to bring authenticity to the tale. There were times when the accents or t

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Pardonable Lies (Maisie Dobbs, #3)Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my favorite Maisie Dobbs mystery yet. The addition of Orlaugh Cassidy as narrator brought this story to life. Also, the author brought more depth to Maisie Dobbs. Her past resurfaces, and her life is in constant danger.

Ms. Dobbs travels in this book. That’s where a narrator who can speak dialects and other languages comes in. I can’t imagine reading this with Kindle Text-to-Speech. Or even visually, as Orlaugh Cassidy helps you feel like you are watching the movie. The France trips were a great experience.

All the Maisie Dobbs are fun so far. Jacqueline Winspear puts a lot of research into her books to help readers feel they have fallen into that era and place.

Libby had this audiobook to loan. I am so happy to be able to read these books.

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Birds of a Feather (Maisie Dobbs, #2)Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun series so far. Each book is a quick read and not too deep, so great as a bedtime book. Orlagh Cassidy (Narrator) gave a bit of authenticity to the writing that simple text-to-speech could not. The British text-to-speech voice reads these stories well, but a human voice is better when it comes to different dialects. Granted, I don’t know one dialect from another, but Ms. Cassidy’s switching from formal to cockney or other voices helped keep the characters separated.

This mystery had me going. I couldn’t figure out who did it or why. But the author, Jacqueline Winspear, told the tale with intrigue. She builds the world to help readers feel they are in post-war English towns. The feathers were a curious touch. Why? Was it important? Eventually, it will all be solved by our Maisie Dobbs, who is graceful and respectful of her fellow humans and their psychological intricacies.

I was happy to find this audiobook on Libby. I think the series is quite enjoyable. I think you’ll like it, too.

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Maisie Dobbs (Maisie Dobbs, #1)Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My friend Kay recommended this series. She’s right. These are fun and engaging.

This first installment came from Libby and was in Kindle form. That meant that I could listen to it with text-to-speech. Since I have my Fire set to a British female voice (think Mary Poppins), it fits quite nicely with this story.

War is a horrid thing. This particular war in England and Europe was one of the worst. Yet, for women, it became a way to escape the housewife, childbearer, whore classification most women were forced into. With the men fighting, the jobs were open for women to learn and show their abilities. Sadly, when the men came home, most of the women lost that step up to being wholly human.

Some women did find careers to move on. Maisie Dobbs is one of the ones it worked for.

This first book lays the groundwork for Maisie’s history and sets up the world she’s in. She’s a woman of spirit that can solve mysteries and make friends with all classes of people.

I have already started book two. I am in for the ride!

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