Mystery Book Reviews

Book Review: Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear

By Angela Youngman Sep 1, 2006, 13:57 GMT

Maisie Dobbs investigates the mysterious death of a controversial artist--and World War I veteran--in the fourth entry in the bestselling series set in 1931 London. ...more

Another in the Maisie Dobbs series. Maisie is requested to find the truth behind the death of an artist. Nick Bassington-Hope lies dead from a fall while hanging his work ready for a new exhibition based on his memories of the Great War. Did he fall or was he pushed?

His twin sister is convinced that there was more to it than just an accident. The resultant investigation gets tangled with Special Branch as well as Customs & Excise. Trips onto Dungeness Beach reveal the age old tradition of smuggling was still present. As the chase unwinds, Maisie begins to realise that the truth may not be pleasant hearing, affecting the lives of more than one person.

A well crafted story, which makes enjoyable reading. Maisie Dobbs is a very believable character. It shows her developing and moving on from her war experiences, looking towards the future rather than the past. There are hints too of new conflicts, both internationally and socially as the problems faced by Maisie's colleague show.