Elegy for Eddie

A Maisie Dobbs Novel, Book 9

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Maisie Dobbs: psychologist, investigator, and "one of the great fictional heroines, equal parts haunted and haunting" (Parade) returns in a chilling adventure, the latest chapter in Jacqueline Winspear's best-selling series.

Early April 1933: To the costermongers of Covent Garden - sellers of fruit and vegetables on the streets of London - Eddie Pettit was a gentle soul with a near-magical gift for working with horses. When Eddie is killed in a violent accident, the grieving costers are deeply skeptical about the cause of his death. Who would want to kill Eddie - and why?

Maisie Dobbs' father, Frankie, had been a costermonger, so she had known the men since childhood. She remembers Eddie fondly and is determined to offer her help. But it soon becomes clear that powerful political and financial forces are equally determined to prevent her from learning the truth behind Eddie's death. Plunging into the investigation, Maisie begins her search for answers on the working-class streets of Lambeth where Eddie had lived and where she had grown up.

The inquiry quickly leads her to a callous press baron; a has-been politician named Winston Churchill, lingering in the hinterlands of power; and, most surprisingly, to Douglas Partridge, the husband of her dearest friend, Priscilla. As Maisie uncovers lies and manipulation on a national scale, she must decide whether to risk it all to see justice done.

The story of a London affected by the march to another war years before the first shot is fired and of an innocent victim caught in the crossfire, Elegy for Eddie is Jacqueline Winspear's most poignant and powerful novel yet.

©2012 Jacqueline Winspear (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Winspear Wins AGAIN

I really like the "Maisie Dobbs" books . The mysteries are quite different... not some formula plot you can figure out on page 5. All of the books are worth listening to ,however its better to start at book 1 as the characters evolve .I started at book 4 found I liked to series so I went back to the first one and began again. I liked the narrator too... she was relaxing to listen to as she did not read to fast. Looking forward to this years addition to the series.Check out Maisie Dobbs for yourself.

Another great Maisie Dobbs!

Since first introduced to Maisie Dobbs about a year ago, I have waited impatiently to get my hands on the next book. The mix of mystery and history is something I really enjoy.

Learn proper annunciation!

As much as I love the story, I really wish she would learn how to pronounce "radiator". It's not RAD- .

This Maisie Speaks to her followers?

"Elegy for Eddy" gives us a look at a different side of the Maisie character and seems to challenge her readers to think about the world around us. In this installment Maisie is drawn back to her roots by the suspicious death of Eddie. Her investigation reveals that Eddie's death is linked to his half brother, a rather hateful character. Eddie's character is happy in his struggle to make the most of his lot in life while his half brother is miserable, trying to grab all he can get as he bullies others including Eddie who he seems to resent.

Then there is Maisie who finds herself conflicted by her roots and her success. Hard work and sacrifice have brought her success and blessings. She remembers that "to whom much is given, much is expected". She received help to succeed; shouldn't she help others? The trouble is that her efforts to help others is turning around to bite her. Her friends caution her that you can be too helpful and in doing so cause more harm than good.

It makes one consider the different political positions in our country today. One speaks of a hand up while the other offers a hand out. The difference might well be seen in Eddie's character verses his half brothers character. One finds happiness and character in the struggle while the other feels life is unfair and is miserable even with the things he is given.

Winspear adds a third element to the mix, the media. There is a covert effort to influence the thinking of the populous, something not so covert in today's world. This take on "Elegy for Eddie" make me wonder if J.W. is using Maisie to speak wisdom to her followers; a wisdom some may find elusive.

Huge Fan

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I am a huge fan of this series. I like the characters, the time and place. I like how Jacqueline Winspear uses history in subtle ways and how Maisie Dobbs is an independent free thinking woman in a time when that was not the norm.

I bought the first book for my mother and have started her on the series.

What did you like best about this story?

How the characters are developed from one book to the next. The personal nature of this story and some of the back story of Maisie.

Elegy For Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear

I truly love the entire Maisie Dobbs series. The fascists we fight in our and other nations currently is in these pages. So many lessons.
My family as were most have fought in WWI, WWII and other wars. I understand a different side of all wars bc of this series. Grateful to Jacqueline Winspear.

Another great book!

Liked the story and how I can place myself in the story. I am hooked on this series!

Maisie Dobbs is getting darker and darker...

This time around Dobbs is dealing with alot of self-doubt. She seems so lost at times I just want to shake her and say, "WAKE UP"!! Other times I just want to slap her. Hopefully she'll come around in the next book.

Another Great slStory

The Characters from past books are included in this book. I love how they grew and change.

Another fine exploration of human nature

A finely woven plot to explore human nature and history as it is lived through memorable characters.