The Mapping of Love and Death

A Maisie Dobbs Novel

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

In the latest mystery in the New York Times best-selling series, Maisie Dobbs must unravel a case of wartime love and death—an investigation that leads her to a long-hidden affair between a young cartographer and a mysterious nurse.

August 1914. Michael Clifton is mapping the land he has just purchased in California’s beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, certain that oil lies beneath its surface. But as the young cartographer prepares to return home to Boston, war is declared in Europe. Michael—the youngest son of an expatriate Englishman—puts duty first and sails for his father’s native country to serve in the British army. Three years later, he is listed among those missing in action.

April 1932. London psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs is retained by Michael’s parents, who have recently learned that their son’s remains have been unearthed in France. They want Maisie to find the unnamed nurse whose love letters were among Michael’s belongings—a quest that takes Maisie back to her own bittersweet wartime love. Her inquiries, and the stunning discovery that Michael Clifton was murdered in his trench, unleash a web of intrigue and violence that threatens to engulf the soldier’s family and even Maisie herself. Over the course of her investigation, Maisie must cope with the approaching loss of her mentor, Maurice Blanche, and her growing awareness that she is once again falling in love.

Following the critically acclaimed best seller Among the Mad, The Mapping of Love and Death delivers the most gripping and satisfying chapter yet in the life of Maisie Dobbs.

Don't miss other titles in the Maisie Dobbs series.

©2010 Jacqueline Winspear (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

“A sleuth to treasure.” (Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review)

Bittersweet

What did you love best about The Mapping of Love and Death?

Usual delightful blend of mystery, history and psychology. Maisie's character continues to grow especially in light of major changes in her life.

Any additional comments?

Deeply sorrowful over the passing of a beloved character. Looking forward to further development of Maisie's personal life. Anticipating the unfolding of the changes in Europe that led to WWII. No other series has captivated me in the way this one does since reading the Lord Peter Wimsey books.

The best tales from the Great War

This is an outstanding novel focussing on tragedy, love, poverty and riches. Magnificently rendered after painstaking research, the character of Miss Dobbs takes several unexpected turns adding suspense along with much anticipation of what comes next. Of course WW11 will appear on the horizon soon enough.

All that you know & love about maisie

Good story line and narration but just kind of what you've come to expect from this series...

These books just keep getting better!

This book had all the elements of a good book. There was mystery, emotion, friendship, fear, loyalty, love, family, suspense, illness, respect, sorrow, happiness, hope, grief, and of course more that I don’t have time to include. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.

I couldn’t love these books more

A story line that only gets better as the characters mature and history marches forward

Wonderful storytelling

Love this time period and the wonderful way that Jacqueline Winspear tells these stories.The narrator is also very good.

The Characters Come to Life

The pairing of the narrator and author brings life to the words . It is a pleasure to listen to her novels. I find the historic setting during war time very interesting and at times heartbreaking. This is a series I will be sad to move on from.

Didn't want it to end...best in series!

Bravo! to Jacqueline Winspear for continuing the Maisie Dobbs stories with yet another incredible social history lesson woven into an Agatha Christie style mystery. Unforgetable! Maisie has another haunting WWI soldier's death case, this time an American cartographer. As well Maisie's life is changing with old friends and new events that will make you smile and some that will have you crying. Favorite characters are included with Billy, Maurice, the Comptons and Scotland Yard. This is the best in the series for Maisie and for me! The narration is superb! Enjoy!

The Mapping of Love and Death

I have grown to love all Massie
Dobbs books. I love the way they are writen, the historical background of the times, and of the compassion and understanding of Massie.

Best of best

Start from beginning for full story or not. But certainly pick one up, this one of her series was superb. So good you'll want to read all.