A Lesson in Secrets

A Maisie Dobbs Novel

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Maisie Dobbs' first assignment for the British Secret Service takes her undercover to Cambridge as a professor—and leads to the investigation of a web of activities being conducted by the emerging Nazi Party.

In the summer of 1932, Maisie Dobbs' career takes an exciting new turn when she accepts an undercover assignment directed by Scotland Yard's Special Branch and the Secret Service. Posing as a junior lecturer, she is sent to a private college in Cambridge to monitor any activities "not in the interests of His Majesty's government".

When the college's controversial pacifist founder and principal, Greville Liddicote, is murdered, Maisie is directed to stand back as Detective Chief Superintendent Robert MacFarlane and Detective Chief Inspector Richard Stratton spearhead the investigation. She soon discovers, however, that the circumstances of Liddicote's death appear inextricably linked to the suspicious comings and goings of faculty and students under her surveillance.

To unravel this web, Maisie must overcome a reluctant Secret Service, discover shameful hidden truths about Britain's conduct during the Great War, and face off against the rising powers of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei—the Nazi Party—in Britain.

As the storm clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, this pivotal chapter in the life of Maisie Dobbs foreshadows new challenges and powerful enemies facing the psychologist and investigator—and will engage new listeners and loyal fans of this "outstanding" series (Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review).

Don't miss other titles in the Maisie Dobbs series.©2010 Jacqueline Winspear (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Gentle Wisdom

... and human understanding is imparted every time I listen to this series. Massie Dobbs is a wonderful character study.

Love Maisie Dobbs (addicted) but Brit beware...

Moving into a new era in Maisie's life and there is lots to interest as usual. Beautifully written. Goes in all kinds of fascinating directions. But, if you are a native Brit, Orlagh Cassidy just doesn't cut it. She will stop you in your tracks. You just know that Maisie doesn't sound like her and certainly doesn't pronounce like her. Certain words are laughable. However if you can overlook this its enjoyable. I'm not going to be able to do the others in audible. Its just not a clean listen. I think someone else has said this earlier and stupidly I thought I could get past it. But I can't. Sorry Orlagh, I know you did your best.

Not your typical thriller

Most of the action happens over civilized women having civilized conversations over tea. but the narration is like a soothing balm.

Massie continues to grow and develop.

Massie is becoming less up tight. I expected her to be a prude but she isn’t.

twists & turns

ending a surprise! best of the series so far. on to numner 9, with anticipation

I enjoy Maisie Dobbs

I find her mysteries very challenging and it's fun to read the next book to find out how she solves the mysteries.

As usual a very good book.

I love the characters, the storyline, the narrator and the writing style. But, this time I had a difficult time getting into the story. It picked up and was very good.

Change in tone from start of series

I read the first book in the series and really liked the setup and unique take on solving mysteries. I skipped forward in the series without realizing after seeing this book on sale.

There are still elements of the original success, the main story was interesting and engaging. There is a lot more time spent on the romance and internal struggles of Maisie. Even the supporting characters have lost their independence and are merely tools to tell her problems.

I liked the start, but don't like the direction it has taken. I won't be returning to the series.

Well staged

Character voices were great storyline kept me interested throughout. Loved the many adventures of Maddie

Loved it again.

Always a good story to reread on a quiet holiday weekend on my own.