The Consequences of Fear

A Maisie Dobbs Novel

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

As Europe buckles under Nazi occupation, Maisie Dobbs investigates a possible murder that threatens devastating repercussions for Britain's war efforts in this latest installment in the New York Times best-selling mystery series.

October 1941. While on a delivery, young Freddie Hackett, a message runner for a government office, witnesses an argument that ends in murder. Crouching in the doorway of a bombed-out house, Freddie waits until the coast is clear. But when he arrives at the delivery address, he’s shocked to come face-to-face with the killer.

Dismissed by the police when he attempts to report the crime, Freddie goes in search of a woman he once met when delivering a message: Maisie Dobbs. While Maisie believes the boy and wants to help, she must maintain extreme caution: she’s working secretly for the Special Operations Executive, assessing candidates for crucial work with the French resistance. Her two worlds collide when she spots the killer in a place she least expects. She soon realizes she’s been pulled into the orbit of a man who has his own reasons to kill - reasons that go back to the last war.

As Maisie becomes entangled in a power struggle between Britain’s intelligence efforts in France and the work of Free French agents operating across Europe, she must also contend with the lingering question of Freddie Hackett’s state of mind. What she uncovers could hold disastrous consequences for all involved in this compelling chapter of the “series that seems to get better with every entry” (Wall Street Journal).

©2021 Jacqueline Winspear (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Remarkable Portrait of Wartime and Love

This novel was a compelling reminder of wartime in Britain. The author’s brilliant handling of human emotions was cathartic… I loved learning and loving this book. The reader of course was perfect as Maisie Dobson!

This series is amazing.

I hope this story will continue. Must know if Mark and Maisie have a well deserved life together.

Masie Dobbs

Loved it. Another interesting story. The history of the blitz is authentically written. I hope this wasn't the last book.

Maisie is better than ever.

Long time readers or listeners know there was, at least some murmurings near what must be, by now, the middle-ish period of the whole series. These murmurings were about the series becoming a bit tired or long in the tooth and that there was too much of this or not enough of that.
I saw, at the time some inklings of what these reviewers were saying but I still enjoyed the books and am so glad I stuck with the series. Ms. Winspear has only matured as a writer and I am happy to say that, while she has never stopped to cliffhangers, and has not this time either, that I am just as much looking forward to Maisie’s next outing just as much as when I finished the very first book in the series.
As usual Orlagh Cassidy does a superb job as reader/actor bringing the characters to life.
Bravo!

One of Jacqueline Winspear’s best!

Ms. Winspear hit it out of the park with this one. It’s one of her best Maisie Dobbs books.

Courage and bravery among fear

Another memorable Maisie Dobbs novel weaving true stories with engaging fiction in England during WWII.

Touching story

I know the loss of loved ones during war is hard. I understand the important work Maisie is doing. I hope she gets to keep this live interest.

Great!

A must read if you like the Maisie Dobbs Series! Just as good as her others!

She never disappoints.

I can't wait for the next novel by Jacqueline Winspear. Her books, while they are fiction also provide historical information that most people are not aware of. This one, as usual was definitely a winner. I have read every one of her books and every one of them has been a joy to listen to. There arent a whole lot of authors that I can say that about. Don't miss this latest one in the series.

Excellent

I have loved all the Maisie Dobbs books since I was introduced to them in a book club about 15 or more years ago. I particularly enjoyed the early novels centered around WWI and the more recent ones, not quite as much. This book brought me back to how I felt before. It was a fascinating story on so many levels, with interesting characters and plot lines. The narrator, Orlagh Cassidy, is among my favorites. Her voice is so pleasing and the characters just come to life so well, it’s almost like I’m watching a movie. Now I hope we get another Maisie experiencing life after America joins the war.