The Consequences of Fear

A Maisie Dobbs Novel

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

Another win for Maisie Dobbs

I have enjoyed the Maisie Dobbs series with just a few exceptions - they are interesting books with lots of historical information and they dont get gory or too depressing. This, like many others, is fun to listen to, but once finished I find it hard to recall much about the story. That's ok, I still like listening and hope that the author continues to write about Masie and her loves, friends and adventures.

Smart woman, bland romance

Love the Maisie Dobbs series, and this is yet another very good novel. I think there are few authors who are better at placing a character in a specific setting that reflects historical events, attitudes, and atmosphere. Kudos to Jacqueline Winspear for the exhaustive research she must do to bring the setting and characters to life, and for never shying away from the pathos of war. Maisie is a smart, capable, and self-confident woman and it's fascinating to follow her complex life through two world wars. The only fly in the ointment for me is Maisie's involvement in another uninspired romance (the first one was the same way in my opinion). The romantic partners in this series are like props with very limited character development, and it's no wonder that Maisie seems to be talking herself into committing to these relationships. Orlagh Cassidy is a wonderful narrator, but as is frequently the case, British narrators struggle with American accents -- I don't think we all speak with a drawl or deliver slang in a smug voice.

Excellent

As always Orlagh Cassidy was great. The story was excellent. I’m always sad when I finish a Jacqueline Winspear book because I have been living the book with the characters that she has made real for me. Sigh

One of the best in the series!

I've loved this series for a while and thoroughly enjoyed this one. Maisie is in many ways coming into her own in this book - she's raising her voice more and becoming stronger, and I think it adds so much to her already wonderful character. It also makes sense in the midst of war for her emotions to be closer to the surface. I don't care for the love story between her and Mark. In comparison to her relationships with Simon and James it feels ... bland. Empty. Forced. There's very little "on screen" chemistry between them, so it's hard to get behind it. But overall this was a wonderful book. Look forward to the next one!

I love this whole series

The reader is incredible. She uses different voices for every character. And I love the honor and wholesomeness of the stories. Wonderfully engaging writing. Can’t wait for the next book!

Another wonderful installment in my favorite series!!

Oh I have missed Maisie Dobbs and the amazing people who fill her world. It has been a long two years since the last novel, but the wait was well worth it to enjoy such an incredible story!

Once again Maisie is on a case that hits close to home in the midst of personal and professional struggles. And with the second war world ramping up we can feel her tension in a palpable way. I connect so deeply with this heroine that she is like a friend and I hurt for her too.

A daring, emotional yet triumphant novel that thrusts you back into the intriguing and dangerous world of Maisie Dobbs.

Great!!!

I love these books! And the narration! Although I don’t know why British or English narrators always make an American character sound like they are in a Western. It’s the same thing with Davina Porter in the Outlander novels. Anyway this was eagerly anticipated. I hope this isn’t the last one. Towards the end it seemed like Mrs. Winspear was wrapping things up. Please give us another one next year! Loved this! Her and C.S. Harris are a big part of the spring for me.

Love the story

Maisie Dobbs is always a breath of fresh air. She is so kind and giving, yet strong and follows her intuition. The Freddie Hackett storyline was very intriguing. The narrator, however, needs to update a couple of voices. I love her Maisie Dobbs, Priscilla, MacFarland, Anna, Billy, and almost everyone. I think she has been the same narrator for all of the books and I've always enjoyed them. But I'm rather offended that the 61 year old lady ex-spy sounds like a dottering old woman. I'm 69 and my voice doesn't crackle, nor do any of my friends. even those who are ten to twelve years my senior. Save that for someone in their late 80's please. And Maisie's American boyfriend sounds like an idiot although he isn't, of course. It's just the voice used to represent him grates on me. I don't know anyone that talks like that and I hate to think anyone thinks Americans sounds so weirdly chipper. The voice just doesn't match the character. He has a serious job, is clearly very intelligent and kind, and should sound more like a gentleman.

A good one

For the sixteenth book in this series, Jacqueline Winspear has continued the quality we have come to love. I enjoyed this book from the first page through the Author’s Note.

With the adoption of Anna, Masie shows a softer side. Her relationship with Mark is blossoming. And in addition us to her “war work” her detective agency is looking into a young messenger boy who is sure he has seen a person stabbed to death amid the rubble of bombed out London. The story is great and all the usual characters are with us.

I liked this book because of or in spite of the fact that Masie wasn’t put into danger behind enemy lines. But she sends others to do that. Now with a child and a new love she’s having mixed emotions about her duty.

Of course, the narration by Orlagh Cassidy is wonderful.

Fear the Consequences if You Don't have a Listen!

I have been a long-time reader of the 'Maisie Dobbs'' series and this is the first audible narration of her books I've listened to. Orlagh Cassidy's narration is pitch-perfect and such a delight. The only character I wanted to sound a little more earthy was 'Mark Scott' (the American) - but all of her other character renderings are fantastic! I may be picky but I'm a bit of an 'accent' buff.

I love learning about the history of Britain/France during WWI & WW2 and Jacqueline Winspear is a Master – or should I say, a 'Mistress of Mystery'. As a former casting director, I have always imagined the grown-up 'Maisie' to be portrayed by the talented Cate Blanchett - and Orlagh's Cassidy's narration brings her compassionate intelligence to life in such an easy way that she bloomed effortlessly for me. I absolutely inhaled it and didn't want it to end. Winspear always peppers you with some challenges and clues along the way so you know the next story is percolating and en route. FEAR NOT!