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Pardonable Lies (Maisie Dobbs Mystery 3) [Paperback]

Jacqueline Winspear (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
RRP: £8.99
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Book Description

Publication Date: 10 Aug 2006 | Series: Maisie Dobbs Mystery 3
London, 1930. Maisie Dobbs, the renowned psychologist and investigator, receives a most unusual request. She must prove that Sir Cedric Lawton's son Ralph really is dead.
This is a case that will challenge Maisie in unexpected ways, for Ralph Lawton was an aviator shot down by enemy fire in 1917. To get to the bottom of the mystery, Maisie must travel to the former battlefields of northern France, where she served as a nurse in the Great War and where ghosts of her past still linger. As her investigation moves closer to the truth, Maisie soon uncovers the secrets and lies that some people would prefer remain buried.

Frequently Bought Together

Pardonable Lies (Maisie Dobbs Mystery 3) + Birds of a Feather (Maisie Dobbs Mystery 2) + An Incomplete Revenge (Maisie Dobbs Mystery)
Price For All Three: £20.67

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Product details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: John Murray (10 Aug 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 071956736X
  • ISBN-13: 978-0719567360
  • Product Dimensions: 13.1 x 19.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 47,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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More About the Author

› Visit Amazon's Jacqueline Winspear Page
Jacqueline Winspear
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Product Description

Review

'In Maisie Dobbs, Jacqueline Winspear has given us a real gift. Maisie Dobbs has not been created -- she has been discovered. Such people are always there amongst us, waiting for somebody like Ms. Winspear to come along and reveal them. And what a revelation it is!' (Alexander McCall Smith)

'These clever mysteries, their period settings and the unusual character of Maisie herself are bang on target for the classic crime buyer' (Sue Baker, Publishing News)

The British counterpart to Alexander McCall Smith's The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Associated Press)

A fine new sleuth for the twenty-first century (Elizabeth George)

A heroine to cherish (New York Times)

A wry and immensely readable beginning to what promises to be a vivid new addition to crime fiction (Praise for MAISIE DOBBS, Daily Mail)

Feisty, working-class heroine Maisie is a deliberate throwback to the sleuthettes of old-fashioned crime writing. The well-plotted story, its characters and the picture of London between the wars are decidedly romantic. American readers loved it; many Brits will, too. (Guardian)

A terrific mystery ... Intriguing and full of suspense, it makes for an absorbing read (Observer)

'For readers yearning for the calm and insightful intelligence of a main character like P D James's, Maisie Dobbs is spot on' (Boston Globe)

Even if detective stories aren't your thing, you'll love Maisie Dobbs (New Woman)

'(Maisie Dobbs') most engaging adventure so far' (Sydney Morning Herald)

'It is only a question of time before this series hits the television screens, for it is just made for it' (The Irish Times)

'Altogether an excellent mystery story, which grips the reader all the way through. Contains many ideas which would interest book groups' (New Books Magazine)

'Wonderfully nostalgic and traditional sleuthing in post-First World War London' (Bookseller)

'Maisie Dobbs is a delightful character... The war's long shadow over Maisie and her clients and suspects lends emotional depth to an enjoyable mystery' (Literary Review)

'Think Upstairs Downstairs meets Miss Marple - with a touch of chirpy cheerful Cockney from the Dick Van Dyke school' (Yorkshire Post)

'The classic crime buyer' (Publishing News)

About the Author

Jacqueline Winspear was born and grew up in Kent. The Maisie Dobbs mysteries have won acclaim from readers and reviewers alike, and have been nominated for many awards. The first two novels in the series, Maisie Dobbs and Birds of a Feather are available now in paperback, published by John Murray.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars "Coincidence is a messenger sent by Truth." 14 Aug 2005
By Mary Whipple HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
Fans of Maisie Dobbs will delight in this new addition to her series, and those who are new to her have a treat in store. All these mysteries take place in the aftermath of World War I, this one taking place between September and October, 1930. Maisie is a survivor, having enlisted, at seventeen, in the nursing corps, where she served in France in the final, horrific days of the war. A terrible attack, which killed many of the doctors, nurses, and soldiers she was tending, has left her suffering nightmares more than ten years later. Now working as a psychologist/investigator in London, Maisie stays busy to avoid dealing with her demons.

Three mysteries unfold simultaneously. Avril Jarvis, age 13, is arrested for the murder of her "uncle" when she is found with a knife in her hand and blood on her clothes. Penniless, she has no counsel until Maisie takes a case involving Sir Cecil Lawton, whom she persuades to represent Avril as part of her fee. Sir Cecil's son Ralph disappeared during the war in France, and his wife, believing him still alive, has exacted a deathbed promise that Sir Cecil will search for him. In addition, one of Maisie's friends from the Ambulance Corps, now married to a wealthy author in France, has begged her to try to find where the third of her brothers died and was buried in France.

The horrors of World War I pervade the novel, and when Maisie goes to France, these horrors come alive, not just for the reader but for Maisie, and she learns she must "slay her dragons" at last. Intriguing characters add color to the novel--a doctor who has been with the secret service, a psychic who knows too much about Maisie, a paralyzed member of Parliament who was a close friend of Ralph Lawton, and an elegant woman and her granddaughter who live in a decaying castle....

As the mysteries develop, a plethora of key photographs, kept by numerous characters, connect some of the characters with specific times and places, and romantic elements, such as a secret passageway leading to a musty room, a hidden journal written in code, assumed identities, an important clue buried under a tree, and several attacks on Maisie keep the action moving. Physical details of clothing, social customs, and landscape give a sense of realism to this romantic mystery and all its coincidences, and there is just enough danger to sustain the tension in this well written and unusual addition to the genre. Mary Whipple Read more ›

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The intrepid Maisie Dobbs weaves her magic..... 18 July 2009
By Both the Macs VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This, the third novel about Maisie Dobbs, the detective with a difference, holds the attention just as much as the first and second. Maisie, single and alone, has suffered enough. Her wonderful fiance, shellshocked and in an asylum for the rest of his life will never come back to her, and she has a business and reputation to build. She has another skill up her sleeve too - empathy. She knows how people feel, and if they will not tell her what they really want, she will talk it out of them. A gentle detective with a clever way of solving problems - ahead of her time in the 1930's.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Possibly one of my new favourite female sleuths! 14 July 2011
By Nicola F (Nic) TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
I was handed this book on the recommendation of a friend, and though it's actually the third in the Maisie Dobbs series and I haven't read any of the ones prior to this, I think it can quite easily be read as a standalone novel as just enough back story to the characters and past events is given. I will say however that I have enjoyed this book so much that I will definitely be going back to the start of the series and reading the others set before this one as well. Though I enjoy my `cosy' mysteries well enough, there was something infinitely appealing about Maisie Dobbs and the era this book is set in is incredibly interesting- adding just a little bit extra to the story. The plot is also very well crafted with just the right amount of intrigue and suspense. The story isn't entirely predictable or cliché either and cleverly ties in history as well as mystery. After reading this novel I have to say that in future Maisie Dobbs might join Mme Ramotswe as one of my favourite female sleuths.

Set in 1930, the book follows Maisie Dobbs, a brilliant psychologist and investigator as she tries to solve three cases- one that will take her across to France and force her to relive her demons from her own time spent there as a nurse in WW1.

Maisie is a character with great depth and moral integrity and I enjoyed getting to know her. I thought the setting for this book was inspired as it encourages the reader to learn a bit more about those struggling in the aftermath of WW1, Maisie herself included, in parallel with the mysteries being unravelled. She is a detective with a little bit more gumption about her than I expected, believing in psychic phenomena and as another reviewer has commented- this story would translate very well on television.... Read more ›
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13 of 17 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Improving series 24 April 2006
By Mark Pearce
Format:Hardcover
Having picked up the first (Maisie Dodds) as part of a 3 for 2 offer, I was pleasantly surprised. The book showed enough promise to keep me hooked and I bought the second. This was even better and I bought the third fairly quickly.

Ms Winspear's writing is good. She describes the scenes and characters well, but her use of language is also excellent. I find myself looking forward to the next and I hope she is busy writing it even now!

I can see the series converting to television well.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Pardonable Lies (Maisie Dobbs Mystery 3) 20 May 2013
By A. Willmett
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs develops well with each new story (there are now ten) although not everyone will be comfortable with the spiritualism aspects here. However, I found it a very satisfying read. Althought there are brief explanations of Miss Dobbs' previous experiences, I think it worth starting with the first Maisie Dobbs for a full appreciation of her life and character.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great 12 Mar 2013
By ian
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great item and I would most certainly recommend it to others.
It is worth every penny paid for it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Maisie Dobbs does it again
Another great mystery story from Jacquelline Winspear. The period detail is brilliant and complements th e narrative. I won't spoil it for you, just buy it and enjoy.
Published 3 months ago by Bob
4.0 out of 5 stars Nose in a book
Came across Maisie Dobbs quite by accident and love them - read in order though so the common link makes sense
Published 5 months ago by vee
5.0 out of 5 stars Pardonable Lies
Being a Maisie Dobbs fan,found that this book was up to her usual standard,compelling,and unable to put down.Have bought the first 3 for 2 friends as a Christmas present.
Published 5 months ago by Claire Voyant
5.0 out of 5 stars Pardonable lies
This book was in excellent condition although second hand, and it arrived well within the specified time, nicely wrapped, so this was excellent service. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Elisabeth Daisy
5.0 out of 5 stars Maisie Dobbs
excellent series of books - the main character is believable, and it's a history lesson as well as a crime novel - really gripping and interesting.
Published on 18 Jun 2010 by Mrs. Isobel Greyling
5.0 out of 5 stars The suspense is killing the reader!
I could not read fast enough, had to read ahead and finally I could not take it anymore and had to read the end when half way, even though I had promised myself not to do so. Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2010 by Luthien Arnatuile
4.0 out of 5 stars Well written series
The first Maisie Dobbs mystery was sufficiently interesting that I decided to read the rest of the series - very good light reading.
Published on 25 Jan 2010 by glasswise
5.0 out of 5 stars Maisie Dobbs and her truth
Maisie is feisty and indominatable. In this we see a slightly different Maisie. Her horrific injuries in WW1 and the loss of her beloved Simon have been held below the surface... Read more
Published on 8 Dec 2008 by Jane Baker
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