Messenger of Truth
Jacqueline Winspear
Holt, Sep 2006, $24.00
ISBN: 0805078983

In 1930 in a Mayfair gallery in London, artist Nick Bassington-Hope falls to his death. Scotland Yard does a perfunctory inquiry before officially declaring that a tragic accident occurred. However, Nick's twin sister, journalist Georgina Bassington-Hope believes her controversial sibling was murdered. When the police ignore her, she decides to enlist the help of a private sleuth.

Georgina asks fellow Girton College alumni, investigator Maisie Dobbs to look into her brother's demise. Maisie agrees, but soon finds herself looking closely at Nick's record during WWI, which leads to the beaches of Dungeness in Kent. However, an unknown adversary wants Maisie to end her inquiries or else. The threats and attempts on her life make the obstinate psychologist sleuth even more determined to uncover the truth because she believes Georgina's theory is right.

Maisie Dobb's fourth historical mystery (see PARDONABLE LIES) is an excellent exhilarating whodunit that brings to life England between the two great wars. Maisie is at her best as she follows clues that lead her to Nick's activities during WWI. The support cast brings out the era as well as the best in the female sleuth. Fans of the series or anyone who appreciates a strong historical detective thriller will want to read the Maisie Dobb's novels, which are some of the best.

Harriet Klausner