I've spent the weekend thoroughly enjoying book 4 in the Maisie Dobbs series, Messenger of Truth, which I'm reading for our read-along discussion next Monday, February 28th. But in the meantime, the paperback edition of book 7, The Mapping of Love and Death, is on sale in paperback today!
The Mapping of Love and Death opens in August 1914 in the Santa Ynez Valley in California. Michael Clifton—youngest son of an Englishman who had emigrated to America when he was in his late teens, in search of his fortune—has just purchased a tract of land which he believes is rich with one of the state's most valuable resources—oil. A cartographer and surveyor, Michael is sure of his quest, and anticipates his father's pride in his acquisition. Fate steps in when the young Bostonian begins his journey home, and learns that Britain is going to war in Europe, so in a moment of loyalty to his father's homeland, he decides to travel to England to enlist for service. Michael is listed as "missing" in 1916.
In the spring of 1932, after Michael's remains are discovered in France, along with other members of his cartography unit. His wealthy parents hire Maisie Dobbs to find the woman who wrote a series of love letters discovered among Michael's belongings. The lover identifies herself only as "The English Nurse."
While tracking down the elusive woman in an investigation that ventures from London's most exclusive drawing rooms to its most downtrodden neighborhoods, Maisie must also wrestle with memories of serving as a nurse in the Great War—memories that she has tried so hard to conquer—and of the passionate wartime romance that ended in tragedy. But as she delves more deeply into what she discovers to be a long-hidden crime, the investigator realizes that unearthing buried secrets can lead to present-day danger—just as events from the past send her own life in a surprising and not unpleasant direction.
Browse inside The Mapping of Love and Death and look for book 8 in Winspear's bestselling series, A Lesson in Secrets, on sale on March 22nd. Jacqueline Winspear will be on tour through April and she'll be joining us on Book Club Girl on Air to discuss all things Maisie Dobbs on Tuesday, April 26th.
There's also still plenty of time to join our I'm Mad for Maisie Read-Along and to celebrate today's on-sale day, I have 3 copies of the next book we'll discuss (after Messenger of Truth on 2/28): An Incomplete Revenge (discussion on 3/14). The giveaway is open to everyone, but if you've already won a Maisie Dobbs book from here, please let others have a chance. I'll pick three random winners from all those who comment that they'd like to join us by midnight Thursday, February 24th.
Loving the Maisie books so far and the book discussions on line! I can't wait to hear Ms. Winspear!
Posted by: Michelle B | February 21, 2011 at 11:54 PM
One of my favourite series- always buy them in hardback! Can't wait to read the new book!
Posted by: Jen | February 22, 2011 at 04:42 AM
This sounds great! I love this series!
Posted by: Gin | February 22, 2011 at 07:49 AM
My favorite heroine and series. Thanks.
Posted by: anne | February 22, 2011 at 08:36 AM
I am a huge fan of Maisie Dobbs and would love to win a copy of this book.
Posted by: Sandra Furlotte | February 22, 2011 at 09:00 AM
I adore this series and am so anxious for the new book!!
Posted by: Abigail | February 22, 2011 at 09:10 AM
So looking forward to the new book! But in the meantime, I'm enjoying my re-read of the series.
Posted by: Christine W. | February 22, 2011 at 09:58 AM
I'd love to win! I'm about half way through Messenger of Truth right now, and I'm enjoying it more than Pardonable Lies. Thanks so much for hosting this read-along!
Posted by: nomadreader | February 22, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Loving the series! I'm listening to the audio books of Maisie as I drive around. Keeps me entertained!
Posted by: Noreen | February 22, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Really looking forward to reading these books!
Posted by: Lesley C | February 22, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I just found out about these boks last year when Ms. Winspear came to my local library. I love the ones I've read so far and would love to a) win a copy b) read a long.
Posted by: Ruth | February 22, 2011 at 11:31 AM
how do we sign on for the book club?
I must have perfect timing... just finishing MESSENGER OF TRUTH.
Posted by: Terry PS | February 22, 2011 at 01:25 PM
I've just discovered this series and have got through the first two already, looking forward to reading the rest of them :o)
Posted by: Katy C | February 22, 2011 at 04:07 PM
I don't generally read mysteries but really loved the first Maisie Dobbs. I have books two and three here and need to get back to her! A lesson in Secrets comes out on my 40th birthday. If that's not a sign to spend some quality time with Maisie again, I don't know what is!
Posted by: Kristen | February 23, 2011 at 12:47 PM
love this series!!
Posted by: rhonda | February 23, 2011 at 01:34 PM
haven't read these, would love too!
Posted by: Kat Duncan | February 23, 2011 at 02:01 PM
I haven't had a chance to read any Maisie Dobbs books yet, but would love to ;)
Posted by: Christy H. | February 23, 2011 at 06:28 PM
Hi Terry, if you want to discuss Messenger of Truth with us, just come on back here on Monday, February 28th (I'll post reminders on FB as well). If you want to join the entire read-along, you can certainly start with Messenger and then stick with us - the schedule we're reading along can be found here: http://www.bookclubgirl.com/book_club_girl/2010/12/im-mad-for-maisie-join-my-maisie-dobbs-read-along.html
Hope you can join us!
Posted by: Book Club Girl | February 24, 2011 at 12:00 AM
I stumbled onto this series last year and am really glad I did! I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
Posted by: jen | February 24, 2011 at 09:38 AM
I'm now addicted to this series, thanks to my favorite book blog, She Is Too Fond of Books (www.sheistoofondofbooks.com). I've read the first three, and I just finished Messenger of Truth. I'd love to be part of the I'm Mad for Maisie Read-Along, and I'm looking forward to the discussion on Feb. 28th!
Posted by: Beth Lowe | February 24, 2011 at 12:09 PM