Reading Thursday: Maise Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

A couple days ago, for the first time in a long time, I sat and read during my lunch break. Lately I've taken to eating quickly and getting back to work, or worse eating at my desk. It really is a great thing to take a break and sit and read a bit instead. The problem comes in not wanting to stop reading.

I bought the second in this series, not knowing it was a series, at a used book sale. I loved the book but quickly realized that I wanted to read in order. I've finally gotten around to the first book - Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear - and I have nothing but praise for both author and book.

Maisie Dobbs is a woman living in 1929 England, dealing with post WW I and the things that she saw as a nurse during the war. She is also a private eye, or detective, helping people in more than just the usual way. The first book in the series goes into detail about Maisie's life growing up and during the war - making it part detective novel, part character study and part romance and the combination is delicious. I love Winspear's writing style and the characters are all very identifiable and interesting.

If you are looking for something new to read and enjoy mysteries, or even just a good story, I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to re-read the second in the series and then go buy the third!

I'm using the Telephone Booth bookmark for this book, as it takes place in England.