Among the Mad

It’s Christmas Eve 1931. On the way to see a client, Maisie Dobbs witnesses a man commit suicide on a busy London street. The following day, the prime minister’s office receives a letter threatening a massive loss of life if certain demands are not met—and the writer mentions Maisie by name. After being questioned and cleared by Detective Chief Superintendent Robert MacFarlane of Scotland Yard’s elite Special Branch, she is drawn into MacFarlane’s personal fiefdom as a special adviser on the case. Meanwhile, Billy Beale, Maisie’s trusted assistant, is once again facing tragedy as his wife, who has never recovered from the death of their young daughter, slips further into melancholia’s abyss. Soon Maisie becomes involved in a race against time to find a man who proves he has the knowledge and will to inflict death and destruction on thousands of innocent people. And before this harrowing case is over, Maisie must navigate a darkness not encountered since she was a nurse in wards filled with shell-shocked men.

I love this series, I can't seem to get enough. And I finally got my hands on the latest, Among the Mad, just in time - the next book in the series will be out next month. And once again I was swept into the 1930's along with Maisie Dobbs. And like the other books I couldn't put it down until I was done.

I found this book a little darker compared to the previous titles. But nevertheless it still was a true Maise Dobbs, full of mystery, intrigue and also a race to stop an emotionally disturbed person before he can hurt hundreds of people.

Even though the main story was interesting I found myself more curious on what was happening with the Beale's. I have always enjoyed Billy and since the start of the series his family life has been a constant in the books, and the depression that his wife is suffering hits home for me. I can not imagine what it would be like to lose a child, but as someone who has suffered from depression I can understand the helplessness, and the feeling that your life is swallowing you whole.

And on a lighter note, we finally see Maisie shedding some of darkness and embracing her life. She takes on a hobby, I believe in the last novel she was learning how to dye (or was it weave?) in this book she takes in a different interest...she's slowly getting back to her life. I wonder what will happen next? Maybe a romance? I wonder who it could be...I have an idea but...

Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear (4.5/5) Historical Mystery; Published: Henry Holt and Co.(2/09); Series: # 6, Maisie Dobbs; Books 2010 (15);