The Mapping of Love and Death: A Maisie Dobbs Novel (Maisie Dobbs, 7)

I love the entire Maisie Dobbs series. This book is excellent as a part of that series. As I recall, it is the first book in which Maisie and James Compton become a “couple.”

Well, I admit it...I am an advid reader of the mystery genre. I especially seek out mystery series with women authors and women sleuths. But certainly not all series are masterful works even if entertaining. I have read all of Jacqueline Winspears Maisie Dobbs Novels, or should i say devoured them. The characters are rich and multi-faceted and the descriptions of the era and setting draw one into the world of post WWI England like no other book has done for me. But this latest release, "The Mapping of Love and Death" surpassed all expectations for me. Winspear has created such a connection between the reader and the world of Maisie that I found myself rising with hope as well as moved to tears with the unfolding of the story...so engrossed was I in the momment by momment revelations and occurances in Maisie's life. And i do mean, "life" since Winspear has managed to bring Maisie and her aquaintances to life. While anyone not having read the previous books in the series will find this novel engrossing and rich with plot and nuances, I have to say that you will be doing yourself a disservice to not start with the first book and read them in chonological order concluding with this latest enstallment. The reward for doing so will be the emotional connection and investment that the reader will form in having followed the life of the characters to this point. The events revealed in "The Mapping of Love and Death" take on a deep and wide spectrum for the reader who has followed the series from its origin to this latest edition. You know how you always want to just buy the first book in a series to see if you will like it before buying more? Well this is a time that you should go out and buy the whole series with no hesitation so that when you finish one you will not be left anxious and wanting not having the next to continue with. Trust me, your hunger for more will not abate. The only downside to reading all of this series wonderful books is that after having read this latest release you will have to endure the agony of waiting for Winspear's next enstallment!!! I have bookmarked her website and will anxiously be checking back constantly for news of when the next book in this series will be released.If i did not have a favorite author prior to reading this book out of the multitude of women authors I have read, I do now. Winspear drew me in slowly, my investment in the characters growing with each book in the series. But now I truly must say that Winspear is hands down the best of the best not only in the mystery genre, but in the historical novels genre as well. A standing ovation for this intense and rich tapestry of a novel!There are not enough stars in the rating system!Sharon Stack

SPOILER ALERT: This was definitely one of the better books in the series. Maisie seemed more human, though, once again, clues were kept from the reader. An annoying habit Ms. Winspear can't seem to break. I was glad to see Maisie relied more on solid detective work, however, and not mainly on gut feeling (although, at times, she did seem to piece clues together out of thin air). I had an inkling in the previous book or two that James Compton might play a more important role in Maisie's life and I'm glad I was right. There is definitely more chemistry there than with previous relationships, the most glaring mismatch being Inspector Stratton. Their conversations were so forced, I used to wince reading them. I'm glad Ms. Winspear had the courage to leave that behind and find a match which worked better. I only hope Maisie and James can weather any upcoming difficulties. And there will probably be plenty when getting a hint of the changes in store for Maisie. Which brings me to the main problems I had with the book.The reading of the will at the end was quite boring. I guess it was needed, but still. Yawn. And the series seems like it may take a turn toward espionage. Why do so many mystery writers decide to take this turn? Usually I am left disappointed. I guess only time will tell if Ms. Winspear can pull it off.While Maurice's death was sad for Maisie, I think his character had run out of steam and I'm not entirely disappointed to see him go. Not to mention, he will always be in Maisie's thoughts. And for once, much to my surprise, Maisie wasn't constantly checking a watch or clock. Her obsessive behavior seems to be getting better. Oh, and I'm still waiting for my favorite character, Billy, to leave for Canada. I have a feeling it's in the offing. A new life seems to be awaiting Maisie in the upcoming books and I don't see how Billy can be a part of it.

Impossible to go wrong with this author. You probably should read these books in order to get the most from them. I liked the era in which they are set and the characters and story line are interesting.

This was my first Maisie Dobbs mystery, and it definitely won't be my last. Loved it.

I love all the Maisie Dobbs stories, and this one lived up to her usual standard.

Reading the third was more than enough.... too much reiteration and then repeating that. Not enough plot. Not worth the read.

The Maisie Dobbs mysteries are very intriguing, with far more depth than many other books in this genre. The period is beautifully evoked and the characters have real depth. The plots are quite complex and very well plotted.Maisie Dobbs is a working class girl who seems to lead a charmed life; she works very hard and is intelligent, so she makes the very best of her opportunities, but she does seem to receive a lot of help from people who value and admire her. She mixes with the aristocracy and is accepted by them, unlikely as this seems given the social divisions at that period. however, providing one accepts this, these are excellent books which make rewarding reading.'The Mapping of Love and Death' is one of the best in the series. Maisie accomplishes the difficult task of solving a murder which took place several years earlier. The gritty realism of the descriptions is quite moving. Maisie has to be tough and determined to carry through her commitment to the parents of the murdered man. Her private life develops, as she begins to love again, despite her commitment to independence.The writing is vivid and grammatical. Jacqueline Winspeare is developing as a writer and this book is one of her most powerful.