two thumbs up: the Maisie Dobbs series

A couple of months ago, I found myself in the mood to read a really good mystery. I am a self-admitted John Grisham junkie, but was 92nd on the waiting list at the library (!) to check out his latest novel, The Associate. (Everyone - especially my overly-analytical self - needs a brain break at times! This genre tends to be my go-to for quasi-brainless reading.)

So I did some internet research and found what seemed to be a good possibility - a mystery series by Jacqueline Winspear. I was intrigued because the books combined several interesting aspects: said mystery plot, an historical fiction slant (WWI era England), and a young professional female as the main character (Miss Maisie Dobbs herself). Four books later (yep, I got kind of addicted!), I have not been disappointed. The mystery at the center of each plot has been intriguing and intelligent and has kept me guessing. But perhaps the best aspects of these books are the character development, the true-to-life issues that Maisie encounters (in herself & others), and what I've learned about that time in history. The books are easy reads, but also have some good depth - I think there are about seven books in the series at present. So if any of this sounds of interest, the Maisie Dobbs series may be a good next read for you! [closing sidebar: I finally did get Grisham's book via the library and am reading it now - so far, pretty good Grisham!]