Maisie Dobbs never disappoints.
It is 1941 and the war is raging and in order to help young messenger boy, Freddie, Maisie is dragged into issues which stretch far back in the past and distant in the world.
As usual she stands for what is good while never hiding the difficult decisions involved in times of war.
This series is great; however, I have not read them all and for those of us who struggle to commit to huge numbers of books in a series this stood alone as well as adding to the story.

This is book 16 in a wonderful, wonderful series, well-written with interesting storylines & surprising twists, always with some depth to them. There is no need to spend time getting reacquainted with Maisie – readers are instantly back in the flow of things, as if we have never been away. It is good to be following the lives of several familiar characters over time, whilst adding new ones we come to care about & hope to meet again. This is a book one takes great pleasure in recommending, with the proviso that new readers are in for a real treat if they begin with book one in the series – knowing then they have many more volumes ahead of them to enjoy of quality, well thought-out writing. Thankyou, Jacqueline!

This was the best yet! You have to admire an author who can keep the series going and FRESH. Loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

I have enjoyed the Maisie Dobbs books for many years and found this to be enjoyable. Maisie is now torn between family, work and duty to her country in a time of war in her work with the SOE.
She is drawn into a child's terrified account of witnessing a murder and tries to make sense of what he has seen during a nightime Blitz attack. The roots of the murder can be found in WW1 and the consequences of that conflict are felt by may of the characters in this series of novels. Some find a way to live with it, others are stuck and unable to let go of the past.
Fear plays a big part in this novel: fear of discovery , fear about sending young people off to fight a war of terror in France, fear of losing loved ones and fear of commitment.
In her own calm, resolute and persistent fashion Maisie finds a solution to the problems characters face and solves the murder along the way - even though in a time of war justice cannot always be served.
I found it to be an enjoyable and engrossing read.

Another brilliant instalment of the Maisie Dobbs series. If you haven’t read any of these I highly recommend them.

This is another engrossing and twisty instalment in the series. With long running series it's always a challenge writing a review that doesn't give away too much of the plot - or spoil earlier books in the series. But what I can say is that now the books have reached World War Two, Jacqueline Winspear is consistently finding interesting aspects of the conflict to entangle Maisie in, and if a few liberties are taken with the timeline, they are minor and you forgive them because it's so page-turning and engrossing. This also sees some really interesting developments in Maisie’s personal life too - so all around this is a really good read.

I fell in love with this series when I read “The American Agent” and I started to read the series from the beginning.
As for the other book in this series this is an excellent story, well plotted, engrossing and highly entertaining.
It’s also poignant with some heart breaking parts even if there’s hope and joy at the end of the path.
The author does an excellent job in describing a complex and tragical historical periodo mixing history and fiction and making the background vivid and interesting.
Fear is the central theme: Maisie reflect on her fears regarding her love life and well being of the people she loves. There’s fear at the center of the actions of the agents sent to France and there’s fear in everyday life in London during the blitz.
There are various subplots: the mystery, the story of young Freddie’s family and the work Maisie is doing for the government.
The subplots are all related and I kept turning pages as I wanted to know what was going to happen to the characters and how the mystery was going to be solved.
Jacqueline Winspear is a master storyteller and she delivers a plot that never bores or drags. The character development is excellent and the historical background is well researched.
I loved this story and can’t wait to read the next instalment, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to Allison & Busby and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear is the sixteenth novel to feature private investigator Maisie Dobbs.

It's September 1941 and the Blitz is in full swing. Young Freddie Hackett is a runner of messages for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in London. On one errand the twelve-year-old sees two men fighting, a knife blade flash, and a man fall to the street. He notices that the other man who flees has a scarred face and recognises him when he delivers his message a bit later. Reporting the occurrence at Scotland Yard, he isn't believed as there is no evidence of murder nor a dead body. He has delivered messages to Maisie Dobbs in the past so goes to her office and tells his story to Billy Beale, Maisie's assistant who reports to Maisie. Maisie begins investigating and finds a suspect but there's a problem: the suspect is someone she found whilst working secretly for the SOE.

This is my first read in the Maisie Dobbs series even though it is book 16, however, I know it won't be my last. As Maisie runs between Dower House at Chelstone Manor, Kent and London in her valiant efforts to solve the case, she involves as many of her friends and allies as possible many of whom are clearly recurring characters. The story is steeped in the history of the period, and I think Maisie will be a fascinating character to uncover in the earlier books. Certainly, in The Consequences of Fear, I enjoyed her determination, empathy, calmness, and competence as well as admiring her analytical skills. An intelligent and well-told mystery.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Allison & Busby via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

I was a late arrival at the party when it comes to Jacqueline Winspear’s hugely popular series, my first introduction being The American Agent, the fifteenth outing for the intrepid and resourceful Maisie Dobbs. Ardent fans of the series will have been eagerly anticipating Maisie’s next adventure but even if – like me – you’re a recent convert, or indeed if The Consequences of Fear will be your first foray into Maisie’s world, I guarantee you’ll quickly be drawn into the story.

Although there are brief references to Maisie’s previous cases and it may take a bit of time to sort out the various members of her extended family, The Consequences of Fear can definitely be enjoyed by readers new to the series. Those familiar with her previous adventures will be pleased to see the return of characters such as Billy Beale, Maisie’s assistant in her private investigation business, intelligence chief Robert MacFarlane and Anna, her adopted daughter. Not forgetting, of course, Maisie’s ‘gentleman friend’, Mark Scott.

As well as the ever reliable Billy, Maisie has a number of resources to call upon to help with her investigation, including her friends Priscilla and Gabriella. As Maisie observes, ‘She had her worker bees, valuable contacts who would seek whatever information she needed, buzzing around their gardens of endeavour until they found the pockets of intelligence she had requested.’ Unfortunately, being one of Maisie’s ‘worker bees’ can sometimes be a risky business. And when all else fails, Maisie can call on her memories of the wise advice of her former mentor, Maurice Blanche.

The book’s title is cleverly explored in various ways. For example, as one character remarks early on in the book, “where secrets reside, so does fear – it’s the unknown.” It transpires there are indeed secrets to be revealed some of which go longer back in time than anyone might imagine. Whilst fear can be ‘the scariest of emotions…a seed in the fertile seed of doubt’, it can also bring much-needed alertness. ‘Fear had to be handled with care, managed so it became a tool, not a weight.’

Increasingly, Maisie feels the tension between the important but secret work she undertakes alongside the cases that come to her private investigation business, and her new caring responsibilities. It doesn’t help that her secret work involves potentially life or death decisions about others, or that Mark Scott’s equally confidential work takes him away frequently. Naturally, like the rest of the population, she’s also concerned about her family’s safety – the threat of further bombing raids and the possibility of invasion. ‘She realised that she had never trusted the world to keep herself or those she loved safe.’ It all leads at one point to Maisie concluding, “I think I’ve had enough”.

By the end of the book, I think even new readers will have come to the conclusion that Maisie doesn’t easily give in to fear when it comes to pursuing her investigations. But what about fear of commitment in her personal relationships? Should Maisie heed the advice that ‘Love is always worth the leap’? (I know my answer in Maisie’s case!)

The backdrop of wartime of London is vividly evoked: checking the blackout curtains as darkness falls, listening to the rumble of bombers overhead, navigating streets of bombed out houses, seeing young boys like Freddie Hackett running through the dark streets carrying messages between Air Raid Precautions depots.

The book’s conclusion sees scenes of both sorrow and joy, and – tantalizingly – a world on the brink of a new phase of the war. As a now committed Maisie fan, I say roll on the next book!

Yet again Jacqueline Winspear has written a really outstanding and most enjoyable and well researched historical thriller which I just could not put down until the final page and I felt obliged to stay up reading until 3am!!

October 1941. While on a delivery, young Freddie Hackett, a message runner for a government office, witnesses an argument that ends in murder. Crouching in the doorway of a bombed-out house, Freddie waits until the coast is clear. But when he arrives at the delivery address, he's shocked to come face to face with the killer.

Dismissed by the police when he attempts to report the crime, Freddie goes in search of a woman he once met when delivering a message: Maisie Dobbs. While Maisie believes the boy and wants to help, she must maintain extreme caution: she's working secretly for the Special Operations Executive, assessing candidates for crucial work with the French resistance. Her two worlds collide when she spots the killer in a place she least expects. She soon realizes she's been pulled into the orbit of a man who has his own reasons to kill--reasons that go back to the last war.

As Maisie becomes entangled in a power struggle between Britain's intelligence efforts in France and the work of Free French agents operating across Europe, she must also contend with the lingering question of Freddie Hackett's state of mind. This novel moves on in that very easy and readable format that her books adopt until the ultimate climax.

The book includes almost all of the characters that have been present in her previous books in this series which I hope is not an indicator that this is a final book in this series as there are four more years of war to be experienced which should yield many more books! Very strongly recommended. Terry Halligan

(Advance copy provided by the publisher and netgalley in exchange for a fair review)

I love the Maisie Dobbs books and Jacqueline Winspear has now achieved 16 books in a row with consistency and excellence. It is rare for an author, in my opinion, to maintain such a high level throught a long series.

This book, set in the early years of WW2, is another tale of murder, deception with spies thrown into the mix.. With Maisie Dobbs and the usual crew on the case there is plenty to keep the reader intereste; and that same lovely writing style that makes reading one of this series like meeting up with an old friend. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.

The Consequences of Fear is the first Maisie Dodds book I've read (I know, it's number 16 - but I've just 'got' into books from this time period). It won't be the last.

For a first time reader, there were a few stumbling blocks now and then throughout this book, only to be expected, of course. There are clearly well-loved, repeat characters in this book, and the author does a great job of involving as many of Maisie's friends and allies as possible. This allows the case to be quite complex as she attempts to solve it, running between London and Chelstone.

I really enjoyed how deeply embedded the story is in the history of the period, and I think Maisie will be a fascinating character to uncover in earlier books.

Thoroughly enjoyable, even for a newbie.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

Honestly, is it possible to dislike Maisie Dobbs in 2021???
In The consequences of fear Jacqueline Winspwear brings back her genial forensic investigator and savvy psychologist into a sinister and very twisty story involving the French SOE (Special Operations Executive), the French Resistance, violent deaths and murderous grudges going back to WWI.......

Cleverly plotted and historically accurate this latest whodunit is a highly entertaining delight & unputdownable read to be enjoyed without moderation!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Allison&Busby for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date.

Received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I discovered Maisie Dobbs about 15 years ago and have loved her journey from post-WW1 to the struggles of WW2. I enjoyed this one too but I thought it overlong and found it dragged in places. I think the books are twice the length they were originally and that's not necessarily a good thing.

Having said that, JW is a really good writer and tells a really well-plotted story. 3.5 stars.

Freddie Hackett is a runner, he takes important messages back and forth, pocketing the money to help support his mother and sister Iris. On his way to deliver one of these, he spots two men fighting, he hides and sees one stab the other. He tries to report this to the police but they are undermanned, and only gave the area a cursory look, where they didn't find any evidence of a body/crime. Enter Maisie Dobbs

This is a great story, just could not put it down. It's very evocative, I felt the fear, despair, stress and sadness. Great characters and interesting how the story wound it's way together with something else Maisie was working on. Beautifully written as always, and the end of the book was just perfectly done.

HIghly recommended and look forward to the next one, soon please!

Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the chance to read in exchange for an honest review.

In the next of private investigator Maisie Dobbs’ cases, she is seeking the truth to help Freddie Hackett. The young message runner witnesses a gruesome murder when he’s en route to deliver an important message. Scared but keen to finish the job, he hurries on, but the man who answers the door seems to be the same person he’s just watched murder another. When the police don’t have time for Freddie’s story, he knows of one person who just might help… Maisie is also dealing with secret governmental duties and the challenges that a war romantic relationship brings. With the perfect mix of personal and professional lives, this is another winner in this beautifully researched series.

Reading a Maisie Dobbs book is like sitting in a comfy chair. I needed this book so much and I didn't realise it until I began reading the comforting words of Jacqueline Winspear. I love Maisie Dobbs and I have read all of her books. The latest novel was like a haven in a midst of a tornado. All the usual characters and a suitably engaging plotline with a bit of romance Maisie-style included. I now feel bereft and cannot wait until the next book. Please hurry and write the next one Jacqueline....

Young Freddie Hackett is a runner of messages for the SOE in London during 1941. In a dark area, Freddy sees two men fighting, a knife flash, and a man fall to the street. He notices the other man who takes off has a scarred face, and then recognizes the man to whom he delivers the message as the same person. Freddie had reported at Scotland Yard, but they didn't seem to find any evidence a murder had taken place, so he went to Maisie's office (where he has delivered messages), and talks to Billy. Meanwhile, Maisie Dobbs in back at Dower House at Chelstone Manor, and Billy calls to see when she is coming in.

When Billy and Maisie try to find Freddie, he isn't at his runner work and they check out the school. It appears he saw a man with a scarred face asking for him and got out the back door. Freddie lives in a tiny apartment with his Mum and Dad and sister. His father takes all his earnings, spends it on drinks, and then beats Freddy and his Mum. Maisie and Billy bring Freddie, his Mum, and his sister to the apartment she owns far away from the area where Freddie had lived. The father is furious, but there is nothing he can do about it.

During an SOE event, Maisie thinks she recognizes the man Freddie described, a man working with the French Resistance. Maisie must figure out what to do about the man who killed someone as well as protect Freddie and his family and deal with her relationship with Mark Scott, which is changing. She also worries about two good friends whom she passed to go to France for SOE, and are now in trouble.

Each of these books seems a little better than the last one!

September 1941. While on a delivery, young Freddie Hackett, a message runner for a government office, witnesses an argument that ends in murder. Crouching in the doorway of a bombed-out house, Freddie waits until the coast is clear. But when he arrives at the delivery address, he’s shocked to come face to face with the killer. Dismissed by the police when he attempts to report the crime, Freddie goes in search of a woman he once met when delivering a message: Maisie Dobbs. While Maisie believes the boy and wants to help, she must maintain extreme caution: she’s working secretly for the Special Operations Executive.

At first, I was not aware that this was part of a series, the book does work very well as a stand-alone also. The book is very well written and very enjoyable. I am eagerly looking at the other books in the series to read so I can follow Masies adventure from the beginning.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an advance copy of The Consequences of Fear, the sixteenth novel to feature private investigator Maisie Dobbs.

September 1941 and the Blitz is in full swing. 12 year old Freddie Harkett spends his evenings running about London, dodging bombs and delivering top secret messages. On one such errand he thinks he sees a man being murdered, but when he reports it to the police there is no body and they think he made it up. In despair he tells his story to Maisie Dobbs who not only believes him but finds a certain amount of proof and a suspect. The problem with this is that she found her suspect doing her other job of working for the SOE, in a secret capacity and they want her to stop investigating.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Consequences of Fear, which is an interesting mix of fact and fiction with a good mystery attached. The novel takes an unusual tack, presenting a suspect early on, but no victim. This makes the investigation about finding proof and a motive, if, of course, young Freddie is to be believed and there’s some doubt about that. Throw wartime politics and the murky business of espionage and there is an engrossing tale to be told.

I like that the novel is told entirely from Maisie’s point of view as it allows the reader to identify with her and get stuck in to the tale she has to tell. I found it slightly frustrating that politics got in the way of a clean investigation but that is probably an accurate reflection of the era, where desperate times call for desperate solutions. Otherwise I was hanging on to every reveal to see what was coming next. I wasn’t overly impressed by the motive, but again it was desperate times and it reflects the title well.

Much is made in the novel of the work of the SOE, which sent agents into occupied France to sabotage the Nazi war effort. Vetting these agents is Maisie’s classified war work. I think the author managed to convey a good sense of the danger it involved and the agents’ bravery. I found it fascinating.

Maisie does what she does well but it’s not without its troubling aspects and now that she has an adopted daughter she’s thinking about walking away. Her relationship with American “diplomat” (spy, if ever I saw one) Mark Scott is foundering on miscommunication, her work causes real heartbreak for her and those closest to her and she’s upset about the politics surrounding her investigation.

The Consequences of Fear is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.