About.com Rating



Henry Holt, February 2008

It's not often that a book promising to be "utterly enthralling" turns out to be so, but An Incomplete Revenge lives up to its word. Jacqueline Winspear's fifth Maisie Dobbs adventure is one of the more finely crafted mysteries I've read in a while.

Set in 1931 England, An Incomplete Revenge begins with a deceptively simple quest for psychologist and investigator Maisie to explore a rural town in Kent for a prospective land buyer, who is concerned about a series of thefts, fires, and vandalism in the area.

Though the countryside is lovely and the village looks inviting, Maisie soon realizes that the secrets at stake are far more sinister than petty crime.

She also finds that she must negotiate her way through a mass of group tensions and discrimination. It's hop-picking time, bringing a flood of Londoners and gypsies who work the harvest and frequent the village, much to the distaste of its residents. No group trusts the others; prejudice is blatant. Moving in and out of these worlds, Maisie seeks to reduce discord and diplomatically educates each group (and us) about the different cultures.

Maisie's civil and careful methods stand in stark contrast to the deception and dark moods around her. Even as we know of her somewhat complicated personal life, she is a no-nonsense detective, along the fine lines of classic investigators we recognize. Her logic speaks to Sherlock Holmes. Her ability to calmly confront suspects, with no fear of harm or danger, recollects Agatha Christie's detectives.

Her straightforward methods, instant likability, and proper attire even invoke Nancy Drew (indeed, praise for previous books frequently includes the Drew-like distinction of "sleuth"). Yet Maisie is a force all her own. At a time when speaking stridently is a bold act and smoothing skirts (with fashionable kick pleats) is a frequent activity, Maisie is an intriguing mix of war veteran, progressive woman, and respectful traditionalist.

Though it may seem contradictory to say so, this book is both a quick read and a complex story with many layers. It's easy to follow, hard to predict. Just when you think an explanation is complete, another subtle twist comes along. Winspear has a talent for using just enough detail in just the right places to evoke the historical world of post-World War I England and to give each character depth and nuance. It's easy to see why her previous Maisie books have been nominated for or won significant awards for mystery fiction, and I suspect this one will be no different. It's good, old-fashioned intellectual suspense at its finest.

Winspear is touring to promote the book; scheduled appearances can be found on her website, www.jacquelinewinspear.com.