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In the thrilling new novel by the New York Times bestselling author of An Incomplete Revenge, Maisie Dobbs must catch a madman before he commits murder on an unimaginable scaleIt'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 show more 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.
In Among the Mad, Jacqueline Winspear combines a heart-stopping story with a rich evocation of a fascinating period to create her most compelling and satisfying novel yet.
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dla911 The would be actress becomes a detective when her gumshoe boss is murdered in New York during WWII. Captures the essense of NYC and its inhabitants. Great read.
Member Reviews
I loved how the different strands of the story - Maisie's personal life, her work associates, and her case - all interweave and illuminate the central idea of mental illness and how we manage or don't manage it and where it often has its roots. Laid on top of these very real concerns is an exciting thriller with echos to the chemical warfare horrors of WWI.
In the sixth Maisie Dobbs novel, it's just before Christmas when Maisie witnesses a Great War veteran committing suicide by bomb. Shortly afterwards when a threatening letter that seems likely to have ties to the bombing is sent to several major British leaders and mentions Maisie by name, Scotland Yard asks her to help with the investigation. As the letter writer's acts continue to escalate and indicate that his preferred method of harm is chemical weapons, it will take all of Maisie's skills to track down the perpetrator before London's population is at risk. At the same time, Maisie also provides support to her assistant, Billy Beale, as he struggles to help his wife during a mental health crisis in the wake of their daughter's show more death.
Another excellent entry in this series which is enjoyable just as much for the mystery as for the historical fiction element. It continues to be gratifying to watch Maisie develop as a detective and recover from her own experiences in the Great War. Winspear also deftly handles the topic of mental illness in ways that are both appropriate for the time period (the early 1930s) while also recognizing that to modern eyes, historical treatments are often horrifying. I particularly appreciated how the subplot surrounding Doreen Beale serves as a foil for the main mystery plot. I'll also note that as I listened to this on audio that Orlagh Cassidy's narration is quite well done. Recommended for fans of the series. show less
Another excellent entry in this series which is enjoyable just as much for the mystery as for the historical fiction element. It continues to be gratifying to watch Maisie develop as a detective and recover from her own experiences in the Great War. Winspear also deftly handles the topic of mental illness in ways that are both appropriate for the time period (the early 1930s) while also recognizing that to modern eyes, historical treatments are often horrifying. I particularly appreciated how the subplot surrounding Doreen Beale serves as a foil for the main mystery plot. I'll also note that as I listened to this on audio that Orlagh Cassidy's narration is quite well done. Recommended for fans of the series. show less
Maisie Dobbs is seconded to the Special Branch of Scotland Yard, in a bid to locate and stop a madman who appears prepared to unleash chemical warfare in London. Maisie’s name was mentioned in letters the madman sent to various officials, but she has no idea who he might be; in the letters, the man complains that the wounded and shell-shocked survivors of the Great War have been abandoned, and he demands that this be rectified, a sentiment with which Maisie agrees. As the end of 1931 approaches, she and others at Scotland Yard and Military Intelligence must race against time to uncover the few clues before it’s too late. And if that is not enough, Maisie’s best friend Priscilla is suffering a crisis of her own that demands show more Maisie’s attention…. I have long believed that there is a qualitative difference between PTSD as the result of a single event and PTSD due to protracted, continuous or repeated traumas to the psyche, and this novel certainly brings those differences to the fore. The sixth of the Maisie Dobbs novels, this might be the darkest yet, centering as it does on the biggest horror of WWI, that of chemical warfare. At the same time, though, I have a feeling that one relationship new to this novel will continue far into Maisie’s life, on both a professional and personal basis; I’ll have to keep reading the series to find out if I’m right! As usual, recommended. show less
In what is possibly my favorite installment to date, Maisie is called upon to assist Special Branch of Scotland Yard in an investigation in which a man is using chemical warfare similar to what she had encountered in World War I. She had tried to prevent a man from blowing himself up and had been witnessed by the letter writer who mentioned her name in his threat. At the same time Billy's wife Doreen has been committed to an old school mental hospital because her sadness in the loss of her daughter has grown to the point that she is a danger to herself and possibly to others. Maisie immediately works to get Doreen transferred to an institution with more up to date methods. The book deals with the treatment of veterans, particularly show more those who suffered shell shock and illnesses brought own by exposure to chemical weaponry. It also takes a look at the mental health system of the day. There is a potential for a continuing relationship in future installments of this series. Great installment! show less
As Maisie Dobbs and her assistant, Billy Beale, walk down a London street on Christmas Eve, they narrowly escape serious injury when a man commits suicide by blowing himself up. Maisie is soon called upon by Scotland Yard to help with an urgent investigation. The government has received an anonymous threat warning of mass destruction. There is reason to believe that the letter writer is somehow connected to the Christmas Eve suicide bomber. With very few clues to the identity of either the suicide bomber or the threatening letter-writer, Scotland Yard needs to find a different approach for this investigation. Maisie describes herself as Psychologist and Investigator, and her psychological skills provide the most hope for the prevention show more of a great tragedy.
Jacqueline Winspear successfully weaves social commentary into a suspenseful novel. As in all the books in this series, Winspear calls attention to the psychological trauma of war, the failure of society to re-assimilate veterans, and the failure of the government to compensate veterans for their sacrifices and to provide adequate treatment and care for the psychologically wounded. By using Maisie's voice to analyze these issues, she provokes something deeper than a fleeting emotional response. Maisie's character is anything but emotional.
Character is as important as plot in the Maisie Dobbs novels. Maisie's character grows and develops throughout the series, as do the personalities of supporting characters. While it's certainly possible to enjoy this book as a standalone, I would strongly encourage reading all of the books in this series in order. show less
Jacqueline Winspear successfully weaves social commentary into a suspenseful novel. As in all the books in this series, Winspear calls attention to the psychological trauma of war, the failure of society to re-assimilate veterans, and the failure of the government to compensate veterans for their sacrifices and to provide adequate treatment and care for the psychologically wounded. By using Maisie's voice to analyze these issues, she provokes something deeper than a fleeting emotional response. Maisie's character is anything but emotional.
Character is as important as plot in the Maisie Dobbs novels. Maisie's character grows and develops throughout the series, as do the personalities of supporting characters. While it's certainly possible to enjoy this book as a standalone, I would strongly encourage reading all of the books in this series in order. show less
Set in London between the wars, Among the Mad is the sixth book in the Maisie Dobbs Mystery Series. The early 1930's is an interesting time period in England's history and an excellent place for Winspear to set loose Maisie, a self sufficient, independent women, highly over educated for the time period and unafraid to plunge right into the thick of things.
Among the Mad focuses on the story of soldiers recovering from the physical and psychological repercussions of war, the government's role and responsibility for their care and protection, and the shortages and economic hardship that face the majority of the population, in stark contrast to the lifestyle of the upper class; all of which draw interesting parallels to today's current show more events. On top of this intricately woven social commentary Winspear overlays a suspenseful story of madness and terrorism.
A book for lovers of detailed period pieces this is not a traditional mystery, as much of the story is told from the view point of the terrorist, but more of a psychological suspense. Would be appropriate for Young Adults. show less
Among the Mad focuses on the story of soldiers recovering from the physical and psychological repercussions of war, the government's role and responsibility for their care and protection, and the shortages and economic hardship that face the majority of the population, in stark contrast to the lifestyle of the upper class; all of which draw interesting parallels to today's current show more events. On top of this intricately woven social commentary Winspear overlays a suspenseful story of madness and terrorism.
A book for lovers of detailed period pieces this is not a traditional mystery, as much of the story is told from the view point of the terrorist, but more of a psychological suspense. Would be appropriate for Young Adults. show less
2009, MacMillan Audio, Read by Orlagh Cassidy
Publisher’s Summary:
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 show more 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.
My Review:
Among the Mad is perhaps the best of the Maisie Dobbs novels I’ve read to date. These just keep getting better! The novel looks in depth at the devastating lifelong effects of war on the psyche as well as the body, and at some of the horrid chemical gases used in combat to obliterate human life. Stephen Oliver is one such brilliant mind, employed in the war for his scientific knowledge, but all but destroyed by what he witnessed. Too, the novel looks at the treatment of the mentally ill through Billy Beale’s wife’s malaise since the death of their young daughter – Doreen’s experiences illustrate some of the inhumane treatments employed to shock those suffering from melancholia back into reality. And it is a pleasure to observe Maisie, working with Scotland Yard as well as the Secret Service, hold her own in a man’s world. Highly recommended! show less
Publisher’s Summary:
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 show more 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.
My Review:
Among the Mad is perhaps the best of the Maisie Dobbs novels I’ve read to date. These just keep getting better! The novel looks in depth at the devastating lifelong effects of war on the psyche as well as the body, and at some of the horrid chemical gases used in combat to obliterate human life. Stephen Oliver is one such brilliant mind, employed in the war for his scientific knowledge, but all but destroyed by what he witnessed. Too, the novel looks at the treatment of the mentally ill through Billy Beale’s wife’s malaise since the death of their young daughter – Doreen’s experiences illustrate some of the inhumane treatments employed to shock those suffering from melancholia back into reality. And it is a pleasure to observe Maisie, working with Scotland Yard as well as the Secret Service, hold her own in a man’s world. Highly recommended! show less
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ThingScore 75
Like Maisie, the novel’s storytelling style is efficient and humorless, but deeply empathetic.
added by y2pk
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Author Information
32+ Works 32,706 Members
Jacqueline Winspear was born in the county of Kent, England. She was educated at the University of London's Institute of Education. After graduation, she worked in academic publishing, in higher education, and in marketing communications in the UK. In 1990, she emigrated to the United States. She was working in business and as a show more personal/professional coach when she decided to try writing. Her first novel, Maisie Dobbs, won the Agatha Award for Best First novel, the Macavity Award for Best First Novel, and the Alex Award. She is the author of the Maisie Dobbs Mystery series. She has also won the Agatha Award for Best Novel, the inaugural Sue Feder/Macavity Award for Best Historical Mystery, and the Bruce Alexander Award for Best Historical Mystery. Her title, A Dangerous Place, made The New York Times High Profile titles list. Journey to Munich, a book in the Maisie Dobbs Series, made the New York Times bestseller list in 2016. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Awards and Honors
Awards
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Series
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Among the Mad
- Original publication date
- 2009-02-17
- People/Characters
- Maisie Dobbs; Billy Beale; Doreen Beale; Richard Stratton; Robert "Robbie" MacFarlane; Dr. Anthony Lawrence (show all 12); Dr. Elsbeth Masters; Stephen Oliver; John Gale; Edwin Croucher; Ian Jennings; Priscilla Evernden Partridge
- Important places
- London, England, UK; Redhill, England, UK
- Epigraph
- "But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.
"Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat. "We're all mad here.
I'm mad. You're mad."
"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.
"You must be," said the Cat... (show all), "or you wouldn't have come here."
—LEWIS CARROLL,
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
A short time ago death was the cruel stranger, the visitor with the flannel footsteps ... today it is the mad dog in the house. One eats, one drinks beside the dead, one sleeps in the midst of the dying, one laughs and sings... (show all) in the company of corpses.
—GEORGES DUHAMEL,
French doctor serving at Verdun in the Great War - Dedication
- Dedicated to my wonderful Godchildren:
Charlotte Sweet McEwan
Charlotte Pye
Greg Belpomme
Alexandra Jones
Keep True to the Dreams of thy Youth
~ Friedrich von Schiller
1759-1805 - First words
- London, Christmas Eve, 1931
Maisie Dobbs, Psychologist and Investigator, picked up her fountain pen to sign her name at the end of a final report that she and her assistant, Billy Beale, had worked late to ... (show all)complete the night before. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)And she smiled, for at last she knew she had reclaimed her soul.
- Blurbers
- Smith, Alexander McCall
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