Review: To Die But Once (Maisie Dobbs, #14)
Gaby Meares
Winspear has managed to cram a lot into this instalment of the wonderful Maisie Dobbs’ mysteries. Maisie is asked to investigate the disappearance of Joe, the youngest son of the local publican, who is subsequently found dead - was it an accident or was it murder? Joe was apprenticed to a company who were using a new fire-retardant paint for army buildings. Did this paint contribute to his death?
Meanwhile, WW2 is in full swing, and we get a taste of how the British felt as an invasion by Hitler’s forces was imminent. British troops are stranded at Dunkirk, and their rescue by a flotilla of local boats becomes very personal for Maisie.
Winspear’s research raises this series above the rest. She discovers small details that are not commonly known and uses these to make her books that much more interesting and involving. I always read her acknowledgements, as she often tells me why she included certain details - often they are inspired by stores her parents and grandparents related about their war experiences.
I have been binging on these books, and am very concerned that there is only one more to read! I highly recommend this series, and strongly suggest that it be read in order to gain the most from the experience.