Pardonable Lies: A Maisie Dobbs Novel - Couverture souple

'In Maisie Dobbs, Jacqueline Winspear has given us a real gift. Maisie Dobbs has not been created -- she has been discovered. Such people are always there amongst us, waiting for somebody like Ms. Winspear to come along and reveal them. And what a revelation it is!' (Alexander McCall Smith)

'These clever mysteries, their period settings and the unusual character of Maisie herself are bang on target for the classic crime buyer' (Sue Baker, Publishing News)

'Jacqueline Winspear paints a deeply sympathetic portrait of an independent woman detective' (Books Quarterly (Waterstone's))

The British counterpart to Alexander McCall Smith's The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Associated Press)

A fine new sleuth for the twenty-first century (Elizabeth George)

A heroine to cherish (New York Times)

A wry and immensely readable beginning to what promises to be a vivid new addition to crime fiction (Praise for MAISIE DOBBS, Daily Mail)

Feisty, working-class heroine Maisie is a deliberate throwback to the sleuthettes of old-fashioned crime writing. The well-plotted story, its characters and the picture of London between the wars are decidedly romantic. American readers loved it; many Brits will, too. (Guardian)

A terrific mystery ... Intriguing and full of suspense, it makes for an absorbing read (Observer)

'For readers yearning for the calm and insightful intelligence of a main character like P D James's, Maisie Dobbs is spot on' (Boston Globe)

Even if detective stories aren't your thing, you'll love Maisie Dobbs (New Woman)

'(Maisie Dobbs') most engaging adventure so far' (Sydney Morning Herald)

'It is only a question of time before this series hits the television screens, for it is just made for it' (The Irish Times)

'Altogether an excellent mystery story, which grips the reader all the way through. Contains many ideas which would interest book groups' (New Books Magazine)

'Wonderfully nostalgic and traditional sleuthing in post-First World War London' (Bookseller)

'Maisie Dobbs is a delightful character... The war's long shadow over Maisie and her clients and suspects lends emotional depth to an enjoyable mystery' (Literary Review)

'Think Upstairs Downstairs meets Miss Marple - with a touch of chirpy cheerful Cockney from the Dick Van Dyke school' (Yorkshire Post)

'The classic crime buyer' (Publishing News)