Review: Among the Mad

Reviewer: Nancy Kelley
Book: Among the Mad
Author: Jacqueline Winspear
Genre: Fiction

This is # 6 of the Maisie Dobbs novels and one of the best I think. Among the Mad takes place in London at the end of 1931. Maisie Dobbs attempts to stop a man from committing suicide but fails. Even though it is Christmas Eve she can not enjoy herself because she is slightly injured and can’t stop thinking about the man and what she could have done to help him, even though she did not know him or his background.

The usual people that she works with are here again including Bill Beale, her assistant, her father, Frankie, Inspector Richard Stratton and her good friend, Priscilla. Masie is still working as a private investigator in London during the dark foggy days following the Great War when the wounded veterans are sent home from hospitals and unable to find work and cope with their shell shock and other mental conditions.

Miss Winspear writes a good mystery story that is unique because she includes sidelights of the clothing styles and the changes in the social classes that are taking place which will change British society forever. If you haven’t read any of the Masie Dobb’s novels before you are in for a treat. (think of a grown-up Nancy Drew) They don’t have to be read in order although you probably will want to read the first one once you have read Among the Mad!

Nancy Kelley
6/12/09