Journey To Munich: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Working with the British Secret Service on an undercover mission, Maisie Dobbs is sent to Hitler’s Germany in this thrilling tale of danger and intrigue—the twelfth novel in Jacqueline Winspear’s New York Times bestselling “series that seems to get better with each entry” (Wall Street Journal).

It’s early 1938, and Maisie Dobbs is back in England. On a fine yet chilly morning, as she walks towards Fitzroy Square—a place of many memories—she is intercepted by Brian Huntley and Robert MacFarlane of the Secret Service. The German government has agreed to release a British subject from prison, but only if he is handed over to a family member. Because the man’s wife is bedridden and his daughter has been killed in an accident, the Secret Service wants Maisie—who bears a striking resemblance to the daughter—to retrieve the man from Dachau, on the outskirts of Munich.

The British government is not alone in its interest in Maisie’s travel plans. Her nemesis—the man she holds responsible for her husband’s death—has learned of her journey, and is also desperate for her help.

Traveling into the heart of Nazi Germany, Maisie encounters unexpected dangers—and finds herself questioning whether it’s time to return to the work she loved. But the Secret Service may have other ideas. . . .

my thoughts:

I'm not going to lie, when I received this book in the post I cheered for joy.  Yes, I really did.  I was so thrilled to have in my hands, the latest book in the Maisie Dobbs series - it felt like pure bliss. Finally, I would find out what happened to Maisie after we last left her in Spain.  You see, in the last book, A Dangerous Place, we find her mired in grief.  She had lost her husband, her baby, and her sense of self all in one fell swoop - it was beyond heartbreaking.  She decided to remain in Spain and help a nun provide medical care for wounded soldiers.  She had found something to keep her going and that was what she needed at the time. Fast forward...

Maisie is staying at her BFF Priscilla's home in London.  Yes, she's back in Old Blighty.  She's still not back to her old self completely, but she's slowly working on it.  She's avoiding her in-laws and pretty much anything that reminds her of James.  Its still a hard time for Maisie. Of course, the Secret Service is not one to wait around for someone to work through their grief when they need something done ASAP.  So, they track her down when she's out on a walk near her old office.  They inform her about a job that is of vital importance to their country.  It will be difficult and dangerous - will she accept?   Unable to handle dealing with her true feelings about everything in her personal life head on (family, love, loss), she accepts the job.

Maisie will be heading off to Germany to pick up an asset of the British government.  The only catch is that the German prison where he has been interned will only release him to someone in his family.  So, Maisie will need to impersonate his daughter if she is to succeed at her mission.  Training commences.  And soon, she is on a train heading to Nazi Germany, a country that is being held hostage by a ruthless dictator.  Once there, Maisie sets about her mission and soon finds herself in real danger - wondering why she ever agreed to this job in the first place.  Yet, its this life or death experience that forces her to face the fact that she does want to live and that she does have family and friends that she wants to see again.  Upon  her return to England, Maisie finally moves forward with her plans for her new future. She reunites with Sandra and Billy at their old office and the trio find themselves looking at the new improvements that have been made to their space.  They also look at the nameplate Billy had made, it reads  'M. Dobbs - Psychologist & Investigator'. Yes, they are back to work!!  In the end we find Maisie hosting a meal with all of her family and friends - grateful for her freedom and the love surrounding her.  Talk about a wonderful way to end a story - I absolutely loved it!

I know that I gave away the ending, but I couldn't help myself.  I was just so happy to see Maisie finally realize that though she has experienced such great loss in her life, she is surrounded by love, family, friendship, and a future.  Winspear has written a compelling and engaging story that brings us up to date with a much beloved character, Maisie Dobbs.  I am truly enjoying this journey she is taking us on and look forward to finding out what more she has in store for dear Maisie. 

Journey to Munich is my new favorite book in the series. I loved it to bits. The writing, characters, and story were superb. I found myself unable to stop reading this book and experiencing so many emotions - it was such a great reading experience!  I loved seeing Maisie back in London with Priscilla - they are quite the duo.  Of course, I worried for Maisie when she agreed to take on this new job for the Secret Service, because I feel like she is agreeing to more than just one job - she's agreeing to a future with them.  I was stressed out when she was in Germany and things were not happening as they were supposed to.  I hated the cruel and evil Nazis who Maisie had to interact with - it made me fear for her life.  I even wondered if this would be the end for Maisie; which I knew was ridiculous to think - she's Maisie and Maisie will survive!!  And when she succeeded with her mission - I whooped for joy.  I was thrilled with her strength and fortitude to make it all happen, no matter the consequences.  She truly is one of a kind. 

I can't wait for the next book in the series - I just have to read about Maisie, Billy, and Sandra working together again on a new case!  Until then, I will dip in and out of the series (something that I love to do) to get my fix of Maisie Dobbs, Psychologist & Investigator. 

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Journey to Munich

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!