Monday, April 12, 2010

THE MAPPING OF LOVE AND DEATH: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
THE MAPPING OF LOVE AND DEATH

JACQUELINE WINSPEAR

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From Jacqueline Winspear, New York Times bestselling author of Among the Mad and An Incomplete Revenge, comes another thrilling installment in the Maisie Dobbs series. In the latest mystery in the New York Times bestselling series, The Mapping of Love and Death, Winspear’s popular “psychologist and investigator” Maisie Dobbs is hired and must unravel a case of wartime love and death—an investigation that leads her to a long-hidden doomed affair between a young cartographer and a mysterious nurse.

In the latest mystery in the New York Times bestselling series, The Mapping of Love and Death, Winspear’s popular “psychologist and investigator” Maisie Dobbs is hired and must unravel a case of wartime love and death—an investigation that leads her to a long-hidden doomed affair between a young cartographer and a mysterious nurse.

August 1914. Michael Clifton is mapping the land he has just purchased in California's beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, certain that oil lies beneath its surface. But as the young cartographer prepares to return home to Boston, war is declared in Europe. Michael—the youngest son of an expatriate Englishman—puts duty first and sails for his father's native country to serve in the British army. Three years later, he is listed among those missing in action.

April 1932. London psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs is retained by Michael's parents, who have recently learned that their son's remains have been unearthed in France. They want Maisie to find the unnamed nurse whose love letters were among Michael's belongings—a quest that takes Maisie back to her own bittersweet wartime love. Her inquiries, and the stunning discovery that Michael Clifton was murdered in his trench, unleash a web of intrigue and violence that threatens to engulf the soldier's family and even Maisie herself. Over the course of her investigation, Maisie must cope with the approaching loss of her mentor, Maurice Blanche, and her growing awareness that she is once again falling in love.

Following the critically acclaimed bestseller Among the Mad, The Mapping of Love and Death delivers the most gripping and satisfying chapter yet in the life of Maisie Dobbs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jacqueline Winspear was born and raised in the county of Kent, England. Following higher education at the University of London's Institute of Education, Jacqueline worked in academic publishing, in higher education, and in marketing communications in the UK. She emigrated to the United States in 1990, and while working in business and as a personal / professional coach, Jacqueline embarked upon a life-long dream to be a writer. A regular contributor to journals covering international education, Jacqueline has published articles in women's magazines and has also recorded her essays for KQED radio in San Francisco. She lives in California and is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom and Europe. Jacqueline's novels thus far—Maisie Dobbs, Birds of a Feather, Pardonable Lies, Messenger of Truth, An Incomplete Revenge, and Among the Mad are set in the late 1920s and early 1930s, with the roots of each story set in the Great War, 1914–1918. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards.

REVIEW:

THE MAPPING OF LOVE AND DEATH by Jacqueline Winspear is the seventh book in the popular Maisie Dobbs series. Set in England in the time between WWI and WWII, Maisie gets a letter from Dr. Charles Hayden, who is an American surgeon she met during the first War. Dr. Hayden tells Maisie that he has suggested to Mr. and Mrs. Clifton that they contact her. Mr. Clifton left to work in America as a teenager but grew up in England. They want to meet with Maisie to discuss their son, Michael, a surveyor and cartographer for the Royal Engineers in WWI. It seems that Michael suddenly disappeared in 1916 and now, sixteen years later, his remains were found in a field in France and among them are puzzling letters from a woman who signed each letter as “the English nurse.” The family needs Maisie to help locate this woman. They hope they can learn more about what happened to Michael during the war. They suspect murder as the coroner’s report shows Michael was killed by a hit on the head and not a shelling attack.

With her friend, Priscilla‘s help, Maisie learns about how cartography was used in the war and who might have known Michael. Lady Petronella Casterman founded a medical unit that was run by women sent to France in 1915. Perhaps this mysterious woman could have been with that unit. The Cliftons, now in England, have things stolen from them as they are attacked in their room as does Maisie having her brief case stolen. What did Michael do in his life that gave someone reason to kill him? Several theories evolve including some land he bought in California before he enlisted but his being in the war is still the strongest possible cause. Maisie’s usual support system is with her in the characters of her father, assistant, mentors, and the Comptons. Will Maisie’s determined talents aid her in finding the mysterious English nurse? Can she put together the puzzling facts of Michael death and will her unusual understanding of human nature be just what is needed to help do all this?

Maisie is Jacqueline Winspear’s enchanting detective who keeps readers coming back for more. Winspear’s reasonable conclusions and detailed characters that you care about, make her narratives compelling as well appealing. I know I have only read one other Maisie book but look forward to reading more of them in the future

GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO KYLE AND GOOD PEOPLE
AT HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHING,
I HAVE 3 COPIES OF THIS WONDERFUL

BOOK TO GIVE AWAY. HERE IS WHAT
YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN A COPY!



--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
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---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT THIS REVIEW OR BOOK DESCRIPTION THAT WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO READ THE BOOK

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GIVEAWAY ENDS
6 PM, EST,
APRIL 26 !
GOOD LUCK

111 comments:

Unknown said...

I love reading suspense novels. The book sounds very intereting. Please enter me in contest. Thank you. Tore923@aol.com

DarcyO said...

No need to enter me. Just wanted to say I read an ARC of this one and really enjoyed it.

g.g. said...

I would want to read this book because I enjoy the Maisie Dobbs series of books and this sounds like another good one

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I found out she doesn't eat red meat anymore

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered the lumby series books

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered for Giada at Home

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered for the Kelly Corrigan books

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

g.g. said...

I entered for A Homemade Life

anjamie4 AT gmail DOT com

Margie said...

I read a couple of Maisie Dobbs books several years ago. I remember I really liked them. Your review makes me want to pick them up again. I really enjoy stories about independent women in this era...and the mystery and a little romance doesn't hurt either!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

From the website...I learned that the Maisie Dobbs series has won the Agatha award.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered the snubber.com giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Entered for Love in Mid Air
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Entered for Homemade Life
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Entered for Ten Cents a Dance
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Entered the Lumby Series giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Entered 212 giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

Entered for 31 Bond Street
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

rubynreba said...

I would like to read this because I like a mystery and the time period will be fun to read about.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

The author's biggest dreams in life have come true. She is a storyteller and she has horses.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered The Bride Collector giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered Love in Mid Air giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered Snubber.com Biography giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered 212 giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered 31 Bond Street giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I entered Ten Cents a Dance giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Colleen Turner said...

Thank you for the review. How interesting that after 16 years this young man's remains are found in a field with mystery letters on him. Seems like many men could have gone missing during the war, so the plot seems plausible.
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I read from the author's website that she greatest achievements have been being a writer and owning horses...interesting combination!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Love in Mid Air giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Snubber.com giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered The Bride Collector giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the A Homemade Life giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Giada at Home giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered The Middle Place and Life giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the Lumby series giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I entered the 31 Bond Street giveaway.
candc320@gmail.com

traveler said...

T hanks for this giveaway. I enjoy reading novels set in this era. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

This author has lived in England and the series is wonderful. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered The Lumby series. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Giada at Home. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered 212. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered A Homemade Life. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered 31 Bond Street. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered the Kelly Corrigan books. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered ten Cents a Dance. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Snubber. com. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered The Bride Collector. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Love in Mid Air. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

wheresmyrain said...

i am interested because I love when history is tastefully inserted into suspense but doesnt take away from emotional characters, this seems like the stuff

wheresmyrain@yahoo.com

Pamela Keener said...

I love the premise of this book. The way you review makes me yearn for more info.
Thanks for the review.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

Maisie Dobbs - Winner of Agatha Mystery Award - 2004
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered The Middle Place & Lift giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered The Lumby series giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered A Homemade Life giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered 10 Cents a Dance giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered Love In Mid Air giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered 30 Bond Street giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered the 212 giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

tetewa said...

I'd like to be included, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com

dag888888 said...

Love letters during war time -- love this element in a story!

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

Entered Giada book giveaway!

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

A storyteller with horses, glad the author is living her dream!

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

Linda Kish said...

I love reading mysteries. I would enjoy this.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered the Lumby giveaways

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

She won the Agatha award in 2005 for Birds of a Feather

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Esme said...

I like the fact it is set in ENgland between WW1 and 11

chocolate and croissants at yahoo .com

Esme said...

she likes to mountain bike ride

chocolate and croissants at yahoo .com

Esme said...

I entered the Lumby giveaway

chocolate and croissants at yahoo .com

Esme said...

cococroissants

http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/2010/04/mapping-of-love-and-death-review-and.html

chocolate and croissants at yahoo . com

Kitty said...

I never judge a book by its cover, but in this case the cover is lovely. The book sounds as interesting as the cover looks.

misskallie2000 said...

Love this story. My kind of book has mystery, suspense and romance.

Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

Pls count me in


misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

bison61 said...

this sounds like a good mystery with the puzzling letters to make it more interesting

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

holdenj said...

I thought it was an interesting fact that Jacquline doesn't have a tv.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I always enjoy a good mystery and I am intrigued by this time period. It looks great.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered many times for the Lumby giveaway! :)

JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the 212 giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered for the wonderful looking Giada giveaway!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered for Ten Cents a Dance.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the Corrigan giveaway for The Middle Place and Lift. Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Misusedinnocence said...

I follow on blogger/gfc.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I love historical fiction and this sounds wonderful.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Kaye said...

I love this series! What sounds good about this one is mysterious letters without a real signature, just The English Nurse. That kind of element just grabbed me.

florida982002[at]yahoo.com

Kaye said...

I entered for Ten Cents a Dance.

florida982002[at]yahoo.com

Kaye said...

When she's not writing, she likes gardening and hiking.

florida982002[at]yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

This book kind of reminds me of The English Patient.

AlexDean03@yahoo.com

MRWriter said...

About the author, she said if she wasn't a writer she'd be a historian. Sounds like she's actually a little bit of both already. (-:

AlexDean03@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

her favorite quote is "If you can see a thing, you can make it so."

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I'm intereted because it sounds like a very detailed book not just historicl fiction but of mystery as well and more yet. I'm a rather new reader and I have not read this author before.

I'd love to win a copy.

chirth7@yahoo.com

Jolee said...

entered the Ten Cents a Dance giveaway. joleehamlin@comcast.net

Jolee said...

entered the 212 giveaway too. joleehamlin@comcast.net

Jolee said...

First, I've loved the Maisie Dobbs books I've read. The twist between a cartographer and a nurse sounds interesting too. joleehamlin@comcast.net

Jolee said...

I found from the Harper site that the author also likes to vacation near the ocean. I can relate. joleehamlin@comcast.net

Annmarie Weeks said...

There's nothing as fun as a good investigation...and the time period of this book is my favorite!

annmarieweeks at verizon dot net

Annmarie Weeks said...

I see that her husband is a jazz/pop songwriter! Very interesting!

Annmarie Weeks said...

I also entered your THE MIDDLE PLACE and LIFT GIVEAWAY!

annmarieweeks at verizon dot net

Annmarie Weeks said...

I tweeted! http://twitter.com/amweeks/status/12648187955

annmarieweeks at verizon dot net

Carol M said...

I really enjoy mysteries! I like trying to solve the murders along with the detectives. This sounds like a great series and i would love to start with this book.
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Carol M said...

I find it interesting that she no longer eats read meat. I stopped eating it 13 years ago!
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Carol M said...

I entered the 31 Bond Street giveaway.
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Carol M said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/CarolAnnM/status/12651186446
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Carol M said...

I entered the 212 giveaway.
mittens0831 at aol dot com

Sarah E said...

I am interested in reading this book because I love reading books set during the World Wars.

Please enter me in this giveaway!

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I found it interesting that the author does not own a TV.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I tweeted:

http://twitter.com/saemmerson/status/12743227584

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I also entered the Ten Cents a Dance giveway.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I also entered the 212 giveaway.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I also entered the 31 Bond Street giveaway.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I also entered the She-Rain giveaway.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Sarah E said...

I also entered the My Sister's Voice giveaway.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah

Sarah E said...

I also entered the How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly giveaway.

saemmerson at yahoo dot com

Sarah E

Nancye said...

This book is based on the critically acclaimed bestseller "Among the Mad, The Mapping of Love and Death"

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Francine Anchondo said...

I like that it is a mystery novel.

fmd518(at)gmail(dot)com

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