“A Lesson in Secrets” is a detective novel written by Jacqueline Winspear, featuring her popular protagonist, Maisie Dobbs. The novel was first published in 2011 and is set in England during the 1930s, against the backdrop of rising tensions in Europe in the lead-up to World War II.

The plot revolves around Maisie Dobbs, a private investigator and psychologist, who is approached by the British Secret Service to undertake a secret mission. Maisie is tasked with investigating a secretive college for female students in Cambridge, where there are suspicions that some of the students may be involved in spying activities.

As Maisie begins her investigation, she finds herself drawn into a world of academic politics, espionage, and personal danger. She discovers that the college has a dark past, and that some of its students and staff have secrets that they will do anything to protect.

As Maisie settles into her new role, she finds herself drawn to several of the students at the college, including the troubled daughter of a famous writer, and the brilliant son of a wealthy industrialist. However, her investigations soon reveal a darker side to the college and its faculty, and she begins to suspect that someone may be willing to go to great lengths to protect their secrets.

As she delves deeper into the mystery, Maisie must confront her own fears and doubts, as well as the challenges of working undercover in a dangerous and unpredictable environment. She also faces personal challenges, including the possibility of a new romance and the ongoing difficulties of reconciling with her estranged father.

A Lesson in Secrets is a well-crafted, engaging mystery novel that provides a rich and evocative portrait of life in England between the wars. Winspear’s prose is elegant and precise, and her characters are complex and sympathetic. Overall, the book is a satisfying addition to the Maisie Dobbs series and is sure to please fans of historical mysteries.

Throughout the novel, Winspear weaves together themes of loyalty, patriotism, and betrayal, as Maisie confronts the moral complexities of her mission. Maisie must navigate a complex web of relationships, including her own romantic entanglements, as she works to uncover the truth behind the suspicious activities at the college.

You can buy a copy of A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear here.