Mysterious Thoughts on a Thursday

August 22, 2012

In July, Thursday’s Mystery Book Club discussed The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear. Upon first picking this one up, most of the group found the title odd. Couldn’t the author have come up with something more interesting? Do I really want to read this? This can’t be good. What does that mean? After reading it, it made sense…

The murdered man is that of a cartographer, a map maker, during WWI. Michael is one of the "missing in action" soldiers. Fifteen years later, in 1932, his body is found and it looks like murder. As a PI, Maisie is hired to find out who could’ve done this and why. Once our discussion began, we realized the title has many levels. Obviously, Michael is a cartographer. Maisie loves to "map out" her thinking and lay out her notes, pictures, etc. on a table to get an overview of her case. Maisie also has to inquire about many people and their relationships with Michael, the deceased. There are many inquiry lines to follow and characters to keep track of. But, it’s worth it. The murder is solved, and the group found a new author to read. This is the seventh book in the Maisie Dobbs series, but it is okay to start here. If you’re the type that must start at the beginning, Maisie Dobbs is the title of the first book.

On September 13th, we will be discussing Heart of the World by Linda Barnes. It’s the eleventh book in the Carlotta Carlyle series. Books for the current month’s selection can be picked up at the Blue Ridge branch.

Michelle L.
Blue Ridge Branch