I’ve read the first Maisie Dobbs and several later ones. This is one of the best as Maisie immerses herself in the lives of gypsies and gains their trust. It is fall hop-picking time, and villagers are excessively distrustful of the gypsies and outsiders from London who provide seasonal labor. They also are quite unflustered about fires that plague the area each year at this time. Orlagh Cassidy again provides splendid narration of male and female characters.

I am a Maisie Dobbs fan and can't believe she hasn't appeared on Masterpiece Mystery yet. This book continues the crucial transition/healing that Maisie has been progressing through. And Winspear makes it all very compelling to follow along as she reveal an interesting tidbit about Maisie's heritage and she says a final goodbye to her first love. I could do without the divining rods and references to second sight. I like Maisie smart and insightful, no magic needed. Good book, the author does her regular great job of giving you a strong sense of time and place.