Street justice is its own judge, jury, and executioner in Winspear's ninth Maisie Dobbs mystery (after A Lesson in Secrets). In 1933 London, a British psychologist/investigator is asked by old friends to look into the accidental death of their beloved neighbor, Eddie, a sweet, childlike man who had a knack with horses. Eddie had seemed troubled before his death, as if a great weight lay upon his mind. But who would kill a harmless man like Eddie and why? Maisie's inquiry leads her to more than just one killer. It will also lead her into the gathering storm of World War II. VERDICT Winspear hits just the right notes in her portrayal of Maisie struggling with her newly acquired wealth and the social constraints of her new love. This emotional story will leave readers questioning whether the ends really do justify the means. Recommended for all historical mystery enthusiasts, especially those interested in home-front war stories like Charles Todd's Bess Crawford series. [See Prepub Alert, 9/19/11.]—Susan O. Moritz, Montgomery Cty. P.L.s, MD

Set in 1933, bestseller Winspear's excellent ninth novel featuring London investigator and psychologist Maisie Dobbs represents a welcome return to form after 2011's less inspired A Lesson in Secrets. Five men Maisie hasn't seen since girlhood break the sad news that Eddie Pettit, another friend Maisie hasn't seen in years, died when a huge roll of paper fell on him in the paper factory where he ran errands. The gentle Eddie, who was considered slow, had a remarkable talent for relating to horses. The five, who suspect Eddie's death was no accident, retain Maisie to find out what really happened. The case comes at an emotionally turbulent time for Maisie, who's ambivalent about her relationship with wealthy James Compton and has begun to question the reasons for her own many acts of charity. The involved plot is as good as any in the series, and the resolution is intelligently complex. 9-city author tour. Agent: Amy Rennert, Amy Rennert Agency. (Apr.)