Maisie Dobbs Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear

Some of you may have noticed my absence over the past week or so. Every now and again I have a reading holiday when I ease back on reading time, but this week was more about a technology holiday. I simply needed a break from all the stimulation and attention demanded from computers, phones, tv's and tablets.

What do I turn to when need a break from this crazy, crazy world?

Maisie Dobbs of course!

Maisie has become my comfort read. Although Maisie often deals with uncomfortable issues, it's done so gently and thoughtfully that I'm left feeling soothed and calmed instead.

Among the Mad is the 6th book in this wonderful series set between the wars in London. Maisie was a nurse during WW1 and is scarred from her experiences. She has since trained to become a private detective specialising in psychological approaches to solving her crimes.

Many of her adventures centre around the after effects of WW1 on returning soldiers and nurses. This story is no different as it mixes personal issues with political issues.

The government has received threats against public safety from a wounded soldier bent on being heard. This leads Maisie and her colleagues on a search through the various factions forming in England expressing discontent with the establishment.

There is nothing difficult or alarming in this story. A vague melancholy hangs over most of the Maisie books despite Maisie's charms and abilities.

For me this makes the perfect winter read.