Journey To Munich is the twelfth book in the Maisie Dobbs series by British-born American author, Jacqueline Winspear. After some time in Spain, tending casualties of the Civil War in an attempt to come to terms with her grief over the loss of husband James, Maisie Dobbs returns to England. She soon finds herself talked into a journey to Munich by Huntley and MacFarlane, on a mission for the British Secret Service.

Maisie is to impersonate Edwina Donat, daughter of an engineer and international man of commerce, Leon Donat, who has been interned in Dachau for some two years. Donat is a boffin whose knowledge is valued by the British Government, and his release has been negotiated, but the Nazis will only discharge him into the care of a family member, and the real Edwina Donat is far too ill to go and claim him.

One of her least favourite people, wealthy, influential industrialist, John Otterburn has learned of Maisie’s trip and implores her to find his daughter, Elaine, who has abandoned husband and baby son to live the high life in Munich. It’s a task that Maisie has no enthusiasm for as Elaine is the woman whom she blames for the death of her husband and unborn child. She makes no promises.

This instalment sees Maisie wearing a wig, learning to shoot a revolver and trained in withstanding interrogation techniques. The Nazis play the expected games but there are twists that keep the story very interesting indeed. And before very long, Maisie decides she has no taste for Secret Service work and vows to be her own boss again henceforth. As always, Maisie’s intuition is unerring even if not all her decisions are sound. There is plenty of action leading to an exciting climax and a satisfying resolution. Excellent historical fiction!