Pasadena American Legion Post 13 to Host Jacqueline Winspear for Open Book Series

Jacqueline Winspear. – Courtesy photo

The Open Book Series presents Jacqueline Winspear in conversation with Barbara Abercrombie, on Thursday, May 9 from 7 – 9 p.m.  This very special literary salon will celebrate the release of two Maisie Dobbs books – The American Agent, about the murder of an American war correspondent in WWII London, and What Would Maisie Do?, an illustrated companion to the series.

This event will take place at the historic Pasadena American Legion Post 13, whose elegant historic interiors will transport you back to the 1940s when “The American Agent” takes place. Mingle at the hosted happy hour, sip a signature cocktail, “English Garden,” and enjoy assorted hearty nibbles as you talk to other guests about your favorite Maisie Dobbs novel.  Next, take in a provocative conversation between Jacqueline Winspear and Barbara Abercrombie. Afterwards, join Jacqueline Winspear for a book signing and dessert reception.

Jacqueline Winspear was born and raised in the county of Kent, England and attended the University of London’s Institute of Education.  She worked in both general and academic publishing in the UK, then emigrated to the United States in 1990 and embarked on her life-long dream to be a writer. Winspear is best known for her Maisie Dobbs series of detective novels which follow the main character, a psychologist and private investigator, as she investigates a variety of crimes in Post-WW1 Britain.

Jacqueline Winspear has published 15 novels in the Maisie Dobbs series.  Several of these novels have appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers list, and her first novel, Maisie Dobbs, received numerous awards, including the Agatha Award for Best First Novel, the Macavity Award for Best First Novel, a Publishers Weekly Top Ten Mystery 2003, and a BookSense Top Ten selection.  Library Journal describes The American Agent as “. . . a fantastic read for historical mystery fans who enjoy complex and flawed characters. Highly recommended.”

The evening’s moderator, Barbara Abercrombie, a distinguished teacher of the Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension, has published numerous books about the craft of writing, novels, children’s picture books, and books of non-fiction.  Her personal essays have appeared in national publications as well as in many anthologies.  Her book, A Year of Writing Dangerously, was chosen by Poets & Writers Magazine as one of the best books for writers.

To purchase tickets, go to pasadenaliteraryalliance.org/open-book. The ticket price of $50 for general admission and $35 for Students/Educators includes a pre-program reception with beer/wine and appetizers, a post-program of dessert, coffee, and conversation, and ongoing support of Pasadena Literary Alliance grantees.

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