"A female investigator every bit as brainy and battle-hardened as Lisbeth Salander." —Maureen Corrigan, NPR's Fresh Air, on Maisie Dobbs Maisie Dobbs got her start as a maid in an aristocratic London household when she was thirteen. Her employer, suffragette Lady Rowan Compton, soon became her patron, taking the remarkably bright youngster under her wing. Lady Rowan's friend, Maurice Blanche, often retained as an investigator by the European elite, recognized Maisie’s intuitive gifts and helped her earn admission to the prestigious Girton College in Cambridge, where Maisie planned to complete her education. The outbreak of war changed everything. Maisie trained as a nurse, then left for France to serve at the Front, where she found—and lost—an important part of herself. Ten years after the Armistice, in the spring of 1929, Maisie sets out on her own as a private investigator, one who has learned that coincidences are meaningful, and truth elusive. Her very first case involves suspected infidelity but reveals something very different. In the aftermath of the Great War, a former officer has founded a working farm known as The Retreat, that acts as a convalescent refuge for ex-soldiers too shattered to resume normal life. When Fate brings Maisie a second case involving The Retreat, she must finally confront the ghost that has haunted her for over a decade.
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About the author
Jacqueline Winspear
Author
Jacqueline Winspear is a mystery writer, author of the Maisie Dobbs series of books exploring the aftermath of World War I. She has won several mystery writing awards for books in this popular series.
Maisie Dobbs
by Jacqueline Winspear
Books Like Maisie Dobbs
If you're looking for books similar to Maisie Dobbs, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Birds of a Feather
Jacqueline Winspear
The second book in the Maisie Dobbs series, continuing her investigative journey. It further develops Maisie's character and her unique approach to solving mysteries. The novel maintains the psychological depth and historical richness of the first book. It explores complex social issues in post-World War I England.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
Laurie R. King
A historical mystery featuring a brilliant female protagonist mentored by Sherlock Holmes. Like Maisie, the main character is an intelligent woman breaking traditional gender roles. The novel combines historical context with intricate detective work. It explores themes of personal growth and intellectual challenge in early 20th century England.
The Mapping of Love and Death
Jacqueline Winspear
Another Maisie Dobbs novel that deepens the character's personal and professional journey. The book continues to explore the lasting impact of World War I on individuals and society. It showcases Maisie's unique investigative skills and emotional intelligence. The novel maintains the series' trademark blend of historical detail and psychological insight.
Among the Mad
Jacqueline Winspear
A Maisie Dobbs novel exploring psychological trauma and social issues. The book continues to develop Maisie's character and investigative skills. It offers a deep dive into the psychological aftermath of World War I. The novel maintains the series' trademark blend of historical insight and detective work.
A Duty to the Dead
Charles Todd
Set in the aftermath of World War I, this novel follows a nurse turned investigator solving a mysterious family secret. The protagonist shares Maisie's background of wartime service and psychological depth. The book explores the lasting impact of war on individuals and society. It features a strong female lead navigating complex social dynamics of early 20th century England.
An Incomplete Revenge
Jacqueline Winspear
Another Maisie Dobbs novel expanding her investigative repertoire. The book continues to explore the psychological aftermath of World War I. It showcases Maisie's unique approach to solving mysteries and understanding human nature. The novel maintains the series' rich historical context and character depth.
A Great Reckoning
Louise Penny
A mystery novel featuring a complex investigation in a historical setting. Like Maisie, the protagonist uses psychological insight to solve crimes. The book explores themes of justice and personal redemption. It offers a rich narrative with historical and psychological depth.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Alan Bradley
A clever mystery featuring a precocious young female protagonist in a historical setting. Like Maisie, the protagonist Flavia de Luce is intelligent and determined, solving complex mysteries in 1950s England. The book combines historical detail with an engaging detective narrative. It offers a similar blend of introspective character development and intriguing investigation.
The Grave Tattoo
Val McDermid
A historical mystery combining literary history with contemporary investigation. Like Maisie, the protagonist uses intellectual prowess to solve a complex mystery. The novel explores historical connections and personal motivations. It offers a similar blend of historical detail and detective work.
The Care and Management of Lies
Jacqueline Winspear
A novel exploring the impact of World War I on personal relationships. While not a direct mystery, it shares Maisie's thematic focus on war's psychological consequences. The book offers deep insights into social dynamics of the early 20th century. It showcases Winspear's skill in exploring historical and emotional complexity.
Silent in the Grave
Deanna Raybourn
A historical mystery featuring a strong female protagonist in Victorian England. The novel combines elegant prose with intricate detective work. Like Maisie, the protagonist navigates complex social structures while solving a mysterious death. It offers rich historical detail and a compelling narrative of investigation.
The Anatomist's Wife
Anna Lee Huber
A historical mystery featuring a strong female protagonist in a restrictive social environment. Like Maisie, the main character uses intelligence to solve complex mysteries. The novel offers rich historical detail and a compelling investigation. It explores themes of personal agency and societal constraints.
A Spear of Summer Grass
Deanna Raybourn
A historical novel featuring a strong, unconventional female protagonist. Set in a different historical period, it shares Maisie's theme of a woman challenging societal expectations. The book offers rich historical detail and a complex female lead. It explores themes of personal growth and independence.
The Cater Street Hangman
Anne Perry
A historical mystery set in Victorian England featuring a female protagonist. Like Maisie, the character challenges social norms and uses intelligence to solve crimes. The novel offers rich historical detail and a compelling investigation. It explores themes of social justice and personal agency.
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