10th Anniversary Edition with a special Afterword by the author
Maisie Dobbs got her start as a maid in an aristocratic London household when she was 13. 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 … 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, which 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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I love historical fiction. Maisie turns herself into a detective but that’s just the beginning. It’s a wonderful story – history from the English perspective. The stories are both subtle and exciting. I highly recommend the whole series!
This is the beginning of a wonderful series!
Most informative and entertaining. About a strong woman in the era before and during WWII in England.
I’ve read several of this authors books and enjoy them. Maisies approach to problems is unique and refreshing. I like the other supporting characters too.
I love the Maisie Dobbs series and the latest book doesn’t disappoint. The author very effectively puts the reader in the war period time frame and really gives insight into the thoughts and feelings of the times. Her characters are believable and endearing.
This is on my keeper shelf. I loved it. It’s billed as a mystery, but it’s a glimmer of mystery and a whole lof of great character study. I will keep the series as I read the books.
I loved reading this book. It was delightful in every way. Can’t wait to read the entire series!
Ive never read a book by this author that didn’t hold me to the end. An excellent series, and I’ve spent many fabulous hours quietly enjoying her engaging writing and mysteries. Thank you.
I loved this book because of its original characters. I’m going to buy the rest of the books in the series. I always love a female detective !!
Realistic rendering of the effects of war, and the remarkable ability of people to adapt, recover, and heal. Maisie is a wonderful character and the mystery was fun to unravel.
Love whole Maisie Dobbs series. Well-drawn characters & well researched history of the times. In the case of this novel, the lead up to the Great War (WW1) in flashbacks & the aftermath to returned veterans & their families. As this is the 1st novel in a the series, we learn a great deal about Maisie & those around her. Maisie is not a typical …
Provides great sense of the world at this time –
A little like the Phryne Fisher and Frankie Drake mysteries.
I love Maisy Donna! Additionally, I find it very informative to read about this period in history after WWI. The impact that war had was significant and unique. In Maisy Dobbs mysteries you begin to understand what people went through during the war and how it continued to impact society forever after. But at the same time you’re loving the …
I love this series but had not read the first book, so it was fun to see how it all started. I am now going to read and reread all the books in the series from beginning to the last one written. A good long read.
Maisie Dobbs is a very interesting character especially for the time period. I really enjoyed the insight into human nature when you take the time to observe as Maisie does.
I love this series and all the characters. They’re well-developed and real. I found it informative as to the class structure of 1900s England. The early stages of the exploration into the psychological and spiritual aspects of all people, the role these factors play in behavior, and understanding motives are well-developed. You find yourself …
Wonderful concept and very good writing. This is the start of a great series. The characters grow realistically with each new volume
The Maisie Dobbs books are thought provoking.
A woman of integrity with all the doubts, concerns and willingness to use her talents to make a difference.