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 like the character Maisie Dobbs and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more of her adventures. This books are page turners as you want to find out what happens to her next. Very enjoyable. Thanks!
Enjoyable
Great book
This is the first in an interesting series. Maisie’s story and background are more intriguing than the average cozy sleuth. The post WWI era with flashbacks adds poignancy to a strong female main character. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Any books in this series are a great read!
This is the inaugural installment of a terrific series. We meet Maisie for the first time and are already in love with this fine looking young woman. Then we learn about her war experience and meet her friends an associates. The cast of characters is big and interesting. As I finished the book, I was already making plans to read the next book in …
Every Maisie Dobbs mystery teaches me about England during the World Wars. I read about sacrifices, but Jacqueline Winspear makes me feel it. A wonderful first book of an amazing series.
Maisie Dobbs is a terrific character!! She is smart, endearing, resourceful and very intuitive. The book had many twists and turns and since it took place during WW1 many scenes were difficult but not too gruesome. Great book! Ready for next installment!
This is a great page turner. Wonderfully realistic characters with all the flaws normal people have. Interesting story line.
Engrossing
Really liked this first book in the Maisie Dobbs series. Already reading the second!
Maisie was a nurse in the war after having a meek childhood although she was very smart. She fell for a doctor in the war. Now, working a private eye, she is following a wife for her client when she gets into a case of war victims. As it turns out, in the local graveyard plots are marked with only first names. While investigating, she finds these …
Maisie Dobbs is a well-developed and intelligent set of books. The first seven or so books delve into the consequences of war on those who live through it. Through each of the books, Maisie’s character continues to develop, making reading the series in order imperative. She’s the best since Peter Wimsey.
Great read, way more than a mystery
Origin story plus Maisie’s first big case – well covered, fantastic endings. Must Read More of Maisie!
Excellent read and anxious to read the next Maisie Dobbs.
Every Mazie Dobbs book is a pleasure to read. The characters are realistic. The settings are fasinating. Since the story takes place over 80 years ago many are no longer there or are vast my changed. This book is worth the time it takes to read it.
Maisie and her “charts” and deep breathing exercises become tiresome after a while.
Maisie Dobbs is one of my favorite characters. These stories show the reality of war and its aftermath. I learn something from every book in the series. They are real and compassionate, as well as being a great mystery or adventure. I find myself wanting the best for the characters and look forward to seeing what they do next
This was the first in the Maisie Dobbs series. To illustrate how much I enjoy this series–it is the first book I recommend when someone asks me for a book recommendation. Maisie is a gentle but wise woman who came “up from the ranks.” The wisdom she gained from living in two worlds is in each of the books. I highly recommend any book in the …