Maisie Dobbs

Maisie Dobbs is the first installment in Jacqueline Winspear’s historical mysteries featuring the eponymous private detective. Winspear was born and grew up in England with a grandfather who was a World War I veteran. His experiences inform some of the background of Maisie Dobbs. Several installments of the series have been New York Times bestsellers or finalists for Agatha or Macavity Awards, which signal achievements in the mystery genre.

This guide refers to the Kindle edition of the text.

Content Warning: This work includes descriptions of severe physical injuries and war trauma, references to death by suicide, and an attempt at death by suicide.

Plot Summary

The work opens in 1929 London. Maisie Dobbs, a private detective in her early 30s, is setting up an independent office after the retirement of her mentor, Maurice Blanche. She meets the building’s caretaker, Billy Beale, who recognizes her from her wartime service as a nurse. Maisie is clearly reluctant to discuss this time in her life. Though she has a working-class background, Maisie’s first client is a wealthy publisher, Christopher Davenham, who believes his wife, Celia, is having an extramarital affair. Maisie follows Celia to a cemetery near Kent.