Maisie Dobbs is a fictional character created by author Jacqueline Winspear

Jacqueline Winspear

Jacqueline Winspear is a mystery writer, author of the ‘Maisie Dobbs’ series of books which explore the aftermath of World War I. She has won several mystery writing awards for books in this popular series....

. Maisie is a "psychologist and investigator" in post World War I London. A nurse during the war, Maisie returned to London to work with her mentor, accomplished detective Dr. Maurice Blanche. When Blanche retires, Maisie opens her own detective agency.

The Character

Maisie Dobbs, daughter of a costermonger

Costermonger

Costermonger, or simply Coster, is a street seller of fruit and vegetables, in London and other British towns. They were ubiquitous in mid-Victorian England, and some are still found in markets. As usual with street-sellers, they would use a loud sing-song cry or chant to attract attention...

, spent her early life as a maid in the household of Lord Julian and Lady Rowan Compton.

Books About Maisie Dobbs

Thus far eight books have been published in the Maisie Dobbs series:
Maisie Dobbs

Maisie Dobbs (novel)

Maisie Dobbs is a mystery by Jacqueline Winspear published in 2003. Set in England between 1910 and 1929, it features the title character Maisie Dobbs, a private investigator. Generally well-received by critics due mostly to Maisie's quirky character, the novel has been nominated for several awards...

 (2003),
Birds of a Feather (2004),
Pardonable Lies (2005),
Messenger of Truth (2006),
An Incomplete Revenge (2008),
Among the Mad (2009),
The Mapping of Love and Death (2010),
A Lesson in Secrets (2011).

Awards and Reviews

Maisie Dobbs

Maisie Dobbs (novel)

Maisie Dobbs is a mystery by Jacqueline Winspear published in 2003. Set in England between 1910 and 1929, it features the title character Maisie Dobbs, a private investigator. Generally well-received by critics due mostly to Maisie's quirky character, the novel has been nominated for several awards...

 (2003) was chosen as one of Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...

s Best Mysteries of 2003. It also received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year 2003 and an Edgar Award nominee for Best Novel 2003. Maisie Dobbs

Maisie Dobbs (novel)

Maisie Dobbs is a mystery by Jacqueline Winspear published in 2003. Set in England between 1910 and 1929, it features the title character Maisie Dobbs, a private investigator. Generally well-received by critics due mostly to Maisie's quirky character, the novel has been nominated for several awards...

was the Agatha Award winner for Best First Novel in 2003.

Additional Characters

Billy Beale - A patient of Maisie's during the war, Billy recognizes her immediately when she rents an office in the building where he is caretaker. Drawn into helping Maisie with her first case, Billy soon becomes her assistant.

Dr. Maurice Blanche - A mentor and tutor to Maisie since her teen years, Blanche is a celebrated detective with a mysterious past. When Blanche retires, he turns his clients over to Maisie, supporting her in her efforts to open her own business. Despite their close relationship, Maisie's work eventually causes a rift between them. Although they remain on speaking terms, mentor and student grow apart.