Maisie Dobbs

by: Jacqueline Winspear

Published by: Penguin Books

I wasn’t sure I was ready for a new female sleuth when I picked up Jacqueline Winspear’s novel, Maisie Dobbs. But as Maisie’s story unfolded, I was drawn in deeper and deeper, and now I think I may have to run to my local indie bookstore to buy the follow-ups!

Maisie Dobbs has just moved to London to start a private investigation business. Maisie is not merely a private investigator that follows the physical evidence, she has been taught by her mentor, Maurice Blanche, to explore the psychological and circumstantial evidence. Three things that make Maisie different from other female sleuths is her methodology. First, she keeps copious notes of everything she learns about a person and a case, no matter how trivial. Second, she has learned to imitate a person’s stance and to focus on how that stance makes her feel, which helps her learn what the person may be excluding from the conversation. Third, is the personal accounting that she does at the end of every case.

Set in 1929, Maurice has retired, leaving Maisie to give it a go alone. Her first client is Christopher Davenham, who wants to know if his wife Celia is cheating. As Maisie begins her investigation, she stumbles on a much more serious problem. World War I veterans with horrible facial disfigurements are finding solace and comfort in a place called The Retreat, which is not exactly what it lives up to. Now the son of her friends and patrons, Lord and Lady Compton, son is about to sign over his assets to The Retreat and take comfort there.

The World War I backdrop is refreshing. I do question why Winspear put Maisie’s wartime experiences in a long flashback rather than as part of the linear plot line. Perhaps it would have made the novel too long. However, the writing and storylines are both so compelling that it really doesn’t matter.

The surprise twist at the end of the novel makes Maisie Dobbs is a breath of fresh air in an already overly crowded field.

Armchair Interviews says: For a super mystery, read Maisie Dobbs