Maisie Dobbs
Maisie Dobbs is a fictional character created by the author Jacqueline Winspear. Dobbs is a "psychologist and investigator" in post-First World War London. A nurse during the war, she returned to London to work with her mentor, the accomplished detective Dr. Maurice Blanche. When Blanche retires, Dobbs opens her own detective agency.[1]
The character
Maisie Dobbs, daughter of a costermonger, spent her early life as a maid in the household of Lord Julian and Lady Rowan Compton.[1]
Books about Maisie Dobbs
Thirteen books have been published in the Maisie Dobbs series:
- Maisie Dobbs (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)
- Elegy for Eddie (2012)
- Leaving Everything Most Loved (2013)
- A Dangerous Place (2015)
- Journey to Munich (2016)
- In This Grave Hour (2017)
Awards and reviews
Maisie Dobbs (2003) was chosen as one of Publishers Weekly's Best Mysteries of 2003, received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year 2003, an Edgar Award nominee for Best Novel 2003, and the Agatha Award winner for Best First Novel in 2003. In addition, Maisie Dobbs received an Alex Award in 2004.
Additional characters
Billy Beale - A patient of Dobbs during the war, Beale recognises her immediately when she rents an office in the building where he is caretaker. Drawn into helping Dobbs with her first case, Beale soon becomes her assistant.
Dr. Maurice Blanche - A mentor and tutor to Dobbs since her teen years, Blanche is a celebrated detective with a mysterious past. When Blanche retires, he turns his clients over to Dobbs, supporting her in her efforts to open her own business. Despite their close relationship, Dobbs' work eventually causes a rift between them. Although they remain on speaking terms, mentor and student grow apart for a time.
Priscilla Partridge, née Evernden - wealthy and stylish friend of Dobbs, classmate at Girton College, Cambridge. After two terms she joined the Nursing Yeomanry in 1915 and drove an ambulance in France. All three of her brothers were killed during the war and her parents died shortly after of flu. She is married to Douglas Partridge, a famous author and poet [2] She smokes cigarettes.