Although it was first published in 2003, it has taken me this long to read the first book in the Maisie Dobbs series, despite so many friends rave reviews and yes it is all that.

I was impressed with the way in which Winspear laid out the back story for Maisie while at the same time providing a mystery so the reader can understand how Maisie's methods for solving a case. Maisie uses advice from her mentor Maurice, which I highlighted throughout the book:

“Truth walks toward us on the paths of our questions.” Maurice’s voice once again echoed in her mind.“As soon as you think you have the answer, you have closed the path and may miss vital new information. Wait awhile in the stillness, and do not rush to conclusions, no matter how uncomfortable the unknowing.”

Maisie's use of Maurice's methods reminded me so much of Precious Ramotswe (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) and her reliance on a book by Clovis Andersen on detection, The Principles of Private Detection.

While this first book, Maisie Dobbs is a mystery it is also a coming of age as we read about Maisie's life story.

I found this book a great start and can't wait to read more. If you haven't read one already it is high time to start.

I've enjoyed all four books to date in the Maisie Dobbs series. Winspear is meticulous about doing her homework about the period in question (World War I and its aftermath), and the heroine, Maisie is muy simpática.

That said, not all four books are of equal quality. For my taste, this one (#1) is the best of the bunch, with #4 (Messenger of Truth) close on its heels. The plot to #2 was a bit too predictable, while #3 suffers from the opposite flaw - too many convoluted subplots, with a little too much reliance on the deus ex machina to help resolve them.

However, these are minor quibbles about a series which is overall very enjoyable.

A further quibble - here we are at the end of 4 books already, and the ongoing celibacy of the heroine is starting to bother me. To put it crudely, Ms Winspear, Maisie deserves to get laid already. And soon.

I really enjoyed this introduction to Maisie Dobbs, one of the most interesting female PIs I've come across to date.

Born into a working class family where her father has a fruit and vegetable delivery business, Maisie dreams of becoming a teacher. However after her mother dies her father reluctantly sends her into service as a housemaid with Lord and Lady Compton. After discovering Maisie reading in the library in the middle of the night, Lady Comptom takes Maisie under her wing and arranges tutoring for her in her spare time with her good friend Dr Maurice Blanche, who amongst other things is a private detective.

The novel is set in 1929 when Maisie is setting up her own detective agency after taking over from Maurice and embarking on solving her first mystery. It also tells us the story of Maisie's journey to become a detective, from before the war when she became a student at Cambridge to her enlistment as a WWI nurse. Maisie's first case leads her to a mystery involving returned soldiers suffering from hideous facial damage, something she saw too much of during her time as a nurse at a clearing station.

Part romance, part mystery, part social commentary this was a very satisfying start to this series.

Not so much a mystery as a character study. I enjoyed the back story of WWI, a time period that often takes a back seat to WWII settings.