Maisie Dobbs Book Series Order

The Maisie Dobbs book series is a popular mystery and historical fiction series written by British-American author Jacqueline Winspear.

The series follows the life and career of Maisie Dobbs, a former housemaid who becomes a private investigator in London in the 1920s and 1930s.

Maisie is a smart and intuitive sleuth who uses her background in psychology and experience as a nurse during World War I to solve complex cases.

The series has gained a large following and critical acclaim for its well-crafted plots, attention to historical detail, and strong character development.

In addition to the central mystery plotlines, the books also explore the aftermath of World War I and the societal changes and challenges of the interwar period.

Jacqueline Winspear, the author of the series, was born and raised in England before moving to the United States in the 1990s.

She has published seventeen books in the Maisie Dobbs series as well as several standalone novels and non-fiction works. Winspear has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Agatha, Macavity, and Edgar Awards.

Overall, the Maisie Dobbs series offers readers a compelling and engaging mystery series set in a fascinating historical context. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, detective stories, or both, the Maisie Dobbs books are sure to captivate and entertain.

About Maisie Dobbs

Known for its attention to historical detail, strong character development, and exploration of themes such as loss, trauma, and social change, the Maisie Dobbs series is loved by many, and for good reason!

One of the reasons why people love the Maisie Dobbs series is its well-crafted plots that keep readers engaged and guessing until the end.

Additionally, the series offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of World War I and the societal changes and challenges of the interwar period.

Readers also appreciate the series’ strong and complex female protagonist, who challenges gender norms and defies expectations.

However, that doesn’t mean that the series is void of some criticisms, as many find that the series sometimes suffers as a result of the slow pacing and overly descriptive writing style, which some readers may find tedious.

Additionally, some have criticized the series for its somewhat formulaic approach to the mystery genre, which may feel repetitive to some readers.

So, with the series being such a popular and well-regarded mystery and historical fiction series, you can be sure that it offers readers a rich and immersive reading experience! Now, let’s take a look at the chronological order of this series!

Maisie Dobbs Books In Order

Maisie Dobbs

Maisie Dobbs sets up her own private investigation agency in London after serving as a nurse in World War I, and her first case takes her back to her own past.

Pros

The characters are well described and have a “real” feeling to them
Excellent humor throughout
Great psychological aspects

Cons

Maisie often seems too “perfect”
Suspense is often ruined by the jumps to the past

Birds Of A Feather

Maisie investigates the disappearance of a wealthy young woman whose father suspects she may have become involved with a group of disreputable women.

Pros

The relationships between characters are well-written
The humor is just as captivating as it was in the first installment
Characters are memorable

Cons

The “psychic” moment used to drive the plot forward is considered to be unbelievable
Slightly cliché at times

Pardonable Lies

Maisie travels to France to investigate the deaths of three young men during the war, but the case becomes complicated when she discovers evidence that suggests the deaths were not accidental.

Pros

Maisie’s development is gradual and interesting
The plot is enticing and interesting

Cons

Readers feel like each aspect of the problem is cut short, with not enough time given to close off each part

Messenger Of Truth

Maisie is hired to investigate the mysterious death of an artist, but the case becomes more complicated when she discovers a connection to a notorious racehorse trainer.

Pros

Provides an immensely interesting look at society at the time
Maisie’s independence is enjoyable

Cons

Readers complain that each of the perpetrators lacks any criminality, and is too soft.

An Incomplete Revenge

Maisie travels to a rural village to investigate a series of petty thefts and discovers a web of secrets and lies that goes deeper than she ever imagined.

Pros

Explains more about Maisie’s ability
The delve into the past doesn’t disrupt the story too much

Cons

It’s still hard to understand why other characters are so open with Maisie when she’s a cold person on the outside

Among The Mad

Maisie investigates a series of bizarre attacks in London that appear to be the work of a mentally unstable person.

Pros

Maisie is much more likable in this novel
Deals with many of the difficult injustices of the time

Cons

Maisie’s personal development seems to have slowed right down compared to previous novels

The Mapping Of Love And Death

Maisie is hired by the family of a World War I soldier to investigate his death, and her search takes her to America, where she discovers a shocking truth about his past.

Pros

The development of Maisie’s life is good
Other characters are enjoyable

Cons

Suffers from the classic crime-solving plot coincidences that make it slightly easy for Maisie to solve the case

Lesson In Secrets

Maisie goes undercover as a professor at a college to investigate a potential spy, but her investigation becomes complicated when she forms a connection with one of her students.

Pros

One of the best mysteries in the series
Interesting romance plot

Cons

Slow pacing lets the novel down

Elegy For Eddie

Maisie investigates the death of a man from her childhood neighborhood and discovers a community full of secrets and rivalries.

Pros

The historical setting is well thought out
A great set up for the next installment

Cons

Maisie’s dramatic love life can become tiresome

Leaving Everything Most Loved

Maisie investigates the disappearance of a young Indian woman and navigates the complex social and political tensions of the time.

Pros

One of the better mysteries of the series
Reflects on all of the cases so far

Cons

Some of the subplots feel pointless and disruptive

A Dangerous Place

Maisie travels to Gibraltar to recover from a personal tragedy, but she is soon drawn into a complex case involving the death of a local woman.

Pros

A historical setting with immense political tensions works well
Emotional plot

Cons

The time jump can leave some fans feeling disconnected

Journey To Munich

Maisie travels to Munich to retrieve a young woman who has been imprisoned by the Nazis, but the case becomes more complicated when she uncovers a plot to start another war.

Pros

Readers felt like this was a great return-to-character installment of the series
The story differs from others and keeps it interesting

Cons

The characters Maisie meets feel slightly shallow and are hard to distinguish from one another

In This Grave Hour

Maisie investigates the disappearance of a young girl during the early days of World War II and navigates the immense tensions of the war.

Pros

Another excellent historical insight into the drama of WWII
The plot isn’t lost due to the war

Cons

Some readers felt like aspects of the story were over-explained

To Die But Once

Maisie investigates the disappearance of a young apprentice who may have witnessed something he shouldn’t have during the war.

Pros

Great tension and drama
Emotional plot

Cons

Some may find it slightly slow

American Agent

Maisie investigates a tragic murder in London with the help of the American agent who helped her to escape Munich.

Pros

Works well as a standalone read
Setting is perfect

Cons

Lack of development on the detective methods Maisie uses

The Consequences Of Fear

Maisie investigates a case involving a boy messenger who believes he has witnessed a murder as the Nazis blitz Britain.

Pros

Full of many of the series’ recurring characters that readers like
The setting makes the mystery even more intriguing

Cons

Lack of personal development in Maisie’s life and romance

A Sunlit Weapon

Maisie must investigate the attempted takedown of ferry pilots, and discovers that the plot may run deeper than she initially intended, and might have something to do with First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Pros

A well-resolved plot that ties up all of its threads

Cons

A lot of filler story points that hinder plot progression

Final Thoughts

So, for a series known for its attention to historical detail, strong character development, and exploration of themes such as loss, trauma, and social change, then try out the Maisie Dobbs series!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Book Is The Best In The Series?

Journey To Munich is commonly regarded as one of the best in the series.

Do You Need To Read The Series In Order?

While later books can sometimes be read as standalones, it is best to read them in order.

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Noah Burton

Writer & Book Lover at RT Book Reviews

Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.

With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.