Historical Mystery Series: Maisie Dobbs

I have discovered another historical mystery series set in England during the period between the World Wars. The protagonist of this series written by Jacqueline Winspear is Maisie Dobbs, Psychologist and Investigator. There are flashbacks to earlier days, but the main story line begins in the late 1920's and continues into the 1930's.

After her mother's death, Maisie enters service where she is discovered sneaking into the library to read at night. Her employer recognizes Maisie's intelligence and thirst for knowledge and arranges for her to be tutored. She eventually qualifies for Girton College, Cambridge. But the Great War has begun. A very young Maisie leaves school to serve as a nurse in France.

After the war, Maisie returns to college and does further training at the Department of Legal Medicine in Edinburgh. Maisie, whose grandmother was a gypsy, has also been taught by her mentor and others how to use her psychic skills.

Like others returning from the war, Maisie has to deal with her memories. She is also living during a time when the role of women is beginning to change. Now that her mentor has retired, Maisie runs her own business.

I have read several books in the series. Each one has had a well-developed mystery. There are also some interesting supporting characters that continue from book to book. I would suggest that you start with the first book in the series, Maisie Dobbs, in order to better understand the complexities of Maisie's character.