I expected a detective story, but what I got was a deep, multilayered look at life before, during, and after World War I, as experienced by people whose lives were forever changed. Maisie Dobbs is a lovely lead character -- a smart, strong young woman who has been through more than her share of tragedy and loss, and who begins life anew in the post-war years by opening up her own investigation agency in London. 
 I loved how the story weaves the terrible facts of the war into the mystery that Maisie unravels. The plot is crisp and affecting, and the writing shifts easily between the post-war years and Maisie's memories of her wartime experiences. 
 I listened to the audiobook version of Maisie Dobbs, and enjoyed the narration very much. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.