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To Die But Once,
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Nancy
This is one of my favorite series. Each book is a self-contained story, so you could read it alone. But you would be missing so much character story background it would be a disservice to yourself not to start with the first book, Maisie Dobbs. Through the series Winspear develops Maisie from a WWI nurse in France, to returning to England, training for her career as a private investigator, building her business, having various loves, and more. You will not understand any of the characters' relationships starting with #14.
Alison
I add my voice to Nancy's; start at the beginning. The development of Maisie from WWI to the most recent book, set during Dunkirk is, I believe, integral in understanding the character and following the story.
The Bamboo Traveler
You've got to start at the beginning. This is one series that you need to read about Maisie's backstory and what she has gone through personally to really understand this book. You also need to get the backstory of WWI and post-WWI to understand the feelings that the British are feeling as they are on the verge of WWII.
Michell Karnes
I agree this is a great series but it is best read in order. While each book contains an individual murder mystery the character of Maisie grows and develops so much it might throw a reader off to read them out of sequence. I started the series on book two and mid-stream went back. It filled in so many questions.
Tom
I'm nearly done now with "To Die But Once" ... I've been thinking about your question as I'm reading, and I quite agree with the comments below - I recommend starting with the first book and working your way through the series; while each story stands on its own, there are so many bits and pieces, the value of which would be lost if you were not familiar with all the characters and events that have shaped Maisie Dobb's life and career. From the very first book to this one, it's a rich and rewarding experience.
Pat Miceli
Love this series! Although each of the 14 books so far tells its own story, character development and the background story build from book to book. This series is best read in order. You will enjoy the books so much more.
Keith Beasley-Topliffe
Ms Winspear is very good about (re-)introducing characters, situations, and events from previous books. So one could pick up a book anywhere in the series and not be completely bewildered. But I'm very glad I started at the beginning and am reading them in order.
Sue
I've been binge reading to catch up with Masie Dobbs. It's best to start with the 1st book, since that is where her character is developed. Each books that follows is a further development of her, her family and friends, and the work she does. Each book is a combination of mystery, suspense and history. They begin in the WWI years and it's now up to 1940, mainly in England. I highly recommend them!
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