Lois Church asked Jacqueline Winspear:

I love the Maisie Dobbs books: I have read all and keep them to reread. One thing I wonder, though: what value do long descriptions of Maisie's (etc.) outfits add? Sometimes these bog down the story's progress. Significant sensory details are indeed important to atmosphere--they help bring a story alive--but I wonder if there is a way to intersperse sartorial specifics instead of presenting them in "chunks."

Jacqueline Winspear Lois, as a writer I cannot please all the people all of the time - impossible. I describe clothing to give a sense of time and place, and - frankly - because I like doing it. I like describing what I see in my mind's eye.

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First, thank you for writing about a time period that I knew so little about! My question is about the history in your novels. How much research do you do before you begin a Maisie Dobbs story line?

Catherine L. asked Jacqueline Winspear:

Hi! I'm a picky reader, and while I love mysteries, I don't love all mysteries. So when I find a series as likable as Maisie, I know the author must be a good judge of books. What are your favorites? What do you look for in a mystery?

Amy Nash asked Jacqueline Winspear:

Have you considered writing a book from the point of view of any of Maisie's friends/colleagues, etc? Perhaps a parallel story similar to the way March by Geraldine Brooks paralleled Little Women.

All answers from Jacqueline Winspear…

Jacqueline Winspear

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First, thank you for writing about a time period that I knew so little about! My question is about the history in your novels. How much research do you do before you begin a Maisie Dobbs story line?

Hi! I'm a picky reader, and while I love mysteries, I don't love all mysteries. So when I find a series as likable as Maisie, I know the author must be a good judge of books. What are your favorites? What do you look for in a mystery?

Have you considered writing a book from the point of view of any of Maisie's friends/colleagues, etc? Perhaps a parallel story similar to the way March by Geraldine Brooks paralleled Little Women.

About Goodreads Q&A