The first book in the acclaimed Maisie Dobbs mystery series. Set in post-World War I England, it follows Maisie Dobbs, a highly intelligent private investigator and psychologist whose experiences during the war shape her approach to solving cases. When she takes on what appears to be a routine investigation, she uncovers secrets connected to the lasting emotional scars of the war. The novel blends mystery, historical fiction, and character-driven drama.