Jacqueline Winspear is a renowned English novelist, best known for her mystery series featuring the character Maisie Dobbs. She was born and raised in the county of Kent, England. After completing her higher education at the University of London’s Institute of Education, Winspear worked in academic publishing, higher education, and marketing communications in the UK. In 1990, she emigrated to the United States, where she began a successful career in business and personal coaching. It was during this time that Winspear decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.
Winspear is the author of the critically acclaimed Maisie Dobbs series, which has garnered numerous awards and accolades. The first book in the series, also titled Maisie Dobbs, was nominated for the prestigious Edgar Award for best novel and was a New York Times Notable Book. The series has also earned Winspear several Agatha Award nominations, two of which she has won. In addition to the Maisie Dobbs series, Winspear has also written several standalone novels, including the New York Times bestsellers A Lesson in Secrets, The Mapping of Love and Death, Among the Mad, and An Incomplete Revenge.
Winspear's work is highly regarded for its historical accuracy and richly detailed characters. Her writing combines elements of mystery, history, and psychology, offering readers a unique and engaging reading experience. In addition to her fiction works, Winspear has also published two non-fiction books, What Would Maisie Do? and an Edgar-nominated memoir, This Time Next Year We’ll Be Laughing. She is also a regular contributor to journals covering international education and has published articles in women's magazines. Winspear currently divides her time between Ojai and the San Francisco Bay Area, and is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom and Europe.