Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear

“That’s one more thing I detest about war. It’s not over when it ends.” Lady Rowan

Join Maisie Dobbs as she takes on a challenging case when she is hired by Mr. Waite, an august person who strives to control everything and everyone in his circle. He has met his match with Maisie who works in her own time and in her own way. She knows the value of letting fact, thoughts, observations, and feelings simmer whereas ‘Mr. Gungho’ is full steam ahead. Jacqueline Winspear masterfully weaves mystery with history in this sequel. Readers are invited to solve who’s behind 3 murders and how they are connected, while at the same time readers discover a well hidden piece from the past, The Order of the White Feather.

Maisie is simultaneously searching for Mr. Waite’s missing daughter, Charlotte Waite, and struggling to help bridge the growing chasm between her and her father, while also helping Billy overcome his precarious method of coping with his injured leg before it injures his family. (And we thought we had a full plate!)

Inspector Stratton returns and readers learn that he is a widower with a young son. Dr. Dene, the witty and kind doctor that worked his way across the tracks, is eager to help our hard- working heroine. (Miss Dobbs doubtlessly has sparked their interest.)

Join us in solving these murders before Inspector Stratton and company send the wrong guy up the river. What an amazing job Winspear does of showing both sides of the situation! In a male dominated profession, Maisie excels not by complaining and pointing out injustices, but by action. Actions that are well-thought out and executed with the precision of a surgeon. She plans her day and works toward that end but is not frazzled when a curve ball is thrown her way. We could learn much from Maisie! Let us slow down and strive to thrive and help others to do likewise.

“May I not sit in judgment. May my decisions be for the good of all concerned. May my work bring peace.” 

Maisie’s silent prayer reminds me of the street sweeper quote by Martin Luther King,Jr. May we always do our best in the plethora of endeavors that lie before us.. Let mediocrity be ousted by excellence!