Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
Published by Penguin
Book 2 in the Maisie Dobbs series
My review of the first book in the series: Maisie Dobbs
At the opening of Birds of a Feather, Maisie is becoming pretty well established in her business. She has even been contacted by Joseph Waite, one of the richest men in England and a one-time client of her mentor, Maurice. Waite’s daughter has gone missing – again – and as Maisie begins to investigate, she discovers that there may be a connection to a series of dead women.
Birds of a Feather is precisely the book I was hoping for after Maisie Dobbs. In this second book in the series, Maisie truly comes into her own, and the reader is finally able to address her on her own terms, instead of dwelling extensively on her past through the copious backstory that comprised Maisie Dobbs. Here the reader gets to follow Maisie through a full and well-developed case. She has a great process and watching her work a case is fascinating.
I also appreciated that Maisie continued to develop as a character in Birds of a Feather. Since the action rested primarily in the present, Maisie was able to indulge in some introspection without losing the reader.
Based on my experience with the first two books, I think I would classify the Maisie Dobbs series as smart cozies. Not that other cozies aren’t smart, but there is an extra intelligence and class to Maisie Dobbs that makes the series particularly enjoyable. The great development of story and character, along with the somewhat more genteel inter-war time period make this a series that is suitable for and could appeal to a wide range of readers.
Buy this book from:
Powells | Indiebound | Amazon*
* These links are all affiliate links. If you buy your book here I’ll make a very small amount of money that goes towards hosting, giveaways, etc.
Nice review as is usual on this blog. I also enjoy the Maisie Dobbs series – new one coming in April – A Lesson in Secrets.
I loved Maise Dobbs. So glad to hear the second books is just as good – can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the review.
These sound like great comfort reads. I need to make time to start the series.
Yay for Maisie!
The author is new to me and I am making a note of this book. Thanks for the review.
I’ve never read Maisie Dobbs, but I like the idea of smart cozies. If I were going to try mysteries, I think this might be a series I’d try.