this whole series is fun.

Second novel that I read in a combination book which also included Maisie Dobbs - which was the introduction to the series and described her early life. She is from a very poor family and her mother places her as a maid in a house with interesting people. Thirteen year old Maisie (or 15 year old) finds the library an enchanting place and indulges her love of philosophy. When discovered, she is treated to education and winds up in a woman's college in Oxford (?) only to leave during WWI to become a nurse at the front. She falls in love with an officer, whom she had known from the aristocratic home in which she was working. He dies, graphic details of suffering. Ten years later, after being mentored by Maurice ? she is established as a detective/psychologist in private practice. Solves a case.
The second book has a more interesting case to be solved.
A diverting read.

Although I won't change my rating since I think the first book is a solid 3, I really felt that "Birds of a Feather" was closer to a 2. One big problem I had with the book. Clues are withheld from the reader, such as the evidence Maisie is collecting in the handkerchief. As soon as I saw the list of names in Waite's store, I did immediately guess what it was, though it still seems a little unfair. In most mysteries, we pick up clues along with the main character. And it happens a second time when we aren't privy to all the information gathered from Mr. Jempson.

Another problem I had was when Maisie discovered Lydia's body. We are led to believe Lydia was found in her bedroom, but when Maisie visits later with Inspector Stratton, it seems the murder has now taken place in the drawing room. Huh? Also, Inspector Stratton reluctantly shares information of the investigation with Maisie under an agreement of confidentiality, yet when interviewing his main suspect, she shares a great deal of knowledge. I kept thinking as she was talking to John Sedgewick, "Inspector Stratton would not be pleased". Unfortunately, I'm not all that enamored with Maisie as a character. Though she is kind-hearted, I find her boring and, at times, slightly pretentious. Glad to see her loosen up a little at the end.

Another negative is how the story is mainly told from Maisie's POV only to switch midstream to Billy or Stratton's POV for a paragraph or two before reverting back to Maisie's POV. I like multiple viewpoints, but not the constant switching back and forth. And my next dislike is strictly personal preference. I don't really care for the mystical aspects of the story. But since it is a big part of this series, I just deal with it and move on.

The good points. I like there are multiple suitors trying to win Maisie's affections. I have to say, I really like Dr. Andrew Dene's character much better than Stratton and think he and Maisie match up well. I also thought it was hysterical when Dr. Dene called Maisie out about her compulsive habit of checking her watch all the time. It drives me nuts, too. And I really do like the scenes with Simon. You get a sense of what so many people lost at that time.

The ending was so sad. I felt bad for the women who were murdered and for the culprit. I had guessed the reason for the murders early on and narrowed it down to two suspects, one correct before the end.

While I will probably try a few more books in this series, I doubt I'll be rushing out for the next one. I still don't see why so many people rave about this series. Just different tastes, I guess. Not too bad, but not my favorite series.

Book 2 continues to explain how Maisie Dobbs has created a life for herself while investigating a crime . She is also looking for the daughter of a rich man which brings her back to France to meet a friend from her time in the war. She finds out more about the friend's brother. She is a very good observer and retrospective about her own experiences always looking for connections, which of course help her solve her cases.

A blend of history, mystery, and reading fun.

excellent!

Not really a bad book per say, but it took me forever to read it. I couldn't get into it somehow, even though it was okay. The protagonist is Masie Dobbs, a maid turned female sleuth. Her assignment is to find the daughter of a wealthy business man, but of course it gets complicated when four murders happen. The setting is post world war I, and the story moves slowly from upper class London to a soup kitchen and back again. Maybe I just dont' like mysteries set in this time period.

Always a great escape!

Delighted to have found another historical fiction/mystery author. Great characters and intricate plots. Great back stories as well, woven into the chapters.

I love all the Maisie Dobbs books but highly recommend reading this one first! It gives the reader the understanding of what makes Maisie such a remarkable character. Maisie is a young English woman of extraordinary intelligence, wisdom and mystical insight. She is given by chance, after the death of her mother in 1910, the opportunity to excel beyond her meager birth life to an education and the mentoring by complex, Maurice Blanche, a Frenchman. Maisie becomes a highly respected private investigator and using her talents takes you on the road to wonderful and unusual mysteries which she resolves with her wit. I love the mysteries but even more, I love the history of the time. As she travels the road of resolving murders, kidnappings, shady land deals, suicides, espionage, etc. you learn or are reminded of the horrible and devastating effects of WWI, the depression and life in Europe attempting to overcome their tremendous losses. Do yourself a favor, read this book and be transported to a different time.

Fun escape book.

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. Never a disappointment.