Scan barcode
A review by celiapowell
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
4.0
Despite neglecting to rip disc 9 from this lovely audio book, which caused me great distress when I realised, I still really enjoyed this lovely mystery by Jacqueline Winspear.
I'm not sure how much I'd enjoy these books reading them rather than listening to them. Part of the appeal is the gentle tones of the narrator, and so when she reads somewhat long winded descriptions of character's clothing or appearance, I am not frustrated by it. I think I might be if I was reading it to myself though. It's nice period detail, certainly, but sometimes a little baldly inserted into the narrative.
The psychic aspects of Maisie's detective/psychology practice irritate me a little - I would much prefer a mystery where Maisie doesn't feel mysteriously drawn to a particular spot in a room, or sits to meditate next to a murdered body in order to connect with the feelings of the deceased. I enjoy these books despite those aspects, rather than because of them.
I think the mystery in this book was much improved from the central mystery in Maisie Dobbs, the first book in the series - I was very intrigued. I love the way the author makes the war a central thread in these novels - not just Maisie's personal history and memories, but every character, every mystery, is connected with the war. It's really an excellent portrayal of a nation slowly recovering from such a devastating event, and the death of so many men. That's really what I love about these books - feeling like I've visited 30s England, for a little while, and all my little whinges about the story in no way detract from that enjoyment.
I'm not sure how much I'd enjoy these books reading them rather than listening to them. Part of the appeal is the gentle tones of the narrator, and so when she reads somewhat long winded descriptions of character's clothing or appearance, I am not frustrated by it. I think I might be if I was reading it to myself though. It's nice period detail, certainly, but sometimes a little baldly inserted into the narrative.
The psychic aspects of Maisie's detective/psychology practice irritate me a little - I would much prefer a mystery where Maisie doesn't feel mysteriously drawn to a particular spot in a room, or sits to meditate next to a murdered body in order to connect with the feelings of the deceased. I enjoy these books despite those aspects, rather than because of them.
I think the mystery in this book was much improved from the central mystery in Maisie Dobbs, the first book in the series - I was very intrigued. I love the way the author makes the war a central thread in these novels - not just Maisie's personal history and memories, but every character, every mystery, is connected with the war. It's really an excellent portrayal of a nation slowly recovering from such a devastating event, and the death of so many men. That's really what I love about these books - feeling like I've visited 30s England, for a little while, and all my little whinges about the story in no way detract from that enjoyment.