To Die But Once by Jacqueline Winspear - 4 stars

[Ellen]

In 1940, shortly after England declared war on Germany, Maisie investigates the death of a young apprentice who had been covering planes and buildings with fire-retardant paint. The young man had complained of horrific headaches and it was believed by his superiors that his head pain made him jump from a train trestle to his death. His family does not believe this version of his misfortune and hires Maisie to investigate the matter. What she learns is that some men will always put money above human lives. At the same time Maisie's best friend's son, appalled by the news of so many soldiers stranded on beaches in France, joins a friend in a borrowed boat to help bring the soldiers home to England. He heads steadfastly into the fray at Dunkirk, a decision that will change his life forever.

This was another interesting Maisie Dobbs mystery with a great cast of characters. It is nearly chilling reading each book and seeing the war approach ever so slowly to England's doorstep but it is very well done.