Play Book Tag discussion

The death of Eddie Pettit, a man who Maisie Dobbs has known since childhood, is the focus of the 9th installment in the series. Eddie was a poor, simple-minded man, loved by almost everyone and a man who could comfort and control any horse. It was while he was running errands for men at the newspaper warehouse that Eddie met with a particularly nasty accident; a large roll of paper rolled off the conveyor belt killing Eddie instantly. His friends approach Maisie for her help as they don't believe it was an accident and, soon, neither does Maisie. Her investigation brings her back to her roots when she was poor, motherless and working for the wealthy Comptons as a maid. Now she is a wealthy young woman and all but engaged to James Compton. Facing the vast chasm between her past and future, Maisie begins to question whether what she has begun to take for granted is what will make her happy for the rest of her life.

This book and the previous one are clearly leading up to World War II as Winston Churchill is a guest at many of the parties Maisie attends and Hitler is THE topic of conversation. It is understandable that Masie would be doubtful about her future as she still has dark visions of WWI. It will be interesting to see how her relationship progresses with James and what involvement she may have in the upcoming conflict.