Review: The White Feather Murders by Rachel McMillan

The White Feather Murders

by Rachel McMillan

In 1914, Great Britain is on the brink of declaring war on Germany. Just like many other citizens of Toronto, Merinda Herringford is sure that Canada will join Great Britain in war. Though she’s usually one to be excited for change, she fears what war will do to her friends and to her city. Tensions run high as Merinda, Jasper, and Ray join the Cartier Club, who’s goal is to help immigrants in Toronto begin their new lives. As Canada awaits their fate, a string of murders occur throughout Toronto. The victims are found with white feathers, a sign of cowardice. Merinda and Jem’s investigations lead them all over the city, from St. John’s Ward for immigrants, to the homes of the city’s elite. As they search for clues, it seems as though they find corruption within the law at every turn. Jasper also sees this corruption from his coworkers at the police station. When a member of the Cartier Club is murdered and Jem and Ray’s town house is vandalized, things become far too personal. Merinda is determined to solve the mystery, even if it costs her life.

This book was tinged in sadness, not only because I have really enjoyed the Herringford and Watts Mysteries and am sad to see it end for now, but also because of the fear and uncertainty that Merinda feels as the war approaches. It was quite emotional at times. Even though it had sad moments, we still got that fast pace that we’re used to, which is one of my favorite things about this series. And, of course, there was humor sprinkled throughout, just like in the other books. One such instance was a scene in which the crew attended a dinner at Pelham Park and one of their peacocks followed Merinda around, which I loved. I can only imagine the feisty detective facing off with a prideful pheasant.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the theme of turning toward a higher power. When things seemed so uncertain and the world was spinning out of control, characters were reminded to look toward the Lord for His help. Throughout this series, I’d been expecting Merinda to eventually give her heart to the Lord. This didn’t officially happen, though her friends reminded her that she needed God. Even so, I have hope that perhaps beyond the Herringford and Watts Mysteries, Merinda came to know how much God loved her.

Amidst the changes that are taking place within this book, there’s a mystery to be solved. I would never have guessed who the white feather murderer was. Having read all the other books in the series, it totally took me by surprise. That’s all I’m going to say about that, because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

All in all, while emotional, The White Feather Murders was still a fast paced mystery and offered a good conclusion to a wonderful series.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.