Set in Toronto, on the brink of World war 1, Merinda and Jem are helping those who have just moved to the city get settled. Only a murder happens and it's up to Merinda and Jem to solve it. I've enjoyed the other two stories and this one was just as interesting and fun. I like reading series because it helps you get to know the main character's well. Both Jem and Merinda have grown and changed throughout this series. I feel like I know them well now. They are both people I'd want to be friends with. I know that this Toronto is set in the past, but it made me want to visit and explore Toronto. Its a good mystery that focuses on solving the crime instead of the crime itself.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I also purchased a copy for myself. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. and the mystery.

The third book in the Herringford and Watt Mysteries series by Rachel McMillan. I loved returning to Jem and Merinda I love their banter. As well as the Sherlock Holmes vibes. Rachel is one of my favorite authors and I know her books will keep me on the edge of my seat as well as make me laugh and cry.

A fun mystery set in Toronto in WWI days.
I found the storyline intriguing, and fascinating.
Girl detectives, amateurish, though, makes for some interesting times.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The world is on the brink of a war. The emotions run high, driven by fear, passions and antagonisms. A young boy is killed. Then several other men, too. Who is the white feather murderer?
On the more domestic front, Ray and Jem are on brink of the serious conflict, too. What is the role of a woman in the changing world? Should Jem be "just" wife and mom, or is her independent strike important, too?

3.5 stars.
The best from the series, yet!

While not a fan of the cozy mysteries, I am a huge fan of the raw emotions and the real conflict. And here we have it at spades: of what is a role of female. How can she stay herself, when the society demands a certain behaviour, a certain mindset? Is she too lax with her duties, when she wants more, when she is made of more than a housewife? Can she allow herself to be more and ask for more, even if her beloved people are afraid of her bravery/lack of fear?
Ah, yes. This is a brave manifesto than God can use different women for the different needs of the world. And than she can be loved for being who she is. Very important and still needed message!

I also like how well are the main characters portrayed here. They are much more realistic compared to the previous installments in this series - they are their own people with their own mindset, emotions, their share of troubles and their strengths. While Merinda stays my favourite character and while the boys need to grow some more true leadership characteristics, I like this foursome.

The White Feather Murders is the third book of the Herringford and Watts Mysteries series. I didn’t had a hard time catching up with the story as it is the third instalment of the series. The premise is good as well as the character development. I enjoyed reading the adventures of Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts as they discover the mystery in Toronto. This time, the murderer leaves white feather behind at the crime scene.
This book got me hooked. I keep on turning the pages and it really excites me when they become the next target. The twists are not that predictable and I like it that there are political and social issues that were mentioned in this book.

I am so late in reading this book. I apologize to the author and publisher.

This was a great book. I enjoyed it but I did get a little confused on some of the previous remarks about what happened in the past. The second thing I am confused on is why the author put footnotes at the end of each chapter. I honestly do not believe I have ever seen that on a fiction book.

The story was interesting and the historical fact made this story. I highly recommend this series, but make sure you read the books in other to keep from getting confused.

If you love historical fiction, and mysteries where you cannot guess the murderer, you will enjoy Rachel McMillan's Herringford and Watts Mystery series. In this third novel in the series, it is 1914 and Toronto is anxiously waiting to hear whether the British Empire is going to war with Germany. In this tense environment, which gets more tense after war is declared, female detectives Merinda Herringford and Jemima Watts (Mrs. DeLucca) must find out who is terrorizing German immigrants and leaving white feathers at the murder scenes of seemingly unconnected individuals.

Neither of McMillan's detectives fits the mold of an early 20th century female. Jemima, married with a baby son, agonizes over her duties to her family, and her commitment to her detective agency and to her friend Miranda. Miranda furiously rejects marriage because she does not want to lose her independence. At the same time, however, she is strongly conflicted on the subject. In many ways, these conflicts are reminiscent of the roiling internal battles fought by Dorothy Sayers' 1930s' character Harriet Vane in her relationship with Lord Peter Wimsey. McMillan makes the battles just as believable.

McMillan does an excellent job of bringing 1914 Toronto to life as a multilayered budding metropolis, home to wealthy elites, a growing middle class, and a refuge for immigrants fleeing the tyranny and poverty of the old world. My only concern with the novel is its sense of finality. I hope it is not the last book in the Herringford and Watts Mystery series because I want to know what happens to McMillan's well-crafted protagonists as the trenches and fires of World War I change everything.

An enjoyable book and a good conclusion to the series, with a theme of reconciliation. I'm almost glad the culprit was not the person initially suspected. The sense of place was very strong, and one can really see the author's love for her home city and its history, which is great.
Why the lower rating? It was a matter of taste, really: I've found throughout the series I could not always get on with the lead characters. Sometimes, but not always. They came over as a little modern at times, which is meant to be the whole point, but sometimes they don't seem historical at all.

In the author's note, it was mentioned that some of the main events and themes in this story were meant to have modern parallels, and I appreciate that, but at times I felt this was very 'in your face', to the point that I felt I was being preached at. I don't appreciate that in any book, or movie, so it's nothing personal.

Overall, I did like the book, which was well worth the money, and Hamish, Jemima's little son was so adorable. He's going to be getting his own series, which is amazing.

McMillan rounds out the Herringford & Watts series (for now) with a fast-paced delightful adventures for everyone's favorite Torontonian heroines. The White Feather Murders holds the greatest emotional scope and deepest character exploration for McMillan yet, and it was so fun to read—practically in one sitting.
Discovering more of Canada's history, especially on the brink of World War I was a thrilling and enlightening experience. Can't wait to tell my friends there is another book in this series!

I think I would have been much better had I read the first book. Instead, I thought there was no character development.

I’ve been a bit conflicted on what to write in this review when it comes to this book, The White Feather Murders by Rachel McMillan. I enjoyed the book, but I wonder if I enjoyed it as much as I could have. If you are unfamiliar with this series, Herringford and Watts, they are similar to taking a Sherlock Holmes novel and placing it in Toronto in the early 1900’s. The premise of the series certainly intrigues me and that leads me to my own error.

While I was reading the book, I had a hard time getting drawn in. I think this series expects you to read the first book and then the second, which I unfortunately did not do. So I never really felt introduced to the characters but rather was just dropped into the middle of the story. It made it hard to enjoy at first—and then add in a number of characters and seemingly complex relationships, and well…I wanted to give up on it a few times. But again, I think it was my own fault.

But despite all the problems, I eventually did start to gain a bit more interest in the book. Enough that I have plans to someday go back to the start and try from the beginning. So, if you are looking for some mystery novels that aren’t as heavy on the suspense, this may be a series to check out. But, learn from my mistakes and start at the first one.


**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

In case you haven’t met the two coolest sleuths from Canada, may I introduce you to Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts. These two just are the perfect combination of smart and humor. I was ecstatic to read this latest adventure, and it didn’t disappoint.

I adore anything a to do with Toronto and this city shined in historic elements of the story. It just vibrated within the words, coming to life on the pages, buildings standing tall, streets full of chatter and a shift in the society as it was known. I felt as though I was riding along on a bicycle through this story, seeing what the characters saw. This was certainly the most packed with details book I have read all year. It had the mixture of World War I, women’s rights and the murder that sets the pace. It was a beautiful and amazingly written read. All these details were handled with a high level of research and yet, it was created with such lines that the reader truly was transported back in time.

The White Feather Murders are an incredible Historical book taking place in the World War - it brings out one of the touchiest subjects we face even today - racism - isn't it a shame - all these years later and we haven't moved an inch. Anywho you have an awesome adventure for the Deluca's and one of the Deluca's has a surprise for you the readers - if you are a follower of the series - it is precious and you will love it. There are murders, racism, and they are on the brink of a World War - how is that for getting your interest peaked - it is one heck of a ride. The most important and impressive part to me is that the author brought CHRIST into the mix and boy does HE shine wherever HE goes - Amen? You are going to love this book and it is worth your time if your ready for a journey of a lifetime.

This book is another multi-layered mystery with fun overtones of Sherlock Holmes. It's fascinating to see what Toronto was like as World War I was starting. The racial issues unfortunately parallel so much of what we see in our world today. The writing is so clever, I find myself smiling often at the twist of a phrase and descriptions. So rich. I love Jem and Merinda and am sad this is their last adventure, but what an adventure. One worth enjoying every last word.

2.5 stars (Average)! I'd heard a lot about this new series and was eager to dive into this latest release. The writing was solid; however, the mystery was much too obvious for my taste and the characters could have been a little less cliché. Still, this is an author I wouldn't mind reading again in the future.

I had this book in my queue to read from NetGalley so I, being the orderly OCD reader that I am, actually borrowed the first book of the series (Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder) from the library and read that book first. It was a decent book but I really didn't connect with Merinda and was somewhat hesitant to start this book. But I did feel a sense of duty to read and review the book that was so generously provided for me so I marched ahead. I didn't read the second book (A Lesson in Love and Murder) prior to reading this third book.

The above disclaimer being said, I enjoyed this book, much more than the first book. This book really focused on the main characters and who they are. It was definitely more emotionally charged and less matter-of-fact. Yes, there was a clever plot and delicious mystery to the story but the unexpected raw emotions written into the storyline brought the book up a notch. It gave more details of the main characters' pasts and built a foundation for why they are who they are. It showed Ray in a different light and gave his voice increased strength and credibility. Jem had less of a role emotionally in this book but I was so heavily involved in Ray, Jasper and Merinda that I didn't notice this little detail until the end. It revealed more of Jasper and his long relationship/friendship with Merinda. It actually, and surprisingly, allowed Merinda to be honest and transparent for her emotions to come across loud and clear. After this book, I understood Merinda better. The backdrop of the beginnings of WWI in the city of Toronto was interesting and heartbreaking at the same time.

The encouragement from the priest and the Scripture used were so appropriate and well-placed in the story.

I received ARC of the book from Harvest Publishers via NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

This can't be the end of the Herringford and Watts Mysteries. If it is I will be so sad. I completely enjoyed this book. I love Merinda's personality and how she says “Cracker Jacks!” She is a bit more than quirky. Jem is more refined and quiet. Jem is now a wife and mother, yet she still has to be part of the mystery solving team. Her husband Ray, thinks being a wife and mother should be enough for her and they have many arguments about it. In the end he knows she can't give up that part of herself, it is what made him fall in love with her.
The lady detectives have taken a on a job to find out who is roughing up a young man of German descent. The case becomes more difficult when the young man is murdered. The mystery only deepens when more notable men are murdered, all with a white feather left behind. Could the murder of the young man be connected. Corruption regarding munitions for the war is another mystery to be solved.
I couldn't read fast enough to find out how it all turned out. I was very surprised.
These characters are very real to me, their relationships are very real. Problems and all.
There is even a peacock with personality in this story.
The author does a wonderful job of showcasing the city of Toronto as an extra character in the book. A city and it's people on the brink of war.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
*I received a copy of this book from the publishers through NetGalley. A review was not required. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book - unfortunately, I absolutely loathed the short amount I was able to get through, and I will not be completing it. The book has not been rated or reviewed.

Thoughts:

Inside THE WHITE FEATHER MURDERS (Herringford and Watts Mysteries Book 3) by Rachel McMillan, I’m coming late to a series and discovering, even more, mysteries inside a Canadian, historical read which comes with many of today’s issues in our headlines!

Sleuthing with Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts, we are on the hunt in the Ward of Toronto upon issues happening with unsuspecting immigrants.

Notoriety can be liberating, but at the same time, it can be problematic. While empowering women in early 1900’s can not be an easy task, it becomes fashionable, but elites do not appreciate women in pants or inside the crime solving business.

Mysteries take us to dangerous situations, but oftentimes, we find ourselves without backup—save for a few close friends.

One murder happens inside a war declaration, and the mystery deepens. A solitary feather is not in one scene but two, tying both cases in one large puzzle. Meanwhile, news that Jem Watts is really Mrs. Jem DeLuca brings identity issues along for the ride, but once treachery comes close to home, friendships are tense and murder may come calling!

It is evident that politicking is a cutthroat career, but may it be deadly as well? How far up could this plot go?

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

THE WHITE FEATHER MURDERS (Herringford and Watts Mysteries Book 3) by Rachel McMillan casts Toronto during 1914, and Merinda Herringford and Jem Watts have come to be a badge of female liberation.

However, the fresh from press fame does not shield them from World War I and all of its Canadian strife, but their recognition paints them with a bull’s–eye from Mayor Montague, both directly and indirectly. Is their Cartier Club a cause of murderous unrest?

Will one Italian husband and friend be taken from his family under the new alien identification process? Meanwhile, will Herringford and Watts survive the tumult of political corruption?