"A series of possible attacks on British pilots leads Jacqueline Winspear's beloved heroine Maisie Dobbs into a mystery involving First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt"-- October 1942. Ferry pilot Jo Hardy is delivering a Supermarine Spitfire to Biggin Hill Aerodrome when she realizes someone is shooting at her aircraft from the ground. Returning to the location on foot, she finds an American serviceman in a barn, bound and gagged, and turns him over to the American military police: he is a suspect in the disappearance of a fellow soldier who is missing. Two days later another ferry pilot crashes in the same area where Jo's plane was attacked, and Jo seeks the help of investigator Maisie Dobbs. Maisie's husband, a high-ranking political attaché based at the American embassy, is in the thick of ensuring security for the first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, during her visit to the Britain. German agents are already circling. Is the visit connected to Maisie's case? - adapted from back cover Provided by publisher.

Sequel to: The consequences of fear.