In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear

In 1939, private detective Maisie Dobbs is asked to look into the murder of Belgian refugee Frederick Addens. Addens came to England during World War I and had assimilated into British life - marrying, having two children, and working as a railway engineer. Who could have wanted him dead? When the murder of another Belgian is discovered, Maisie wonders if the men knew each other, and goes about tracing their lives in both countries. Meanwhile, with war just being declared, Londoners and the rest of the country are preparing for the unknown - sending their children to the countryside, enjoying a few luxuries before rationing goes into effect, and worrying about those loved ones who are of age to fight. Maisie and her family and friends are bracing for the heartache that is bound to be on its way. In This Grave Hour is a heartfelt portrait of life in England at the beginning of World War II.