A mild-mannered scientist, a brutal murder, and the birth of forensic ornithology

Roxie Laybourne, a scientist at the Smithsonian, was an expert on feathers, writes Chris Sweeney. Then, detectives in Maine needed her help investigating a brutal murder. The case led to the creation of forensic ornithology — and Laybourne became the world’s first feather detective.

The case of the  Dutch detectorist and the mysterious soldier from Malden

Metal detectorist Laurent Stemkens spends his free time roaming the German border, looking for traces of World War II, writes frequent Globe Magazine contributor Linda Matchan. Then, he made a once-in-a-lifetime discovery: a US military dog tag with the name and address of a soldier from Malden.

PERSPECTIVE

Six tips and tricks to being an awesome wedding guest

Wedding season is here. Cartoonist (and recent bride) Ella Scheuerell and Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein share six tips on what to do — and what to avoid — to be the ideal wedding guest.

CONNECTIONS

Second skin

Growing up, relatives said the tragedies she would one day experience were written all over her face, writes Miun Gleeson. But becoming a mother compelled her to test fate — and assert her own daughter’s childhood as a time of joy and redemption.

COOKING

The berry best

Ripe, juicy fruits are one of the joys of summer. Christopher Kimball and the cooks at Milk Street share three sweet-tart recipes — like Blender Berries-and-Cream Cake — that let strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries shine.

MISS CONDUCT CLASSICS

Uncharted waters
As a pool owner, what’s the best way to set boundaries with neighborhood kids who always want to come over and swim? We’re diving deep into 20 years of Miss Conduct — this column is from 2015 — to uncover conundrums you may have missed.

LOVE LETTERS

Better half
This writer is about to get married. Meredith offers advice on how to be the best husband possible.

Submit your relationship questions. And check out the Love Letters podcast here.

DINNER WITH CUPID

“I felt like he was my friend — I probably over-shared.” Will this former chef serve up a side of romance for his date?

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