A Sunlit Weapon

A Novel (Maisie Dobbs, Book 17)

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In the latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series, 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. Jo Hardy, a 22-year-old ferry pilot, is delivering a Supermarine Spitfire—the fastest fighter aircraft in the world—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. She rescues the man, who is handed over to the American military police; it quickly emerges that he is considered a suspect in the disappearance of a fellow soldier who is missing.

Tragedy strikes two days later, when another ferry pilot crashes in the same area where Jo’s plane was attacked. At the suggestion of one of her colleagues, Jo seeks the help of psychologist and investigator Maisie Dobbs. Meanwhile, Maisie’s husband, a high-ranking political attaché based at the American embassy, is in the thick of ensuring security is tight for the first lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, during her visit to the Britain. There’s already evidence that German agents have been circling: the wife of a president represents a high value target. Mrs. Roosevelt is clearly in danger, and there may well be a direct connection to the death of the woman ferry pilot and the recent activities of two American servicemen.

To guarantee the safety of the First Lady—and of the soldier being held in police custody—Maisie must uncover that connection. At the same time, she faces difficulties of an entirely different nature with her young daughter, Anna, who is experiencing wartime struggles of her own.

©2022 Jacqueline Winspear (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

ATA

This book is exciting and informative. I have gained a new respect for the women who were ferry pilots during the war.

Best Maisie yet!

This is an outstanding story of people staying positive in the face of danger, stress, and sometimes terror. It’s a touching story on an emotional level about friends, family and growing up while treating those who are different from ourselves as we would like to be treated. Well done Maisie Dobbs spreading the word!!

Quick comment

I really like this series, and I enjoyed A Sunlit Weapon very much. Yes, there is a "but" coming. The narrator, Orlagh Cassidy, even after reading the whole series, changed Maurice's name to Morris. I winced every time I heard it and yelled at my car, "come on Orlagh get it right"!!!

love Orlaugh Cassidy's narrations

Thank you for another great book. I wish I did not have to wait so long for the next one. xo

Very Enjoyable Mystery Set in WWII

Always enjoy Masie's work and mysteries. This one had the added pleasure of WWII historical info on British society during the war and how people did (and did not) face the challenges. Looking forward to her next one!

Flight in mystery

I love the written path of Jacqueline Winspear. She so enticingly describes that pre-WWII period and wartime era. It is easy to picture that period of time, the simplicity of life style, the sometimes primitive conditions. At the same time, she captures the spirit, substance, and the motivational drive of the people. She wittingly lays out the foundation of the mystery behind the events. The contingencies of the female pilots were addressed showcasing their personalities, while delivering mystery and intrigue.
I love trying to unweave the plot as she professionally, yet cordially interrogates the people, who may unwittingly know something. It’s like ‘eating a piece of homemade apple pie.’

Enjoyable

As with all the Masie Dobbs series the Sunlit Weapon continues to be well written and historically informative. the Reader is excellent.

Learned so much

About WWII and the men and women who served. The information presented at the end about women pilots was illuminating. Great mystery too!

A Sunlit Weapon.

This book continued the life story of our favorite detective and psychologist,
Maudie Donna. Remarried with an adopted daughter she must save a soldier accused of mirdering his best friend and stop Eleanor Roosevelt from being assassinated while stops her child from being bullied at school.

Perceptive, subtle, intricate

Beautifully written and sensitively narrated, Maisie would be proud to call this book her own. A sensitive touch, so appreciated in these times. Thank you.