A Sunlit Weapon

A Novel (Maisie Dobbs, Book 17)

By: Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by: Orlagh Cassidy

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

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.

Maisie Dobbs classic

So good to hear from Miss Dobbs again and catch up with her life. This story touched on some modern themes. I enjoyed the listen.

Another winner

The newest Maisie Dobbs novel lives up to expectations with its richly textured plot and colorful detail. A Sunlit Weapon introduces the reader to wartime England just as American troops have arrived, bringing much welcome support.

Its various themes, including imbeded racism in both cultures, the crucial role of women in British defense, and changing social norms, forsee a society forever changed by conflict and its determination to survive.

Several prominent figures are Americans, including Maisie's new husband, Mark. Which leads me to my only less-than favorable observation. I find the narrator's rendering of American voices close to cringe-worthy. Men otherwise described as persons of dignity sound like carnival barkers with adenoids. And Eleanor Roosevelt sounds like a chirpy post-debutante. Nevertheless, no real harm done. Loved the book.

Another wonderful book

I have enjoyed every book I have listened to by Jacqueline Winspear. The Narrator has a lovely voice and brings the characters to life. Maisie Dobbs series is one of my favorite listens.

Maisie is back!!!

LOOOOOOVED this one! I love hearing about Maisie and her adventures. She is such an inspiring character! I hope there is still more to come!!!

I loved this book!

I need to go back and review some of the Maisie Dobbs books I read years ago, but I think that this is my favorite one of all. Maisie has become a much more complete person, in her personal life, in her work, and in her relationships. I have no hesitation in recommending all the books in the Maisie Dobbs series that have to do with WW 2. They are not merely “mystery” books. I cried, I laughed, and I learned ever so much about the British involvement in the war, and some of the amazing British people of all sorts whose stories are so well told by Ms. Winspear.

Fantastic story!

I just finished listening to this wonderful story. I hope this isn't the last adventure I share with Miss Maisie Dobbs (Scott) and the loveable Mr Billy Beale. Truly enjoyed the narrator for this series as well. I looked forward to her voice variations for the characters and hope if we get more Maisie adventures, she will be the one delivering them.

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"!!!