A Sunlit Weapon audiobook

I have read all the books in the Maisie Dobbs series. I think it is important to read this series in order as each episode builds on the other. Winspear is a master of the historical novel.Winspear pays tribute to the women ferry pilots of WWII. This story has two components: one about a women ferry pilot; the other about the visit of Eleanor Roosevelt to England. Also, included in the story was information on how the British and Americans treated black American soldiers. Maisie and Billie make a great team investigating crimes. I started this series because it was about WWI, and I hated to see the story advance from that period of history.I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and eleven minutes. Orlagh Cassidy does an excellent job narrating this series.

This is my favorite series and despite all the changes that have happened in Maisie’s life and the other characters’ lives the books not only have held up but overall the series books are getting more and more enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was one of my favorites thus far. I loved this book from the start. It was comforting to be back with Maisie and everyone. I’ve been struggling to read but not with every book. I’ve read a few books during this period that flew and this one confirmed that I just need the right books at the right times, and that some books will almost always work. I wish that books in this series came out more frequently than once a year.We’re still in WWII but some new issues & things do come up, as they do in each book. I appreciated how race relations in the U.S. at the time was addressed. I could maybe have done without inserting a famous person. Or, I should say, I could have done without one of the book’s characters being inserted into the story of a famous person. It ended up working well enough though, I suppose. There are lots of interesting new characters in this one and I think some of them will make appearances in future books. (Oh no re the Tuskegee Airmen though.)I do feel like an idiot though. For the first time I don’t understand the meaning of the title of this 17th book. I do miss reading these books with my friend and being able to discuss the book while reading and after reading. Can anyone help?! I will probably read more of what the author and others have to say about this book because even after reading the title still perplexes me. It probably didn’t help that I had a couple of incorrect preconceived ideas. I read a Kindle e-edition from the library but also sometimes simultaneously read a borrowed Overdrive audio edition. In general, the narration is great but I absolutely loathe the way American characters and children are done, particularly one specific one of each that are main characters. I’m likely to read paper or e-editions without audio added for the rest of the books in this series, unless the narrator changes.4-1/2 stars

A SUNLIT WEAPONby Jacqueline WinspearAllison & BusbyPub Date: March 22Maisie Dobbs is my favorite histfic character, and I've read all 17 now in this gripping series. I loved the newest, A Sunlit Weapon, set in England in 1942, as British pilots are being attacked from the ground. Maisie is called in to investigate, and also is drawn into an effort to protect America's First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, on her visit to England.I adore the characters the author has created, which feel like old friends now: Maisie, new husband Mark, her adopted daughter Anna, her parents, her investigative team, her many close friends, and as they gather for dinner at her home in the country, I can see myself there, feeling very much part of this loving clan -- a sort of safe haven from the war more evident in London. Winspear also crafts such a compelling narrative showing the importance of women pilots, the impact of racism imposed by the American military, and the efforts of everyday Brits trying to survive the deadly conflagration. I can't speak highly enough about A SUNLIT WEAPON and the entire series. This can be read as a stand-alone, and you're in for a treat if you've not read Winspear before. I promise you'll want to go back and read the whole series! Highly recommended for histfic fans, those intrigued by Britain during WWII, and anyone who loves beautifully written character-driven tales. Thanks to the author, Allison & Busby, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine. #ASunlitWeapon #JacquelineWinspear #AllisonBusby #NetGalley

A SUNLIT WEAPONby Jacqueline WinspearAllison & BusbyPub Date: March 22Maisie Dobbs is my favorite histfic character, and I've read all 17 now in this gripping series. I loved the newest, A Sunlit Weapon, set in England in 1942, as British pilots are being attacked from the ground. Maisie is called in to investigate, and also is drawn into an effort to protect America's First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, on her visit to England.I adore the characters the author has created, which feel like old friends now: Maisie, new husband Mark, her adopted daughter Anna, her parents, her investigative team, her many close friends, and as they gather for dinner at her home in the country, I can see myself there, feeling very much part of this loving clan -- a sort of safe haven from the war more evident in London. Winspear also crafts such a compelling narrative showing the importance of women pilots, the impact of racism imposed by the American military, and the efforts of everyday Brits trying to survive the deadly conflagration. I can't speak highly enough about A SUNLIT WEAPON and the entire series. This can be read as a stand-alone, and you're in for a treat if you've not read Winspear before. I promise you'll want to go back and read the whole series! Highly recommended for histfic fans, those intrigued by Britain during WWII, and anyone who loves beautifully written character-driven tales. Thanks to the author, Allison & Busby, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine. #ASunlitWeapon #JacquelineWinspear #AllisonBusby #NetGalley

My bookclub introduced me to Maisie Dobbs over 14 years ago. Now with the 17th installment the series gets better and better. It is 1942 and a female ferry pilot hires Maisie to investigate after rescuing a black American serviceman she finds tied up in a barn. Because of his race he is a suspect for the disappearance of a fellow soldier who is missing. Maisie uses her American husband’s connections with the US Embassy and her connections to Scotland Yard as the investigation takes on larger implications. This adventure had me learning about programs that allowed American soldiers to help harvest to increase favorable relations. I learned more about woman aviators and their work during the war effort (a passion of the author). And sadly some of the realities of segregation by the US military. Other subplots about adopted daughter Anna dealing with a bully at her school and a potential attack on First Lady Elenor Roosevelt are also interwoven. The storylines are entertaining and engaging. Masie gets to showcase her talents of interviewing, observation and allowing the universe to lead her to clues. It also includes old and new friends. I especially love her recognizing the contributions of her long time employee Billy. I usually give this series 3s and 4s but this adventure gets a solid five for bringing all of is storylines together in a logical and complete way. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Characters I love & am always glad to spend time with! . . . The only downside is waiting for book #18 :)

This was an outstanding historical fiction mystery! It’s the 17th book in the Maisie Dobbs series, but it can be read as a standalone. I predict that you want to read them all once you finish this one!This book is set during WWII in Britain, and focuses on the women who flew planes between bases etc. They were in the the ATA (Air Transport Auxiliary), and their jobs were very dangerous because the planes had not been fitted with weapons yet. Women couldn’t be fighter pilots but the RAF couldn’t have won without them. The writing is excellent, and the story shows a little of what domestic life was like, with rationing and families living with fear for their loved ones. The mystery is really interesting, especially considering the involvement of American soldiers in England during wartime. All in all, an outstanding read, 5 stars.Synopsis:“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.”Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This 17th book featuring Maisie Dobbs might be the very best of the series. She is a mature mother and wife successfully juggling her work as psychologist/investigator during challenging times of war and succeeding on all fronts.The female pilots of WWII are featured; a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt causes challenges but also a special privilege for Maisie's daughter; Maisie's challenging case is successfully concluded and the family learns to live with wartime restrictions.It is good to visit all these endearing characters.Spitfire Fans should put this on their reading list.

I love Maisie. It really feels like the author is wrapping up storylines, but I refuse to believe she will end this series in the middle of a war. It's only 1942, we should have at least 3 or 4 more installments, right?

Wonderful addition to a wonderful series. The WWII aspects, and stressing the importance of women both as land girls and airplane ferry pilots was excellent. There was much emphasis on the psychological teachings Maisie received from her mentor Maurice when she was just starting out. Winspear's heroine is deep, intuitive, reflective, honest about her faults, caring about her co-workers, and is just overall someone you wish you could meet in real life or go and tell all your troubles to. The surrounding cast of family and friends are very human, and their lives all evolve in very realistic ways. An excellent read.

I thought this series had a bit of a "slump" in the years leading up to WWII...slump officially over! So many threads woven together so well, and a surprise appearance from the daughter of a very old friend too (the universe of characters in this world is so rich at this point and I always love it when a memorable character reappears unexpectedly).Thank you NetGalley for the access to an ARC!