This is the penultimate entry in the Maisie Dobbs series. How I will miss her when she is gone! A Sunlit Weapon is an excellent addition to the Dobbs stories.
What I liked most in this book was the way in which Winspear created a world and opened that to readers. There is a fair amount about Maisie’s home life here including her marriage to American, Mark. Readers also see Maisie as a parent to Anna. She is willing to fight for her child and any parent who reads this one will perhaps relate to how painful it is when a child is unhappy. With Maisie on her side though, readers can certainly hope that Anna will soon feel better. Readers will also be glad to again meet up with Priscilla, Billy, Brenda, Maisie’s dad and so many others.
The mystery itself is complex and involving. Who is shooting down planes including some that are being ferried to bases by women? Why were two Americans involved in some dark plans? Will they suvive?
Also in the story is Eleanor Roosevelt. Feelings about her propel some of the plot forward.
There is social history in this book that readers will find of interest. The story of women pilots and the segregation in the U.S. military have places in the novel.
Winspear reminds me of the importance of the people for whom we care. She also continues to show Maisie’s growth. With Maisie on the case, readers can hope that some sort of order will be restored…even during war time.
I highly recommend this title and all of the books in the Maisie Dobbs series.
Some other books about Maisie
The Comfort of Ghosts (Jacqueline Winspear)
It can be so hard: The Consequences of Fear
A good entry in a winning series: The American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear
A WWII mystery (and a good one): To Die But Once
A Maisie Dobbs bargain: In This Grave Hour
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 