A Sunlit Weapon by Jacqueline Winspear

A SUNLIT WEAPON by Jacqueline Winspear is the latest in a well-loved and award-winning series set in Europe and spanning events from the WWI through WWII. The main character, Maisie Dobbs, served as a nurse in the first war and now is a private investigator with ties to Scotland Yard and the American Embassy in London. Be creating a case involving the Air Transport Authority (the ATA was a group of private pilots, many women, who ferried planes from base to base) and also a “colored” serviceman, Winspear is able to highlight 1940s inequality based on gender and race. She clearly respects the dangerous work that the aviatrices accomplished in support of the war effort, weaving in details about the added danger and unequal pay. In addition, she enlightens readers about the segregation of American troops and their unequal treatment (e.g., white soldiers were encouraged build relationships by having meals with local British families, but this opportunity was not available to Black servicemen). In that sense, A SUNLIT WEAPON is an informative work of historical fiction. The mystery itself is complicated, but less engaging with even Maisie remarking, “I think it’s harder getting to the bottom of crimes committed by complete incompetents.” Still, this addition to the series helps readers to see more of Maisie as a mother and new wife, balancing career and personal commitments. The story, in no way as horrific as current news coverage, also reinforces the ability of everyday citizens to have an impact and to protect and defend their country. In the author’s note Winspear reminds us that “it is the young, both men and women, who go to war. Nothing has changed in that regard, and so much is expected of them.”  A SUNLIT WEAPON received a starred review from Kirkus (“superb combination of mystery, thriller, and psychological study with an emphasis on prejudice and hatred”).