Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs mysteries, takes a break with a riveting standalone involving a young woman during both world wars. The White Lady is a suspenseful novel with some unusual twists at the end that I never saw coming.
Elinor DeWitt’s happy childhood in Belgium vanished in 1914 with her father’s disappearance . She was only twelve in 1916 when a woman trained her to be part of the resistance. Elinor sabotaged trains, and was forced to kill several German soldiers to protect her sister.
Years later, Elinor tried to put the past behind her when she taught languages in England, but she was once again recruited, this time to help the Allied cause. A traumatic experience and a head injury ended Elinor’s wartime operations.
Now, in 1947, Elinor White lives in a grace-and-favor cottage provided for services to the country. She’s forty-three, a silent figure to most in the small village. It’s a little girl, Susie Mackie, who breaks through Elinor’s protective layer. Then, Jim Mackie’s family comes calling. They’re a powerful crime family in London, but Jim escaped from them. They want him back in the family fold, and they threaten Jim’s wife and daughter, Susie. Elinor turns for help to several of her wartime acquaintances, but she’s quite adept at following people, a skill she developed in both wars. It’s only now that she discovers the treachery and lies she never knew about during her wartime years.
Winspear skillfully juggles three timelines in a compelling story of a woman whose wartime experiences overshadow her post-war retirement. She does an excellent job in bringing Elinor’s heroic actions to life, but she also excels in creating the atmosphere in post-war England. Elinor herself stands out in The White Lady. It may be a standalone, but Jacqueline Winspear has created an unforgettable character.
Jacqueline Winspear’s website is https://jacquelinewinspear.com/
The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear. Harper, 2023. ISBN 9780062867988 (hardcover), 336p.
I received a galley to review for a journal.
You really need to start reviewing some terrible books. You’re not making my library hold list any shorter.
I read a terrible one this weekend, Sandy, but I won’t be reviewing it. It’s a debut, and I can’t be mean to a debut author.
Looking forward to reading this. She’s such a good storyteller.
I hope you enjoy it, MM!
I have read all of her books and her most recent “stand alone”. I cant wait till my library gets this one. Thanks for the enticing review.
You’re welcome, Pat! Thank you!
By the way, it has been strange weather everywhere. We have been in Phoenix visiting family for a couple of weeks and going to the grandchildrens sports games. I packed typical late March clothing and have frozen while watching and returning to New Mexico with rain & snow for 5 more days in the forcast. Ugh!
Pat, It sounds as if winter just has to hang on!
This sounds like a winner. Just put it on hold and am #18. Yes reviews of not so great books would be wonderful because you don’t need to put them on hold. Happy spring. I don’t think it is ever coming to California this year.
I think that’s funny that some of you are asking for reviews of “not so great books”. Oh, Jeannette.
Happy spring. I do hope you get it soon!
I’m looking forward to reading this. I love her Maisie Dobbs series.