The White Lady: A Novel

Written by Jacqueline Winspear

Narrated by Orlagh Cassidy

Instant New York Times and National Bestseller

“A triumph. . . . Winspear creates in Elinor White (the ‘White Lady’), a complex, endearing, achingly flawed hero. This is both fast-paced and thoughtful, bold and nuanced, a thriller that is thrillingly human. I loved it.” —Louise Penny

The White Lady introduces yet another extraordinary heroine from Jacqueline Winspear, creator of the best-selling Maisie Dobbs series. This heart-stopping novel, set in Post WWII Britain in 1947, follows the coming of age and maturity of former wartime operative Elinor White—veteran of two wars, trained killer, protective of her anonymity—when she is drawn back into the world of menace she has been desperate to leave behind.

A reluctant ex-spy with demons of her own, Elinor finds herself facing down one of the most dangerous organized crime gangs in London, ultimately exposing corruption from Scotland Yard to the highest levels of government.

The private, quiet “Miss White"" as Elinor is known, lives in a village in rural Kent, England, and to her fellow villagers seems something of an enigma. Well she might, as Elinor occupies a ""grace and favor"" property, a rare privilege offered to faithful servants of the Crown for services to the nation. But the residents of Shacklehurst have no way of knowing how dangerous Elinor's war work had been, or that their mysterious neighbor is haunted by her past.

It will take Susie, the child of a young farmworker, Jim Mackie and his wife, Rose, to break through Miss White's icy demeanor—but Jim has something in common with Elinor. He, too, is desperate to escape his past. When the powerful Mackie crime family demands a return of their prodigal son for an important job, Elinor assumes the task of protecting her neighbors, especially the bright-eyed Susie. Yet in her quest to uncover the truth behind the family’s pursuit of Jim, Elinor unwittingly sets out on a treacherous path—yet it is one that leads to her freedom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Mar 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9780063294271

Jacqueline Winspear

Jacqueline Winspear is the New York Times bestselling author of the Maisie Dobbs novels. The first in the series, Maisie Dobbs, won the prestigious Agatha Award for Best First novel, the Macavity Award for Best First Novel, and the Alex Award. She won an Agatha for Best Novel for Birds of a Feather and a Sue Feder/Macavity Award for Best Historical Mystery for Pardonable Lies. Winspear was born and raised in the county of Kent in England. Her grandfather had been severely wounded and shell-shocked in World War I, and learning his story sparked her deep interest in the "war to end all wars” and its aftereffects, which would later form the background of her novels. Winspear studied at the University of London's Institute of Education, then worked in academic publishing, in higher education and in marketing communications in the UK. She immigrated to the United States in 1990 and embarked on her life-long dream to be a writer. In addition to her novels, Winspear has written articles for women’s magazines and journals on international education, and she has recorded her essays for public radio. She divides her time between Ojai and the San Francisco Bay Area and is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom and Europe.

Reviews for The White Lady

[Gloriana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very engaging story. I was riveted from beginning to end. The narrator is phenomenal.

[Gwen Delmore · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’ve read all of Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs books and love them. She writes so well about all the psychological pain of war, as well as the physical. The White Lady is about this subject as well, if you have enjoyed the Maisie Dobbs books, you will like this one as well.

[todd paulsmeyer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a tail of growing up with war and challenges. Plus an amazing twisty and captivating plot. While a historical fiction, it felt very real to listen to. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[starla stokes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Narration was perfect! Loved it want to listen to more

[janet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story. I highly recommend it, and it kept my interest right to the end

[Alice Grix · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Completely new author, well impressed with this book. Female characters were superb, a gritty no nonsense approach.

[Liz Schertz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Always good to remember that women can also fight for their country

[clairemays · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a difference a marvelous narrator can make. I loved this complex time-layered story of vigilance and heroism, inner life and outside events, with its constant visual evocation of place. As I listened I sometimes wondered if I would have appreciated the written prose, perhaps a little trite or flat. But Orlagh Cassidy does a magical job of giving extra meaning to every word and sentence. Thank you! I'll be rushing to listen to her read more Winspear.

[Diane Seamon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Extremely interesting and well written. The reader was very good. I’m looking forward to more books by Ms. Winspear.

[Janet Hebbert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love learning history through interesting stories. Excellent character development; beautiful narration. This author and narrator are my favourite duo.

[Anne Todhunter · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Definitely a good read and I was happy that Eleanor found peace and was able to think of moving forward with her life. Well written, as always, by Ms. Winspear.