Black Wings    by Kathleen Toomey Jabs Order:  USA  Can Fuze Publishing LLC, 2011 (2011) Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Lt. Bridget Donovan simply cannot believe that her former Naval Academy roommate, Audrey Richards, was at fault when her fighter plane stalled at takeoff from an aircraft carrier and plunged into the sea, taking her with it. Naval bigwigs put it out in the press that it might have been pilot error and that women just weren't ready for combat flying. They also stated that her ratings were not that high and she was clearly not up to the task put upon her. Bridget gains access to Audrey's records and discovers that Audrey was more than competent to fly that plane. Her ratings were as high as any man's and higher than most. Bridget feels that there is more to this than meets the eye. And, by gum, she's right. I like Bridget. She's a tough little cookie and does what she feels is right, even when those around her are warning her off. We don't really get to know Audrey – only through the aftermath of her death. Black Wings by Kathleen Toomey Jabs, who by the way is an Academy graduate, is a very good read. Not only a masterful mystery but one that opens the doors on plebes in the Academy and the rigors they must go through to reach their goals. Not all make the grade but one has to admire the effort. The story is told in two time frames, from one chapter to the next. We are privy to a live Audrey and her trials being a plebe simply because she can beat men at most things. And does so. Then we move forward to the time after her death as Bridget delves into the cause of the plane taking Audrey to a watery grave. Black wings do make an appearance, but I shan't give the plot away. Too good to spoil. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews