Cozy historical mystery with a romantic twist? Sign me up! This is book 4 in the Electra McDonnell series which stars Ellie McDonnell, a safecracker turned spy during WW2 in England who has paired up with her handler Major Ramsey, for another mission.

This is a delightfully cozy mystery with just enough action to keep you engaged, just enough innocent heat to root for the couple, and just enough historical context to give it a strong sense of place. I did not read the first books in this series, and was not lost while reading and is fine reading this as a standalone, but the book did reference the past, making me more disappointed that I missed out on spending more time with Electra reading the first 3 books. This book does set you up for additional books in the series. Overall, a satisfying cozy read. I have added the three existing to my TBR and will be looking out for the 5th.

Locked in Pursuit is the fourth book in the absolutely riveting Electra McDonnell series. Just when you think it can't get any better, WHOA, there it is! I'm so thrilled that I got into this series from the beginning. If you are starting with this one, the main mystery stands alone. However, there are references to past stories that you'll want to know about. Trust me. Jump into this one, then go back and read all you missed. You'll be ecstatic when you do. You're welcome.

It's January 1941 in London, and the war rages on. Ellie McDonnell, a safecracker who now works for the British government, hasn't seen her handler Major Gabriel Ramsey since an almost deadly mission three months before. When she hears about a suspicious robbery, she figures she better contact the handsome - and aloof - Major. They discover a number of burglaries in London that all lead back to a nest of spies in neutral Lisbon, Portugal, as well as unknown object brought to London by a mysterious courier. Soon the crimes escalate as the thieves become more and more desperate, and Ellie and Ramsey must beat them at their own game. They're busy fighting unknown assailants and enemy agents, but their hardest task is to ignore the mutual attraction they both feel and have agreed not to acknowledge. Ellie and Ramsey soon learn that it may in fact take a thief to catch one.

After the last book, I didn't think anything could top it. I was happily reading along and enjoying myself, but it wasn't reaching the pinnacle of the last story...until I was about two-thirds done. And then it hit. WHAM! I was sitting on the edge of my seat and crying my eyes out until I reached the end! I did NOT see that coming! The story was absolutely fabulous, but I'm especially enamored of the characters. Electra (Ellie) McDonald was a safecracker who worked with her Uncle Mick, but she's been working for the government with Ramsey as her handler since they were caught by him (as set out in A Peculiar Combination). She gets to put her safecracking and thievery skills to use on the side of good now. She and Ramsey let their strong attraction for each other to get the best of them during their last mission, and they swore to never speak of it, or act on it again. Easier said than done! Ellie's also dealing with the revelation of what her father might have done during the Great War, and she cannot speak of that to anyone, especially Ramsey. She's a strong-willed young woman who would do anything for her family, friends and country. Then there's Major Gabriel Ramsey. Compared to Ellie, he's a total grump; let's just call him aloof - it sounds better. Being a military man was always his dream and goal, which put an end to an important relationship years ago. He acts like he's cold, but there's a fire obviously burning deep inside him, and Ellie seems to be the one to bring it out. He still recovering and in some pain from injuries received in the prior mission. He's beginning to let himself feel, but then IT happens. (And I am NOT going to give any spoilers. Never, never, never!) Secondary characters in the book are just as endearing as the main ones. Uncle Mick is a sweetheart of a man who raised Ellie after her parents' deaths. He's a master safecracker, and he taught Ellie everything she knows. Now, like Ellie, he also works for Ramsey when needed, in addition to his regular locksmith work. Felix Lacey, a master forger who sometimes helps with missions, is Ellie's dearest and closest friend, He's very easygoing and adores Ellie; will there ever be more? Housekeeper Nacy has been like a mother to Ellie and is an absolute sweetheart and very loving. Gabriel's twin sister Noelle (they were born on Christmas) was a nice addition to the story and I loved her support of Ellie. I hope we see more of her. And we now have adorable Burglar, the kitten Ellie saved from the rubble after a German bombing raid. (If I didn't already love Ellie, I would have after saving a furbaby!) I don't want to give too much away regarding the story; I hate to ruin it for everyone else. But I will tell you it ends on a cliffhanger. NOOOOOOOOOO! Don't make me wait a year for the next book!!!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am a huge fan of this series, set in London during the blitz. Safecracker Electra, working with her uncle Mick, was picked up by British intelligence in the first book for special “help” on a government job, and now four books in, she’s wanting to give up her former life of crime and is completely committed to government service. Weaver also has the soul of a romance writer, and Electra has two possible and delightful beaus: Felix, whom she’s known since childhood, and the dashing Major Ramsey, her “handler”. In the last book the two shared a passionate kiss but they now seem to be trying to forget about it. However, the heart wants what the heart wants.

As the book opens, Electra, a bit at loose ends and frankly missing the major, decides to drop by his office after she’d noticed a newspaper account of a robbery at a swanky dinner party. Something seems off about it and she wants to point it out to the Major. They are prickly and uncomfortable with one another but sure enough he quickly gives her a call, saying something is indeed off. The two set out to interview all the party guests who still remain in London. Their investigation sharpens when they discover the dead body of one of the robbery victims in her hotel room.

It seems the burglars – whose take seemed haphazard to Electra – were after something more than jewels: they are looking for a map to pass along to Germany. An operation is put together wherein Felix, a gifted forger, creates a new map and Electra heads to a party to attempt to swap it out.

These vivid books are filled with action scenes, romance, and a bird’s eye view of wartime London. At one point Electra reflects that she’s lucky to have a basement to wait out the almost nightly German bombing attacks, and she and her uncle and their housekeeper (and her defacto mom) feel almost cozy down there.

Electra is the daughter of a woman who died in prison after being accused of murdering her father, who was apparently a German spy. She hides this secret from most people but she’s dying to find out the facts of the story, as they are murky, and in this novel a new clue emerges that has her thinking she might be able to finally crack this secret.

These speedy reads are also good at extending the puzzle of both the secret of Electra’s parentage, and the choice she must make between Felix and Ramsay. Because each novel ends with a cliffhanger that leads directly to the next instalment, this extension of these parts of Electra’s life only add to the interest and suspense of the books.

There’s a really heartbreaking scene toward the end of the book which was a shocker and Weaver supplies more than twist before she finishes this tale. As I closed it, I said to myself, “damn, a whole year before the next one!” These books are a complete blast. If you are fan of Susan MacNeal’s Maggie Hope series, you should be equally enchanted by these books. Four books in, they are a must read for me.

Locked in Pursuit is the fourth book in the Electra McDonnell Series by Ashley Weaver. However, it is the first book in the series or by this author that I have read. From the first line which is a doozy grabbing my attention and keeping it the entire book. Then the last line of the book makes me eager for the next to be released. It is an addictive read with such an interesting character as Electra McDonnell and the straitlaced Major Ramsey, handsome though he may be.

Electra is such a complex character, having her faults and keeping her secrets but she is also someone you would want on your side. A character that sticks in your mind even after finishing the book. Such a great historical mystery that I have purchased the first book, hoping to catch up with the complete series before long. Without any hesitation I can recommend this series especially Locked in Pursuit to all mystery or historical fans.

Get ready to unlock book four of the Electra McDonnell series.

A robbery that doesn't quite seem to add up brings Electra and Major Ramsey in contact again to investigate. Hardened by past experiences, the characters in this installment of the series have changed from previous titles. With the war ever present this is hardly surprising, and I wonder where their paths will take them next.

The introduction of several new characters sheds light on Major Ramsey's life, and I hope we will meet them again in future titles.

I eagerly await the fifth book to find out what happens next, and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical mysteries.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley

Electra McDonnell #4. After Ellie and Major Ramsey's kiss in the last book, the two have drawn back, and Ellie vows not to approach him until she reads about a robbery that doesn't sound quite right, and brings it to him. Once again her instincts prove right, and the two step into a complex situation of spies and couriers connected to Lisbon. At the same time, Ellie is delving further into the mystery of her parents.
Lots of action and daring do with the same offbeat characters and new villains. The constantly fluctuating relationship between Ellie and the Major is getting a little old, but develops plausibly enough. Goodness, isn't there enough peril in war, spying and thievery? The plotting is outstanding with a great mystery both in the task at hand and the enigma of Ellie's father. I seem to recall the earlier books being a bit lighter. This one is intense! Fun and highly recommended.

I'm always so happy when I have a new Ashley Weaver book to read. She is marvelous at creating likable but complex characters. Locked in Pursuit is the fourth book in the Electra McDonnell series. A little backstory for folks who haven't read the books. Ellie is part of a family of thieves. In the first book, they are recruited by the British government to help with the war effort, and we meet Major Gabriel Ramsey, their handler. In the new book, Ellie helps Gabriel find an object that has been smuggled into England and is of great interest to the Nazis. There also is a secondary plot involving Ellie's long-dead parents. In the new book, Weaver lets readers get a glimpse of the criminal underworld that is part of the McDonnell's lives. I highly recommend this series if you like cozy historical fiction with a little romance on the side. The books do need to be read in order, and be warned-- Locked in Pursuit ends on a cliffhanger.

Locked in Pursuit, Ashley Weaver's 4th Electra McDonnell mystery, is a winner. It's got the suspense and intrigue you'd expect from a mystery set in WWII Britain, plus all the feels of a slow burn romance between Electra and Major Gabriel Ramsey, the military intelligence officer who has conscripted Ellie's lockpicking, safecracking skills into patriotic service . This time, you have to wait until the 26th chapter for them to lock lips, but it's worth the wait, as Ellie and Gabriel tangle with German spies' vicious quest for a secret map and their own increasingly irresistible attraction.

There's significant character development in this installment, though you don't need to have read previous books to appreciate it. For example, Ellie comes to terms with her feelings for Gabriel and her desire to stay straight after the war. Gabriel's tightly controlled exterior gives way to physical and emotional vulnerabilities, in part, through his charming twin sister who befriends Ellie.

The book ends on a cliffhanger: Gabriel reluctantly engages Ellie for a new, very dangerous mission as she, on the brink of discoveries about her father, flirts with asking for Gabriel's help in uncovering the truth.

A surefire 5 stars, I can't wait for the 5th installment!

Unusual characters, romantic tension, interesting plot. Made me want to read the other books in series. Will add this author to my favorites.

Usually, when I want to knock some sense into a character, I’m reading a dubiously written romance novel, not a well-written mystery by a great author; yet, here I am. Although a great story with a twisty ending, Electra McDonnell has never frustrated me as much as she has in her latest release, Locked in Pursuit. I think it’s a testament to Weaver’s writing that Ellie has caused me so much frustration!

Ellie McDonnell hasn’t heard from Major Ramsey in months. After noticing some strange undercurrents in the safecracking underworld, she decides she has nothing to lose by visiting to drop him the information. She’s surprised when Ramsey admits to needing her expertise, and it’s connected to her information. As she and Ramsey follow up with the info, it turns out that they can’t let sleeping dogs lie, and matters with Felix finally come to a head.

**Disclaimer: If you’re thinking “Who’s Ramsey? Who’s Felix? I suggest you start this series from the beginning. They can be read as standalone novels, but are better if you go in order!

Let’s talk plot: it was good. The villain, in the end, is one that I didn’t see coming. Ellie and Ramsey must employ all their skills (sneaking, safecracking, and glamorous personalities) to track down the guilty party and prevent damage to the British empire.

Okay, now that we’ve got the plot out of the way, let’s talk ANGST AND FRUSTRATION:

Ellie, for some godforsaken reason, keeps hiding things from the major. And, hiding things from the major. And, hiding more things from the major. The outcome, as you can probably guess, is not good. It is also not surprising. Ellie felt that she didn’t (or shouldn’t) have to keep the major informed of her activities…typical of the self-sufficient, proud woman she is. And she should be proud and self-reliant, especially in wartime when nothing is certain, but she should also be trusting.

Major Ramsey has always indicated that he is a man to be trusted, and I think he deserved better from Ellie in this book. She walks away devastated, at the end, and then decides not to trust him some more. Like, what are you doing, girl?? Dig yourself into a deeper hole, why don’t you? The major has never once mocked, ridiculed, or antagonized her over something she’s told him. He treats her with respect and professionalism, which is more than women normally got in the 1940’s, even without being former criminals. In case you can’t tell, I am offended on the Major’s behalf. No wonder the book ended like it did. (I am trying not to give away spoilers, here!!)

As usual, the entire book was entertaining and a great read. It’s an action-packed installment in the Electra McDonnell series, and I cannot wait to read the next one. I am waiting with bated breath and some trepidation. If you’ve read and enjoyed the series so far, I think you will like this one.

This series is one of my all-time faves. I’ve been enjoying following Ellie’s adventures as she uses her sharp intellect and impressive safe-cracking skills to uncover enemy spies during wartime. This story picks up where the last left off. Ellie is grappling with lingering trauma from the previous case, and this affects her confidence regarding this current case of espionage. I really love the dynamic between Ellie and Major. The romance is more prevalent in this book and I am here. for. it. In true Ashley Weaver fashion, this story absolutely hooked me. I was glued to every page and was left needing the next book right away. The only negative thing I can offer here is that I have to wait another year to get my greedy hands on the next one.
I was provided a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful series over all, The characters are likable and it’s a different and unique take on the WW II spy novel. This installment was not as exciting as some of the others but did put some exciting storylines into play and I look forward to future installments. 3 & 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. I just loved getting to enter this world. I just loved getting to meet these characters and see what they are currently getting themselves into. This book was just a really fun read. I just lost myself in this great story and I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Electra finds new information on her parents and it leads to more questions about her past. In the meantime, she reconnects with Ramsey on some burglaries that seem off, only to discover that there is a connection to a stolen map from Lisbon. A page turner that you cannot put down. There are a couple surprises at the end that leave you anxious for the next installment of the series. A great read!

Locked in Purusit is book 4 of Ashley Weaver’s Electra McDonnell WW II-era historical mystery series which follows Electra “Ellie” McDonnell, a second generation London safecracker who has been recruited/blackmailed by the handsome (and very starchy) Major Gabriel Ramsey to use her skills to support the war effort. In previous books, we’ve seen Ellie use not only her skills as a thief but her keen observational skills and good looks in various plots/investigations to root out German spies in England, all while fighting her attraction to the often infuriating Major Ramsey and looking into the truth of her parents’ deaths, both of whom died before she was born.

In Locked in Pursuit, we find Ellie reeling both from what she’s learned about her father (I won’t say more here to avoid spoilers) and her last mission with Ramsey which resulted in both a potentially ill-advised kiss and his serious injury. When she spots a newspaper article about a suspicious robbery, she takes it to Ramsey who discovers a number of people searching for a critical piece of intel. Soon she and Ramsey are working together to find and steal the document first. In the meantime, Ellie is trying to learn more about her father’s mysterious past and edges back into her role as a thief in exchange for information, leading her to keeping secrets from pretty much everyone in her life (to arguably disastrous effect).

Locked in Pursuit was another great installment in this fantastic series! I couldn’t put it down. It was so fun to finally see the relationship between Ellie and Ramsey (and Ellie and her childhood friend and maybe beau Felix) evolve and I am glad we are starting to get more about her parents. Ashley Weaver excels at thorny relationships in her mystery series and it is going to be so interesting to see how Ellie and Ramsey interact with the secrets/distrust that remain between them. I cannot wait until book 5 which will take us out of England for the first time!

Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

4.5 Out of 5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! While it isn’t as action-packed and suspense-filled as the last book was, it is a pivotal book for the series and the characters. We see the introduction of some new characters – will they stay? We also see a resolution to the relationship triangle, but not in the way you thought it might go. Plus, we get some exciting news and a cliffhanger that sets up the next book. Nicely woven through all of that is a spy story that has to be resolved. Yes, a very satisfying read indeed!

It has been three long months since Major Ramsey was shot four times and nearly died during their last case at Sunderland. Electra (Ellie) hasn’t heard a word from the Major and she’s had no jobs with his intelligence agency. Boredom and fretfulness are creeping in when she notices an article in the paper. It details a robbery having taken place during a dinner party – but – something about it just doesn’t seem right. As a master thief, Ellie knows all the elements of a robbery being ‘right’, and this one just hits a wrong note. She’s not sure why it strikes her as wrong, but she thinks she should bring it to Major Ramsey’s attention.

Major Ramsey doesn’t seem particularly delighted to see her, nor does he think much of her ‘feelings’ about that robbery. However, it seems he did take her seriously as he has found two other robberies that fit that same ‘odd’ mold and they begin their investigation. They aren’t sure what they are looking for – if anything – but they are looking into all of the robberies and those who were robbed. Soon, they discover the reason for the robberies and what they should be looking for.

In the meantime, Ellie continues to look into the murder of her father. In the last book, she was told that he was a spy for the Germans. She’s found a small book with a coded letter inside – she just has to decode it – if she can. Getting it decoded causes her to owe a ‘favor’ to someone and repaying that favor causes her a great deal of pain and grief. It might also get her killed.

By the end of the book, Ellie is in a great deal of emotional pain and despair – when – out of the blue – comes the saving grace – a cliffhanger! Ellie has the opportunity to do something momentous for herself, her country, and her family. Whew! I’m betting that the next book is going to be a doozie!

This is a quick, interesting, well-told tale and I recommend it – especially if you like spy stories, romance, intrigue, danger – and a cliffhanger. I hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books/St. Martins Publishing for the ARC of 'Locked in Pursuit' in exchange for an honest review.
While this thriller is fourth in a series, it's the first one of them I've read. First off, it works just fine as a stand-alone and author Ashely Weaver deftly brings a new reader up to speed about the characters and how the aftermath of their last harrowing adventure has affected them.
And most importantly, it succeeds in what authors of series novels hope to achieve with readers who've encountered a later book in the ongoing saga...........to make you want to immediately go back and start reading the other books from the beginning.
In that regard, mission accomplished. Upon finishing 'Locked In Pursuit', I can't wait to get my hands on the first three books and can't wait for the next one.....(which 'Locked In Pursuit' leaves you panting for....)
The book had me right away, dealing with one of the most fascinating historical periods - wartime London, bedeviled by the nightly onslaught of Nazi bombing raids. Fighting nefarious espionage on the homefront is an odd pairing of spy-busters.......stiff upper lip Major Ramsey of Military Intelligence and his unlikely recruit from a family of criminals, professional safecracker-thief Electra McDonnell.
When Ellie suspects there's more than meets the eye to a series of strange burglaries all over town, she and the Major waste no time tracing the crimes back to a Lisbon spy ring.. And before long, everyone involved is hunting down a stolen secret that could aid the Nazi war machine.......a secret that Ellie and the Major need to desperately keep from falling into the wrong hands.
Not only does danger lurk everywhere, there's another elephant-in-the-room. - the unspoken but unmistakable romantic tension between Ellie and her boss, especially touched off by their last near fatal mission.
Loved everything about this book as the pages flew by. Suspenseful espionage the romance struggling to make itself known, the evocation of England at war and Ellie's resourceful, fearless courage in dealing with spies, London criminals, and anyone who makes the mistake of underestimating her..
Now if you'll all please pardon me while I go find the first three books of Ellie's exploits.....and anxiously await the next one.
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The idea that a career female thief could become a British government asset, partnered with tall, handsome military man, is a bit far-fetched, right? So it’s a tribute to Ashley Weaver’s writing that she makes us accept the setup easily, as well as the series’ inevitable romantic tension between Ellie and Major Ramsey. I no longer blink an eye at how Ellie’s sensibility is so straight, despite her having spent her whole life as part of a criminal enterprise with her safecracker Uncle Mick.

In this fourth book in the series, the action cracks along, as Ellie and the Major work to track down a mysterious object that’s been brought into the country from Portugal, and that may be something the Germans are after as well. Between this job and having a couple of favors called in by old acquaintances, Ellie has several dangerous break-in jobs on her plate. The Major is with her for some of these jobs, and the danger of the work seems to increase the intensity of the attraction they’ve tried to repress.

If you like historical fiction series with a dollop of clean romance, this series could be just the ticket for you.

A fun historical, mystery thriller set in London in the 1940s. Electra is a lock picking criminal along with her uncle. After she is caught she joins up with the military as a spy.

Her latest case involves some break ins around London. She must work to figure out what the thieves are looking for and stop them. This had almost a Sherlock Holmes vibe to it. Bonus: a little love triangle as well.

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan publishing for the ARC!