Ashley Weaver brings Electra McDonnell into a second World War II mystery in The Key to Deceit. Electra is fixing locks in 1940's London quite legally after her family had been drafted into the war effort to keep them out of jail for stealing and safe cracking. Major Ramsey returns to ask her aid in opening a locked bracelet on the wrist of a woman who was murdered and dumped in the Thames. Espionage is suspected; was the woman one of the spies photographing sites for the Germans to bomb? Fast moving narrative and interesting relationships in the intriguing mystery.

It's September 1940 and it's only been a few weeks since Ellie McDonnell helped the handsome, aristocratic Major Gabriel Ramsey break into a house to retrieve some important blueprints before they could be given to the Nazis in A Peculiar Combination. Naturally, she's antsy for another chance to work with Major Ramsey, but first a little background information for those who haven't discovered this great series: Ellie was raised by her Irish Uncle Mick in London after her mother was arrested and imprisoned for supposedly killing Ellie's father, Uncle Mick's brother. Uncle Mick is a locksmith by day, and He, his three sons and Ellie were a safe crackers by night until Major Ramsey caught them in the act and gave the McDonnell family an ultimatum: live on the straight and narrow and help in the war effort or go to prison. I guess you can figure out which choice they made.
Luckily, Ellie doesn't have to wait long for the Major to need her safe cracking skills. A woman found dead floating in the Thames is wearing a curious bracelet - it's a thick cuff that is locked to the wearer's wrist. Ellie is a little queasy about picking the lock on the wrist of a dead woman and stalls by going over her clothing, which was new and expensive. Once Ellie has picked the lock open, they determine it contains a miniature camera. Major Ramsey dismisses Ellie and sends her home, but not for long. Turns out the clothing description helped them determine that the woman was doing something underhanded - there was a bag of precious gemstones hidden in her coat.

Ellie and her sorta, kinda boyfriend Felix Lacey call on a pawnbroker friend to help them identify and figure out the source of the gems, the women, now identified as Myra Fields, had hidden in her coat. Myra was engaged in espionage for the Germans and the photographs she had taken would be very useful to the Germans should they ever begin bombing London. They also learn that she had been staying in a boarding house run by a Mrs. Paine.

Ellie and Major Ramsey decide to visit the boarding house as an engaged couple and cousin of Myra's, to see what they can find. And in the midst of gathering evidence of a possible spy ring, the Nazis begin bombing London. Once bombing begins, not knowing who is part of the spy ring or how large it is makes the need to capture the spies taking pictures of possible bombing sites and their ring leader even more imperative.

There's a lot going on in this novel and it moves at a pretty quick pace, but it is by no means overwhelming. In fact, some of it is a nice break from the mystery at hand. First, there is the relationship between Ellie and Major Ramsey. She is feisty, and can be a buster, while he is aristocratically uptight. Yet, there is chemistry brewing between them and Ellie's family would be pleased a punch to see her involved with him. And Ellie does think about it, but wait, what about Felix? He's so sweet and things could get more serious between them and he is more her sort, criminally speaking. Then, there is the case of Ellie's mother, who maintained her innocence right up until her death from the flu epidemic. Can Ellie find a way to clear her mother's name? And of course there are the everyday changes that war brings on in people's lives. I just love details.

All in all, I found The Key to Deceit an enjoyable mystery, with lots of details and good plotting so that when the culprit was finally revealed, I was surprised. The fact is that I was a little skeptical about the Electra McDonnell series when I first heard about it, but after reading these first two novels, I can't wait for the third book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for supplying me with an EARC.

I must admit I was a bit disappointed by this book. I read the first book in the series and had some issues with the plot and pacing, but by the end of the book everything seemed to work itself out and I ended up enjoying it, so I was looking forward to this second installment.
This book had the very same pacing issues, however. For most of the book, Ellie talks to herself though inner monologue and narrates what is going on in her head. It gets repetitive and boring, not to mention the fact that I don't thing anyone actually speaks that way to themselves. It came across as stilted and inorganic. I just really needed some action in the story, and there was too little of it.
I am not sure if I will read the next book in the series. It will either get better or get worse, and I'm not sure I can put up with it if it gets worse.

I’m starting this series with book two, because, why not? Ashley Weaver’s main character Electra McDonnell’s family of locksmiths/thieves were blackmailed by a government investigator (in book one) to help him on espionage cases during the early years of WWII. Sounds like a fun premise, and as I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read in this author’s earlier mystery series, I figured this would be a fun series with espionage, murder, history and some romance. And that’s what this was.

Electra is pulled into a case after the Major asked her to help him with his latest case, involving a drowning victim. Electra unlocks a fair bit of information about the woman’s economic situation by pointing out details of the woman’s clothing, and soon, much to the Major’s dismay, he’s bringing Electra into more of his investigation. Electra and the Major soon unearth treasonous activities by a small group of Brits, and Electra is almost killed doing so.

Meanwhile, a friend and possible beau is helping Electra look into the murder of her father and conviction of her mother, both of which occurred years earlier.

Ashley Weaver keeps the story moving well, and Electra is a charming and smart main character. I wasn’t thrilled by the love triangle between Electra and the two men in her life, but I liked the whole criminals solving espionage cases while the Germans begin bombing London story. It’s a light and enjoyable story, and I’ll have to check out book one, as well as Electra’s future endeavours.

Thank you to Netgalley and to st. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series so I couldn’t wait to read this one!

Electra (Ellie) comes from a family with not quite legal skills, but now she uses her smarts for good, during WWII to help with British military intelligence. When Major Ramsey asks for Ellie’s help after a young woman is found dead, it leads in the unexpected direction of a German spy ring. There’s also a continuation of a story from book one, which was a murder that hits closer to home for Ellie.

I absolutely love every Ashley Weaver book I’ve read and this one is no exception. The mystery is fast paced and keeps you guessing. These characters are so well developed and their interactions are fantastic. There’s a bit of a love triangle, which I’m kind of meh on, mostly because while I like Ellie’s childhood friend, I think he works better as a friend. But I do see some sparkly romance vibes with Ellie and Ramsey.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

In the second Electra McDonnell book, we once again find Ellie and Ramsey trying to catch some spies and save England from another German spy ring. Ellie misses the rush she gets when unlocking a code, so is ready for another chance to help solve another mystery involving spies and double agents. So when Major Ramsey turns up unannounced with another job, she can’t say no. A woman’s body has been found floating in the Thames, with a bracelet locked onto her wrist, and a cameo locket attached to it. When the locket is opened, it is clear she is a spy. Who was she reporting to? And who wanted her dead?

This second book in the series finds England more embroiled in the war, with bombings becoming a regular occurrence. Ellie's keen observation skills come into play when she notices that the woman is well dressed, yet in new clothes. She has recently come into money. Ellie and Ramsey quickly realize that this threat is made up of people photographing key places to bomb, in order to inflict the most damage. As they get closer solving the plot and finding others in the spy ring, things get dicey. Along comes Ellie's sweetheart to complicate things and that dreaded romance triangle I feared becomes part of the plot. The writing is well done, with description to give us the feel of what it was like to hear the air raid sirens and have to run to bomb shelters or the underground. We meet everyday citizens who are caught up with the Nazi Sympathizers and the offer of money in a city that is facing shortages and rationing. There is a second storyline dealing with Ellie's family history that is woven into the story. Overall, this was a mystery, spy story, with some romance and danger. The reveal of who was behind the spy ring surprised me, but it made perfect sense. Although I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, it was an interesting and enjoyable story. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Ellie and Ramsey.

‘London, 1940. After years of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor—well, to themselves, anyway—Ellie McDonnell and her family have turned over a new leaf as they help the government’s war effort. It’s true that the straight-laced Major Ramsey didn’t give them much choice, but still, Ellie must admit she doesn’t miss breaking and entering as much as she might have thought. What she does miss is the challenge of unlocking an impossible code and the adrenaline rush that comes from being somewhere she shouldn’t.

So when Major Ramsey turns up unannounced with another job, she can’t say no. A woman’s body has been found floating in the Thames, with a bracelet locked onto her wrist, and a cameo locket attached to it. It’s clear this woman was involved in espionage, but whose side was she on? Who was she reporting to? And who wanted her dead?’
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4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

The Key to Deceit is the second book in Ashley Weaver’s Electra McDonnell series. This is my honest review.

I think this series is great so far and that Electra is a great main character, I appreciate that she stands a little outside the ideal norms of the time for what a woman should be and how they should behave. Some whodunit, danger, some intrigue and espionage, this series is very compelling so far.

I was pretty sure I knew who the villain mastermind was for a bit before the reveal so I wasn’t on the edge of my seat, but I enjoyed the journey to the reveal. The secondary mystery of her mother and the crime she was accused carries forward from the first book in the series and gives us and Electa a bit more insight, that in turn raises some further questions. I’m intrigued to see where this mystery will take her as the series progresses

What I didn’t quite enjoy was the love triangle. Always a pretty big NO from me, but I’m disappointed that this element seems to be growing here. It is introduced in the first book, but it is more the idea that there is the potential of something between Ellie and Felix that they skirt around instead of pursuing and then she meets Ramsey and there is an unvoiced attraction. In this second book it is much more blatant and Ellie is fixating on one or the other back and forth throughout the book. This isn’t a deal breaker for me yet, but I hope this won’t overshadow the future mysteries.

I’ve read Ashley Weaver’s debut Amory Ames series and I enjoyed it quite a lot. That series reads much more like a cozy mystery series and so I am enjoying this series much more so far. Also Electra is a much more intriguing character than Amory, so if you enjoyed the previous series, but found Amory a bit meh sometimes, then I think you’ll really enjoy this series. I would recommend reading this series in order, although it’s not essential. Looking forward to the next in the series!
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I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for sharing an eARC of The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver. This is my honest review.

Four & 1/2 stars. The second book in what I hope will be a long running series - The Key to Deceit was even better than the first book and kept my complete attention! The only reason I didn't give 5 stars was the somewhat abrupt ending. I would have liked just a bit more to wrap up the story completely.

Key to Deceit definitely amped up the mystery aspect with a solid who-dun-it murder plotline. Weaver captures the feel of WWII in England as they experience the blitzkrieg in such a matter of fact manner. She also builds up suspense as Ellie helps the Major identify spies giving intelligence to the Germans and bring down their network.

I enjoyed this very much & am eagerly waiting for the next adventure.

Electra McDonnell is quickly becoming one of my favorite protagonists! I love the anomaly of having a "thief" work for the military, giving up crime as their patriotic duty to use their unique skills for the government during WWII. The fact that Electra and her uncle are such smart, fun and likable characters draws you in and the taciturn but intriguing Major Ramsey adds just the right amount of spice.

A young woman is found floating in the Thames with a unique bracelet locked on her wrist. It is clear she was involved in espionage but as to what ends is not. While Ellie doesn't miss breaking and entering, she needs a challenge and insists on helping the Major find who is responsible.

Ashley Weaver's Amory Ames series is one of my all time favorites so I was excited when she introduced this new one last year. I had my fingers crossed that the second book would live up the first and I can honestly say, The Key to Deceit may be even better. The characters, setting, plot and story are engaging, smart and addictive with the worst part being that you have to wait so long for the next one to come out!

I highly recommend to fans of the Maggie Hope, Maisie Dobbs, Her Royal Spyness, or Mary Russell mysteries. Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read #AKeytoDeceit.

The Key To Deceit is book 2 in the Electra (Ellie) McDonnell series but can easily be read as a stand-alone. This cozy mystery includes thieves, spies, murder, and a quasi-love triangle set in London during WWII.

Ellie McDonnell and her uncle are professional thieves; picking locks are their specialty. The two are recruited by Major Ramsey to help with the British war effort and to use their deceitful trade for a good cause.

When a woman’s body is discovered floating in the Thames, Major Ramsey asks Ellie for help in unlocking the cameo bracelet. Inside the bracelet is a tiny camera. And upon further investigation, Major Ramsey and Ellie uncover a potential German espionage ring just as the Germans start bombing London.

Overall, I thought the story balanced all the cozy mystery elements. But for me, some of the storylines dragged at times. I do think that’s more me as the reader than the book itself because most of the reviews on GoodReads are 4 and 5 stars so….

Who would love this book?
✨Cozy mystery lovers
✨Mysteries that take place in 1940s
✨Slow burn romance triangle that’s very PG
✨Clues that help the reader solve the mystery

Electra (Ellie) McDonnell is now in her early 20s, having been raised by her Uncle Mick, a locksmith and former thief. This is the second entry in the series, both set in WWII London. A woman was found dead in the Thames, wearing an elaborate locked bracelet. The handsome Major Ramsey, who used the family to assist in a sensitive military intelligence venture in the first novel is back seeking help to remove the bracelet intact. Ellie knows as much about locksmithing as her Uncle and cousins and, since only she is around, she gets the job. This leads to a very satisfying spy story, investigated by the Major and Ellie with help as needed from some of Ellies wrong side of the law connections. Ellie's family would love to see sparks fly with the Major and her. After all, his uncle is an Earl. But she seems to be true to the budding relationship with her childhood friend, Felix. Meanwhile, Ellie has begun to investigate her mother's conviction for her father's murder, interviewing people with knowledge of the crime and her mother's character beyond that found in a newspaper. I greatly enjoy the characters and setting and the plot was engaging as well. I look forward to more books featuring Ellie McDonnell.

The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver - 4 Stars

This is the second book in her Electra McDonnell series. This book brings back Major Ramsey and another job for the country. This time is a ring of spies. I love all the characters and the storyline. I really love how Ellie loves her family and her country. The story is another great one and I really enjoyed the time reading it.

The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver (Electra McDonnell #2) 4 stars

It a woman found floating in the Thames with no identification and a mysterious bracelet attached to her wrist that brings Ellie McDonnell back under the auspices of Major Ramsey and his special group of operatives. What follows is a hunt for a group of spies that is providing photographic intelligence to Germany. Can Ellie and company stop the information from reaching the German agents and foil their operations in London?

This was an exciting and fast read once I got through the first few chapters. The author is setting this up as a long running series with a secondary plotline that can run through many books. There are two potential relationships for Ellie and I know which one I am rooting for. A good mystery and a great follow-up to “A Peculiar Combination” from last year. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC.

Historical mysteries are always a favorite read for me. I have read some of Ashley Weavers' books and liked them well enough. Her mysteries are first rate but sometimes her characters seem a little flat and stereotypes. The Key To Deceit was a great mystery. A woman's body was found drowned in the Thames with expensive jewels in the lining of her fur coat and a mysterious bracelet and a key that fit a clock. Elie McDonall and her familyv were drawn into the case because of their skill at picking looks which they had successfully accomplished when they were active on the wrong side of the law. It was very interesting to see where the path led them and how they solved the crime. I was sad about how the young women were used by tte Germans to carry out their evil intent. The bombing of London happening overhead gave a sense of fear, chaos and urgency that moved the story along at an intense, almost frantic pace.
My only disappointment was the romantic triangle that spoiled the near perfect mystery story. It really wasn't needed. I am not a romance reader for a reason and I dislike having that kind of story interfering with the more important and interesting mystery story line. I like Weaver's books enough without the Bachelorette intrigue.
On tte whole I liked the book because of the mystery story and the historical setting but could have used a lot less of tte romance.
My vision of tte book was like watching an old black and white movie where a clever sleuth/plucky heroine solve a mystery with a partner but without the romance drawing tte attention away from the case.
Thank you Net Galley, author Ashley Weaver and publisher McMillan for providing me with an ARC of The Key To Deceit and my opinion of the book is freely given.

The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver is part of a series in which locksmiths/lock pickers become involved with British intelligence during World War II. Seems their talents come in handy. Being with intelligence keeps them from being caught and punished. Win-win! Ellie McDonnell lived with her uncle Mick and he had taught her everything she knows. She'd been his adopted daughter ever since her mother went to prison for killing her husband, Ellie's father, and Mick's brother when she was two years old. They didn't talk much about it, but she had read some newspaper articles and she believed her mother to be innocent, despite the fact she'd died in prison Now, Felix, her friend (and maybe more?) had received a letter from his friend saying his mother would be willing to talk to Ellie. She had been in prison with Ellie's mother. But Major Ramsey had been by and needed her help so her mother would have to wait. 

Major Ramsey was a conundrum. He was the nephew of an earl and a highly trained British soldier, who was in a position of power in the intelligence community. He had shown some interest in Ellie, but mostly was all business. Felix, on the other hand, definitely had an interest and he was willing to show it. Again, a problem for another time. German bombings of London had just begun and the descriptions were horrific. The McDonnells were spared, but they went out to try and help. It was heartbreaking. The good news was that they seemed to have uncovered a den of spies and worked hard to discover who was at the head of it and where were the rolls and rolls of film? Were they already in the hands of the Germans, allowing for their bombing efforts to be more targeted? It was shocking when the truth was uncovered by Ellie and Felix, but all came aright in this delightful novel of spying in wartime England. Good book. Second in the series, so not too late to catch up.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Key to Deceit by Minotaur Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #minotaur #ashleyweaver #thekeytodeceit

I devoured this book! I wasn't 100% sold on Electra in the first iterations of the series, but in this one I feel like she really came into her own as a lock picker/intelligence asset. The triangle she sort of finds herself in is intriguing and I can't wait to see how that plays out.

After reading the first book in this series A Peculiar Combination, I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for The Key to Deceit. It totally didn’t disappoint.

One thing I love about Ashley Weaver’s books is that the mysteries are easy to follow yet amazingly clever. Throw in some romance elements, and I’m sold! This storyline has a bit of a love triangle, which usually isn’t my favorite, but the author handles the relationships brilliantly. Though let it be known, I am rooting for Electra and the Major. I suspect Felix is into shady stuff, though that’s just my guess. Anyway! I love love love intelligent heroines with gumption which is why I adored Electra. The twisty plot featured spies and secret codes set to the WWII backdrop.

I’m already stalking Amazon for info about the next book in this series.

I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A thief, a major and secrets!

Electra (Ellie) McDonnell is on a quest. To find out if her dead mother really did kill her father. London, 1940. The war is raging, bombs are being dropped by the Germans. Major Ramsey, working for a secretive arm of the intelligence service has a job for this ex-jewellery thief and her family, her reformed safe cracking, jewel robbing family.
The major is a man Ellie is conflicted about. She’s antagonistic in his company, can’t seem to get a handle on her responses to him, and is alarmed that she thinks about him too frequently.
The government has found their skills useful in the past. Their help is urgently needed. A dead woman has been dragged from the Thames wearing a camera disguised as a bracelet. Major Ramsey needs their skills to try and track down a probable espionage ring.
I love the tension in the plot. Ellie’s quest for information about her mother is supported by her long time friend Felix Lacey, and yet to me there’s something a little off with Felix. And what has he been doing in Scotland.
Ellie’s unresolved feelings towards the enigmatic Major are a counterpoint of drama in the novel. The pages sizzle with understated emotion when they’re together. Ramsey obviously comes from a privileged background. As Ellie reflects, he’s the nephew of an Earl and “a toff through and through.” Mr. Darcy keeps flashing before my eyes whenever I think of him.
Ellie and her relationship with both men—Ramsey and Felix, does setup the potential for a future love triangle distraction.
BTW, thinking about attraction, I must say that I’ve found the cover of this title and the previous one quite alluring.
Another solid read from Weaver with plenty more of Ellie McDonnell to come I’m sure. I’m looking forward to the next “brick in the wall!”

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I loved this book! I think I loved it even more than the first book in the series, and that is really saying something. There are so many things that make The Key to Deceit a great read; top-notch dialogue, suspense, intrigue, and an authentic setting. It all comes together and makes for a lovely book.

Ellie is just a delight. She’s smart, tough, and adventurous. She is just the sort of character you want to spend a day with, and I hope we get many more adventures with her and her quirky family and friends. Speaking of which, I love Uncle Mick and Nacy to pieces. They feel like people you would know in real life and the love they have for Ellie is palpable. Merriweather Hastings was a new character that I also loved!

And let me mention the two love interests in Ellie’s life. Normally, I don’t like love triangles in books, but in the case of the Electra McDonnell mysteries, I’ll make an exception just because I like both Major Ramsey and Felix Lacey.

Weaver is a master at writing mysteries that keep you guessing. I was totally surprised by who had committed the crime, and I love when that happens. Combined with impeccable research providing a vivid WWII era London setting and wonderful characters that are perfectly developed make this book a delightful read.

Brimming with suspense, witty banter, and sparkling period details, The Key to Deceit is everything historical mystery lovers crave. Highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Well. Wow.

I was so into this book that I kept reading past the place I wanted to stop so I could read my other book. Finally, at an hour and a half left, I gave in and just listened and fully enjoyed, immersed in the world of Ellie and Major Ramsey and Uncle Mick and Naisey and the rest of the crew. And what a glorious ride this book was. I had really liked the first one, but this one sucked me in from the first page and I could barely put it down the first day of reading and clearly, the second day was meant simply for me to finish it. ;-)

I am relatively new to the historical mystery genre and I have to say that with the exception of only a couple series, I have been completely entranced by the genre and this book is one of the reasons why. It is books like this, meticulously researched, very real-to-life [yet often hilarious, just as life is] and a very good story-line [as well as the side mystery of Ellie's mom] are just so well done that you can barely believe that they aren't not real people and that this isn't happening in the now [though I am glad we are not living with bombs raining down on us at night - it makes me remember that there are still many who do and the gratefulness intensifies].

This is an excellent story - the team is dealing with spies this time, traitors to their country and the people that live there. The story is tragic as it unfolds, but the reveal makes it clear that no one deserves any remaining sympathy that you might still be harboring, as choices were made and the people involved were unapologetic up to the end. I had guessed near the beginning who the spies might be, but the author does red herrings very well, and I second guessed myself a couple of times. Silly me. ;-)

My only issue is there is the potential for a [STUPID] love triangle. I will say that the writing is very good and it doesn't bug me as much as that trope usually does. That says so much about how much I love this series. I just hope that it doesn't fully develop and that we can move on from this nonsense. I have always found love triangles to be lazy and sloppy writing and this is most definitely is not that. Ellie is not a silly girl and it is beneath her AND Felix and Major Ramsey to drag this out. They are too great of characters to subject them to this kind of trope.

I am so glad I took a chance on this series [I have had so many bombs lately, that this made me very nervous. I am SO not anymore!]. It is absolutely my new favorite and I will be waiting with baited breath for the next one in the series and will be recommending this to everyone I know [as well as diving into her other series]. Well done!! ♥

I was also granted a audiobook ARC and fellow readers, this was excellent. Alison Larkin is one of my all-time favorite narrators and I was beyond excited when I saw that she was the narrator of this series and I was not disappointed. Alison Larkin makes these stories and characters come alive and it is like she IS Ellie McDonnell and you just never want the story to end. I highly recommend that if you want to read this series to think about the audiobooks. You will not be sorry. ♥

Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Weaver, Alison Larkin - Narrator, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing this ARC and audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.