This is the second book in the Electra McDonnell mystery series by Ashley Weaver. While I haven’t reviewed this series yet on this blog, I have reviewed other books by this author. I really like this author’s way of writing as she leaves mystery surrounding her main characters. With Ellie’s character, we learn more with each book about her parents and how Ellie’s mother was imprisoned and charged with her father’s murder. Not much is known about her father’s murder and the facts and circumstances surrounding it, but the author feeds little nuggets throughout this series to keep the reader engaged and curious. I would love to find out more about this storyline and hope that the author provides some more information along the way.

In this book, Ellie is approached by Major Ramsey for another espionage job. A woman’s body has been found in the Thames and he needs her help unlocked a locked bracelet that is found on the body. It appears that the lady was murdered because she was an undercover spy for the Germans and helping them with their war efforts against Britain. The story was engaging and while it lacked the suspense that the first novel had, it was still an enjoyable read. We follow Ellie, her family and friends, along with the ever exhausting Major Ramsey, throughout the investigation where they don’t always use above board methods to accomplish their tasks.

I have really come to enjoy Ellie’s character and past storyline. I think that this will be a series that I will follow for some time. I enjoy the author’s way of making the main character not so perfect and it really makes her very likeable. There is a lot of promise with this series and as I stated, I will be eager to read every installment in this series. A great historical mystery set during WWII in London which really shows how the Blitz destroyed the city’s buildings, but not the spirit of its people. Another fantastic read by Ashley Weaver.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Author: Ashley Weaver

Series: Electra McDonnell Mystery #2

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: June 21, 2022

Pages: 269

Genre: Historical Mystery

Get It: Amazon

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.

Ashley Weaver’s second book in the Electra McDonnell series is a wonderful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and wit.

My favorite part of this series is the character of Electra McDonnell; she is crafty, independent, and strong. She can crack a safe, pick a lock, and ferret out the truth with the best of them. She doesn’t wait for a man to rescue her, she takes care of herself.

The story opens with a murder and Electra and Major Ramsey have to go about ferreting out a spy ring. I really enjoyed the stake out and skulking about following the spies.

There is a love triangle emerging between Electra, the hunky Major who recruits Electra to help him catch the spies, and a childhood friend. I’ve got my favorite and I hope she eventually chooses him!

Read if you like a witty historical mystery with a touch of romance. Ashley Weaver is one of my favorites, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

4.5 rounded up

Excellent follow-up to "A Peculiar Combination!" I'm a big fan of Ashley Weaver and am thoroughly enjoying her new series. Ellie again teams up with Major Ramsey to solve the murder of a mystery woman found floating the Thames. Major Ramsey's involvement is due to a possible espionage plot in England. Ellie was only supposed to help with the locket found on the woman's wrist, but of course involves herself in the investigation. Weaver's description of 1940s London and research of the times and the war are spot on. Like with her other series, I can't get enough. Engaging, colorful, and characters that make you care about them.

Spies, murder, romance and wit combine to make this 1940 London escapade a great read. Especially good job of creating a strong, female protagonist who stands up for herself and demonstrates talents and intelligence. Looking forward to future books in this series. Thanks to #NetGalley and #KeyToDeceit for advanced digital copy.

Electra (Ellie) McDonnell and her criminal family have toned down their safe cracking activities and are aiding the war effort to defeat the Germans. Major Ramsey needs a locksmith and that means he summons Ellie to join him at the morgue. A well dressed young woman has been fished out of the Thames, identity unknown. While the Major only sees her corpse and the unusual locked bracelet on her wrist - hence the need for Ellie's lock picking skills. (Ellie says anybody with a bit of talent could have opened it but what the heck). She sees more than just a dead woman and points out the details that the Major has been blind to - new clothing, a Sable coat, recently cut and styled hair for a start - all lead Ellie to believe that the woman was not used to having money and had gotten a fair chunk of it not long ago. It isn't long before there is proof that she was spying as there was a mini camera concealed in the bracelet. As WWII has just begun German spies are on everyone's mind and the task before them is to find out who she was, who she worked for, what was she filming and who killed her.
There are some secondary threads running through this historical series, one that will certainly show up in future books. The mystery of Ellie's mother who was convicted of murdering her father and who died in prison from influenza when Ellie was about two years old. Ellie follows clues to try and prove that her mother's claim of innocence are true. There is also a light romantic triangle between her childhood friend, Felix and Major Ramsey.
Ellie has been raised in a loving family and can stand up for herself, not tolerating men dismissing her as a female with a head full of cotton candy. The various family members are also well developed and that adds a cozy touch to this delightful WWII espionage series. It has a bit of everything so it keeps the reader thoroughly entertained. It also works fine as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver is the second book in her Electra McDonnell mystery series. I did read book one, A Peculiar Combination (read my review), but I don't think it is necessary to have read it as I didn't remember much and still enjoyed this book.

I was looking forward to the second book in the series as I really liked the first book. It is set during one of my favorite time periods to read - WWII. It is also a little bit of a spy novel as Electra, or Ellie as she is called by her friends and family, comes from a family of safe crackers and is tapped by the Intelligence Service to aid in their investigations of spies on the homefront.

I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. I still loved the characters and it was great to catch up with them again. But the plot fell flat for me. Even though there were instances where they could be caught, there was no tension in the scenes for me. I never worried that they were in danger - which for me is one of the big appeals of spy novels.

A young woman is found dead and Major Ramsay calls on Ellie to retrieve a bracelet from the body, In the course of the investigation, they must play the part of husband and wife. At this point, the reader is thinking that asking for her help is just a flimsy excuse to spend time with Ellie. While Ellie wonders why he asked her to do something so simple, surely there are others under his command that could do that task, she is happy to be involved in another case. She also knows there is a growing attraction to the Major, but I don't think she realized that this may have just been more about seeing her than her skills.

I listened to the audiobook read by Alison Larkin when at the office and it was easy to listen to while working. I didn't have any trouble telling the characters apart or following the plot.

If you are looking for something that isn't too intense to read then you should try this book. The writing is good and the characters are interesting.

My review is published at Girl Who Reads - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2022/06/the-key-to-deceit-by-ashley-weaver.html

Another lovely historical mystery from Ashley Weaver. It's so refreshing to read a WWII homefront book that isn't formulaic - Ellie feels like a fully fleshed out character. I'm interested to see where the love triangle ends up and what happened with Ellie's mother. Very much looking forward to the next one!

The Key to Deceit is the second in the WWII-era Electra "Ellie" McDonnell historical mystery and heist adventure series by Ashley Weaver. Ellie and her family are criminals turned patriots with locksmith and safe-cracking skills they now use to covertly assist the British Military Intelligence to help thwart the Germans as WWII has begun and air raids are imminent. After a woman's body is found in the Thames River, it is believed the victim was involved in espionage. Ellie and the crew work to find out who the victim was working for and who wanted her dead. Not your typical murder mystery, this also encompasses a high-stakes operation as World War II rages on, and countless lives are at risk. It's a well-written and fun read with espionage, a heist adventure, history, a murder mystery, and a hint of romance all rolled into one.
Ellie is a strong, pragmatic, and resourceful protagonist, with an engaging and witty group of supporting characters around her. The pacing was fast and the plotting clever, with multiple subplots that will likely run throughout the series. I have not read the first book in the series, and there is enough backstory that I wasn't lost, but I will go back and see how this all began as I eagerly await book three! I enjoyed this even more than I expected and could not put it down. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

THE KEY TO DECEIT by Ashley Weaver is her second historical mystery, after A Peculiar Combination, about Ellie McDonnell, a young woman who is trying to use her safe-cracking skills to aid the UK government’s wartime efforts. In this latest offering, set in 1940 as the Blitz begins in earnest, McDonnell is involved with uncovering and thwarting a German spy ring which is photographing the docks in London. There is plenty of adventure and numerous puzzles to solve, although this time Weaver slowed the pace by putting just a bit too much emphasis on Ellie's choice of possible romance with a longtime family friend, Felix Lacey, or with her policeman handler, Major Ramsey. THE KEY TO DECEIT received starred reviews from Booklist ("thoroughly ingenious blend of rom-com and spy cozy") and from Publishers Weekly. The historical setting and strong, feisty female character will especially appeal to fans of mystery writers like Susan Elia MacNeal, Sujata Massey, and Frances Brody.

The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver
This second installment in the Electra McDonnell series definitely lives up to promise of the first book. Electra, or “Ellie” as she like to be called, along with her uncle were recruited by British military intelligence in the first book of the series. They were asked to use their less than legal safecracking/lock-smith abilities to help England fight the Germans in WWII London.

This time around, the body of a young woman is fished out of the Thames. The handsome, but aloof Major Ramsey needs Ellie to remove an unusual bracelet from the woman's wrist. The bracelet hides a camera and some gem stones, and soon Ellie and Ramsey are drawn into the investigation of a German spy ring. The major must rely on Ellie and some of her less than legitimate contacts to gather the information he needs before military secrets are spirited out of the country to the enemy. Despite the opinions of the men around her, Ellie refuses to be left behind in the investigation because of her sex. Felix Lacey, Ellie’s childhood friend, is also becomes involved in the race to catch the German spies. Although Ellie is attracted to Felix, she can’t help but feel a certain sexual tension between herself and Ramsey.

The story is face-paced; thrilling with some humor thrown in; and has just a touch of romance to keep you longing for the next installment. Ellie is a resourceful, gutsy and smart heroine who knows what she wants and refuses to let anything or anyone stand in the way of her getting it. The writer does an excellent job of evoking WWII London at the start of the Blitzkrieg, and readers sense the fear and uncertainty that the British experienced at the start of the war with Germany. A shady antiques dealer, an effervescent lockpicker (who prefers the use of explosives), and other secondary characters pepper the story; creating light and humorous moments. This novel could be read on its own, but I recommend going back to read the first book to get more of a sense of some of the characters and background on the romantic triangle between Ellie, Ramsey and Felix. This is a great choice for lovers of historical fiction, historical mysteries, spy stories and anyone who enjoys strong female characters.

Still on a high from solving her last case, and now working on the right side of the law, Ellie McDonnell is more than content with her life, but when the straight laced Major Ramsey turns up asking for her help with another case, she can't refuse. A young woman's body has been found in the Thames, and the bracelet on her wrist needs Ellie's unique skills to open it. It's clear from the contents this woman was involved in espionage, but for which side, and how far does the mystery go. Ellie will have to use all her skills and wits if she is to crack the case before the person she is looking for finds her instead.

If there's one thing I love about this series it's Ellie McDonnell. She's feisty, quick witted, sharp and a woman way ahead of her times. She doesn't believe she can do less because she is a woman, doesn't believe she should be kept from danger because of her sex, and she isn't afraid to stand up to the men in her life to prove it. She has a tragic backstory, but doesn't let that stop her from living her best life and I absolutely love how she never backs down, even in the face of the stern Major. Her previous life of crime means she knows some people who fall on the wrong side of the law and these characters make from some hilarious and sinister additions to the story.

As well as Ellie, we have a strong cast of side characters that stay throughout the series so far, her Uncle Mick, friend and potential sweetheart Felix , housekeeper Nacy, and of course Major Ramsey and his associates. Though these books are super quick reads, Weaver still manages to spend enough time on building the relationships between her characters so you feel the familial bond, the potential for romance etc. And the character interactions, especially those between Eliie and the Major are some of my favourite parts of the book.

Similar to book 1, the story and mystery in this novel move at a pretty breakneck pace, and manage to keep you on your toes until the very end. Weavers plot twists, as well as foreshadowing are expertly used, and although I had a few guesses as to the outcome, none came close to the actual events. As well as the main mystery for each book, we also have one that interweaves through them, and that is the mystery of Ellie's mother. Accused of murdering her father, Ellie is intent on investigating this herself, even though her mother is dead and nothing she finds could do any good. I love how this story line keeps the books linked together and hope it's something that will get a bigger focus in books to come.

The setting of this book, London during WW2 adds an emotional and almost exciting aspect to the story. Because of the time it's set, we know that Ellie's work is vital to the war effort, and in this book this is shown more readily due to the inclusion of the bombings. Though it only plays a small part in the story, we show the emotional impact they had on people, and the absolute steadfastness of them to get back up and go and help those in need. Any of you that like a little romance in your stories, you should definitely check this one out. There is potential for a love triangle, something that I think will become a bit more prevalent in books to come, but I know whose side I'm on, something that Susan and I don't agree on! While one of the relationships is developed in this story, the other gets hints as to a future and I'm excited and intrigued to see how the author will handle it in future books.

The Key to Deceit is a super fast, exciting and enjoyable historical mystery, with one of my fave MC's as well as a standout cast of side characters and plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep you hooked. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

As soon as I finished this book, I immediately went out and purchased the first in the series. I love books set during World War II but rarely read a book set right at the beginning of the blitz. The turmoil in London served as a fascinating backdrop to the page-turning plot. Ellie was a great character. Her entire family are the best type of lovable rogues. And I really want to know what’s going to happen with the major. I was 100% there for the mystery but enjoyed the very subtle romantic subplot as well. I hope the third book comes out soon.

The Key to Deceit is a female-centric WWII heist adventure told through the eyes of the heroine, Electra McDonnel (Ellie). It is a proper balance of wit and an honest portrayal of the seriousness of war on the home front. As Londoners begin to deal with the reality of war and the imminent threat of German air raids, Ellie works to be part of a ragtag group of criminals-turned-patriots to help the allied cause with her locksmith skills and femininity.

The banter and depth of the characters are favorite parts of the story. A bit of a romance develops between Ellie and her childhood friend, Felix, though the spark and tension between Ellie and the Major are ever present, too. I ship Ellie and Major Ramsey SO MUCH, though Felix is a decent and steady friend, if a little mysterious at times.

While book 1 was slightly more a spy story, this one is a little more heist and mystery focused as a suspicious death points to espionage activities. Ellie’s ongoing family-related mystery is further developed, with the past and the fate of her mother active parts of the story, too, as she works to uncover family secrets. This leaves the reader with a few questions, of course, and eager for a continuation of her story!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.

The Key to Deceit is a WW2 British espionage mystery and the second book in the Electra McDonnell mysteries by Ashley Weaver. Due out 21st June 2022 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 272 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This series is delightfully distinct from the author's other works and written to a very high standard. The titular protagonist is intelligent, strong, independent, and pragmatic. The background story, of a safe-cracker and locksmith from a questionable family, who is prevailed upon to use her considerable talents in service of king and country, engaged me from the first chapter. Although this is the second book in the series, the mystery is self contained, and the backstory is provided, so readers won't be lost or confused. There are, however, some spoilers from the resolution of the first book contained in this one, so it's a good idea to read them in order.

The plotting and characterizations are well and precisely engineered, the clues fitting together into an exciting climax and satisfying denouement and resolution. There *is* an element of romance, but it's not an overpowering or distracting and can safely be ignored.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours and 4 minutes and is beautifully narrated by Allison Larkin. She manages to read clearly and well and imbue all the characters with distinct voices and personalities. I'm always impressed by very talented narrators' ability to imbue each voice with its own timbre and tone, especially in rapid dialogue. She is quite talented and pleasant to listen to. The book contains characters from several different areas in England, different countries, a wide range of ages and both men and women and she manages flawlessly. The sound and production quality is very high throughout.

Four and a half stars. It's a diverting read/listen.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher, but all thoughts expressed are my own. The Key to Deceit is the second title to feature Electra "Ellie" McDonnell. Set during the opening months of WWII, Ellie recently helped Major Ramsey using her unique skills as a safe cracker, but she didn't think she would see him again, let alone so soon. Major Ramsey is seeking Ellie's Uncle Mick, but with him out of town, Major Ramsey asks for Ellie's help instead. There is a dead woman with a bracelet locked to her wrist that needs to be removed without any damage to the bracelet. Ellie agrees to help and in addition to unlocking the bracelet, provides some insights into the young woman that Major Ramsey had overlooked.. The pair work together to try and track down the woman's identity and figure out what she was going to sell to the Germans before it can be turned over.

In addition to the mystery which is extremely well done, the description of wartime London and what it was like for the inhabitants is vivid and makes the reader feel like they are there. For me, the descriptions took on a new poignancy having read it after the invasion of Ukraine at the end of February as it seemed less like something that wouldn't happen today as I imaged that some of the same feelings described in the book was likely how many in cities under bombardment would feel. The cast of supporting characters are interesting and I am extremely invested in the mystery surrounding Ellie's father's death, supposedly at the hands of her mother. I am looking forward with future titles to see further developments in that mystery as well as who Ellie ends up with.

The second in the Electra McDonnell series, aptly-entitled The Key to Deceit is set in 1940 WWII London where Germany is relentlessly bombing after plowing through and occupying various areas in Europe McDonnell family members turned their lives around from breaking and entering to helping the government. Plucky Electra (Ellie) learned how to pick locks from her beloved Uncle Mick and is putting her skills to good use. She is approached by Major Ramsey of the Military Intelligence to help in a case after a dead woman is discovered in the Thames. Not only are there murder and espionage but also romance which together contribute to a deliciously fun, quirky and enchanting book.

My favourite aspects of this book are the the spunky independent Ellie and the easy-to-read and addictive quick pace. The backstory is introduced seamlessly. However, it seems that the romantic tension, while very good, is the overlying theme and a bit predictable at times. Still, the tension itself is electric in a fabulous way.

Historical Fiction, Mystery and Romance fans ought to seek out this refreshingly clean and enjoyable light series, the perfect summer (or anytime) read.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this delightful book!

Set in 1940 London, Ellie McDonnell's family has turned over a new leaf, walking the straight and narrow instead of their former thieving ways, except when Major Ramsay comes into their lives in need of their skills to assist the government war effort. Ellie does like focusing her efforts on the side of the angels for a change. This time an unidentified woman has been found in the Thames with a curious locked bracelet on her wrist and a cameo locket attached, items well within Ellie's skill set. Now, who was the woman, who was she working for and who might have wanted her dead?
Major Ramsay works for military intelligence, so you - and Ellie - know you're not signing up for a routine murder mystery. It's murder and espionage. And it's wartime, so it's no game, lives are most definitely at stake. But it's espionage with thieves, so it's kind of a game, at least with this bunch, for they certainly do enjoy their work. Quite a crew of characters, and naturally a choice of love interests for Ellie. And, as in all professions at that time, Ellie has to push back at men trying to protect her at every step and turn. The plot is clever and twisty and keeps at a fast pace. The historical elements are integrated into the story very well, characters well developed, very enjoyable read all together. Highly recommended.
My copy was an eARC from NetGalley.

Pretty good. Enjoyed the historical research. The conflicting love story is perhaps a trope but it works. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wow, I did not think that book two could be better than book one but I was wrong! I enjoyed following my friend Ellie (because she feels like a friend) as she goes on more adventures for the good side.

I loved getting to know more of the seemingly sketchy characters that she has interacted with in her less-than-legal side business and watching them work together.

The only bad thing I had

This book was so good! I want to see more from this author in the future!! I couldn't put this book down. What a page turner!!!