First time reading this author and I’m
Hooked. The characters are unforgettably and lively. The time period is WW2 and a perfect mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley for a free version of this book in return for an unbiased review.

This is the second in the series of adventures of Electra (Ellie) McDonnell and her family of thieves who work with the British government during WWII. It worked well as a stand alone since I hadn't read the first one and, while it alluded to the first time Ellie worked with Major Ramsey a couple of times, the plot of this story didn't rely on any past story in order to understand this one. That said, I enjoyed this one and will seek out the first and any subsequent books in this series.

Ellie was raised by her uncle and was satisfied with her life as a thief. Major Ramsey of the British National Security approaches Ellie to help when he learns of a woman who was found dead in the Thames River with a locked bracelet. They needed to unlock the bracelet, determine what was inside, and figure out who the woman was. The dead woman was thought to be a spy. Ellie, of course could unlock the bracelet, but also provided some insight that the men in the British version of the FBI hadn't considered in order to help determine the woman's identity.

The story is full of delightful characters, twists and turns (some telegraphed in advance), historical setting and insights into how someone would feel in those circumstances. The story is told from Ellie's point of view so the characters she knows best are more fleshed out than others, but they are also only what Ellie, in her limited and sometimes flawed perspective, thinks they think. She supplies their motives which she is sometimes accurate, and sometimes not.

There is a love triangle between Ellie, Major Ramsey, and Felix, a man that Ellie has known since childhood as a friend of her cousins and a forger who has been involved in his own and the McDonnell family's past criminal activity. He was also pulled into the previous adventure with the Major. It is clear that the two men do not like each other. Some of it might be professional since one is tasked with enforcing the law and the other makes a living breaking it, but it is also hinted that they are each jealous of the other's involvement with Ellie. Ellie is clueless about the Major's feelings toward her inspite of people commenting and pushes away her own feelings towards him.

Ellie is also looking for information about her mother who died while in prison after being convicted for killing her husband, Ellie's father. There is some indication that Ellie's mother may have been innocent. This plot line was set up for the next installment of the story.

I highly recommend this book for some one who likes historical fiction based around WWII, strong willed, smart women protagonists, cosey murder mysteries, and spy stories.
I listened to the audio book and the narrator was great.
Thank you again Net Galley

I love me some good WWII Historical fiction and this did not disappoint. I also am a huge fan of women doing jobs that are/were not for women back then and kicking ass while doing it! Nothing is going to stop Ellie from doing her part to help thwart the German spies! Can't wait for the next book in this series and I am definitely going back to read the first ones as well!

#TheKeytoDeceit
#NetGalley

Lovely world war 2 mystery and murder romance. Easy to fall into the vibe of this book. Very easy to listen to

The Key to Deceit is the second book in the Electra McDonnell series by Ashley Weaver. Ellie McDonnell and her family were once thieves. But they have been helping the government in the war effort in London, once they were induced to help when caught in the act by Major Ramsey. Ellie needs to assist the major in finding and breaking up a local spy ring. In her efforts to help, Ellie puts her own life on the line. The Key to Deceit is an entertaining cozy mystery.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#netgalley
#thekeytodeceit
#ashleyweaver
#WWIIlondon
#spies
#thieves

The Key to Deceit is the second volume in Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell series. I haven't read the first Electra McDonnell. However, it didn't interfere at all with my enjoyment of this title. There was enough of the backstory woven within the story. This was a historical fiction novel with a mystery spin. It was lively, fun, and the story moved along really well. Overall, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

The Key to Deceit is the second book in the Electra McDonnell series. A woman’s body has been found floating on the Thames. The jewelry that was found on her turns out to be spy objects. Ellie is hired to investigate the case to see which side the woman was spying on. She also explores the motive for why someone wanted her dead.

One of my main issues that I had with A Peculiar Combination was that I strongly disliked Ellie McDonnell. I found her to be an annoying character. I had hoped that Ellie would grow in the second novel. However, I was very disappointed to discover there was no character growth. Ellie still acted like a spoiled teenager. She came off as whiny. Thus, she was not particularly charming, and I did not know why two men were interested in her. I also found her to be very indecisive and selfish when it came to her romance. Ellie did not know which man she was in love with and spent the novel flirting with both of them behind the other’s back. It was like she wanted to have her cake and eat it too. Therefore, while I found her to be annoying in the first novel, this book made her insufferable.

Overall, this novel is about spies, war, and choices. I did not like some of the secondary characters, and the mystery was not the best part of the novel. On the positive side, I found The Key to Deceit to be meticulously researched and was full of vivid details of WWII. I am still willing to give this series a chance and hope that Ellie will finally act like a more mature woman than a spoiled teenager. I recommend this novel for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Anna Lee Huber, and Kate Parker!

The audiobook was perfectly narrated. The narrated did an excellent job in portraying each character. However, the narration just could not save the story. Still, I enjoyed the audiobook better than the novel.

The audiobook narration for this book is spot-on perfect. The narrator captures the voices of all the characters in distinct ways and never lapses into overacting or caricature.

This series captured my heart last year with it's debut! I have read other books and series by Ashley Weaver but this is the series that has captured my attention the absolute most! After book one I was so eager to see what happened with Ellie next! Did she go back to safe cracking and stealing or did she keep on the straight and narrow?

I grabbed this book as soon as it was released and since it was on the shorter side (under 300 pages) I basically read it in one sitting---on my flight to Cabo. It was a super quick read and I found that the magic and allure of the book and characters didn't change for me from book one to two and I am once again eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! If you are a historical mystery fan you need this book series. The first and second books are short and can be read in one or two sittings. I would recommend starting with the first book so you can enjoy all the character relationships rather than diving in with this one first.

But if you do decide to dive in with the second book and not start with the first one, not a huge big deal as the author keeps you fully abreast of events of the previous book and the character relationships. Ellie is a lovely modern character with wit and charm but also an edge. If you love authors like Anna Lee Huber and Deanna Raybourn then you will no doubt find a winner with Electra "Ellie" McDonnell!

Summary

The second in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, The Key to Deceit, is a delightful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and wit.

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?  (summary from Goodreads)

Review

In this book, Ellie has indeed stayed on the straight and narrow, but once again Major Ramsey calls on her for assistance. It is clear that the Major and Ellie have a complicated relationship. The tension and unasked questions from the first book have carried over into this one and readers will continue to wonder if Ellie and the Major will ever actually move beyond anything than just sometime colleagues. Felix (Ellie's current beau) has returned from Scotland for work and he is hoping to continue his courtship with Ellie. I personally don't care for Felix and I feel like their relationship just doesn't fit. Which I think is actually the point. Ultimately I think the Major and Ellie are better suited but I think it's going to take the author some time to develop a romance plot that makes sense given the two are from very different backgrounds. And I am ok with that I love the romantic journey so I am looking forward to seeing where things head next for them.

The plot itself was interesting and while it wasn't an overly complicated mystery, I found a lot to enjoy and little leads that kept me guessing throughout the novel. I liked the spy angle of this one which was also the same reason I liked the first book but I think in the upcoming books we need to see Ellie make an official change from safe cracking thief to government worker and spy catcher. I think the thief angle will only work for so long before that change is necessary. I like the spy parts but it just doesn't make sense that the Major would continue to come back to Ellie for help and support indefinitely so I hope to see something more permanent in future books develop.

As t his series develops and takes shape, I am hopeful that the author can give us something to really for the long term. It will take time to establish the relationship between the Major and Ellie, I think we need to get rid of the love triangle aspect fairly quickly and refocus on developing other parts of the series. Ellie and the Major have great chemistry but I feel like it's always too short and then along comes Felix to just throw a wild card into the mix. I like love triangles just fine but not for too long. At some point (fairly quickly) I think Ellie needs to make a decision between her beaus. This was a decent installment but it also leaves a lot to accomplish in the next book. This for me was the transitional book. It was good but there is a lot that needs to be ironed out going forward if that makes sense. I am eager for the next one!

Book Info and Rating

Hardcover, 272 pages

Published June 21st 2022 by Minotaur Books

ISBN 1250780500 (ISBN13: 9781250780508)

Free review copy provided by publisher, Minotaur Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 3 stars

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with this ALC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a really quick, witty, and fun cozy mystery! I have to admit I didn't know this was a second book when I requested it, but I didn't feel left out or confused without having read the first one! (I do plan to go and read the first one now as well) The character dynamics are light and fun, and I loved the ragtag band of "former" criminals that Ellie runs around with. I'm also intrigued to see how the storyline with Ellie's past will play out in future books! Overall, I highly recommend to witty cozy mystery lovers!

I liked this book, but there wasn’t anything really remarkable that captured me. I’d say it’s a solid cozy mystery, and I did like the setting. I’m a sucker for a big manor house.

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Key to Deceit. The narrator did an excellent job with the different voices of the characters. Although I have not read the first novel in Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell's series, I did not feel hindered in my comprehension of the plot or characters.

While listening to the story line, I felt myself rooting for Ellie and enjoying her character development throughout the story. The chemistry between her and the Major was adorable and I was rooting for them the whole time! The plot was a good mix of historical events and daily life during WWII.

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. Once again, Ashley Weaver is the voice of the story, which I was happy to see. She has given voice to these characters using her expression, tone, emotion and accent to make the story realistic. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for Ellie and Ramsey.

I received the audio book from #Netgalley not realizing is was part of a series, I was not confused by jumping into it. Will I follow the series if there is another book, probably not.

This book was definitely difficult to get into and listen to. I listened through to be able to truly give it a chance, but I wouldn’t recommend.

The Key of Deceit was masterfully written World War 11 mystery by Ashley Weaver. It continues the adventures of Electra (Ellie) McDonnell as she searches for clues to help the Major solve the mystery of the girl found murdered in the Thames. Along with trying to solve the mystery Ellie stumbles upon uncovering a spy ring operating for the enemy. Ellie is a well written character who thinks for herself and has a mind to take charge when something needs to be done. I loved every moment of the book.

The Key To Deceit is a fabulous historical mystery, set in 1940 London, and the beautifully-narrated audiobook kept me entertained. While I’ve read other books by Ashley Weaver (in the Amory Ames series), I didn’t realize that she had started writing a new series—this is the second book in the Electra McDonnell series. I must go back and read the first one! I don’t think that my enjoyment was hindered by not having read the first book, but I look forward to learning more about the wartime adventures of Ellie and her criminally-minded family, as they begin to work for the British government. This is an interesting premise, that the military would turn to the lock-picking, safe-breaking McDonnells to fight the Nazis, and it provides an intriguing backdrop to the crime at hand: the body of a young woman pulled from the Thames, wearing an unusual, locked, bracelet. Ellie is a wonderful character, intent on outwitting men who try to underestimate her, and she is surrounded by a cast of interesting people. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this delightful audiobook; highly recommended for those looking for a great historical mystery.

Fun read! This is book 2 in the Electra McDonnell series. I haven’t read book one but I enjoyed this one so much, I will read that one as well. Ashley Weaver does a great job of giving the background history of the characters so it’s unnecessary to read them in order. The book can be a stand alone story. If you are a fan of Jacqueline Winspear, you will like this book, the style is similar.
This book takes place at the onset of WW2 in London. Ellie, the main character, and her family are safe cracking thieves. When the body of a young woman is found along the Thames River, Ellie is called in to pick the lock on a bracelet worn by the deceased. Ellie noticed details that were missed by the investigator Major Ramsey, as they were things a woman would notice. Such as the attire of the deceased. This pulls her into the investigation as she and her family are called upon to use their skills in crime to help solve the case. This book involves murder, bank robbery, espionage and spy’s, and a bit of romance lingers below the surface. Definitely a good read!

Following soon after events in A Peculiar Combination (IMHO a much better book) the author returns to 1940 London where safe cracking thief Ellie McDonnell is enlisted by the dashing Major Ramsey to unlock a bracelet on a woman found dead in the Thames River. Later Ellie and her family members' skills at lock picking and safe cracking are deemed useful in securing documents hidden in a bank vault. This particular caper takes place during a night bombing in the blitz . Allusions to a London spy ring and work of the nascent British Intelligence service serve as backdrop to Ellie's romantic attraction to the major, a member of the gentry. At the same time she shows growing affection for Felix , part of her own social class who follows the same "family business". All in all, the plot line of this book was fairly thin and Ellie's continual examinations of her feelings for both men were more of a distraction to the overarching story. The audiobook narration was brisk, easy to follow and reflected the heroine's class and social standing.
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The Key To Deceit by delightful author Ashley Weaver is a fun thrilling historical fiction WWll murder mystery with a motley good hearted crew of crooks, a stodgy Army officer and a beautiful clever thief who can pick any lock.

It's 1940 in London and in this second book of the Electra McDonnell series the handsome but stalwart Major Ramsey once again seeks out Ellie's (Electra's)lock picking expertise to help solve a possible murder.

A young woman has been found floating in the Thames River. She is wearing a bracelet locked onto her wrist with a Cameo locket dangling from it. Then there is the key hidden among a bag of gems. It all leads to a Nazi spy ring and Ellie and the Major once again, as they did in the first book, pose as a couple. I love this part so much.

With the help of Ellie, her not so legal minded family and friends, including would be beau Felix, and Major Ramsey we are taken through a bank safety deposit heist, the first bomb raids on England, and a bit of a love triangle with Ellie, Felix and the Major; though none of them will admit it.

Award winning narrator Alison Larkin is perfectly charming as the independently fierce but yet often innocent Ellie. Her lilting voice is perfect for this spy caper romp with a bit of romance.

The writer does a wonderful job of interweaving the back story for these characters so this can be read/listened to as a stand alone but having the first book does add to the fun. Just like Ellie waiting for Ramsey to lighten up I am waiting for Ellie's next adventure.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.