As the Blitz continues, Ellie McDonnell—formerly a safecracking thief—is approached by British Intelligence officer Major Ramsey with a new assignment. In his usual infuriating way, he left her a vague task. But before she can rendezvous with the major, she witnesses a man fall dead with a note clutched in his hand. Ellie’s instincts tell her that the man’s death is connected to her mission.

The backstory is quickly set up so you don’t need to read the first two books to dive into this one. But I would read them just for fun.

Quick pacing and it’s nice to see Ellie take initiative, and not just do so to spite the major. Although it was good to see her push back a little, and the ending was exciting. Felix is okay, but I’m rooting for the major to get over himself.

When does the next installment come out?! I think this is the strongest book of the series so far. I definitely enjoyed it more than the second book, possibly due to there being much less Felix in this book. I am definitely Team Major Ramsey (without divulging spoilers, if you're also a Major Ramsey fan, you'll enjoy this book). While I missed Uncle Mick & his criminal friends some, I really enjoyed seeing Ellie on her own. I do have to agree with the major that she sometimes makes poor choices regarding her safety on these missions. Perhaps in a future book she'll get proper spy training?

My biggest frustration with this series is the lack of explanation for the motives of any of the bad guys. Why are they spying for the enemy? This book particularly I was left going, but WHY? I know the books are written from Ellie's perspective, so maybe I need to just get over it, but I expect a good mystery to give me some insight into the motivation behind the culprit's actions. Having said that, I'll still keep reading them. The bombshell ending has left me anxious for the next one!

Thanks to Minotaur & NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.

Ellie McDonnell has a new assignment from Major Ramsey. She's to travel to Sunderland and await further instructions. She's glad to leave London, which is under frequent bombardment from the Nazis, but she is confused about why the Major has sent her there. As usual, he is keeping all sorts of information from her.

After meeting a cute Captain on the train and being pushed into traffic on her arrival only to be saved by a stranger, Ellie is dismayed to later seen the stranger die on the street. Some of the girls at her rooming house new the man which leads Ellie into investigating what looks like a suspicious death. Especially since she grabbed the cryptic note that he was clutching in his hand as he died.

Ellie soon finds herself involved in more than one plot. First there is the counterfeiting of identity documents which are likely used for incoming Nazi spies. Second there are the suspicious deaths that seem to be centered around the group of young people Ellie meets.

Ellie's relationship with Major Ramsey also takes a turn in this episode. She's always been interested in him but being out of his class and from a criminal background, she doesn't think he has any interest in her. But kisses are exchanged after he rescues her from an attempted poisoning which makes her uncertain about how he does feel about her.

I enjoyed this story set during World War II, Ellie and Ramsey are both interesting characters. The setting was also well done. Fans of mysteries set in this time period will enjoy this story which happens to be the third in a series.

espionage, WW2, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, suspense, safecrackers, 1940, England, lies, secrets, picklock, spies, witty, family, danger, relationship-issues, relatives, family-dynamics, murder, family-drama, women-sleuths*****

The British intelligence service spymaster calls upon Ellie the picklock/safecracker to leave London and spend time in Sunderland away from The Blitz without telling her what she is needed for this time. A man pushes her away from death by automobile but shortly afterward is dead in that same street. From poison. The spymaster is working in the same area and together they find some real surprises. At the same time, Ellie is finding out more about her mother's long ago death. I loved the earlier two books and am delighted with this one!
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

WTF was that ending! Ugh, another year of waiting.

Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC!

I really liked that we got away from London in this one. Electra and the Captain relatively alone (I like Felix, but he is not my love interest of choice. Is he anyone's?). There was far too many birds in this but we had an interesting gathering of suspects and, of course, German spies.

3.75 stars

This unique series features Electra McDonnell and her Irish family of safe-crackers and burglars. In the two earlier books, we learn that they have their own code of conduct -- they steal only from the wealthy and they consider themselves artisans at opening locks and stealth recon.

But in the first book, they are discovered in the middle of a theft by British Intelligence. The funny boogers can use their particular skill set so they are recruited pretty much against their will.

This time out Ellie is on her own as she is sent on assignment outside London. Truthfully, she doesn't mind a break from the Blitz and the constant bombings. As usual, her aristocratic and stern boss Major Ramsey is around for most of the caper. Someone is counterfeiting identity cards and passing them out to newly-arrived German spies.

No sooner does Ellie arrive in town then she is shoved in front of a lorry -- but luckily is saved by a passerby. Surely it can't be coincidence that he is found dead in front of her rooming house hours later. Ellie is a great character: strong, smart, skilled and chafing under the well-meaning protectiveness of the men in her life. She has a semi-romance going with a long-time family friend and she's not sure if that's what she wants. And she can't deny that she has a strong and totally inappropriate chemistry with the Major.

Nicely plotted with lots of action and lots of Ellie standing up to those who try to control and manipulate her. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I must say I was very trepidatious going into this book, because I enjoyed the first book in the series, A Peculiar Combination, and did NOT enjoy the second book, The Key to Deceit. I decided to forge ahead with this installment, however, and I am glad that I did.
Ellie finds herself sent off on an undercover mission by Major Ramsey, and is instructed to lie low until he can join her (while Felix is off in Scotland, thank goodness!). Upon arrival, Ellie narrowly escapes death, witnesses another death, and tries to befriend some very suspicious characters--all within the first few hours. Once Major Ramsey arrives on the scene they attempt to ferret out some spies/forgers while maintaining their cover of a newly acquainted couple pursuing love during war-time uncertainty. Will they be able to foil the German plot while maintaining their cover, and can they deny their growing feelings for each other?
This third book in the series was so much better than book 2, and I am glad that I gave it a chance. The plot moved along much better, and while Ellie still had quite a bit of inner monologue going on throughout the story, it did not feel as heavy and cumbersome as it did in the last book. The book does have a particular tone that the reader has to get accustomed to (as well as the fact that Ellie always seems able to find a way to get herself out of precarious situations--ones that she puts herself in), but once the reader nestles into the story these things can be overlooked.
Personally, I also really liked the fact that Felix played a VERY small role in this story. I will admit I am Team Ramsey, and I enjoyed the development of their relationship in this book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light and/or cozy mysteries, wartime novels, or plucky heroines. If you are on the fence because you maybe didn't like The Key to Deceit, go ahead and give this book a chance--I am glad that I did.

The previous book in the Electra Mac Donnell series ended on the night the Blitz began in London on September 7, 1940. Electra had just finished a job for His Majesty's Government. As part of a safecracking family, she has agreed to use her considerable skills at picking locks in service to the war effort. In return, the government will exonerate them from previous crimes, as long as they commit no more. However, Electra and the MacDonnell clan are patriots and would have helped without the extra incentive.

Things have been disastrous in the East End, with nightly German bombers. Much loss of life and property has not defeated the people of London, not by a long shot. She has yet to hear anything from the straitlaced and upright Major Ramsey, who is her contact in the government and supervisor. As always, he appears suddenly and sends her to Sunderland. He tells her to get a room at a particular boardinghouse, tells her he will see her there and hands her a book on birdwatching. Electra considers his close-mouthed attitude ridiculous but has learned to trust him. Electra is very good at making contacts and friends wherever she goes and soon finds herself a part of a group of young people. When one of the group drops dead in front of her in the street, she begins to think that the members are a part of whatever mission she is on. When the Major tells her the nature of it, the two are entangled in their most dangerous mission yet.

Playing It Safe is an excellent addition to this series. I enjoy the interaction among the MacDonnell family, who have looked after her since infancy. Although her mother died in prison, accused of killing her father. She has never discussed it with her uncle, who was her father's brother. But Electra needs to learn more about her mother and seems to be on the verge of doing so. Then there is the undeniable attraction between herself and the Major, which explodes into fireworks this time, despite themselves. There is plenty to look forward to in the next book, and I certainly do!

Thanks to NetGalley and St.Martins Minotaur for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

Playing it Safe is the third book in the Electra McDonnell Series. Ellie McDonnell is a former safecracking thief who has worked with British Intelligence in the past to help them get to the bottom of spy activity during WWII. When Major Ramsey calls on Ellie again, she sets off to Sunderland to help him uncover a Nazi counterfeiting scheme.

I have loved these books from the beginning and this newest book in the series definitely didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed following along as Ellie helped uncover this scheme! This series is full of great characters who help with WWII efforts in their own creative ways. This is a series that I will keep coming back to every time and this book may have been my favorite yet! I definitely recommend giving this book a chance!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

"The third in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, Playing It Safe is a delightful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and wit.

As the Blitz continues to ravage London, Ellie McDonnell - formerly a safecracking thief, but currently determined to stay on the straight and narrow to help her country - is approached by British Intelligence officer Major Ramsey with a new assignment. She is to travel under an assumed identity to the port city of Sunderland and there await further instructions. In his usual infuriating way, the Major has left her task as vague and mysterious as possible.

Ellie, ever-ready to aid her country, heads north, her safecracking tools in tow. But before she can rendezvous with the major, she witnesses an unnatural death. A man falls dead in the street in front of her, with a note clutched in his hand. Ellie's instincts tell her that the man's death is connected in some way to her mission.

Soon, Ellie and the major are locked in a battle of wits and a race against time with an unknown and deadly adversary, and a case that leads them to a possible Nazi counterfeiting operation. With bombs dropping on the city and a would-be assassin shadowing their every move, it will take all of Ellie's resourcefulness and Major Ramsey's fortitude to unmask the spymaster and avert disastrous consequences - for England and for their own lives."

I don't generally read WWII books, Ashley Weaver is the exception.

Playing It Safe is the third in the Electra McDonnell series and my favourite so far...it has that special something that really makes it dazzle. Maybe it's the quirky characterization or the incredible plots or the stunner of an ending. Or perhaps the background WWII England setting during the Blitz.

My mind and heart were held captive the entire time I went on a breathless undercover adventure with zippy and clever Electra (Ellie) as she accepted her British Intelligence assignment to Sunderland from crafty and sharp Major Ramsey. Danger and stealth are part of her new life as in her old life, albeit with different motivations. She now works on the right side of the law and is happiest when spying, inveigling, cracking safes and picking locks. Soon after arriving in Sunderland death follows close on her heels. Her late night escapades entangle her deeper and deeper into a web of deceit. But she also becomes a wee bit entangled romantically. We learn more about her mother's past, too. I wonder what the full story is?

Looking for a splendid Historical Fiction series with mystery and slivers of romance? This is the one.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this knockout. Hungrily awaiting the fourth in the series!

Ellie travels out of London to meet up with the major on her latest assignment. She wrestles with her relationship with Felix, her attraction to and annoyance with the major, and her quest to prove her mother's innocence. Carrying out her role as a visitor she keeps her eyes and ears open for anything suspicious that could lead back to Nazi spies as she makes new friends, including a handsome RAF officer. I enjoyed each step in this story, wondering if this person or that person was innocent or guilty. And guilty of what? Playing It Safe is another winning story in this series!

Playing It Safe, the third volume in Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell mystery series, offers a delightful read. The series is set in WWII Britain. Ellie (Electra) comes from a family of safe-crackers with connections to many petty criminals. In the first volume of the series, having been caught out for a crime, Ellie agrees to work for the British war effort in exchange for having charges dropped. This set-up takes place in the first volume in the series, A Peculiar Combination.

The books in this series can comfortably be read in any order. Relationships among characters, particularly between Ellie and her government handler, Major Ramsey, change over the course of the series, but volumes one and two aren't essential prequels to reading volume three—though I suspect that if you begin with #3, you'll soon find yourself looking for #1 and #2.

In this volume Ellie is sent—with little explanation—on an undercover assignment to Sunderland, an important port town during the war. She's told that arrangements have been made for her at a particular boarding house. Beyond that all she knows is that she should be "making friends with the locals." She does get to know people. First, on the train to Sunderland, an officer stationed at a military base. Next, very briefly, with a man who saves her life then dies on the street in front of the boarding house only a few hours later. And finally, with that victim's circle of friends.

When Major Ramsey appears, he continues to parcel out information a bit at a time, but Ellie quickly realizes that one of her new acquaintances may actually be working against the British. (A central character, also a suspect, in this volume is a wealthy bird watcher and collector. I assume he won't be showing up in future volumes, but his presence here adds to the enjoyment.)

Readers will not be surprised to learn that, yes, someone is working against the British. Lives, particularly Ellie's, are on the line. I found the final revelations in this case genuinely surprising, which was an additional bonus.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher; the opinions are my own.

Another fantastic installment of the Electra McDonnell series. As in the first two, this book started off a little slow for me, but when the story picked up, it really picked up! The majority of the action takes place outside of London, and I enjoyed seeing Electra in that atmosphere. Aside from the excellent mystery, a few plot threads were surprisingly finally tugged, and I don’t know where it’s all going, but I can’t wait to find out.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy of the third installment of Electra McDonnell's WWII escapades. Well worth the wait!!

Here, the female safecracker is once again drawn into service to help the British government in the war effort, notably Major Ramsey, as they investigate odd goings-on in the small coast town of Sunderland. Ellie journeys to Sunderland with very little warning or knowledge of what she's doing there, but quickly gets caught up in the action with all the players. I absolutely ADORE this series, it flows so effortlessly...characters are incredibly memorable with great wit..author does an awesome job of keeping the suspense and action taut, while building a strong relationship between Ellie and Major Ramsey. The back story of Ellie's birth mother gets a bit more of a reveal here and ends on a superb cliffhanger. As usual can't wait for the next installment!♡♡♡ Highly recommend.

I was so excited to find out Ashley Weaver was releasing her third installment in the Electra McDonnell historical cozy mystery series, Playing It Safe. I devoured the first two books in the series : A Peculiar Combination (Book 1) and The Key to Deceit (Book 2) last year.

In 1940 London, Electra “Ellie”, is an independent woman finding her way with a small time criminal past. She lives near her Uncle Mick (her caregiver since she was a baby) and housekeeper/substitute mother Nacy. In prior books in lieu of criminal charges, she and her Uncle Mick are tasked into service for the British government during the early part of WWII. Major Ramsey a tight-laced British military man is their handler and in this book he solicits the services of Ellie to take a trip to Sunderland, a small British coastal town for reasons unknown. Ellie, within hours of arrival, sees a young man die of mysterious circumstances right in front of her boarding house.

This historical mystery has all the traditional elements as well as blossoming romantic tensions and a secondary storyline where we start to learn more about Ellie’s family and past. I choose to pick up A Peculiar Combination first because I like to start with the first book in series when practicable, but there is enough backstory weaved into Playing It Safe that you could start there as well. I read this book quickly over the course of a day and hope for a future installment of this series.
5 stars!

I received this book in an exchange for an honest review thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books. I will post this review on Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon.

I reviewed this book for The Historical Novel Society, and per their policy, I cannot post the review until it is published in their magazine on May 1st. I will update the review at that time.

This book ended too soon for my taste. It was a well-paced, fanastic addition to this series, and once again showcases Weaver's storytelling and detail-weaving abilities. To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from emoting on the most jaw-dropping portions, but happily, there was more than one jaw-drop moment. I love Elektra and her forthright nature, her desire to see the good in everyone, and the ever-building tension between her and the men in her life. I am hungrily anticipating the next installment, ESPECIALLY after that cliffhanger of an ending!

The plot and everything was great, but I'm really reading this series for all that delicious simmering tension between Ellie and the major. They are my favorite non-couple ever and seeing their relationship continue to evolve is what keeps me addicted to this series. Besides our great main characters, this delightful WWII novel contained spies, secrets, and scenic English countryside that every reader is sure to enjoy.

This is the third Electra McDonnell mystery. Electra, aka Ellie, is an expert lockpicker. The WWII London spy network, specifically Major Ramsey, is once again in need of her skills. This time she must go undercover to a port city outside of London and gather information about possible saboteurs. Bright and resourceful Ellie gets to work and we get another delightful tale. Enjoy.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this title.