Electra McDonnell is preparing for what she hopes will be her final mission. There are reports of escaped POWs and one could potentially be her cousin Toby. She is accompanied by an intelligence officer, Captain Archie Blandings and Major Ramsey. Electra is willing to do anything to rescue her cousin and bring him home.

I have truly adored this series and am so sad to see it conclude. But what an incredible finish from Ashley Weaver. Electra is such an incredible character. She is smart and willing to do anything for the people she loves. It is truly hard to talk about the book plot for spoiler reasons. There was a bunch of twists and some truly squeal worthy moments. I laughed and cried reading this book. I can't wait for this to be released so I can do an audio reread. I can see myself coming back to this series frequently in the future. Ashley has solidified herself on my auto buy author list. Whatever she does next, I will be there.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

One Final Turn
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“I would be traveling to Lisbon, Portugal, to try to find my cousin Toby, who had reportedly escaped from a German prisoner war camp.” And so our story begins!
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I want to start off my saying that I didn’t realize this was the fifth and last book in a series when I requested it (oops lol) so I do think I would have had a deeper connection and understanding of past relationships, history, and a better appreciation for all the character development if I would have read the rest of the series, so I wouldn’t necessarily read as a standalone, overall I enjoyed it though! I was interested right from the beginning. I loved all the beautiful descriptions of Lisbon and I loved the spy feel of the story and all their little mission along the way. There were moments in the middle that I was looking for a little more, but the last ten chapters or so were jam packed so I liked that! There’s a sprinkle of romance too! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
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Thank you Ashley Weaver, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for this e-arc, it comes out June 3rd!

This is the last book in this series about Electra McDonnell, who has been brought up by her uncle’s family after her mother died in prison while accused of killing her father. From that unpromising and tragic beginning, she’s grown up learning her uncle’s business as a locksmith and occasional lockpicker. She’s been asked to help British intelligence during WWII. I’ve read the earlier books, but didn’t remember them all that deeply. I think you could read this without having read the earlier books, but I recommend that you do read them.

In this entry, she and her handler (and romantic interest) Major Ramsey have gone to Portugal because they think that her cousin has escaped from a German POW camp and is heading there. It’s a different setting than one I’ve read for a WWII novel, but it was very interesting to read about what it was like there as spies from both sides hung out in a neutral nation.

Ramsey, Electra, and another British officer, Captain Blandings follow up clues as the tension and occasional dead body mount up. It was very engrossing to read and I’m sorry that the series is coming to an end. I look forward to seeing what Weaver will do next.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This book is the finale of the Electra McDonnell series and brings Ellie to Portugal to, hopefully, find her cousin Toby who was taken prisoner by the Germans.

Ellie has been fired from her post in intelligence by Major Gideon Ramsay for a failure to follow orders, but Captain Archie Blandings thinks she could be useful in Portugal. He's trying to make the escape route from occupied France safe from German intervention and help Ellie find out the fate of her cousin.

Ellie isn't pleased when she learns the Major Ramsey is also a part of the mission. She has fallen completely in love with him but doesn't see a future for them. But she throws herself into the investigation to learn about this route, meeting all sorts of agents and double agents, and stumbling onto a dead body or two along the way.

When they can't find a way to talk to a Portuguese official who might have information about the secret route, Archie comes up with a plan the involves getting married to each other. While Ellie is reluctant, she's willing to do anything to find out about her cousin. Through a variety of circumstances, Ellie finds herself married to Major Ramsey instead of Archie.

This was an excellent story. I thought it nicely wrapped up the threads of the previous books in the series and had a wonderful "happily ever after" ending too. Fans of the series will enjoy this satisfying finale.

What a fabulous way to end the series. All of the loose ends are resolved. Ellie McDonnell has traveled to Lisbon with Captain Archie Blandings to help rescue her cousin Tobin who escaped from the Nazi's. Adding to the suspense, the Germans are also trying to discover the escape route through the Pyrenees. I love seeing Ellie observe neutral Lisbon and compare it to wartime London. There is an awkward reconnecting with Major Ramsey in Lisbon, but they need to work together There is also lots of suspense, mystery, romance, and answers. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this series and look forward to reading more from this author.

The final installment in the Electra McDonnell mysteries. Ellie goes to Lisbon to investigate and assist in the rescue of several escaped prisoners from Germany. Alongside of this, Ellie’s relationship with Major Ramsey came to a head in the previous book, and in this one everything is uncertain.
These books are both spy stories as well as a romance, but this one in particular tends to lean more on the romance. Over the course of the 5 books, we’ve gotten to know the characters and become invested in their story. The one thing I’m a bit unsure about is the romance trope that was thrown in there; I didn’t particularly care for the way the trope was used. But ultimately the story had a satisfying ending and everything wrapped up neatly. If you enjoy mysteries with not too much peril and a good portion of romance thrown in, then you should try this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is such a beautiful end to the Electra McDonnell series. As sad as I am that these books are ending, this final entry is everything I could hope for. It is suspenseful and romantic; readers get questions answered and can leave feeling satisfied. I can't wait to read it again!

The fifth and final installment in the Electra McDonnell series was a fitting end to the series and definitely did not disappoint! The author ties up all loose ends neatly, while her romance with Major Ramsey continues to sizzle. Although some may think Ellie has lost some of her spirit and is more subdued in this novel, this reader likes to think that she has, indeed, as she notes, "learned her lesson." I only found one typo, in Chapter 37, where Ramsey states he hasn't had time to "shift" (sic) through the information. The author continues to further develop these characters with honesty, intelligence, and humor, which has left me hoping for more adventures from Ellie and Major Ramsey. Highly recommended for all collections.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this book! I was thrilled to read the last in the Electra McDonnell series to learn how things would turn out between Ellie and Major Ramsey. While Weaver does do some visiting to prior events, I would suggest reading the books preceding this one before diving into this one. The books offer a little bit of everything - mystery, history, and lots of not overly explicit romance.

At the end of the last book, Ellie and Major Ramsey have gone their separate ways. Ellie is heartbroken but trying to adjust by pursuing the mystery of the murder of her father - supposedly by her mother. Ellie doesn't believe this but she needs to uncover the truth if only to clear her long-deceased mother's name. She has, of course, gotten herself into a bit of trouble with her investigations. In this fifth and last book - Ellie is accompanying Captain Archie Blandings to Lisbon, Portugal in hopes of finding her cousin, Toby. Toby was part of the Dunkirk effort and has been missing throughout most of the series. The British have received intelligence that some of the POWs have escaped German captivity and are making their way through the mountains to Portugal. Archie believes Ellie's sleuthing skills and personal interest will help them track down information on the escape route before the Nazis. Of course, Major Ramsey is also going to Lisbon for a different reason - and Ellie is not working for him but must, of course, interact with him. Lots of tension!

I enjoyed taking a detour to Lisbon during World War 2! It was a nice change from the London bombings and provided the perfect location for Ellie and Major Ramsey's story to play out. There were a few surprises along the way but most of the story played out nicely. I will miss the characters in this series. As others have suggested, it would be nice to revisit them at some point. Maybe a cozy Christmas tale in a few years?

This was a fitting end to a great series. An immersive historical mystery that takes a fresh look at the WWII era.

Wow! One Final Turn had me turning the pages in the last book of the Electra McDonnell series. I wanted to take my time and savor each page, and at the same time, I wanted to hurry up and see how it all ended. I was not disappointed at all; in fact, I absolutely loved it. The romance was so sweet and swoony. I do not want to give anything away, but my favorite romance trope was used. The author did a great job of tying up all the loose ends and made this romantic mystery a wonderful happy conclusion to the series.

How I have enjoyed this series and this author!
Electra McDonnell is one of my favorite heroines in a favorite genre - historical mysteries. The fact that it is set in one of my favorite cities (Lisbon Portugal ) made this read perfect!
This book made me so happy as I read but as I began to get near the end- I just did not want it to end. I will miss these characters and I can envision reading the series again start to finish - I enjoyed it so much!
The plot for this book was wonderfully clever and the ending soooo satisfying.
I learned a good bit of history from this book as well. The role of Portugal in World War 2 was very interesting. One also really gets a feel for the espionage going on at the time.
Although this is said to be the final book in the series I could read about these characters forever.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur books - cannot recommend this book and series highly enough.

I have loved every moment of this series and I’m sad this is the final book. This story like all the others was a fast read because it was difficult to stop reading. I plan to reread the entire series. This final book will satisfy the reader in all areas. It was action packed and also had some tender moments. There was even a mention of praying a few times. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, spy craft, suspense, red herrings and light, sweet romance this is the book for you. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC, and this is my own, unbiased review.

Ashley Weaver, "One Final Turn," Minotaur, June 3, 2025

"One Final Turn" is the last volume in Ashley Weaver's Electra "Ellie" McDonnell series. Ellie comes from a long line of lock picks and safecrackers. Working with her Uncle Mick and her cousins Colm and Toby she has spent years being a legitimate lover and manipulator of locks by day and a criminal who opens doors and safes by night to remove valuables from their owners by night. Then, in 1941, she was approached by Maj. Gabriel Ramsey to work for British military intelligence on a case where the skills of a safe cracker were needed. Forswearing her criminal past, Ellie agreed to work with Maj. Ramsey then and on several cases that followed. Several things happened over the course of their cases together. First, Ellie found that she enjoyed working with the forces of good. Second, she introduced Uncle Mick Toby, Colm, and several friends of the family to the work as their skills became necessary. Third, she fell head over heels in love with Maj. Ramsey, and he seemed to have feelings for her as well. And finally, Maj. Ramsey fired her from his team for inability to follow orders and seemed to cut her out of his life.

It is at this point, with Ellie heartbroken and missing both Maj. Ramsey and her work for military intelligence, that our story begins. Quite unexpectedly, Maj. Ramsey pays a call on Ellie to inform her of a new POW escape route over the Pyrenees to Lisbon. A communication has been received that an escaped prisoner believed to be her cousin Toby, who has been missing since Dunkirk, is making use of this route. Ellie is later asked by Capt. Archie Blandings, also of military intelligence to travel with him to Lisbon to bring Toby home and to learn as much as possible about the new escape line. Maj. Ramsey will also be present in Lisbon, but nothing has changed between Ellie and him.

Following Ellie's first trip on an airplane and out of the country, she and Capt. B landings arrive in Lisbon. There they must contact with someone who can connect them with the escape line.What follows is a disappointing string of errors as one informant after another is killed or has gone underground and thus cannot point them toward the line. One of the bolder plans has Ellie affianced to first Capt. Blandings and then Maj. Ramsey, whom she ultimately marries, to gain access to the Civil Registrar, who performs marriages and is under tight Nazi surveillance. Unfortunately, the lead this produces turns up dead by his own hand having used a cyanide capsule rather than be interrogated by the Nazis.

Will the British group ever find a way into the escape line? If so, will they locate Toby? And what will become of Ellie and Gabriel's marriage once they return to England, assuming that they both do?

I have enjoyed the Ellie McDonnell series am fond of novels about plucky women during the Second World War, and "One Final Turn" is recommended for readers of the other books in the series. I cannot recommend it as a stand alone novel.

Thank you to Ashley Weaver, Minor and and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I will forever be sad that we won't get more books in this series, but since it had to end, I am glad the series went out on such a high note. The book did a great job wrapping up the series' central mysteries in a satisfying way. Still, there was likely enough of a story to have another book, especially concerning Ellie's parents.

While I've enjoyed the mysteries, the romance between Ellie and Ramsey has kept me so engaged in the series, and wow, did this book deliver on that front! The romantic tension and the will they or won't between them concluded so perfectly, with the addition of one of my favourite tropes! I was smiling and kicking my feet throughout the whole book.

I cannot recommend this series enough, and I am already planning a full reread in the fall.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for providing the ARC.

It is the journey that matters the most in the end.

And what a journey it has been through this Electra McDonnell Series. We've come to #5 and Ashley Weaver has decided to close the door on this delightful series with One Final Turn. Those of us dedicated fans shake our heads. The end can't be the end.

If you've read any books in this series, you know that Electra "Ellie" McDonnell comes from a family of talented locksmiths. Their so-called talents have taken them in many directions......some on the level and some maybe not so much. But these talents have drawn the attention of British Intelligence. It's World War II in London in 1941 now and the Germans are on the move. The bombings visit Londoners on a nightly basis.

Ellie's cousin, Toby, had been captured by the Germans. He's escaped from a prison camp and is thought to be enroute through the Pyrenees Mountains headed toward Lisbon. Captain Archie Blandings has recruited Ellie since she's done fine work in the past with Major Gabriel Ramsey. (She and Ramsey have had an on-again-off-again thing ever since.)

One Final Turn is filled with espionage and intrigue. Although Lisbon is deemed neutral, it is teeming with Germans and others infiltrating the locals. It is up to Ellie and Archie to filter through facts and bogus information on the prison escape. Ellie will find herself in danger around every corner much to Ramsey's distress level. Stay tuned to find out how this cat and mouse game will end.

It's my hope that Ashley Weaver is already working on a new series that will certainly replace this one......if that's even possible. Make it quick, Ashley Weaver. We stand with arms open.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to the talented Ashley Weaver for the opportunity.

5/5 stars: This is the fifth entry in Weaver's Electra McDonnell series which is a Historical Mystery set in 1941 England & Portugal and follows a former thief and safecraker as she travels to Lisbon with her estranged former government handler, a British military intelligence officer who's also the man she's fallen in love with, on her most perilous mission ever: rescue her beloved cousin and a group of escaped POWs and protect an essential escape route from falling into Nazi hands. With plenty of twists and turns, Weaver has crafted a mystery that balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I love seeing a different aspect of those who fought/spied for Britain in WWII and adore seeing Electra (Ellie) using all her thieving and safecracking skills. I also really appreciate the how Weaver concluded the overarching plot involving Ellie's parents. Weaver's heartfelt and humorous writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Ellie's incredible and I love catching up with her, her family (especially her Uncle Mick and Nacy) and friends. It's also so lovely to see how her and (Gabriel) Ramsey's relationship resolves. They're so different but so perfect for each other! While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Peculiar Combination. Weaver's a favorite author and this finale to Electra's story doesn’t disappoint; highly recommend this series!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and ARC provided by St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

I was sorry to read that this is the last for this series, but it certainly was a very precipitous ride while it lasted. Ellie of the infamous family, the toff who is her spymaster, and a mixed bag of fellow British agents go down to Portugal on a very dangerous mission. There are betrayals, murders, rescues, revelations from the past and present, and a lot of tense situations in this unputdownable read.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Jun 03, 2025 Final in series
#OneFinalTurn by @ashleyweaverauthor #ElectraMcDonnellBk5 @stmartinspress @minotaur_books #WW2 #historicalnovel #gieving #family #spies #romantic #portugal #truth #trust #tense #action

One Final Turn is the latest book in the Electra McDonnell series. Electra is part of a mission in Portugal to find her cousin Toby and others escaping the Nazis. She is no longer working for Major Ramsey but he will be part of the mission. He broke her heart so it won’t be easy working with him. This mission is personal for Ellie and it becomes even more so while in Lisbon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and series.

Fans of Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell series will love this final chapter! It includes all of the best characteristics of the series: intrigue and adventure mixed with the undeniable attraction/conflict between Ellie and Major Ramsey. In this finale, most of the action takes place in Portugal, which was a treat for Ellie, and offers novelty. I loved seeing everything coming together in this book. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.