While I am thrilled that I received an advance copy of this book to read, I am sad that Electra's WWII adventures have come to an end. The characters in this entire series are well developed, the mythology aspect adds interest, the plot lines are intriguing, the mystery of Electra's back story is compelling, and the added romance was a pleasing addition. Although Electra's adventures are over, the end of this series is very satisfying. I hope Ashley Weaver begins another series soon and gives us a character as fascinating as Electra and a plot that is as equally engaging! I highly recommend this novel and the entire series to anyone who enjoys a strong female protagonist in historical fiction. My sincere thanks to the author and Minotaur publishing for offering me an ARC of this novel.

I discovered the Electra McDonnell a few weeks ago and have devoured all the books since, so I was thrilled to get my hands on the ARC of the last in the series, One Final Turn.

Though I'm sad to have reached the end of Ellie's story, One Final Turn is a very satisfying conclusion to the series, deftly wrapping up many threads that have carried through all the books, including Ellie and Ramsey's slowburn romance, the fate of her cousin Toby, and the mystery of her parents. I also adored the Lisbon setting!

My only note for improvement is that I would have preferred if each book was maybe 50 pages longer, with slightly more complex mysteries, but my enjoyment of the characters, relationships, and settings outweighs that. Highly recommended to fans of the series!

Book Title: One Final Turn
Author: Ashley Weaver
Series: Electra McDonnel #5
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press-Minotaur Books
Genre: Historical Fiction -Mystery
Pub Date: June 3, 2025
My Rating: 4 + Stars
Pages 304


The end of " Locked in Pursuit" (Book 4) left us faithful readers anxious for this story as Major Ramsey and Ellie ending their relationship, and not on the best of terms.

Ellie McDonnell’s cousin Toby is a prisoner of war and has been missing since the Battle of Dunkirk. Ellie is sadden and about to lose hope of seeing him again until Major Gabriel Ramsey, the British military intelligence officer she had been working closely with over the past few months, shared the news he’d intercepted.

Although Ellie’s primary goal is to find her cousin, Ramsey is very much on her mind as we know he ended their work and personal relationship.
Story starts a bit slow as we share Ellie’s reflections on her past.
I have read all the stories in this series and had forgotten the original story so loved the reminder.

Back to finding Toby~ Ellie meets with undercover operatives to track down where Toby might be hiding from the Nazis and whether they are too late to safely recover him, all the while fighting her feelings for Ramsey as well as dealing with the nasty war around her!

As the title indicates Yes! This is the last in this series. I enjoyed the ride. I hope this means Ms. Weaver will have another Amory Ames Mystery out next!

About the author~ Ashley Weaver is not only an outstanding author but also an elementary and middle school librarian.

Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press- Minotaur Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 3, 2025.

What a satisfying conclusion to the fabulous Electra McDonnell series! Now I want to read the whole series again, start to finish.

I loved seeing how Ellie matured--in her attitude towards her work and her relationships with those around her. There were moments I couldn't help but cry (I love my cousins, just like Ellie). And there were some satisfying scenes I'd been waiting the whole series for! But I was especially glad to finally get to the end of the series-long mystery about Ellie's parents--definitely an unexpected turn or two along the way.

Beware that this title is a bit more "spicy" than the others but everything is kept behind closed doors.

I was lucky enough to get to read an ARC of this book through Netgalley, but all opinions in this review are my own.

I loved this book, which was a satisfying end to the series (except for the part where I don't actually want the series to end!) Ellie heads to neutral Portugal, buzzing with refugees and spies from both sides of the war, with the hopes of not only finding her cousin Toby, but also gathering valuable information about the Allied escape line that he's rumoured to be using to flee to safety after his imprisonment by the Nazis. Ellie's not officially working with Ramsey in this one, since he severed both personal and professional ties with her at the end of the previous book, but his Portugal-based colleague Archie Blandings (who we met in the previous book) has gone over Ramsey's head to request her for the job. Ramsey comes to Portugal too, though, and they have to find a way to work together despite the awkwardness.

I thought this book wrapped up most of the storylines from the series quite nicely (although I would have liked a bit more detail about some of them!), the character interaction was really enjoyable, and the romance plot was excellently done and thoroughly satisfying. I did think the first chapter felt incongruously out of place with the others - it was full of somewhat clunky exposition that seemed to assume the reader hadn't read any of the previous books in the series and needed everything spelled out to them (rather than having the information sprinkled in more skillfully, as it was in the previous books in the series). Once that part was over, though, the story picked up considerably and I was riveted throughout the rest of the book. (It almost feels like much of that chapter was added on after the fact, and in my opinion it really didn't need to be, and makes for an unfortunately slow start to an otherwise excellent book.)

I really enjoyed how real and vivid wartime Portugal felt through Ellie's eyes. In fact, this book has made me really want to travel to Portugal myself for the food alone, let alone the sights, even though I'm sure many things have changed since the 1940s.

Some of the finer details of the plot setup might not hold up under real scrutiny, but because the characters and the story are so engaging, I was able to decide that some of the minor characters in the story were simply a bit incompetent and just move on and enjoy the book. Ellie, Ramsey, Archie, and all the other characters were a delight, and although I enjoyed the book thoroughly, I'm very sorry to say goodbye to them!

The final book in this series is not to be missed. Start with book 1 though - you won't regret it. Historical mystery at its best as Ellie travels to Lisbon hoping to find her cousin after rumors surface saying he has escaped the Germans.

Wonderful ending to a great series! I have really enjoyed the whole series. I've read other series featuring intrepid women during WWII (a very popular theme these days?) but Electra McDonnell has been the most fun, and her relationship with Major Ramsey the most interesting. I was glad for the change of scenery in this book - now I want to travel to Lisbon! - and thought it injected some new and interesting flavors to the story, along with the inclusion of new(ish) and memorable characters. The end of the book seemed slightly rushed and I was sorry to see it end so soon and to have to say goodbye to these characters I've come to know and love. Looking forward to a new series from this author, I hope....

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Minotaur and St Martin's Press for my advance electronic copy. My opinions are my own.

We catch up with Ellie McDonnell just after the events of the previous book in the series: she has learned that her cousin Toby--who is like a brother to her--has escaped from a German prisoner of war camp and will shortly reach Lisbon. Captain Archie Blandings has approached her to help him find Toby and his compatriots and bring them home, and in so doing save the secret path through which other escapees are making it through to Portugal. She's excited about leaving the country for the first time but complications quickly ensue, not the least of which are her still-strong feelings for Major Ramsey, her former handler who dismissed her from her job and from his life just as she realized that she loved him. Lisbon is a hotbed of intrigue, spycraft, and desperation, and Ellie and her colleagues start to feel the pressure of loss, of war, and of the fear of only finding the POWs too late.

Weaver had a lot to wrap up in this one! I LOVED One Final Turn: there was intelligence, historical details, and a slowwww burn, in a really good way. I'm sorry to see the series ending, especially as I enjoyed this one more than the last one. This book had everything: good sexual tension, good action scenes, an interesting setting and plot, and good suspense spy-wise. Lisbon had a very different war than London did--both due to its political position and its geographic one--and that served as an interesting contrast in the series. We see how important family is to Ellie, but also how important doing the right thing is also. A lot happened to her and Ramsey over the short period covered by the series, and I would have loved to see what happened next. It's hard when characters finally start acting how I felt they should, just when I have to say goodbye.

I wish I could rate this one 6 stars!!! It's always bittersweet reading the last book in a series, but it was everything I hoped for and more! As always, there was a good amount of intrigue, but it was the romance that really set this one apart! The ending was so heartwarming, and I loved every moment. All of the plot lines were tied up nicely, but it's still so sad to say goodbye to these amazing characters. I can't wait for Ms. Weaver's next book!

One final adventure for Electra and the crew! What an entertaining series and so sad this has come to an end. Thank you to St Martins Press for the ARC.

Devastated that this book series is ending, but if it has to end, I’m glad that the author ended it on a high note. Some side stories were tied up a little too quickly and conveniently in the last few pages; however, was likely unavoidable since this was the final book in the series.

Huge thank you to Negalley and Ashley Weaver for allowing me to read this ARC. It was beautifully done! Daring, adventurous vibes gave this WWII based novel a completely different outlook than others I have read. While it is the last book in the series, I think there could not have been a better ending. The author's writing is so enticing and keeps me interested. I look forward to reading more from her even though this series has ended!

I have fallen in love with Electra and her family over the series of books. This conclusion to her story is satisfying in a way that feels real and not overdone. Electra joins forces with her friends in the Intelligence services to rescue her cousin who was a POW during the war but escaped. Set in Portugal, the setting alone was fabulous. High stakes, German spies, and what appears to be unrequited love.

I looovveeddd this series!! Loved these characters, especially Ramsey, and the tension!!! Ashley’s books are so well paced and so engaging. After the last book, I did feel like Ellie and Ramsey’s relationship deserved a little more communication in this one, but as it was, I devoured this book just like the others, and give my thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and offer an honest review.

This is the final book in the Electra McDonnell series and I'm so sad that it's over. It's London 1941 and although Electra has been dismissed from her involvement in espionage by Major Ramsey, she is tasked with one final mission under the command of Captain Archie Blandings. They are to travel to Lisbon to help locate POWs who have escaped from the Germans and trying to make their way home. This assignment is personal as one of the prisoners is rumored to be her cousin Toby. This novel has all of the trademark WWII period details, exciting clandestine missions, drama, and of course romance that keeps the pages turning. I loved every minute of my time in Electra's world and although I'm happy with the way it ended, it definitely left me wanted more. #OneFinalTurn #NetGalley

Ok WOW. I *loved* this book. I thought I would, because I've loved the other titles in this series, but I was so pleased with this finale. I think it hits really strong emotional beats and does a good job tying up all of the lingering questions. I thought the ostensible mystery of the book was on the weaker side (it felt like a lot of "sit around and wait") BUT I appreciated the focus on character moments. After all, I'm there for the characters & to see their story. For me, the mystery is just the framing device. I'm bummed this series is ending, because I would happily read at least 10 more books of Ellie, the Major, etc just living their lives. Bravo Ashley Weaver! Can't wait to read what she writes next.

One Final Turn is the fifth, and final, installment in the Electra McDonnell mystery series set in WWII. London. This has been a fun series with an interesting twist. Electra comes from a family of accomplished locksmiths. Not just any locksmiths but sort of….criminal ones. She finds herself of useful service to the British military and it has been great fun to watch her involvement play out.
I won't retell the book plot as I hope you will start at the beginning of this well written series and follow to this equally well written ending.

First of all, I would like to add my voice to the chorus of voices complaining that this is the last of the Electra McDonnell books. This is a series that has become a real favorite, and I am very sorry to see it end. I am hoping, perhaps foolishly, that the publishers reconsider, as while this final chapter wraps up all of the ongoing mysteries, there is still quite a bit of war left - not to mention a lot of post-war intrigue, and I doubt I’m alone in wondering what comes next for Ellie and co.

Having gotten that out of the way - this book is fantastic. Starting right where book four left off, Ellie is prepping for her first trip overseas in the hopes of taking part in a rescue operation for her long-missing cousin Toby, who is rumored to be part of a group of escaped POWs making their way over the Pyrenees out of France, through Spain, and into Portugal. The Nazis have caught wind of their escape route, and it is up to Ellie, Captain Archie Blandings (a new character introduced in Book 4) and Major Ramsey to find the POWs before they fall into the hands of the Gestapo and are forced to give up all of the agents who assisted them along the way. As we begin, relationships with Ramsey are still strained, but Ellie’s desperation to find her cousin takes precedence over everything else.

As you have probably guessed from the references to previous books, this is really a book for longtime fans which wraps up two long running mysteries, as well as the central relationships between all the characters, and I think a first time reader would miss quite a bit (which is great - start with the first book! This whole series is really wonderful.).

Again - I wish we had more coming from Ellie’s story - a novella even- but if this is the last we hear from Ellie McDonnell, then the story has gone out on a high note. It’s very much a love letter to longtime readers, and I highly highly recommend it. It is one of the best in a series that itself is head and shoulders above most others in this genre.

As always with thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have been a fan of Ashley Weaver’s writing since I read her first Amory Ames book in 2017. I loved that series and was very sad when it came to an end after 7 books. I was therefore delighted when I heard of her new series with Ellie McDonnell and after reading the first book, A Peculiar Combination, I was completely hooked. Similarly to Amory Ames, Ellie McDonnell is a strong female protagonist with a complicated love life set amidst exciting adventures. I found myself devouring the Ellie books and always wanting to find out how her story developed. The hardest bit was having to wait for the next book to come out as I was desperate to find out what happened next in Ellie’s life. When I found out that One Final Turn would be the 5th and last Ellie book I simply had to read it as soon as possible and am immensely grateful to have received an early copy from Netgalley to devour.
I was not disappointed with how Ellie’s story ended and I loved how the characters in the series have developed and their stories were tied up at the end.
The romantic in me was thoroughly satisfied and I found this last installment very fun to read.
I am looking forward to what Ashley Weaver will come up with next, as her books have been a great source of fun and entertainment for me over the years.

What I absolutely loved about One Final Turn:
- The narration: Ellie is as delightful a narrator as ever: clever, funny, charming, sympathetic. Once the book really gets going, it’s easy to be drawn into her experience and easy to root for her.
- The setting: The lavish descriptions of food, scenery, and sights made me add Lisbon to my bucket list!
- The romance: The way things are slowly teased out between Ellie and Ramsey is fantastic. They’ve both had to do some thinking about trust and vulnerability since the fallout of Locked in Pursuit, and watching them navigate their attraction (physical and emotional) is by far the most enjoyable part of this book.
- The action: Ellie gets her chance to do some espionage work beyond her usual, and it’s fun watching her spread her wings and fly. And Ramsey is back in fighting form, which means we (and Ellie) get to watch him flex his skills, particularly in the book’s climactic action sequence.
- The resolution: We finally solve a mystery about Ellie's past that has been building since the first book.

What I would have liked to see, or see more of:
- One thing I have enjoyed about the previous books is that we usually dive right into the story, picking up necessary exposition as we go, with no need for the “last time on…” summary. This one started off clunky and overwrought - and as a result, it gave us even less time with some beloved ensemble characters, in a story that is already missing those characters for most of the action.
- Having Ellie casually brush aside her side jobs from Locked in Pursuit was an odd choice. Regardless of how she justifies it personally, she made a professional agreement that she didn’t keep to, and she did a job for a bonafide gangster without questioning the long-term implications at all. She’s grown up so much in other respects that it would have been nice to have some acknowledgement of those past poor decisions and their effects - including the uncomfortable position she put Ramsey in, personally and professionally.
- The ending felt slightly rushed. The long-game mystery is resolved in a way that brings Ellie and Ramsey closer, and that aspect of things is well done - but we never see any real fallout from something that has been a cornerstone of Ellie’s character motivations for five books, beyond a vague sense of Ellie being relieved to learn the truth.
- References to previous books are thrown in, but with no narrative payoff. For example, I was expecting to see the return of Ellie’s burgundy velvet gown (and Ramsey’s reaction to it) after it was counted among the evening wear she listed off in preparation for her trip. That dress represents a formative moment in their journey (their first undercover outing together AND that unforgettable kiss!) and it’s a shame it wasn’t deployed for emotional impact.

One Final Turn was an entertaining and satisfying conclusion - if not quite my favourite of the series.