Thank you Minotaur Books, #partner, for the finished copy of The Key to Deceit in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Published: June 21, 2022
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?
My thoughts:
This is the second book in Ashley Weaver’s Electra McDonnell series, and I am really enjoying this historical mystery series. The writing is quite witty, and the plot is so engaging that I find myself completely captivated from start to finish.
While I love WWII historical fiction, I think it’s the characters that really make this one for me. I just love that fact that we have a family of former thieves working alongside British Intelligence to help find a group of Nazi spies…and we have a feisty young female as our main character, who I just love! She really is becoming a favorite character of mine and I love that in this installment, we find her in a bit of a romantic triangle – I do look forward to seeing where this ends up as I see that there looks to be at least 2 more books coming!!!
I have really come to enjoy spy novels, especially set during this time period – who would have known that would be the case? There may not be a ton of action or death, but I think it’s just the witty dialogue and the cozy aspect of the mystery that I enjoy – it’s a nice change of pace from the usual dark, twisted books I tend to pick up – plus I am so fascinated by the whole skill of master lock pickers, and I love how the author works it into the plot.
I’m so glad I discovered this series last year with the first book, A Peculiar Combination. This series really is so charming and engaging and I look forward to seeing more adventures, and character development, for my beloved Electra and her crew!
Books in this series:
- A Peculiar Combination
- The Key to Deceit
- Playing it Safe – due out May 2023
- Book 4 – ???
