ARC Review: The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver

The Key to Deceit
Author: Ashley Weaver
Series: Electra McDonnell Series (Book 2)
Publication: Minotaur Books (June 21, 2022)

Description: 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: Ellie McDonnell gets her second chance to work with British Intelligence just as the Germans start bombing London is this second historical mystery set during World War II. 

Ellie is approached by Major Ramsey who is actually looking for her Uncle Mick. A young woman's body has been recovered from the Thames and she's wearing an unusual, locked bracelet on her wrist. Ellie is quick to pick the lock but that just begins her work investigating this possible spy taking photos for the Germans.

Ellie and Major Ramsey follow clues to try to locate the cache of films taken to help the Germans with their targeting of London before the films can be claimed by the German spymaster. 

Meanwhile, Ellie is pursuing a mystery of her own. Her mother, who was convicted of murdering her husband, died in prison just months after Ellie was born. Ellie wants to know more about her mother, but doesn't want to question her Uncle Mick who was her father's brother, and tracks down some people who knew her at the time. Her investigation leads her to believe that her mother was innocent and protecting someone.

Ellie is also dealing with some romantic issues as her relationship with Felix whom she has known for years might be entering a new phase even as she is becoming more and more intrigued by Major Ramsey.

This was a fast-paced and engaging historical mystery with a very sympathetic main character. I look forward to more adventures. 

Favorite Quote:

He looked at me as though he expected me to do something about it. He was used to people hopping to whenever he snapped his fingers, and he always seemed to forget that I wasn't much of a hopper.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.