While there were times I felt lost (due to starting the series in the third book), Weaver did a nice job of giving enough details about what happened previously to provide a semblance of context. She did this while still keeping the story going. I loved the protagonist and how she kept pursuing justice, even while being in harm's way herself. The supporting characters are well done and I am hoping to be able to read the next in the series.

This mystery series gets better with each installment. This is the third of the series featuring Ellie McDonnell and Major Ramsey, set in London and Sudenland during the 1940’s. As the blitz continues, the Major sends Ellie to Sudenland with few details as to what she will be needed to do. As she gets embroiled in an attempt to find a counterfeit spy ring working for the Germans, Ellie’s relationship with the Major heats up. I recommend this historical mystery featuring a feisty and unique woman. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Electra "Ellie" McDonnell is approached by Major Ramsey to take on another assignment undercover. The Germans are heavily bombing London, so though she's worried about leaving her family in London, Ellie travels north to Sunderland to investigate possible Nazi infiltration there.

Ellie takes a room in a rooming house and gets to know a few of the local women, and quickly finds out that she needs to uncover a possible Nazi counterfeiting operation. Major Ramsey is there, posing as her boyfriend or husband, depending on who she speaks to. Their relationship progresses, leaving her wondering about her feelings for Felix, her childhood friend.

Ellie is dismayed to find some of the people she's socializing with, while undercover, seem to be involved with the counterfeiting, and there also is a murderer amongst these people.

Ellie continues to captivate; she's quick on her feet, analytical, good at ingratiating herself with strangers and improvising. The males around her continue to look down on her, however, requiring Ellie to find ways to work around them and constantly prove she's a good investigator. Her instincts are good and she's often much better at solving the problems she's presented with while on assignment than they are.

Ashley Weaver also progresses the other storyline about the secrecy surrounding Ellie's deceased mother. And that little bomb that Weaver drops right at the end of this book means that I want to read the next book now!

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Let me begin with the best news of all: Ashley Weaver’s series featuring safecracker-turned-spy Electra “Ellie” McDonnell is not a trilogy, as I had feared! Playing It Safe, the third novel in the series set in England during World War II, ends on the most amazing cliffhanger that there’s no doubt that there will be at least one more sequel.

Major Gabriel Ramsey dispatches Ellie to the English seaside, as usual with very little information. No sooner had she arrived, than someone makes an attempt on her life. The man that rescued her is dead a few hours later. Coincidence? Not likely!

There’s so much I wish I could say, but nearly all of it would spoil this suspenseful read. I can say that Ellie learns more about her mother (who died when she was a baby) and Ramsey. An absolutely wonderful read.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Press in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have been a HUGE fan of Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell series for years, so to receive an arc of the most recent addition to the series was a dream realized. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and a huge fan of female detective mysteries, so the combination of the two in the hands of a masterful writer is simply *chef's kiss*.

As the third novel in the series, Electra is once again working with Major Ramsey to uncover sinister plots that threaten the safety of the nation (England) during WWII. The plots are always well-written, but the best aspect of the series is, to me, the building tension between Electra and the Major. It's been kept to a simmer thus far, but in this volume its starts to boil, and the build-up and wait have been worth it! That's not to say things are wrapped up in a nice bow. Incredible complications ensue, of course, and, personally and professionally, Electra's future is one huge question mark, ensuring that the next in the series - whenever it may come - is at the top of my list.

Any fans of historical fiction, historical mystery, historical romance should absolutely give this series a try.

Ashley Weaver's Playing it Safe is an engaging historical mystery/romance featuring a feisty heroine who assists British Intelligence in WWII England. In this third book in the Electra McDonnell series, thief, lockpicker, and safecracker McDonnell combats espionage--a national identity card counterfeiting operation turned murderous-- once again alongside the enigmatic Major Ramsey of British Intelligence. Their romance, simmering since Book 1, heats up in this installment, leaving both with no doubts about their inconvenient but mutual attraction.

The novel works well as a standalone (I haven't read the first two), and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

I have been a fan of Ashley Weaver for years and years, but I had not yet picked up the Electra McDonnell series. I don't know what I was waiting for. I have already put a hold on Books #1 and #2 at my library so I can catch up with Electra and Major Ramsey. But this book had me swooning, gasping, and shaking with nerves. I'm hooked on this lovely, spirited character- and the grumpy but dashing Major.
The element of espionage and WWII setting make this story a page-turner. I tried to sort through the facts and pinpoint the traitor, but I was hooked (& clueless) until nearly the end.
I absolutely recommend this book and series. If you appreciate strong women, smart stories, and historical settings, this book is for you.

This is the third book in Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell series. It was a fantastic read! This series just keeps getting better and better.

Set in WWII Britain, the series follows Ellie ( Electra) as she works as an agent for the British government. Ellie is from a family of locksmiths that happen to do a bit of safe cracking on the side. Their connections to the criminal element in London have made them a valuable asset to their handler, Major Ramsey.

I just adore the entire premise of this series, and Playing It Safe is an excellent edition. In this volume, Ellie travels undercover to Sunderland with very little explanation from the Major. She quickly finds herself meeting new people, making new friends, and landing herself right in the middle of a dangerous plot.

This was such an enjoyable read. We're left with a surprising revelation at the end, and I can't wait to read the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Playing It Safe (Electra McDonnell, #3) by Ashley Weaver was my favorite book in the series so far! It can best be described as a historical mystery. Playing It Safe took place in London just at the beginning of The Blitz and in a little seaside town called Sunderland. London had become a scary place especially at night. Sirens blared relentlessly almost every night and warned the people of London of the approaching German planes. So far Ellie and her family had been fortunate and had not been hurt or affected by the bombs. They had been lucky so far.

Major Ramsey was once again in need of Ellie’s services and expertise so he asked her to travel to Sunderland and wait for him there until he gave her further instructions. She was to make friends with the locals. When Ellie agreed to go to Sunderland, she was still quite concerned about the safety of her family members. Sunderland had not seen much in terms of bombings. This was the first time Ellie was helping Major Ramsey on a case by herself without her uncle, cousin or Felix. Ellie was using the alias name of Elizabeth Donaldson while she was in Sunderland. She quickly shortened it to Liz as she introduced herself to the locals she met.

Ellie had not been In Sunderland long before she witnessed a man dying in the street not far from where she was conversing with a local woman. It ended up that the woman that Ellie had been talking to knew the man that had died. The dead man’s name was Hal Jenkins and he had been friendly with the woman Ellie had been talking with. When Ellie went closer to the man’s body, she discovered he was clutching a small piece of paper in his hand. Ellie released it from his hand and slipped it into her pocket without being detected. The man’s death appeared quite suspicious. Ellie tried to glean as much information about the dead man from her new acquaintances as possible. Late that night, Ellie decided to canvas the dead man’s room after learning where he lived from her newly acquired friends. She easily broke into his room at the rooming house he had been staying at. As Ellie was concluding her surveillance of the man’s room she discovered that she was not alone. Major Ramsey had had the same idea as Ellie. How like him to sneak up on her and scare her mercilessly. Ellie was so frustrated with Major Ramsey. Apparently, he had been in Sunderland and had not yet contacted her. Apparently, Major Ramsey had also heard about the death of this man. What else did Ramsey know that he was not sharing with her? Ramsey only divulged what he had to. Ellie was so frustrated by his lack of sharing and communication.

Major Ramsey and Ellie soon discovered that a counterfeit operation that produced false identification cards for Nazi operatives was at the root of this mystery. Would Ellie and Major Ramsey be able to solve and figure out who was behind this operation before Nazi spies were able to enter England successfully? As they gathered clues, they knew that they had to solve this case as quick as possible. They were running out of time. Where were the Nazi spies landing? Ellie and Major Ramsey had located the missing printing plate and blank identification cards the Nazis needed to complete their mission. Could they discover who was the mastermind behind this operation and stop it in time?

Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver was fast paced and well plotted. Several new characters were introduced in this book. I hope some of them continue to play a role in the upcoming books in this series. The revelation of who the spymaster was took me completely by surprise. I had not been able to guess that outcome. Ellie, once again, proved to be quite resourceful, quick witted and rather gutsy. I loved that Ellie and Major Ramsey finally gave into their respective attraction to each other and hope that they will continue to explore their feelings for one another in future books. The very ending was so good. Once again, Ashley Weaver left her readers with a very promising cliffhanger. I hope the next book in this series comes quickly so all my questions can be resolved. Playing It Safe was really enjoyable and I recommend it very highly.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Blitz has started as German bombers appear over London each evening to drop their deadly cargo. Fortunately, the Major has a new mission that will take both he and Ellie to the coast of London to look for spies, counterfeiters, and birds! Ellie, as usual, doesn't like to sit around and wait for the Major to fill in the details so she does some quiet sleuthing on her own which provides valuable information but also danger. Lots of fluttering hearts in this one! And there is new information about her mother.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC - I look forward to #4.

Electra is a semi reformed thief whose expertise is safe cracking, lock picking and being friendly in a way that gets information. Undercover on a government mission, she needs to use her talents in order to figure out what is going on and why friends keep dying before more people die.
Taking place during the WWII blitz, it was a quick fun mystery read.

#arc
#netgalley
#playingitsafe

I snagged this book on NetGalley when I was looking for something different to read. The cover alone was intriguing enough for me! I should have quickly realized Playing It Safe by Ashley Weaver is part of a series. However, it worked just fine as a standalone. I was able to piece together any references to previous books without issue. That being said, I want to go back and read all the rest.

Playing It Safe was beyond captivating. I couldn't stop reading this one once I started. It takes place during WWII and from the start Weaver sets the scene with the night air raids and the need for everyone to hunker down each night unsure about their future tomorrow. Even when Electra goes to the movies, she recognizes it's an escape except where there are now previous they played news clips. So even her brief respite from war is filled with reminders.

I think saying anything about this book will likely provide spoilers, so trust me. Snag a copy and read it! I listened to the last 1/4 on audiobook through Hoopla and really enjoyed the narration!

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for granting me access to this title!

I read this book in one sitting. I have loved all of Ashley Weaver's books, and this one is no different (perhaps even my favorite). The story is excellent (as evidenced by the fact that I literally couldn't put it down) and the characters are amazing. I cannot wait for the next book in the series! Highly recommend.

I love this series! There is so much action that you don’t want to put it down. I love that Ellie is a smart, savvy, and sassy main character who is actively participating in the war effort in a very different way. The writing flows so well and keeps you captivated the whole way through. The love triangle (I hate love triangles) is tolerable and I can’t decide which one I like more. Highly recommended for those who love historical fiction and fascinating characters.

If you like historical mystery, this mystery series is one of the best new series out there. Combining the tv series Foyle's War with a spy novel and a thriller, Electra's adventures are gripping, fast-paced and engrossing. This book sees Ellie go to the wartime seaside at the behest of the mysterious Major Ramsey and, of course, everything goes a little wrong. Supremely enjoyable reading, there are also several greater mysteries in Playing it Safe that make the reader impatient for the next book.

Ellie and the Major are once again racing to stop a spy ring on British soil.
This is one of my favorite historical mystery series. I am really looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for review.

I enjoyed this book in the series and look forward to more. I liked the characters and the setting. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie McDonnell, a former thief and safecracker, has quickly been making a name for herself using her nefarious skills to aid the British Intelligence during World War II. She has been involved in two previous missions and when her handler, Major Ramsey, sends her off on another mission, she is eager to use her skills to disrupt the Nazi’s and their plans. Major Ramsey sends her off to Sunderland without much detail other than she has an assumed identity. Without much knowledge about the mission, she is surprised when a man dies right in front of her under mysterious circumstances in the street upon her arrival to the city. In his hand is a note that sets Ellie’s curiousity aflame.

Learning more from Major Ramsey after her arrival, she is to infilitrate a group of friends that included the murdered man. It seems one of the group might be an undercover German spy and murdered their friend to keep their secrets safe. With Ellie not being able to trust anyone in the group and Major Ramsey keeping her in the dark about the mission, she soon finds herself scrambling to learn everything she can. Can she find out who the secret spy is without anyone else being eliminated? Ellie must use her smart wits and her powerful observation skills to prevent herself from becoming the spy’s next victim.

I am really starting to come to enjoy this series. This mystery series sets itself apart from other of its ilk by being enjoyable and engaging from the very first page. I really like Ellie’s character and how the author uses her criminal family’s past to aid the British Intelligence Service during a terrible war. Another fantastic installment in a truly remarkable historical mystery series set in England during World War II. This book holds a lot of promise for the future of the series and I am anxiously awaiting to see what Ellie gets herself involved with in the future.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Author: Ashley Weaver

Series: Electra McDonnell Mystery #3

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: May 9, 2023

Pages: 267

Genre: Historical Mystery

Get It: Amazon

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review. I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.

This series just gets better with each book that comes out! WHEW what a ride this one was. Even in the moments where Ellie is just TSTL [Note, DO NOT GO TO SOMEONE'S HOUSE ALONE with only an hour and a half left in the book! LOL], this is a really great read and it is just such a smartly written book. I really love Ellie and her unique story and Major Ramsey is absolutely one of my new "book boyfriends". ;-)

Set away from London this time, I missed Ellie's family and the familiarity of London, but the story and the whole mystery were just so darn good that you soon stop wondering when so-and-so is going to drop in and just focus on the story in front of you.

I am absolutely NOT going to say anymore because these are so best going in with cold - trust me, you will enjoy it so much more knowing nothing [I knew nothing about the book, just requested it and then read it. It was so glorious that way], and I think if you are bogged down in your reading, this series will perk you right up!! SO WELL DONE!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ashley Weaver, and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Book for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Playing it Safe is the third book in Ashley Weaver's Electra McDonnell series. This series is one of the best I've ever read, and that is NOT hyperbole! This book is my favorite in the series so far, so that is saying a lot. This particular episode of the World War II mystery series stands alone. However, I highly recommend starting from the beginning; you won't want to miss the progression of the relationship of Ellie and Major Ramsey, or how Ellie and her safecracking family come to work for British intelligence.

Electra "Ellie" McDonnell was a safecracking thief, but now she's doing her part in the war effort with occasional jobs for Crown and country. British Intelligence officer Major Gabriel Ramsey shows up with a new assignment for her - she is to go to the port city of Sunderland under an assumed name and await Ramsey's further orders. Of course, the maddening man gives her as little information as possible, so she has no idea what she's in for. Before she meets up with Ramsey again, Ellie witnesses a man dying in the street, mouth foaming, with a note clutched in his hand (which she deftly liberates without anyone noticing). Soon Ellie and Ramsey are investigating more seemingly connected deaths, and find clues that point to a Nazi counterfeiting operation. Will they discover the spymaster before it's too late for them...and perhaps even Britain?

This was such an exciting book that I resented it when real life kept interfering with my reading! Ellie is such a phenomenal character. She learned safecracking and other crimes from her Uncle Mick and two cousins after her mother died while Ellie was terribly young. After being caught by Major Ramsey during a job, she and her family were forced to work for him occasionally. Ellie still gets to use her particular skill set, but now it's for the benefit of her country. Major Ramsey is a straight-arrow British Intelligence man who keeps all information close to his chest, which totally infuriates Ellie. He's also very protective of his safecracking asset when necessary. The two mainly seem to irritate the other, but their relationship really progresses in this story. Be still my beating heart! It seems that when the major lets great anger escape, something is released along with it. Even though they agree that they must remain professional, I'm thinking things have irrevocably changed. Ellie has a sort-of romance with her forger friend Felix, but I'm thinking (and hoping!) that things change now, as Major Ramsey is my man! There are other supporting characters here that really accelerated the suspense, most notably the mysterious Rafe Beaumont, whom Ellie distrusted a bit. I hope we see more of him in future books. The counterfeiting story was exciting... I was totally blown away when the spymaster was revealed. I wasn't even close with my guess! I was also extremely worried about the well-being of our heroine and hero near the conclusion of the book. The biggest surprise, however, was the last sentence in the book. A cliffhanger was revealed that almost dropped me to the floor. Nooooooooooo! Don't make us wait an entire year before we find out more!!! Dive right into this exciting series; I promise you won't regret it.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.