Historical Mystery set in London 1941 in which a former thief works with her aloof government handler to stop a series of thefts linked to Lisbon, an unknown object and the spies after it.

5/5 stars: Weaver is a favorite author and this newest release doesn’t disappoint. This is the fourth entry in Weaver's Electra McDonnell series, which is a Historical Mystery that takes place in London 1941 and features a former thief who uses her safecracking skills for the government to do her part in the war effort and thwart the Nazi. With plenty of twists and turns, Weaver has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I also really appreciate the overarching plot involving Ellie's parents and how that's continued to play out. Additionally, Weaver's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Ellie is incredible and I love catching up with her, her family (especially her Uncle Mick) and friends and tagging along with her and Major Ramsey on the latest mission / job. 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. If you’re looking for a great story involving former thieves doing good, wartime espionage and tons of intrigue run don’t walk and pick up this amazing series. Highly Recommend!

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

The latest in this long running series is by far the best. Electra McDonnell comes from a family of thieves but has begun using her lock picking and safe cracking talents to help Britain beat the Germans in world war two. Something seems off about a robbery during a party and she alerts her government contact, Major Ramsey, leading them to discover a stolen map that the Nazis are eager to get their hands on. If a forgery can be substituted, this is a perfect opportunity to feed misinformation to the Germans and Ellie's skills are needed to make the substitution.

The attraction between Ellie and Ramsey complicates the assignment as does Ellie's criminal past and debts she must pay to shady characters.

This was a fun read with a surprise ending. I can't wait for the next installment!

This book is so exciting! Do read the previous books in the series. Perhaps it isn’t necessary, but it fills in a lot of backstory and they’re fantastic. Locked In Pursuit is the epitome of a page turner - easy to read quickly because I literally couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for more!

I received a copy of this book from Minotaur Books.

This series continues to get better and better as WWII continues and the relationships between the main characters, their family, friends and colleagues are more fully developed.

Amid the backdrop of the frequent bombing of London by the Germans, this fourth mystery in the Electra (Ellie) McDonnell series finds Ellie once again working with Major Ramsey on another mission to help the war effort. Their latest assignment is kicked off by a newspaper article about a brazen robbery at a dinner party. Something about the crime strikes Ellie as being odd and soon she and Ramsey are investigating, which leads them to suspect that the robbery might have been an attempt to recover something more valuable than jewelry or art from the partygoers.

Once again, they find themselves looking into potential espionage, attempting to thwart the efforts of Nazi spies and collaborators to locate and pass a valuable map to the Germans. Ellie and Ramsay are also trying to ignore an attraction that is growing between the two of them, despite the vast differences in their backgrounds.

In addition to her espionage work with for the government, on her own, Ellie continues to look into whether her late father was truly a spy for the Germans in WWI, and if that was why he was murdered. This puts her at cross-purposes with Ramsey at times, leading to tension, threatening their personal and professional relationships, as well as potentially, Ellie’s life.

This entry in the series is enhanced with deeper insight into both Ramsey and Ellie through their own interactions and those with an appealing cast of secondary characters, especially Ellie’s family and Ramsey’s twin sister. Locked in Pursuit is a great addition to this series; looking forward to seeing what happens in the next one.

Although this book can be understood without reading the previous three, to get the most out of the series, I’d recommend reading the first three books as well. They are all well written, fast-paced tales with appealing characters set in a interesting time period.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for an advance copy.

I was totally sucked into the story from the get-go! Weaver's writing is like a magnet, pulling you into Ellie's world of spy games and danger. Seriously, I couldn't flip through the pages fast enough to see what Ellie and Major Ramsey would get up to next!
Set against the backdrop of World War II London, this fourth installment in the series follows the intrepid safecracker, Ellie McDonnell, as she finds herself embroiled in yet another dangerous mission.

When Ellie discovers a string of suspicious robberies in London, she knows she can't turn a blind eye, despite not having seen her enigmatic handler, Major Ramsey, in months. Teaming up once again, Ellie and Ramsey delve into a world of espionage, tracing the robberies back to a hotbed of spies in neutral Lisbon, Portugal. As they navigate the treacherous landscape of wartime espionage, their partnership is tested, and sparks fly between them, even as they try to deny their mutual attraction.

One of the highlights of this series is the depth of the characters and their evolution throughout the story. Ellie is a compelling protagonist, a strong-willed and resourceful woman who is not afraid to take risks. Watching her grapple with her emotions for both Felix and Major Ramsey while staying true to herself is both heartwarming and relatable. And Ramsey, with his brooding demeanor and hidden vulnerabilities, adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

Weaver's attention to historical detail is commendable, immersing readers in the sights and sounds of wartime London. From the air raid sirens to the bustling black markets, the setting comes alive on the page, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
The narrative is fast-paced and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. And the ending? Let's just say it left me eager for more, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Ellie's thrilling adventures.

Overall, Locked in Pursuit is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries with a dash of romance. Just be sure to start from the beginning of the series to fully appreciate the character development and intricate plot twists!

Thank you Minotaur Books for the gifted ebook!

Locked in Pursuit is the fourth book in the Electra McDonnell series and these books just keep getting better!!! *This review is spoiler free for the whole series.*

This series takes place primarily in London during WWII and follows a safecracker turned spy, helping her country by using her very specific set of skills. There’s not a lot I want to say about this specific book, because I don’t want to spoil anything from the previous books, but I will say that I absolutely loved it and I think it’s my favorite so far. AND things are set up for a very good fifth book!

Every time I finish one of these novels I’m so sad that I’ll have to wait another year to reunite with these characters. I think I may do a whole series reread between now and book five, because I just can’t wait that long.

This is the third book in the Electra McDonnell series by Ashley Weaver set in wartime London. Again, the author does not disappoint in the exciting race against time to locate a map that would greatly benefit the German war effort. The story begins with a series of thefts that first Ellie, and then Major Ramsey realize are suspicious and need to be investigated. As usual, both Mick and Felix become involved along with some shady characters from the underworld resulting in a serious problem between our two main characters who are attempting to deal with the growing attraction between them. The ending is fantastic and sets the reader up for our next adventure. I very much appreciate being given the opportunity to read a galley copy, and I highly recommend this book.

1941-Electra comes from a family of safecrackers and burglars. But, they are putting their skills to work for military intelligence in the attempt to win the war against Germany. The stakes are high and the assignments are dangerous. I’ve been fortunate enough to read the previous books in this series and I’ve enjoyed them all. This one centers more on Electra and brings in a touch of romance along with the suspense and danger. This may be the best one yet..

4.5 stars, only because it stopped, not at a cliffhanger exactly, but definitely leaving more questions than answers.

This is a great series, even for those of us who might be a bit tired of WII historical mysteries. The characters and their interactions, and all the nuances and shadings of good guys / bad guys / circumstantial ethics, etc. just excellent.

I'm almost sorry I got an e-galley because that just means an even longer wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I really enjoy the Electra McDonnell series and the latest installment did not disappoint! Electra is a semi-reformed lockpicker & safecracker working for the British government in WW2, with the military using her various skills to assist in all types of spy related activities. I enjoy the relationships between Electra and her uncle as well as her handler Major Ramsey. Locked in Pursuit takes both of these to new levels, introduced some new characters that I hope to see more of, and left me anxiously awaiting the next book. I highly recommend this book to fans of the Maisie Dobbs and Maggie Hope series as well as anyone looking for a WW2 mystery with a strong female protagonist,

"Locked in Pursuit" was a good addition to the series. Reading a newspaper article about a brazen robbery, Electra feels that something is off about the crime, especially as she and Uncle Mick had not heard anything about it from their "colleagues." She raises the question with Major Ramsey, whose inquiries lead to Lisbon, a den of spies in the amidst of WWII, and an item of value that appears to have been smuggled out of the country and into London. Electra will have to interact with some rather colorful characters in order to complete this mission. She will perform some side jobs that will cause problems between her and Ramsey, right when things seemed to be improving. She also will attempt to unravel a more personal mystery, which could be the most dangerous task of all.

This is number four in the Electra McDonnell series. I went into this without having read any of the previous books and was surprised at how enjoyable it was even though I was a little confused at the characters and what brought them to where they are and why in this book. I definitely would go back and read the first three to have a better grasp as to what exactly is going on with the characters. Set in the WW2 time frame, with morally gray characters, a fast-paced mystery, and some spicy romance mixed in.
I am curious to see what will be in the next book, but first, back to book 1 for me!

3.75 stars

Electra McDonnell and her family operated on the wrong side of the law until they got set up by British undercover agents to apply their lockpicking and safecracking skills to helping the war effort.

Electra chafes at all the watchful male cautions she is subjected to. And it doesn't help that she and the cool Major Ramsey have an undeniable attraction. But he is a toff and she is a burglar, so they don't seem to have much future.

There is a missing map which could prove invaluable to the Allies, but nobody knows exactly who has it or where it is. One person has already been murdered because of it. So, Electra and Major Ramsey join the hunt. Ellie is a strong character, but headstrong. She has a longtime family friend in her life but the draw is to Ramsey.

These are interesting reads with a lot of romantic angst. There is a small bombshell in the end and it appears Ellie's adventures will continue on special assignment to Lisbon. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This series makes me want to tear my face off in the best of all possible ways. The character and relationship work in this book, in particular, was wonderful and exactly what I want from this series. (Repeated use of full names!! I would like to thank The X-Files for installing that particular button when I was a wee lass.) The set up for the next book is delicious; the change in dynamic from both the point at which we leave their relationship in this novel and the different circumstances of the future mission. My only regret is that it will take another year for us to come back to this world and these characters.

London, 1941

Electra McDonnell hasn’t seen Major Ramsay since their last mission three months ago but when she hears about a suspicious robbery in London, she feels compelled to contact him. They discover that a rash of burglaries has led back to a hotbed of spies operating out of neutral Lisbon and an unknown object has been brought to London by a mysterious courier.

Colour me happy! This series just keeps getting better, and better and better…

The banter and chemistry between Electra and Ramsay is delightful and keeps me smiling. Even though the skills that Electra uses in her job aren’t exactly honest and law-abiding, she has a way about her that you can’t help but like her; she has a great sense of loyalty and steadfastness to those she loves.

You could read this as a stand-alone but I think it would be more enjoyable if you read the books in order. But don’t just read it for the romantic tension, the storyline slowly reels you in and well you just have to admit that you’re addicted to know more. I know I am, and I will have to wait for the next book in the series but I know it will be worth it!

My gratitude to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press. I am voluntarily leaving a review and all opinions are honest and mine.

Locked in Pursuit is the fourth book in the Electra McDonald series and probably my favorite so far. I would definitely recommend reading the previous three first, as this book really builds on the established relationships between the characters and progresses the narratives begun in earlier books. I personally have found the books well-plotted, especially the central romance. The love triangle that was established in earlier books seems to be on its way to resolving, as the main character, Electra, comes to understand her own feelings much more in this one. Of course, the course of true love never runs true, and new difficulties arise, but these make sense based on what we know and understand about the characters.

It's now January of 1941, and World War II is still raging. The author does a nice job of establishing the setting and allowing the war to continue in the background as the characters continue to deal with the difficult times in which they find themselves. One thing that I like about Ashley Weaver's writing is that she knows how to create characters that are sympathetic to modern readers but without attitudes that are so anachronistic that it draws me out of the time and place (I find this to be a common problem in the genre). The main mystery- trying to discover what the Nazis are seeking, some item or information smuggled out of neutral Portugal, and capture it first- is more than engaging enough to serve as the context for the characters interactions, which is my first interest. The only issue I had with this aspect of the book was that Electra's uncle part was dismissed quickly at the end. I had to reread to catch how he had disengaged from the thieves he was working with as part of his intelligence service. The only other difficulty I had is that the lecherous male characters trope who flirt with Electra is getting a bit tired, and while in this book, one of the men was far more malicious than the other, in real life most men are able to interact normally with women, even attractive ones.

I would definitely recommend this serious to anyone who is a fan of the historical fiction detective drama. The writing is tight, the characters are engaging, and WWII is well established and relevant to the action.

A good addition to the series, though the dragged out Felix plot line and Ramsay running hot and cold lessened my enjoyment of it. We learn more about Major Ramsay, but Electra was hard to like with her questionable decision making. This had more introspection and descriptions than action, and my attention wandered. While I was only so so on this one, the setup for the next book piqued my interest so I’ll be on board with the hope of better pacing, better resolution for Ramsay and Electra, and more action.

The story picks up a couple of months after the previous book, with Electra not having seen Ramsey or worked on another mission since. The mystery was fun, with some good twists and heists! I also liked that Weaver included more of the mystery surrounding Electra's parents' past in the main story. I've enjoyed how Weaver has been slowly revealing more and more as the series progresses.

The book's highlight for me was the dynamic between Electra and Ramsey! The angst was top-notch, with their relationship taking one step forward only to take two steps back.

Overall, I adored Locked in Pursuit! The book ended on an exciting note, and I can't wait to see where the story goes.

A crackin' good one.

Don't be put off by the #4 in this Electra McDonnell Series. Locked in Pursuit reads perfectly as a standalone. Ashley Weaver sees to it. She's filled in the backstories well as this story opens during World War II in London during the Blitz. Plenty of blackout screens in the windows and plenty of mysterious individuals lurking in the dark as well.

It's January of 1941 and we'll meet up with Electra "Ellie" McDonnell and her crafty family of former thieves and safecrackers. There's not a safe in all of London that the McDonnells couldn't crack in a heartbeat. But they've changed their ways and have begun to work for the UK in its war effort to outdistance the invasion of the Germans. Thanks to Major Gabriel Ramsey they're now involved with Intelligence operations under dangerous circumstances.

Ellie is also seeking information on the father that she never knew. She can't let Major Ramsey know that there's a possibility that her father was working as a spy for the German government during World War I. Her mother died in prison for his murder.

Locked in Pursuit is not a cozy mystery and not are the others in this series. Ashley Weaver brings in the hot spot of Lisbon, Portugal during the war where spies from all sides congregated for information. True stuff. Ellie will be putting her life in danger around every turn. And now it's pay back time to some individuals who did her favors in the past........and Ellie will pay the price.

Locked in Pursuit is my favorite in this series so far because Weaver is raising the ante here. Serious situations are rising up and Ellie and her family are in the line of fire. The ending suggests that even more dangerous episodes are in store for Ellie and the war effort. Ashley Weaver can't write fast enough for her fans. Bring it, just bring it.

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.

Please tell me there will be a sequel! Espionage, secrets, murder, and a little romance thrown in. Such a cliffhanger!!!! Love the character of Elektra (Ellie) and Major Ramsey. A copy was provided for my review, but ALL opinions are my own and not required.