"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.

An exciting and engaging WWII novel .This was a great addition to the series with an ending that will leave the reader anticipating the next installment.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Locked in Pursuit Is the 4th book in the Electra McDonnell series.

First - I’m a huge Ashley Weaver fan so I may be a bit biased. I love the way she tells a story. I have also read her Amory Ames series.

The series starts with A Peculiar Combination and I highly recommend you start with the beginning. Ellie is in a family of safe crackers - who sometimes have illegal pursuits. The government needs their help with vetting out German spies in London.

And I agree with the other reviewers- this book in the series really heats up!

I almost want to say this was the favorite of mine from this series.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for an ARC copy.

I just reviewed Locked in Pursuit by Ashley Weaver. #NetGalley

4.5 stars. This series continues to be one of my favorites. The story here reverts back to London after last book's undercover mission in Sunderland. The events at the end of the last book (without spoiling anything) continue to weigh on both Ellie and the Major, and Ellie is forced to confront her feelings about both the Major and Felix - whose own clandestine activities continue here. The main mystery is interesting as always: Ellie and the Major are tracking down a valuable map that the Germans seek to steal. They know that an evacuee who flew out of Portugal had it on them, but they don't know who or where it's being kept. They are in a race against the Germans, who are not afraid to kill anyone who gets in their way.

On the personal front, we get to meet the Major's sister, who is a delightful addition. She immediately sees the chemistry between Ellie and the Major and tries to help them both realize their feelings. A few additional spies working for the British government are also introduced and are fun new characters who will hopefully reappear. Ellie makes some small headway in her search for the truth about her father's role in the last war, though as usual she is left with more questions than answers.

The last quarter of the book deserves 5+ stars -- so much happens, and there are some big pivotal moments for the series going forward (both positive and negative for Ellie). I will keep this review spoiler-free, but I am VERY excited to read the next book to see how it all plays out.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

I have literally done nothing but read this book since obtaining it. So much for laundry, cooking, etc. I have read all books in the Electra McDonnell series and had eagerly awaited this newest entry. I can’t decide if each one gets better, but I have never been disappointed, and this one was a thrill ride. Unfortunately, I now have to wait again for the next installment. This series, for me, is the most addictive.

Electra McDonnell, thief and safecracker, was persuaded/coerced to use her skills to help British Intelligence in London during WWII. Each book in the series has required her to work with Major Ramsey, the officer who recruited/coerced her. There is such a slow burn going on between them, you can cut the sexual tension with the proverbial knife. But that isn’t the only plot point that keeps me interested. The female character is smart, compassionate, and level-headed. For example, in this story, she is the one that notices something odd in a reported story about a burglary. She and the major then discover that r the thieves are looking for a map of use to Germany. So, what follows is the two thwarting these plans. There are also many other side plots with spies, lechers, and an ongoing plot as Electra tries to uncover information about her parents who died when she was very young.

The only negative is the wait between books in this series. Not that the author takes too much time, but the books are that good, and you won’t want to reach the end.

I really enjoyed this installment of Ecletra Mcdonell series. It picks up 3 months after the last book. The last book ended with little hope of Electra and the major working together in the future. But when Electra reads something strange in the paper she goes to the major with concern something is going on. Once the major confirms there is something shady going on, They get to work together again to hunt down a group of curious thieves that are not really intent on taking all the expensive things. The game is a foot!
We get to see their friendship come back around especially with Ellie showing concern from his recovering injuries and him accepting her advice/care to get better. Ellie does do some things that just had you screaming noooo don’t do it. The ending is emotional and of course a cliff hanger. Can’t wait for the next one!

This is one of my favorite mystery series! Electra is an engaging and compelling main character. Her potential romantic entanglements enhance the plot but don’t overshadow her work, which is a balance I prefer.

5 stars! I need the next book! And I need it now! You can’t end it like that! I’m so invested in this series. This book gave me everything I wanted since reading the first instalment and then took it all away again! Rude.

Ellie is back in London. We have the usual mix of spying, safe-cracking and personal story development. Just a brilliant, fun time! If you’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series, especially the characters, then this one won’t disappoint! It just might leave you frustrated and desperately wanting more!

Although Ashley Weaver does a fantastic job recapping past events, readers should really start at the beginning of the series. Each of the books builds on events that happened previously.

Loved this addition to the Electra McDonnell series. I especially appreciated the development in Ellie and Ramsey’s relationship. It was time for things to progress and I’m glad the author recognized that. That said, this story is still plenty angsty! Almost painfully so….yet that makes me even hungrier for the next installment.

In this, the fourth book in the series, we follow the continued adventures of Ellie McDonnell. Ellie comes from a crime family. Specifically, she's an expert in safe cracking. She is working with British Military Intelligence during World War II.

Ellie hasn't seen her handler in quite some time. When she comes to see him, he is acting aloof. He doesn't seem to remember or acknowledge the kiss they shared in their last adventure. But she must still talk to him. She has noticed a recent crime that seems suspicious. When he digs in, he sees a pattern of mysterious crimes. It appears that this is the work of German spies as they attempt to find a valuable map.

The situation begins to warm up as the team is put back together. Ellie's skills are needed to get the map and substitute it with a fake map. But the situation is complicated by her growing feelings for her handler. The return of her childhood friend make the situation even trickier.

I really like this series. The characters are interesting and involving. The dialog is witty. The plot is very intriguing. The romantic angle doesn't get in the way of the suspense and mystery of the book. I highly recommend this book and the rest of the books in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early review copy. I am a huge fan of the Electra McDonnell series, and this one does not disappoint. Ashley Weaver deftly writes these characters and their experiences in such a way that you feel like you are spending time with close friends, and experiencing all of the challenges, emotions and events that they face right along with them. In this installment, Ellie reads a newspaper article that raises a lot of questions, and she takes her concerns to Ramsey. Together they go in pursuit of a ring of thieves who are leaving destruction in their wake and whose motives are clearly a concern for political reasons. All of our favorite characters make an appearance, and we also meet a few new folks to add to this beloved ensemble. And when you get to the end, be ready for quite a cliffhanger. It is going to be very hard to wait or book five. Highly recommend if you enjoy mysteries, spies, WW2 stories. Also great for fans of the Mitford series or Maisie Dobbs. Such a fun and engaging series.