This series has only gotten better from the first installment! The characters get more complex and layered, and the stakes higher. I can't wait for the next one to come out!

Ashley Weaver sets just the right tone to keep me coming back again and again! The fourth book of this series did not disappoint. I always read her books in one sitting and this was no different, We get to learn a little bit more about the major, which made me love him even major. The hint of romance and mystery kept me on my toes. I cannot wait for the next book. Hoping we see Ellie and Gabriel move to a full fledged romance- I can’t handle the suspense any longer!

This series gets better and better.. Such a great historical mystery series. I can’t wait for the next one.

London, 1941: World War II rages on. Electra McDonnel (Ellie to her friends) and her uncle Mick are expert locksmiths by day and (former) safe crackers by night. In the first book in the series, they are recruited to work for the government as they needed people with their unique skills every now and then. When the book opens, it’s been a few months since her last assignment when their government contact (and one of Ellie’s potential romantic interests) Major Ramsey was shot. Everyone survived, but she still is dealing with the emotional trauma when she notices something odd in the paper; there was a recent burglary, but the items stolen didn’t make a lot of sense. Why take a vase when there other more easily transported and valuable items? And why haven’t they heard anything from their former criminal colleagues bragging about the job or fencing the spoils? She takes the article to the Major; he does a bit of digging and realizes there’s more to it than expected, getting Ellie and her uncle involved in another mission. Meanwhile, Ellie continues to investigate who really killed her father; her mother was convicted of it, dying in prison of influenza. It’s a touchy subject, meaning she doesn’t feel comfortable telling the Major about it even though he might be able to help.

I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it; likewise, this one was entertaining as well. There are bits of history to give it some flavor (rationing, the joy of having a new pair of silk stockings – enough to make me want to tell Ellie the Allies win) without going overboard or her having too many modern sensibilities. I love how independent Ellie is, how comfortable she is with her talents breaking into safes. The romantic angle moves along nicely too, clearing up a couple of hurdles for Ellie but creating a few bigger ones - having her keeping her parents’ secrets from the Major is a clever way to maintain stress and lack of trust in their relationship. While reading previous books would increase some of the tension in this book, this one works as a standalone with some basic historical knowledge (for example, Ellie mentions Dunkirk a few times). The only unfortunate piece is that the next book sounds like it’s going to be more interesting than this one, resolving one of the ongoing issues with her missing cousin – I’m looking forward to it!

Highly recommended, especial for those who enjoy historical mysteries with strong female leads.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

In Ashley Weaver's enchanting fourth installment, "Locked in Pursuit," readers are once again thrust into the thrilling world of safecracker Electra McDonnell, navigating the treacherous landscape of espionage during World War II. Set against the looming backdrop of London during wartime, the story unfolds as Ellie reconnects with her enigmatic handler, Major Ramsey, to unravel a series of suspicious robberies. The duo's investigation takes them to the neutral city of Lisbon, Portugal, unveiling a network of spies and a mysterious object that has found its way to London through a shadowy courier.

Weaver skillfully blends historical intrigue, espionage, and a touch of romance as Ellie and Ramsey navigate the challenges of their mission. The escalating crimes and the palpable tension between the protagonists create a riveting narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. "Locked in Pursuit" is a delightful addition to Weaver's series, offering a perfect blend of mystery, historical flavor, and the magnetic allure of characters entangled in a web of danger and mutual attraction. Fans of wartime thrillers will find this installment a compelling and engaging read.

I love this series. It just keeps getting better and better! This may be my favorite yet. I have avoided WWII books like the plague, but I love the setting of this series during the Blitz in London. The characters are interesting and feel like family by now . The mysteries are engaging, and the chemistry between the Major and Ellie is hot. I can't wait to see where this goes. My only complaint is that one per year is not nearly enough.

This jewel of a book continues the story of Electra McDonnell, a safecracker conscripted into spying for her country in WW2 London. Fans of this series will delight in new twists as Ellie’s story, as well as her family’s secrets, continue to unfold.

London 1941

Such a fun historical mystery series! Main character Electra McDonnell has a unique skill set (cracking safes and picking locks) that can be helpful to her country in the war effort.

Locked in Pursuit has a beautiful blend of action, humor and romantic avoidance. I continue to be Team Major. There is clearly electricity between Ellie and Major Ramsey. The major can't seem to decide whether he wants to call her Ellie or Miss McDonnell and the decision seems to depend on how frustrated he is with her.

The ending sets readers up nicely for the next in the series. Can't wait!

Ellie continues looking into her mother's death in jail for the murder of her father, but she is soon busy with helping Major Ramsey which only gets her into bigger trouble. Major Ramsey the disciplined military man with high society background has stayed away from Electra, but will he remain so stoic as they work together again? Felix Lacey is still in the picture but what is he involved in with travel he won't talk about? Uncle Mick gets enlisted to aid again and the housekeeper Nacy is the nurturing presence Electra needs in this uncertain, ever changing time.

This outing is just as thrilling as the others and doesn't disappoint. There is plenty going on beyond just the just spys around the mission, Electra "Ellie" manages to get herself indebted to a gangster plus another man for favors that could backfire on her. The pacing is brisk and even though I'm normally a slow reader, I flew through this book. Several heart-pounding and heart-wrenching scenes that make this a compelling read. This is a great addition to the Electra McDonnell series, kudos.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

“Locked in Pursuit” by Ashley Weaver was #4 in her Electra McDonnell mystery series and if possible this book was even better than the last one. There is absolutely nothing not to Love in this series,, but you could read this as a stand alone. The main character is a beautiful young safecracker from a family of thieves who is now working with British intelligence during WW II. This adventure has it all, suspense, espionages, family loyalty, family mystery and a heartwarming romance. It is an unputdownable riveting read. Not saying more as I don’t want to spoil it for you other than I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Locked in Pursuit by Ashley Weaver, the fourth installment in the captivating series, introduces readers to the daring world of safecracker Ellie McDonnell and her handler, Major Ramsey, amidst the backdrop of World War II. Weaver skillfully weaves a thrilling narrative of espionage, burglaries, and unknown objects in the neutral city of Lisbon, Portugal. As a newcomer to Weaver's work, the cleverly plotted mystery, morally gray characters, and romantic tension between Ellie and Ramsey left a lasting impression. The cliffhanger ending heightens anticipation for the next installment, and Weaver's attention to historical detail, clever titles, and emotionally resonant romantic subplot make Locked in Pursuit a standout addition to the series. Despite minor flaws, the novel promises an engaging continuation of Ellie McDonnell's compelling journey, making it a must-read for fans of espionage thrillers and historical fiction with a touch of romance.

This book was amazing!! Ashley Weaver does a great job navigating the new dynamic of Ellie and the Major! It had me kicking my feet and giggling! I can’t recommend this series enough and am on the edge already waiting for the next book!!

Such a great continuation of the series! Weaver does an excellent job of pulling the reader in and leaving them wanting more. Cannot wait to reread, and more importantly, can't wait for book five!

This series is just getting better and better - this was a quick read that I finished in just 2 days. Weaver does a great job of what should feel like a transition book in the series into an intriguing and exciting entry. Very much looking forward to the next one!

I love this cozy series! (Even when Ellie is frustrating me.) I love following along with her family life and watching the mysteries play out.

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, and I was lucky enough to be able to read and review an arc for the previous book in the series, "Playing it Safe". I appreciate so much the opportunity to do the same for the fourth book in the series, "Locked in Pursuit" - and side note, I love the locksmith-themed play on words in each title of the series.

Things finally, FINALLY take a turn for the more serious in the fourth novel of the series, and the simmering tension between Electra and Major Ramsey has come to a sizzling head, though events at the end of the novel take a turn for the angsty, leaving us to wonder if these two will ever receive their happy ending. I might be unique in the fact that I love when authors can string along tension between the two leads for as long as possible (and for believable reasons), and that is very much the case here. It's delicious, and Ashley Weaver delivers a masterclass in how to accomplish this. Without saying more, I love where I see this series heading, and I'm very much looking forward to the next!

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

I find myself pulled into this series every book I read. I enjoy work of the details put into background of the setting. There is a good bit of intrigue. The development of the family dynamics of Electra's family helps the story along. The only thing that bothered me a little is the relationship between Electra and the Major going back and forth. It was a hard book to put down once I started reading.

In this 4th installment of the Electra McDonnell series, Electra again teams up with Major Ramsey and his colleagues to help the British war effort. The Blitz continues to ravage London in 1941. Electra's skills are called upon to retrieve a map before it falls into German hands. Her lock picking skills are again put to use to help the war effort. Her relationships with Felix and Major Ramsey are also revisited. Best of all, the scene is set for a 5th installment of this series.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Minotaur Books via NetGalley.

This book is an excellent addition to the ongoing series. The mystery is compelling and well balanced with the subplots. Watching Electra continually be supported by her family is wonderful.

The only part I struggled with in this book was the subplot around the romance between Electra and Major Ramsey, while I understand where each is coming from and it does fall within my understanding of the characters it is still frustrating!

Intrigued by the heroine’s unusual background as the safe-cracking thief daughter of a professional criminal family, I was curious to read LOCKED IN PURSUIT by Ashley Weaver--and I wasn’t disappointed. Although this is the fourth book of a series, a newcomer can pick up the storyline easily and without too much repetition that might annoy series devotees who already know the background. Electra (Ellie) MacDonald is a safecracker who was initially set up to be caught so she could be induced to employ her skills for British intelligence in World War II London. This adventure begins several months after her handler, aristocratic Major Ramsey, was shot and seriously injured during a previous mission. Still not completely healed, and denying the chemistry between them (Ramsey is all-work, all-mission, no-emotion allowed) Ramsey reluctantly agrees to use Ellie’s skills again after she comes to him with questions about a most unusual burglary. Guests at an aristocrat’s party have been robbed—but many valuable items were left and none of those taken have shown up at the usual fencing sources, nor do any of Ellie’s family’s criminal connections know anything about the perpetrators. Ramsey confirms that this burglary is of concern to intelligence as well, for they suspect the thieves were after a secret dispatch sent from Lisbon—officially neutral but a den of spies from all nations—that somehow compromises the German intelligence network. It quickly becomes apparent that whatever this item is, those seeking it have no qualms about killing anyone who gets in the way of its recovery. Though Ellie promises Ramsey she won’t go “rogue” and conduct any investigation without his knowledge, knowing she can use her family’s ties to the underworld forces her to hedge on that promise. That, along with a forbidden side investigation to help an old friend, strain her relationship with Ramsey to the breaking point while they both try to figure out the identity of the agent before the murderous agent can silence them. Enriched by a detailed description of wartime London with its blackouts and bombings, Weaver’s novel keeps the reader eagerly turning pages…and looking forward to Ellie’s next adventure. Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy!