One Final Turn gives Electra Mcdonnell's fans just what we've been hoping for. I was delighted to follow clever Ellie to beautiful, dangerous Lisbon on her latest adventure. The story is just as twisty and action-packed as we've come to expect from Weaver's series, and the interactions between Ellie and her (former) handler Ramsey ratchet up the tension as they search for a way to find Ellie's cousin Toby. It's hard to say more without giving anything away, so I'll just say this is one finale that went big and did NOT disappoint!

I first discovered this series about 6 weeks ago and then proceeded to binge read. It caught my imagination like nothing else has in a while. To get this ARC so early was a dream come true!

I didn't realize this was the series finale until I read the final page, which is a bit of a bummer - I'll miss them. But I am absolutely thrilled with how everything turned out in this 5th book. Every loose thread and plot point is wrapped up perfectly. Everything we all love about these books is on full display. Completely and totally satisfying!

I don't want to spoil anything, like I spoiled myself by jumping to the end and reading the epilogue first. 😅 Don't be like me! Enjoy the journey and you'll love it.

I was sad this is the final book of this series as I thought more stories were coming as the war was still on-going.
It was set in Portugal and the relationship between main characters were tense after their breakup in the last book.
Electra was overcoming her emotional turmoil although she was struggling not to pay attention to Gabriel.
I enjoyed Electra and Archie's adventure as their work relationship is well matched and equal.
Archie is reminded of Milo in Weaver's Amory Ames series, he's so cute and flamboyant, I'd like to see his own series in the future.
The romance is also blooming but it's expected, I am happy to see they were finally talking to each other with honesty, no more cliff hangers and longing.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed this whole series, and I'm sorry that it's over. That being said, Ashley Weaver did a great job of trying up the loose ends and making it feel like the entire story can't to the appropriate conclusion. This is a great book with plot twists and turns. If you haven't read the whole series. This is the time.

This book was so much fun. Loved the focus on the romance. Such a great conclusion to the series. Can't wait to read them all again!

I’m sad to see this series end and so glad that she gave all these wonderful characters such a good send off, even if I did feel like this series could have kept going.

Overall, this was actually one of my favorite installments - this was a fun series.

I love this cozy series, and I’m so sad to see it come to an end. This was a great conclusion! It was great being back with the McDonnell family as Ellie puts her life and her heart on the line to try and find her missing cousin.

Knowing this would be the final adventure for Electra McDonnell, I have been slightly grieving, yet still overjoyed to embark on it with the trust that brilliant author Ashley Weaver would do justice to these wonderful characters we’ve been falling in love with over the past several years. And she has superseded my diehard fan heart and expectations with this book to the point where I stayed up and read it one sitting, and then proceeded to do the same the following night to savour my favourite parts!

As foretold by the end of ‘Locked in Pursuit,’ the series finale One Final Turn, sweeps our heroine off to Lisbon with the lovable Captain Archie Blandings with a big question mark and cloud as to Major Gabriel Ramsey’s whereabouts. The book seems to have a slow start as Ellie mechanically recounts her current days after being sacked by Ramsey and preparing for her journey. But looking back, it’s actually an excellent reflection of her practical side trying to cope with the emotional hits she’s still recovering from as a result of their traumatic Sunderland mission. After all, things certainly speed up once they reach Lisbon and the usual murder and mayhem ensues just as Ramsey arrives.

Without giving away too much, the continual dialogue and actions of the main ‘cast’ were all true to character and shone throughout the story, especially for Ellie and Ramsey as they balanced the deadly espionage with the final battle with the enemy as well as within their hearts. I was positively screaming and laughing out loud at various parts, utterly delightful!

To me, it was satisfying to be privy to the resolution within Ellie’s heart that she was desperately holding together as she determinedly proceeded with this mission. It was telling to see her emotional maturity as she reigned in her emotions to focus on their mission to aid the POW escapees, one of whom could possibly be her missing cousin, Toby. I will also allude to the fact that everyone who has been on ‘Team Ramsey’ will be grinning as widely as me, especially to see what we have all been waiting for: Ramsey “unleashed.” Throw in the conclusion to the lingering mystery of Ellie’s parents, and we have an extremely delicious race to see how everything coalesces to the wild finale.

Also, having not yet had the opportunity, I am definitely bumping Lisbon up my bucket after the lovely descriptions for this lesser known locale. The food descriptions alone had my mouth watering (and made it very believable for the return of Ellie’s finicky appetite).

I truly felt like this book was a beautiful love letter from Ms Weaver to those of readers who have been so deeply invested in Ellie from the start and waiting to continue her adventures year after year. Thank you for gifting her to the literary world and our hearts.

P.S. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for sending me this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for the ARC of One Final Turn by Ashley Weaver.

I am SO bummed this series is over, but Weaver did not disappoint at all in tying up loose ends and making it feel okay to let go in the final pages.

We pick up the story a few months after the ending of the fourth novel, where Ellie has been dismissed from Ramsey's life both professionally and personally. She is still dealing with that hurt, when Captain Archie Blandings goes over Ramsey's head to have Ellie reinstated to help him in Lisbon, where there are whispers of an escape route for POWs, and Ellie's cousin Toby is estimated to be part of the group making the perilous journey. The hope is that Ellie's presence will help Toby to trust the British military in releasing information about the POW pathway. While waiting for Toby to arrive, Ellie is able to help Blandings navigate the myriad of spies and eyes in Lisbon from friends, foes and refugees, only to then have Ramsey join as well to help, which for Ellie is both a complication and a heartache.

From here it's hard not to give anything away in terms of plot. I can say it was nice to have a bit of a change of scene from London and the Blitz - Lisbon is having a very different war experience, and Weaver dives deeply into that as well as into some tourism that really help bring the city to life.

We also see a lot of character development from both Ellie and Ramsey -- and it's really positive development. Having Ellie recognize that her behavior in the previous book was wrong was so huge for me (I was shaking the last book in frustration - learn to trust, Ellie!). Ramsey also was more cognizant of recognizing Ellie's skills and abilities in ways that felt much more thoughtful. I think every fan will feel happy with how their story goes.

Weaver also manages to nicely (and quickly) tie up the truth about Ellie's parents. For me this was worth the wait, even if it did feel a little flat after all the excitement happening in the previous 20% of the book.

Overall, this is a really successful ending to a fun and exciting series. I can't wait to see what era and location Weaver jumps to for her third series; she is a must-read for me.

Ellie travels with Captain Archie Blandings and her former boss (and almost romantic interest) Major Gabriel Ramsey to Portugal to try to find Toby, Ellie's cousin, a POW who may have escaped Germany and is headed to Lisbon. Their assignment is to meet up with Toby and other escapees to get them to safety and ensure the escape line to Portugal hasn't been compromised. Their attempts to get information are thwarted as many of their potential sources are killed. This is the final book in this 5-book series and definitely cannot be read as a standalone, but the entire series is worth reading. Ashley Weaver has given readers an outstanding end to the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for the eARC.

Ashley Weaver is so capable and talented. I have loved this whole series centered around the lockpicking Nancy Drew. Electra McDonnell has such old-fashioned gumption and the cast supporting her carry a reader back in time to a world of mystery, danger, and elegance.

I listened to the previous books in this series, and can’t help but hear every word with Alison Larkin’s brilliant narration. One Final Turn delivers exactly what readers of this series want, a compelling mystery and a satisfying conclusion for Electra’s HEA.
The intrigue of Electra’s assignment keeps the excitement up, and the pacing of the book is great, if a little rushed at the end. Weaver knows how to raise the stakes and spin a web of suspense.

Warning: The romance in this book has gone up a spice level.

I will continue to recommend this series to readers, especially now that I know the author kept the tone compelling through the finale. So grateful for an advanced copy of the thrilling finish for our girl Ellie McDonnell.

Here is the deal -if you see this book - grab it. Ashley Weaver is a fabulous author.

After getting this book - Get the Amory Ames series.

Then get the Electra McDonnell series. I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series. It’s worth it.

Ms Weaver is a fabulous author and I can’t wait to see what is next.

ONE FINAL TURN is the fifth and final installment of the Electra McDonnell series. It’s a bittersweet end, especially for those of us who have been following Ellie for years. However, I throughly enjoyed this last, exciting adventure for Ellie!

It’s important to note that Locked in Pursuit (Book 4) closes with Major Ramsey and Ellie ending their relationship, and not on the best of terms. We, the reader, are heartbroken as it finally seems that the two are getting somewhere in acknowledging their feelings for one another. However, Ellie has a dark family secret that she’s been hiding from the Major and unfortunately gets her in a bout of trouble.

Major Ramsey feels betrayed and dismisses Ellie from service, and consequently his life. However, the charming Captain Blandings goes above the Major’s head to recruit Ellie on this next mission in Portugal. The Captain needs Ellie because there’s been intelligence of a POW line escaped from Germany and hiding in Portugal, where Toby (Ellie’s missing cousin since the Battle of Dunkirk) may be one of the missing soldiers.

So Ellie is off to Portugal, escorted by Captain Blandings. Lisbon certainly is a beautiful European city that is a perfect setting for this whirlwind adventure. Ellie, the Major, and Captain Blandings are met with twists and turns at every corner while fighting the clock to find Toby. Ellie has never lost hope about finding her cousin and is willing to do anything (and I mean anything) to bring him safely back home. Even if it means working awkwardly with Major Ramsey despite still nursing her broken heart.

While I was saddened that Ellie’s story came to an end, Ashley Weaver wrapped up every character’s story line so beautifully. Including finding out the personal family secret that Ellie has been struggling with since Book 1. I have nothing but praise for this author and am looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!

One Final Turn is the last in the Electra McDonnell series and I’m so terribly sad to see it go! This book picks up where the last one ended and took lots of unexpected turns. Ellie heads to Lisbon to assist with Captain Blandings and Major Ramsey in an effort to find and rescue escaped POWs, one of which is rumored to be her missing cousin Toby. Lisbon is neutral territory and so Ellie notices the variety of refugees and the bright lights at night- so different from her beloved London. Shortly after Ellie gets situated in her hotel, she notices she’s being observed from her balcony. After having met with an informant, tragedy hits and upon returning to her room, she notices someone has also messed with her door lock. Who knows who she is, let alone where she’s staying? Ramsey joins the couple the next day and the trio proceed to track down intel from Blandings’ multiple contacts. While tension is still high between Ramsey and Ellie as she is still smarting from being dismissed from the work she used to do with him, as well as coping with her feelings for him; Ellie continues to do her best to focus on finding the escapees. Blandings works on getting intel from his contacts and Ellie and Ramsey follow up on the info he provides, except they seem to always be one step behind! Ellie, Ramsey and Blandings scramble to find answers before time runs out.
Weaver recreates WWII era Lisbon with wonderful detail and builds the tension that must have existed in neutral countries on the continent during that time- with refugees and spies intermingling and all desperate for something they’re wanting and doing almost anything to get it. Writing a review is hard as I don’t want to give more away- suffice it to say- It was a great read and a series I’ll continue to re-read with much enjoyment. I received an ARC copy for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy of this very highly anticipated book on my 2025 release list. All opinions are my own.

I had mixed feelings starting this book, knowing it was the 5th and final installment of the Electra McDonnell series. This historical espionage series has been one of my favorites since the beginning, and I'm truly sad to see it end. But what a terrific book! Electra travels to Lisbon, Portugal to see if she can locate the whereabouts of her cousin Toby, MIA since the Battle of Dunkirk. This trip is taken with a new intelligence officer, who had Intel her cousin escaped from his German captors, and almost from the time they land in Lisbon, it seems as though someone is one step ahead of them and trying to sabotage their progress. Major Ramsay does show up at one point, forcing Electra to be honest about her feelings for him, and try to find a way to move forward in a professional manner.

Filled with great action scenes showing Ellie's usual grit and determination, this is a perfect and fitting way to end this sensational series. My personal favorite part was in Ellie's reaction to the normalcy of life in Lisbon after living through war torn London..it reminds of what the British and really all of Europe went through in WWII. Author is so precise with her WWII era knowledge and settings. I read it in one night and highly recommend.

WOW WOW WOW! What a fantastic ending to this series!
After realizing she was in love with Major Ramsey at the end of the last book just after she was dismissed by him personally and professionally, they are joining Captain Archie Blandings in Lisbon on a mission to find and bring home Ellie’s missing cousin, Toby.
This final installment surpasses the rest of the series in the excellent storytelling by Ashley Weaver. I was engrossed at every turn! I could not put this book down. I needed to know what was going to happen next. At multiple points as the story developed I had to pause for just a moment and let the twist sink in before I could proceed.
I am both ecstatic that I received the ARC for review and terribly sad that I won’t be able to read this for the first time ever again. Electra, Major Ramsey, Uncle Mick, and Nacy feel like old friends that I’m not ready to let go of. Everything about this book was perfect.

This action packed adventure love story is a joy to read. It is a great way to end the series of criminal locksmith turned WWII spy Electra. She has a personal stake in this adventure as she tries to save the life of her beloved cousin while working alongside her former boss with whom she has a very complicated love/hate relationship. Set in Lisbon during WWII this novel will keep you captivated to the very satisfying end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Ashley Weaver, what have you done to me? I don’t know if I have ever been so giddy over a series ending. Don’t get me wrong, I am TOTALLY HEARTBROKEN that this is the end, but oh my heart, this was GLORIOUS!

Friends, I discovered this series several months ago and was immediately gobsmacked by the way it sucked me in and literally consumed me. Gabriel Ramsey and Electra McDonnell are absolute fire and ice, tortuously divine, utterly irresistible, completely intoxicating, absolutely maddening! He is the north to her south, the ying to her yang, the lock to her key, the calm to her storm.

This book doesn’t even release until next June and I have 5 ARCs due in the next few weeks, but the magnetism that these characters have would not let me wait any longer to devour their final adventure. I am over the moon with this conclusion. I need more!!! Please, please, please! How about a Kimble spin off, or Colm, or Toby???

If you have not read this series, I admonish you to rectify that immediately! This series on audio is incredible, also.

I will be talking about this book next spring closer to the release date. I don’t even want to actually review the content because I don’t want even the most minuscule detail to spoil anything. I’ll have to mull over what I can say.

Until then…go fall in love with Major Ramsey! I wish I could give this one a million stars!

Thank you NetGalley, St Martins Press, and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy all opinions are my own.

#electramcdonnell #electramcdonnellseries #ashleyweaver #netgalley #minotaur

MY GOODNESS. This series owns my heart, and I fear there is no hope of getting it back. To say goodbye to Ellie, Major Ramsey, and all the endearing side characters is so hard. As the last book in the series, One Final Turn is everything I hoped for and more. This WWII story is brimming with mystery, danger, and espionage. And of course, ROMANTIC TENSION.

The tension that exists between Ellie and Major Ramsey is palpable! The agonizing slow burn drove me mad in the best possible way. They have such an amazing dynamic. With her spunky, strong-will and his strait-laced stoicism, they are truly well-matched! Though the pair is on rocky ground at the start, the road to reconciliation is well worth the wait. After the endless angst and denial of feelings, it is so satisfying when their relationship finally reaches a beautiful crescendo as the series comes to a close! If you were restless for more romance in the previous books, fear not. There is an ample amount in this story, and it is SO GOOD.

Apart from the maddening romance, this story has many other exciting elements. For the most part, this series lacks the overt heaviness so often found in WWII stories. Instead, it has more of a daring and adventurous vibe, with a dash of wit and whimsy. As Ellie continues safecracking on the right side of the law, she is enlisted to travel to Lisbon, Portugal with Major Ramsey and Captain Blandings (the clever, cheeky match-maker!) to help uncover an escape route network for prisoners of war. She also continues her amateur sleuthing in hopes of uncovering the mysteries behind her parents’ untimely deaths and questionable war-alliances.

One Final Turn may be my favorite book in the series. It could be because the characters have become like old friends. Or maybe it’s because closure is provided for the many open-ended questions and unresolved relationships. My heart was truly invested in this series, and Ashley Weaver delivered a finale that is tender and exhilarating. Trust me, this series is a must read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. I’m still pinching myself that I was given the opportunity to read this early!

“One Final Turn” was amazing especially being the last in the series it needed to go out with a bang! And I can say it definitely accomplished that. It picks up a few weeks after the last book “Locked in Pursuit” Electra heads to Lisbon in hopes to find her cousin Toby who is part of a few men who have escaped France and are heading to neutral Portugal. It’s clear from the beginning they aren’t the only ones looking and that thickens the suspense. Electra, Ramsey and Archie have their work cut out for them if they’ll reach the men first. This book is full of suspense also has funny moments. The romance between major Ramsey and Electra was not forgotten! So much thick tension and longing between the two. The last 1/4 of the book is so intense and amazing I re-read it multiple times. I always hate when I read a book only to find a sad or disappointing ending. But Ashley Weaver does not disappoint! We get many loose ends tied up and our happy ending. Such a good read.

*** Thank you to St. Martin Press and Netgalley for providing this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own. ***