Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

#BookReview- The Key to Deceit by @AshleyCWeaver #mystery #readingcommunity @StMartinsPress @MinotaurBooks @NetGalley


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“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”


Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for introducing me to this talented writer!

The Key to Deceit

The second in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, The Key to Deceit, is a delightful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and wit.

London, 1940. After years of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor—well, to themselves, anyway—Ellie McDonnell and her family have turned over a new leaf as they help the government’s war effort. It’s true that the straight-laced Major Ramsey didn’t give them much choice, but still, Ellie must admit she doesn’t miss breaking and entering as much as she might have thought. What she does miss is the challenge of unlocking an impossible code and the adrenaline rush that comes from being somewhere she shouldn’t.

So when Major Ramsey turns up unannounced with another job, she can’t say no. A woman’s body has been found floating in the Thames, with a bracelet locked onto her wrist, and a cameo locket attached to it. It’s clear this woman was involved in espionage, but whose side was she on? Who was she reporting to? And who wanted her dead?

About the Author

Ashley Weaver is the Edgar-nominated author of the Amory Ames Mystery series. She has worked in libraries since she was fourteen and was a page and then a clerk before obtaining her MLIS from Louisiana State University. A former branch manager, she is now the technical-services coordinator at the Allen Parish Libraries in Oberlin, Louisiana. 

A page-turning mystery set in WWII London!

Ellie McDonnell and her engaging Uncle Mick have reformed, giving up their thieving ways to help the war efforts under the command of the inscrutable Major Ramsey- not that they had much choice. When the major shows up with a new request/command for assistance, Ellie’s thrilled to jump into the fray.

A young woman is found floating in the Thames wearing an expensive fur coat with a bracelet and cameo locked onto her wrist. It’s clear she’s been murdered, and the major’s sources assure him she was part of an espionage ring sending key information to the Germans. Though he hates to bring civilians- especially the headstrong Ellie- into his investigations, time is of the essence and the McDonnells are the best in the business.

Ellie and Major Ramsey are thrust into a nest of spies who are photographing key locations in London for the German invasion. The closer they get to the truth, the more danger and death surrounds them.

Set amid the devastation of WWII, Weaver brings us onto the streets of war-torn London with air raid sirens blaring and blackouts creating a mysterious backdrop to intrigue. There’s a second storyline going that’s every bit as interesting with Ellie’s search for the truth about her deceased mother who spent her life in prison for the murder of her husband, Ellie’s father. Add to that, an interesting cast of characters, a possible love triangle, a missing cousin, and you have the makings for a thrilling television series- hint, hint!

This is the second book in the Electra McDonnell series but can easily be read as a standalone.

Amazon Link

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Do you like stories set in WWII? Women sleuths? Mysteries? Let’s chat!

Jacquie Biggar

Jacquie Biggar is a USA Today bestselling author of romance who loves to write about tough, alpha males and strong, contemporary women willing to show their men that true power comes from love. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and loves to hear from readers all over the world!

In her own words:

“My name is Jacquie Biggar. When I’m not acting like a total klutz, I am a wife, mother of one, grandmother, and a butler to my calico cat.

33 Replies to “#BookReview- The Key to Deceit by @AshleyCWeaver #mystery #readingcommunity @StMartinsPress @MinotaurBooks @NetGalley”

  9. Sounds like a great read, Jacquie. I do like the genre and setting but haven’t read anything like this in a while. Thanks for sharing and congrats to the author on the wonderful review. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  11. This sounds like a book I would definitely enjoy: historical fiction, a bit cozy mystery, twists and turns… It sounds great, wonderful review, Jacquie.

    Liked by 1 person

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