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Book Review of The Key to Deceit (Electra McDonnell, Bk 2)

The Key to Deceit (Electra McDonnell, Bk 2)
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The Key to Deceit by Ashley Weaver is the second book in the Electra McDonnell cozy-ish mystery series. I love this cover!

I read A Peculiar Combination, the first in this series, a year ago so I was a bit fuzzy on some details, but I wanted to spend more time with this lock-picking family who now use their unique skills for good. I quickly slipped back into the world of Ellie McDonnell, Major Ramsey, and Felix Lacey in 1940 London as they investigate the deaths of two young women.

The mysteries are interesting, but I most enjoy the witty banter and romantic tension between Ellie and the (very different) men in her life. This installment shares more about Ellie's backstory, especially the death of her mother. And the characters experience the Blitz bombings - I loved how they factored into solving the mystery.

These novels are particularly enjoyable on audio with Alison Larkin's narration perfect for this cast of plucky characters. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for access to the ALC; all thoughts are my own.