One Final Turn (Electra McDonnell Series Book 5)
This is the fifth and final book in Weaver’s World War II mystery series featuring safe-cracker Electra (Ellie) McDonnell. Major Ramsey, a British intelligence officer, has recruited Ellie to put her lockpicking skills to use on secret assignments, but he dismissed her as untrustworthy, just when she realized she was in love with him. Now Ramsey has received information that Ellie’s cousin Toby might have escaped from a prisoner of war camp and is trying to return to England through Lisbon. Another intelligence agent, Archie Blandings, accompanies Ellie to Lisbon to search for Toby. She is uncomfortable that Ramsey will join her on the mission but agrees to it because it is her one chance to save Toby. Shortly after Ellie arrives in Lisbon, the person who might have information for her is murdered just after he slips her a photo of another contact. The Germans always seem to be one step ahead of Ellie, as all her potential contacts keep dying or disappearing. Will she be able to rescue Toby?
I was sad to see this extremely enjoyable series end. I love Ellie’s character: she is strong, determined, and intelligent. However, this is not the best book in the series. The mystery element takes a back seat to the romantic tension, as Ellie must resolve her feelings for Ramsey, just as the charming Archie is added to the mix. Without spoilers, all the loose ends in the series, including an ongoing plot about Ellie’s parents, are tied up in a very satisfying way. I loved the setting in Lisbon: it comes across as a vibrant, lively city, abounding with danger with spies from both sides. I recommend the whole series but suggest new readers start from the beginning.
