Review: A Peculiar Combination

 

A Peculiar Combination

by Ashley Weaver

 

About the Book

 

The first in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, set in England during World War II, A Peculiar Combination is a delightful mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and the author’s signature wit.

 

Electra McDonnell has always known that the way she and her family earn their living is slightly outside of the law. Breaking into the homes of the rich and picking the locks on their safes may not be condoned by British law enforcement, but Ellie’s cousins Colm and Toby are off fighting against Hitler, and Uncle Mick’s more honorable business as a locksmith can’t pay the bills anymore.

 

So when Uncle Mick receives a tip about a safe full of jewels in the empty house of a wealthy family, he and Ellie can’t resist. All goes as planned–until the pair are caught redhanded. Ellie expects them to be taken to prison, but instead they are delivered to a large townhouse, where government official Major Ramsey is waiting with an offer: either Ellie agrees to help him break into a safe and retrieve blueprints that will be critical to the British war effort, before they can be delivered to a German spy, or he turns her over to the police.

 

Ellie doesn’t care for the Major’s imperious manner, but she has no choice, and besides, she’s eager to do her bit for king and country. She may be a thief, but she’s no coward. When she and the Major break into the house in question, they find instead the purported German spy dead on the floor, the safe already open and empty. Soon, Ellie and Major Ramsey are forced to unmask the double-agent, as they try to stop allied plans falling into German hands.

 

 

My Thoughts

 

I love Ashely Weaver’s novels. She writes true British whodunits with authentic settings and spot on dialogue, yet with a twist of quirky adventure. I’ve gobbled up her Amory Ames books like candy for the whip smart writing and fabulous settings with a mystery that keeps you guessing. Her latest offering is no exception.

 

Ellie was such a fun heroine. Having been raised by an uncle and cousins who skirted around the edges of the law, she was most definitely not your typical type of heroine. She’s tough and fearless, yet with a feminine side, making her the type of well-rounded character you wish were real so you could grab a cup of coffee with her. She’s caught between two beguiling guys; her long-time friend Felix and the new man in her life, Major Ramsey. Readers will be kept guessing which will win her affections.

 

The dangers and struggles of wartime London are highlighted in the pages, offering a historically accurate backdrop with depth. Add in themes of espionage and a murder mystery you won’t be able to solve until the very end, and you’ve got a winning novel from one of the best voices in the genre.

 

Fans of British mysteries will devour A Peculiar Combination, the first of what I hope is many books in this fresh new series.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.