Set in London in WW2, this is the first of a wonderful new series. Electra McDonnell and her uncle Mick are doing what they usually do best, robbing safes, although they’re caught red headed this time. But instead of being sent to jail they’re coerced into helping Major Ramsey with espionage. Great plot, and characters, I can’t wait to read the next installment! Another great series by Ashley Weaver.

This is a fast paced, fun read with a cast of interesting characters. When Ellie and her Uncle Mick are caught attempting to rob a safe they are forced into government service during WWII. What starts out as a one time job to recover stolen plans turns into a romp through London and Ellie wondering which man in her life she wants more. The premise seems unlikely but who knows what tactics the "spies" used during the War. Ellie is a fun character to follow as she is smart and brave but also has moments where she questions what she got herself into. You won't necessarily learn anything but reading this book will make you smile and leave you with a happy ending. I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie McDonnell isn't your average young woman, she's a safe cracker, living and thieving in London during the early years of WW2. Ellie isn't alone in her escapades. Her Uncle Mick is the leader of the group which once included her two cousins, Colm and Toby who are away at war. Their loving housekeeper, Nacy, knows just enough to know she doesn't want to know any more.

After a job goes wrong, Ellie and her Uncle Mick are brought into the world of espionage by Major Ramsey. They are tasked with stealing plans and replacing them with fakes before the documents are passed off to a German spy. Nothing is what it seems though and Major Ramsey isn't exactly forthcoming with information. A seemingly simple job quickly becomes complicated and a lot more involved. With many twists and turns, Ellie's original one day spy job stretches out and she is determined to finish the job she started.

Ashley Weaver's portrayal of the lives and difficult decisions made during the early years of the war makes this novel exquisite. I love all the espionage, twist and turns and the added bit of romance brings a wonderful light feeling to the novel. I eagerly await the next installment of this series.

A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver is an excellent WWII era historical mystery that has it all: history, wonderful narrative, mystery, suspense, wit, humor, intrigue, and amazing cast of characters. This is the first book in what I expect to be an amazing series: An Electra McDonnell Novel.

I loved the premise of a feisty, smart, fiery, and unique woman, Ellie, being caught up in the act of working with her uncle in the “family side business” of picking locks, safes, and a bit of “light” thievery to help pay the bills. Despite the side jobs, Ellie is truly a good and likable person. She is loyal to her Uncle Mick and extended family to a fault, and unfortunately gets snared into a set up.

Cue Major Ramsey whom cuts a deal with Ellie on release of her Uncle with no charges for either if she helps him break into a safe, exchange the ultra-important and classified documents with fakes, and help save England from her enemies during the war. Ellie has no choice but to agree. Of course it is never that simple, a body is found, and the plot thickens. Both have to work together despite their initial disdain for each other.

There is banter, humor, sass, excellent one-liners, and chemistry between the two (even though they are slow to pick up on this). I love the mystery, the pacing, the main characters, and I love how the ending leaves a nice set up for the following book.

I am completely enthralled and cannot wait to read the next book.

If you love historical fiction and mysteries, then this should be right up your alley.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

What a refreshingly fun, twisty and delightful book! I adored it and did not put it down even for a minute until the very last word. How exciting that it is the first in a new series called Elctra McDonnell series. I've made a note in my book review notebook to request subsequent books by this author and highlighted it in pink The story made me smile from the premise, apt title, clever and quirky characters, WWII England setting, plots and humour.

Electra McDonnell and her Uncle Mick do not share what we would classify a typical occupation...breaking into safes. But these are not your average thieves. On their most recent foray they are caught red-handed and are made an offer they cannot refuse. They are now on government payroll in exchange for release. This book is full of mysteries, secrets, spying and romance and extremely well written. It is not a book of cliches as some are but uniquely wondrous! We meet strict Major Ramsey and compassionate Felix as well as other characters. But Electra really shines in her confidence, quick wit and intelligence yet can laugh at herself. We follow their investigations which take them down paths they did not expect.

Truly. If you are a Historical Fiction or Women's Fiction reader, pick this up. I am practically salivating for subsequent books in this series! Can't wait to see what happens next.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this charmer!

1940s, London. When Uncle Mick and Ellie are apprehended coming out of a house they have just robbed, Ellie thinks for sure they are headed to jail. Instead they are "invited" to assist with the war effort by cracking a safe so some top secret papers can be switched out before being handed over to the Germans. When Major Ramsey and Ellie find a dead body instead of the top secret papers, their plans change and Ellie finds herself right in the middle of a bit of intrigue.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more of this new series. Ellie (Electra) and Major Ramsey had great chemistry, and even though Ellie never thinks he'd go for a girl like her there are some major jealousy vibes when he confronts her about having another gentleman sleep at her flat (it might compromise their mission!). I don't love the love triangle and really hope the romance between Major Ramey and Ellie develops in further books (if she ends up with the other guy I will be legitimately sad).

It is so refreshing to read a wonderful novel. This one had it all. It’s extremely well written with hints of historical detail and lots of mystery, intrigue, and romance! I found myself wanting to read more and more and finished this entertaining escape in less than two days. You don’t want to miss this novel, it’s that good. Highly recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author!!