Ashley Weaver is one of my favorite authors. Her character development and intriguing plots keep me hooked on all of her series. A Peculiar Combination left me wanting more stories about Electra and
her family.

oh this was a banger!! i've dipped my toe into a few historical mystery serieses, ys lee, deanna raybourn, ta willberg, looking for a detective pair as strong as dash hammettt's nick and nora, ellie and ramsey might well be them! a really promising start

Enjoyable read!

Thrilling new World War 2 spy/mystery series that frames itself well in the war years. Robbers, spies and an unlikely group populate this series. A female lead Electra (Ellie) McDonnell who’s grown up with her Uncle Mick and stalwart cousins breaking into wealthy homes and selling on the fruits of their illegal labours. From early on Ellie learnt to hold her own against the hulking Irish cousins. When Ellie, through a series of mishaps, finds herself working for the British government under the direction of the chiselled and determined Major Ramsey looking for a traitor, and planning to confuse the Nazis. The relationship between Ellie and the Major has a temptuous underlying frisson. In Ellie the cool Major may just well have met his match. I love the combination of these two.
There’s a further mystery developing—around Ellie’s mother. That’s obviously going to be a thread part of the ongoing series.
I find Electra to be my kind of gal. I did enjoy her quick wit and finely honed intelligence.
I’m looking forward to more!

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley

As a fan of Ashley Weaver I was excited to hear she was starting a new series. I love her style of writing and this book did not disappoint! It's a good mystery to dive into on a rainy day - love the new heroine Electra McDonnell and all of her sidekicks.

It's August 1940, Britain is at war with Germany, the Blitz hasn't begun yet, and so, Ellie McDonnell, 24, and her Uncle Mick thought it would be safe to break into the deserted home of some wealthy Londoners and rob their safe. Sure, they had done this plenty of times before. Uncle Mick is a locksmith by day, and cracking open people's safes at night was more like a hobby than theft, and niece Ellie is a natural. Only this time, they get caught and it isn't by the London police. Instead, they were take to a large townhouse in Belgravia, now occupied by the military under the command of the quite arrogant Major Gabriel Ramsey. After some interrogation about how they crack safes, Ellie and Uncle Mick are given a proposition - prison or help the Major break into a safe containing some stolen classified blueprints having to do with national security and retrieve them before they are given over to the enemy.
It sounds like a simple enough job, so Ellie and Uncle Mick accept the proposition - after all, they are patriots who want to do their bit for the war effort. In fact, Ellie's cousins Toby and Colm are already serving their country. So the deal is, Ellie and Major Ramsey will break into a house and get the documents, while Uncle Mick is help as collateral. Everything goes well except the papers are gone and the person in whose safe they were has been murdered.

Having carried out their part of the deal made with Major Ramsey, Ellie and Uncle are released with a promise to live on the straight and narrow for the duration. But then Ellie gets called back to Major Ramsey's office who needs her safecracking skills once again. Ramsey is convinced that the documents will be handed over at a party and lecture on Chinese porcelain to a potential conspirator with German ties. There are any number of possible suspects, but thanks to Ellie's pickpocketing skills, they are able to glean enough information on what appears to be a solid lead.

Meanwhile, a prickly relationship is growing between Major Ramsey and Ellie. And the fact that an old ex-girlfriend of his may be mixed up in the conspiracy to pass documents to the Germans doesn't help matters. Ramsey is uptight, formal, and slow to trust Ellie, whereas Ellie takes her tasks seriously, but can be feisty and a real buster when she wants to be, though her teasing adds some much needed humor to their relationship and their mission. Don't get me wrong - there are also enough serious and even dangerous moments.

On the whole, I really enjoyed this first novel in what looks to become a series. It may seem wrong for the main character to be a criminal, after all, they are usually the pursued not the pursuer. But right from the start, Ellie and Uncle Mick are forced to mend their ways (permanently? I doubt it). And although more than one person is killed, the novel inn't graphic, putting into the cozy class.

A Peculiar Combination lives up to it ironic title and more, and will have readers wanting even more by the time they reach novel's end.

This book is recommended for mystery fans age 14+
This book was an eARC gratefully received from NetGalley

If you are in the mood for a thrilling mystery, catching some WWII bad guys, and a fun romantic triangle then A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver is the perfect audiobook for you to enjoy.

In London 1940 we meet the delightful Electra McDonnell known as Ellie to her family and friends. Ellie lives with her Uncle Mick and male cousins and they are all taken care of by their motherly housekeeper Nacy. Sounds like a lovely family and they are except for their occupation; they are professional thieves and are exceptional in their chosen field.

Through a series of events Ellie has to work with the staunch Major Ramsey to crack open a safe in a known German spy's house to get the blueprints that cannot fall into enemy hands. Of course things do not go as planned and more spying and planning is necessary. As Ellie and the Major spend time together their dislike for each other lessens and maybe something else happens between them. But there is family friend Felix, an excellent forger, who has always been sweet on Ellie and Ellie has always cared about him. Romance during a spy mission; what could possibly go wrong?!

One of the major joys listening to this audiobook was the talents of narrator @alisonlarkinpresents She enhanced the beguiling Ellie, gave heart to the major, and intensified the suspense throughout the story.

This novel is the start of the Electra McDonnell series and though there is a satisfactory ending in the book I know there are more adventures awaiting our heroine. I hope our author is a fast writer. Seriously, the Major or Felix, who truly has Ellie's heart?

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Ellie has been raised by her uncle and occasionally joins him and her cousins in the family business - robbery and safe cracking. These skills are now in need by British Intelligence. Wonderful characters with an interesting main plot and several sub plots to carry forth into the next in this series. Wonderful!

A Peculiar Combination, by Ashley Weaver, is a historical mystery set during World War 2. It’s the beginning of a new series featuring the talented, Irish lock-picking thief, Electra (Ellie) McDonnell. She and her uncle Mick, who took her in at a young age, work together using their unusual talent to provide for their family. She’s a vibrant, independent woman, well-ahead of her time.

When a “job” turns sideways, Ellie finds herself being sanctioned into undercover, government work and she and her uncle team up with the stern Major Ramsey to keep American secrets safe. The historic element of this plot is key to this mystery, as if it’s a character in its own right. The description is vivid, the characters are well-flushed out and the mystery is interesting and clever.

If you enjoy historical fiction and traditional mysteries, you will definitely want to read A Peculiar Combination!

Ellie and her uncle are caught safe cracking in the dead of night. The twist? They are caught by the government and asked to help catch a German spy for their freedom. This historical mystery was so good. There were spies, action, a hint of a love story, and a perfect set up for a sequel. Definately recommended.

A family of expert safe crackers are set up, caught, and offered a deal to work for the British Secret Service. How could I pass up such an intriguing set up to a new series? I have been meaning to try this author’s older series for ages and got side tracked when this dazzling series starter came to my notice.

A Peculiar Combination introduces Ellie McDonnell and her unique situation. She is an expert thief and comes from a family who subsidize their dwindling locksmith work during the war with a few side jobs relieving home safes of their contents. Ellie was welcomed heartily into her Uncle Mick’s family when she was orphaned and it is to her uncle and family that she is loyal though this is the first opportunity she is given to assist her Uncle in housebreaking and safe cracking. She misses her cousins who are off fighting the war and is restless because she wants to do her part. Who knew that her first ‘job’ would lead her just where she wants to be? That is if she didn’t have to work with the handsome, perfect, taciturn man from the secret service who is none too impressed with a family of thieves even if he does need their expertise for his assignment.

At first, I wasn’t sure if Ellie and I were going to take to each other. It was obvious she’d not really attempted to see the stealing for what it was because it was just the way of her family, and her uncle and cousins made it seem like a lark. Being forced to reassess, because the man who catches her, that she is unwillingly attracted to, looks on with disdain, gets her back up. But, she won me over because she was set aside her feelings about Major Ramsay to serve the greater good even after her deal with him was over. Ramsay was in a jam with the important papers gone, a murdered traitor, and another one on the loose ready to hand over the goods to the Nazis and I was glad Ellie and Uncle Mick dove in and did their part. Major Ramsay has his own skills and tough persona, but he tends to set people on edge so the McDonnell charm helped them work through their list of suspects in social settings.

The story started slow with the introductions, but picked up speed nicely and by the end the suspense was taunt. This is more espionage story than murder mystery, but stayed closer to cozy than thriller. There are some serious romantic sparks, but the romance wasn’t a focal point in this first book. Coming together as a team and working the mission took precedence. The historical backdrop was there just enough to make sure the reader understood it was WWII Era London, but didn’t go deeply into the historical side. Ellie’s past is introduced vaguely leaving the reader curious especially after the major mentioned she was born in prison.

All in all, I was left satisfied with this intro to the series and the author’s writing. I like the characters, especially mischievous Uncle Mick, and I most definitely want more of them and their war-time shadow work. Ellie and the major really click though they are hostile and witty much of the time toward each other. I think WWII mystery lovers and those who enjoy light historical thrillers should definitely give this new series a go.

You know when you read a book that is exactly perfect for the mood you’re in? That’s how I feel about this book. I’m probably going to gush a little bit, because I loved it so much!

Electra “Ellie” McDonnell is a thief, not to put too fine a point on it. Her parents died when she was very young, and she was raised by her Uncle Mick, a locksmith and safecracker. When the two are ignominiously caught in the act, they are recruited by military intelligence to help recover stolen weapons plans and, ideally, replace those plans with forgeries.

Ellie is required to work with Major Ramsey, a formal, even ramrod-stiff man with piercing blue eyes. Major Ramsey is accustomed to people jumping to his every order, but Ellie has never responded well to direct orders and has no intention of starting now. Sparks fly in more ways than one.

A Peculiar Combination is such a great title, referencing both safes and their crackers, and the odd combination of personalities and backgrounds featured in this book. It’s got everything you want in a book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon: witty, suspenseful, and just a really fun read. Best of all, it’s first in a series! I can’t wait for the next one. Highly recommended.

"A Peculiar Combination" was an enjoyable mystery. Electra "Ellie" McDonnell is a fun character -- feisty and strong-willed, confident about her abilities to crack a safe, but also with an innocence about her. Ellie's uncle Mick is a locksmith with a side venture cracking safes and Ellie has learned the trade. With England in the midst of WWII, legitimate business is down, so Uncle Mick and Ellie are having to utilize their talents for ill-gotten gain more often. What was supposed to be a simple job turns complicated when they are caught, not by the police, but by a military intelligence unit. Their talents have come to the attention of a segment of the British government trying to uncover German spies. Major Gabriel Ramsey has learned of a plan to pass along weapon blueprints to Germany. Rather than arrest the suspected spy and confiscate the blueprints, Major Ramsey wants to switch out the blueprints for a fake version, as well as discover the identity of the spy or spies, and utilize the opportunity to feed false information to the Germans. He needs Ellie to crack the safe containing the blueprints so that the switch can be made. However, things do not work out as planned, necessitating Major Ramsey and Ellie work together for much longer than intended, and putting Ellie in danger.

The interactions between Major Ramsey and Ellie are quite enjoyable, especially as their personalities often clash, but yet they can work well as a team when necessary. The author does a good job of keeping up the suspense regarding the spy or spies. There are some rather good twists for both the characters and the readers. I look forward to future books involving Ellie McDonnell.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Weaver based this book on a clever premise, the idea of British intelligence recruiting safe crackers whose only other alternative is prison. in addition, the pacing is such that I found it hard to put down! I’m hoping that this is part of series, because I want to read more.

A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver is the first book in the new Electra McDonnell series, which is set in World War II England. Electra (Ellie) belongs to a family of thieves. Her Uncle Mick is a master safecracker, and she and her cousins, Toby and Colm, have learned everything they know from him. With Toby and Colm off fighting in the war, it is up to Ellie and Uncle Mick to keep supporting the family. When a house robbery goes bad, Ellie finds herself working for a government official, Major Ramsey, in order to keep herself and Uncle Mick out of jail. Their first mission leads to more as it becomes clear a traitor is at work and German spies are involved.

This is an engaging and addictive historical thriller with a touch of romance. I immediately connected with these characters, especially Ellie and Uncle Mick. Ellie is an intriguing and complex individual. She is a thief and safecracker, but has also been to finishing school. She can operate in any level of society, which makes her a perfect thief and a perfect spy. Uncle Mick is a locksmith by day and safecracker by night, but he has a moral code, even as a thief, that he will not break. He has passed that code onto Ellie. Ellie’s missions into high society with the Major are thrilling and fun to watch. They are a reminder that World War II was also fought silently by spies on both sides. Fans of historical thrillers and strong female characters are going to love this World War II spy adventure. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from Minotaur Books for review in Historical Novels Review Magazine. My opinions are voluntary and are my own.

A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver is a tantalizing first entry into a new soft spy novel, World War II era. Electra McDonnell is the niece of a locksmith, with a burglary business on the side. Since her cousins have gone to war, Ellie now assists. They are very good, very subtle. They never go for big prizes; smaller ones are safer. Until one night, they are just leaving a home after breaking into a safe and relieving it of its contents, and locking the back door, they are set upon by five men. They do not seem to be police, but do operate with authority, and handcuffs. Major Gabriel Ramsey threatens to turn them over to the police unless they cooperate. Cooperation means breaking into another safe, while a high-profile party was going on in the same house. Not at all their MO. And, they're after papers, no jewelry or cash. It seems they are now to be spies.

What a fun concept. Great story. Kept me guessing until the end. And yes, people died, but it still seemed pretty light-hearted. A cozy spy novel? Ellie is an independent woman, meaning she doesn't take orders well, from anyone. She needs to be in the thick of things and usually handles herself well. Her uncle Mick is a fun loving, clever man who has kept his family safe for many years. Ellie has a past. She was born in prison to a woman who was accused of killing her husband: Ellie's father, Mick's brother. She died of the flue before she was hung. Ellie doesn't think about that a lot. She has a home and she is loved. The war has made things difficult for plenty of people, including locksmiths and burglars. Apparently not for people who collect Chinese porcelain. It is a good plot, leaving the reader in the dark until nearly the end. Well worth the read. This series is going to be a winner. Can't wait for more.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Peculiar Combination by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #apeculiarcombination

A great mystery set in WW2. The main character, Ellie, and her uncle are thieves who get drafted to help with the war effort and get caught up in a big spy hunt. Quite fun and well written. And no real romance! So unusual. Great book! Highly recommend it.

Intriguing debut about a World War II era Irish woman and her uncle, both safecrackers. They burglarize rich people's homes in a sort of Robin Hood type crime philosophy. But they are nabbed one night in the act -- actually they were set up -- and the funny boogers from British secret services offer them a deal. They can avoid being arrested on burglary charges if they will agree to retrieve some secret documents from a safe - to aid the war effort.

Ellie McDonnell is a strong female character with a checkered background that you learn little by little as the story develops. Interesting plot, unusual setting and well-drawn characters make this a great start to the series. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4 fun & twisty stars
A Peculiar Combination is delightfully different than the plethora of WWII novels currently being mass produced. Our new ‘heroine,’ Ellie McDonnell is not a typical 1940s woman, as her profession is safecracking. She and her uncle are recruited to help the secret side of the war. Ellie is gutsy and puts herself in the thick of things, refusing to obey orders from the handsome major in charge of the operation. While there is an element (or two) of romance, the scenes are refreshingly clean. A Peculiar combination is a fun romp through the past with elements of mystery and danger.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

A Peculiar Combination is the first book in a new series by Ashley Weaver, taking place in England during World War II. This is a wonderful start to the series and makes for a thrilling mystery story. The protagonist of the novel is safecracker Electra McDonnel who lives outside the law due to desperate times. She's a great character and female lead. The side characters are also interesting and fun to read about. The prose is solid and flows smoothly as the story progresses. A Peculiar Combination is a suspenseful, yet humorous, thriller that does a fantastic job setting up future installments in the series.

Weaver has created an unusual female protagonist in occasional thief Ellie McDonnell, who after being caught with her uncle during a burglary, must team up with Major Ramsay to stop a traitor from handing over important military secrets to Germany during WWII. Ramsay needs her safe-cracking skills to substitute fake papers but things become much more complicated when they discover the traitor dead, the safe open and the papers gone. Now it is a race against time to identify who has the papers and still pull off the operation.

Ellie and Ramsay are a peculiar combination as a team. Ramsay is a career military man with a respect for the law and use to people following his orders. Ellie is independent, doesn’t like to be ordered around and has a much more fluid view of the law. With her boisterous extended family, she is very much the opposite of the straight-laced Ramsay. Clashes are inevitable but their common aim to do what is best for the country—yes, a thief can still be patriotic—creates a strong motivation to work together.

I love their interactions that feel fresh and continue to evolve as they work as a team. That’s because neither is the stereotype of their cast. Ellie isn’t a hardened criminal or a lady thief, instead a sometimes burglar who is well read, courageous and intelligent. At the same time, Ramsay isn’t the rigid and impervious rule follower he first appears to be either.

The cast is filled out with Ellie’s extended family and other acquaintances, with some of Ramsay’s minions as well, to provide an interesting group that keep the conversation lively. This is war though, so there are occasional sidetracks into the more anxious feelings and the grim reality of people they love at risk and the stakes they are facing.

A dash of romance, lots of suspense and a few twists will keep the reader engrossed and entertained. I was surprised at some things at the end. I really enjoy Weaver’s Amory mystery series but this one could quickly become my favorite. There is something special here.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.