"A Peculiar Combination" by Ashley Weaver is the first of the Electra McDonnell historical fiction mystery series. This riveting novel is set during the second world war and introduces a fiery mixture of romance, adventure, and thriller. Despite the time period, Weaver offers a light-hearted read about how a motley crew can come together to protect their country.

Ellie McDonnell comes from a family with a less than savory reputation for being on the wrong side of the law. When Ellie and her Uncle's activities of hacking into safe's catch up with them, they are drafted into helping the military. A mission to hack a safe and swap some papers to send misinformation to the Nazis ends up going awry. Time is ticking down, the stakes are rising, and Ellie must do what she can to see this mission a success if she wants her country and its people to have a future.

Having a top-secret military mission dependent on the crafty abilities of criminals made this story highly enjoyable. Paired with Ellie's feisty attitude and her inability to back down from challenges (especially gendered ones) and Major Ramsey's determination to seek out and bring justice to those with ill will, sparks a fascinating, action-packed tale full of thrills and murder.

"A Peculiar Combination" is a novel fans of historical fiction don't want to miss! Already, the Electra McDonnell series is bound to a hit and well-enjoyed by many. Watch out for the upcoming series and the first novel on its expected publication date of May 11th, 2021.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books) for providing a free e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

I think that I could've liked this book more if I was more into the story (obviously) and the relationship between Ellie and Major Ramsey (I wasn't). I mean, I know that there was tension and whatever, but I just felt like it wasn't needed. Ellie is clearly a strong independent woman and I really loved that about her, but I would have loved to have seen her just go completely rogue and make it happen because she wanted it to happen, not because she was blackmailed and convinced to make it happen. I get it, and I appreciate the approach to the character and the storyline, but I just don't think this book was for me. I have a tough time with historical fiction and I find myself wanting more of the action and less of the history (which I know, makes no sense). Anyway, I would totally suggest this book to some of my students who love historical fiction, but I couldn't recommend it because I liked it, because I didn't... not really. It's all good though. Books are hard to write and I know for sure that there is an audience for Electra McDonnell... indeed there is.

🔓🔓🔓 (three stars as rated in locks picked by deft hands and finely honed skills)

I was given a free review copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Electra McDonnell does her best to avoid attention —as a career thief and a lock-pick, her livelihood depends on it. It's not the ideal profession, but with World War II raging around her and most of her family off fighting the Germans, Electra is left with few other options. While following a tip about an unguarded safe in the heart of London, Electra and her Uncle Mick are caught in the act by the authorities. Electra is given a choice; aid the British war effort on one mission as a lock-pick or rot indefinitely in jail for her crimes. Electra may be a thief, but she's also loyal to crown and country. After all, it's just one mission...

"The constant goodbyes were the one part of war I knew I could never get used to."

Ashley Weaver is a real favorite of mine. I love her Amory Ames series. This one fell a bit flat for me, however. I was invested in Electra herself, but the story was rather convoluted. Also, there was so very little relationship development. The interactions between romantic partners is what I so loved about her Amory Ames books. I realize that this is a different series but... I guess I was just missing that bit. Hopefully we shall see things progress in book two? All in all, this was a quick and easy cozy mystery and if that's what you're looking for then you'd probably be keen on the twists and turns Weaver maps out in A Peculiar Combination.

✨ Rep in this book: n/a

✨ Content warnings for this book: themes of war and battle, kidnapping, murder, blood, death of a family member

A Peculiar Combination is a bit of a peculiar book. It really took me several chapters to really get into the story and feel like I had a handle on the characters. I really thought about not finishing it, but after reading several positive reviews I decided to keep going, and I am glad that I did. Once I really kind of figured Ellie out I began to enjoy her and root for her. The way she and her uncle were pulled into espionage slightly against their will was intriguing and fun. I really enjoyed the burgeoning, and very reluctant, relationship between Ellie and Major Ramsey.
This was a light, quick, easy read (after getting through the first few chapters) and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cozy period mystery. I would definitely read the next installment.

I know many early reviewers were big fans of Ashley Weaver’s previous series, the Amory Ames novels. I have not read any of Weaver’s other works, but can say that I am definitely a new fan after reading A Peculiar Combination! Weaver gives us a heroine to root for in the form of Electra “Ellie” McDonnell. She’s no wartime damsel in distress, instead she spends her days breaking into the safes of wealthy London families with her Uncle Mick. When a heist goes wrong, she’s given a choice: help the British government break into a safe containing sensitive information or be turned over to the police. The story is full of spies and murder like all good mysteries, but also gives you some humor and romance. This was a very enjoyable read and I'd recommend you pick up a copy to see if Ellie is able to keep the information from being turned over to the Germans!

What it really boils down to for me is: will I grab Electra McDonnell #2 whenever it comes out? Absolutely! Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

A promising series opener with a unique heroine and an exciting WWII London setting. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next mystery featuring Elektra.

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

A Peculiar Combination
--An Electra McDonnell Novel.
By Ashley Weaver

Set in England during World War II, this riveting mystery novel is a fine delight for your eyes. This is a story about a strong woman, raised by men, who knows exactly how to carry herself in and about in the dangerous situations she gets entangled in. Ellie, the narrator of the story, we find out, was born in prison and was raised by her Uncle and two male cousins. She goes on to have one interesting spy adventure that has the accompaniment of romance and deep emotions. I found the writing at the end of the book to parallel thoughts that many of us encountering during this time of COVID.
“Would life ever go back to normal, the way it had once been? I supposed that it wouldn’t. It couldn’t. None of us could be what we had once been.” I can’t wait to read another one of Ashley Weaver’s novels.

This is the first time I've read something by Ashley Weaver. And this is the first in a new series. I enjoyed this book so much that I will likely seek out her other series while I'm waiting for the next installment in this one.

First, can I just say I ❤️ this cover!?!! And it’s always such a thrill when a favorite author (Amory Ames mysteries) starts a new series! So excited!

This one is set in 1940 London (WWII). Electra (Ellie) McDonnell and her beloved uncle are caught robbing a house and forced to assist in a clandestine government German spy ring investigation. She works for the stoic, by-the-book Major Ramsey, and there are a whole colorful cast of secondary characters that I fell in love with. But Electra is the true star here...a bright, beautiful, complex young woman with lots of wonderful moxie. Oh, and if you like love triangles, this one seems to be setting up a good one.

This initial story was so well-written and fleshed out that I felt instantly at home here...like I had been reading this series for ages. I’m looking forward to (hopefully) many adventures ahead!

Many thanks to #NetGalley and #Minotaur for providing me the early ARC for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

This was very disappointing. What could have been an interesting, hard-edged mystery/spy thriller was enveloped and smothered by a cozy/improbable romance cocoon.. The lead character, a bright young thief enlisted to steal for the government during World War II becomes nothing more than a cliched, standard cozy romance perky character with a quirky background. The story takes forever to set up and the writing is pedestrian.

It's 1940 in wartime England. Ellie & her Uncle Mick are part-time thieves. They get caught one night breaking into a safe. But instead of going to jail, they're consigned into helping the British secret service (ie. spies). Unfortunately, on their first assignment, a dead body is found instead of the contents of the target. So of course, off they go to investigate as well as try to complete their mission.

I wouldn't consider this classified as a historical mystery but more of a spy/thriller with a mystery subplot. It wasn't as pressing as that of the spy conspiracy. It also has a twist in that the protagonist & her family are technically criminals. I liked that twist on the usual characters. There was some action as well.
The characters were likable. Even though it's against the law, you root for Ellie.
Major Ramsey is a formal/stuffed shirt/serious character. As this is labelled the first book in a series, I'm curious if he'll lighten up a bit as his character develops. there was good chemistry between the characters. I really liked Uncle Mick. While he's a cliche, he's charming none the less.


While the story moved slowly, the last few chapters were suspense filled. There were also a few surprises.

Overall, this was a good story that included elements of mystery, light romance, some humor & spies set against the background of a WWII London historical. It kept me interested because of the characters. It was a good start to a new series and I'll read the next one.

This is the first book that I've read by this author and I loved it. The premise of thieves working with government agents to uncover a Nazi spy ring is intriguing. The characters were well-drawn and the plot suspenseful. I'm looking forward to the second in this unusual series.

I started this book almost against my will. I love the Amory Ames series, and this seemed like it was going to be as different as could be (which is more or less true). But I received an ARC from NetGalley and I felt duty-bound to read and review it.

To my (very pleasant) surprise, I absolutely loved “A Peculiar Combination.” I have found it extremely difficult to concentrate on books during the last year- I literally cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a book as much as I did this one. That in itself was a gift, but the book is also very witty and well-researched.

The setting (1940 London) feels authentic without being overly grim, and the story is well-paced and believable. The characters are well-written and interesting, with hints of intriguing back stories.

I decided on four stars for this book fairly early on, since I felt it was a bit predictable. Alas, most of my predictions turned out to be incorrect- in ways both good and bad. My main problem with the book- and the reason I’m still giving it four stars- is that it has set us up for a potentially tedious “love triangle” subplot. (I have nothing against a well-done love triangle, IF it gets wrapped up in good time.) The romantic tension that had been building very satisfactorily between the main characters for most of the book seemed like it was finally going to come to SOMETHING, and then it just...didn’t.

While the ending was disappointing in that sense, I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

Random note- including some sort of illustration of the inner workings of a safe might be helpful to many readers.

A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver begins a new series for the author. I have followed her post WWI Amory Ames series from the first and have looked forward to each new addition.
This new series is every bit as intriguing.
The heroine is very unusual as is the pretext of the story. Dealing with German sympathizers and spies in England in 1940, the story shows what some seemingly non heroic citizens stepped up for their country.
I loved this book. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review

This is a fun, suspenseful first book in a new series taking place in WW2 England. Ellie McDonnell was raised by her uncle alongside two male cousins after the deaths of her parents. Uncle Mick is a locksmith who can also pick locks and crack safes and does so when the legitimate business isn't paying the bills. Ellie has learned his skills and helps on the jobs while her cousins are serving their country in the military. One fateful night they are caught and are given the choice of helping crack a safe for King and country or going to jail. Ellie and Uncle Mick choose to work with a stiff-necked Army major and his intelligence crew. This peculiar combination of patriots and thieves works against a Nazi spy ring, though never smoothly. I can't wait for the next installment!

This quick read hits several markers for me. The strong-willed protagonist struggles with right and wrong, her youthful inexperience and her mature womanhood, and the potential love of two distinctly different men. What choices will she make? Thief or spy? Help her family or her country? Take yourself back in time to war ravaged London in the 1940's. What lengths would you go to to survive? As an opening volume of a new British mystery series, I think the author has made a great start. My thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy.

I spent a delightful afternoon and evening with Ashley Weaver’s historical novel, A Peculiar Combination, set in London shortly after the beginning of World War II. The characters are quirky and likable, so much so that I’m going to be looking for the next book in Ms. Weaver’s Electra McDonnell series, of which A Peculiar Combination is the first.

My only quibble, the one bit that stopped me for a second or so, was the use of an anachronistic phrase by one of the characters: “…lose your cool…”, an expression dating to 1966, long after the period of A Peculiar Combination. Most readers won’t notice it. Picky of me? Yes. Make that, “very picky”. I like historical novels but I’m quite often annoyed by a clunky phrase or historical inaccuracy even in novels I otherwise enjoy. Clearly, Ms. Weaver has done a good job of research as well as of plotting and writing.
A Peculiar Combination should appeal to anyone who likes Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs novels. Ms. Weaver’s book is lighter in tone but sometimes one wants dessert, and this is it.

A Peculiar Combination will be released on May 11, 2021. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an unbiased review.

To have the ears of a CEO and the fingertips of an angel is the dream of any safecracker. Producing product is the ultimate goal.

Electra "Ellie" McDonnell has been groomed by the best. Uncle Mick is an Irish locksmith who's been working the streets of London for many years leading up to August of 1940. But his talents often lead him to the backstreets as well. It's wartime in England and there's many an abandoned house of the wealthy with a safe behind a cultured work of art.

Ellie is a crackerjack when it comes to listening carefully to the clicks in her ear. Within seconds, she can pop open the highest grade locks. And someone has been listening to the movements of Ellie and Mick this very night. They're loaded into a black car and taken to a secret location. And a deal is made to avoid prison. Ellie and Mick will cooperate with Major Gabriel Ramsey and his crew of the British government. Sworn to secrecy, they will use their street-wise talents to serve as agents acquiring documents stored in a safe. Easy enough? Not quite so fast.

Major Ramsey suspects that the Germans have been assisted by Londoners themselves........high ranking Londoners. Ellie will serve as a ficticious society woman to gain the trust of these infiltrators. And our girl Ellie is good at what she does. But as the circle of contacts widens, who exactly can Ellie trust as she enters deeper into this pit of vipers?

A Peculiar Combination is quite the creative and original read. Who better than criminals themselves to break through the complexities of what lies behind that aforementioned artwork? Ashley Weaver incorporates the reality of Nazi sympathizers gaining ground in London about this time. Many were Chamberlain appeasers in regard to Germany who didn't like Churchill at all.

I see that Ashley Weaver has her eyes set on a series involving Ellie McDonnell. To be sure, it beckons the reader to a bright future involving espionage and regular people with finely tuned talents of the criminal persuasion. Cat burglars who are destined to catch their mouse.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Ashley Weaver for the opportunity.

A Peculiar Combination is one of the best first in series books I have read in a long time! I am a fan of Ashley Weaver's Avery Ames series which is why I requested to read the book, but Electra McDonnell is just an amazing character! Thanks to a unique story line, fascinating characters, and interesting plot twists I read this book in one sitting. I loved Uncle Mick right away while Major Ramsay and Felix are excellent foils for one another. I look forward to more of Ellie's adventures in the future! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #APeculiarCombination.

Slightly humorous WWII mystery with slightly crazy characters. What's not to like? I hope this is the first in a new series.