Reviews

A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver

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annieb123's review

4.0

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

A Peculiar Combination is the first book in the Electra McDonnell WW2 period mystery by Ashley Weaver. Released 25th May 2021 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is such a well written and immediately engaging book. The protagonists are understandable and sympathetic (despite being firmly on the wrong side of the law) that the reader is instantly drawn to their side. The hook was firmly embedded within the first few pages of setup and I found the entire read satisfyingly action filled and fast paced.

The resolution and denouement were exciting with espionage and skullduggery aplenty, whilst foreshadowing the possibility of future adventures for Electra and her compatriots.

Four stars. This would be a good choice for fans of historical spy thrillers and general historical mysteries who don't mind a touch of romance in their reads. I found the characters especially well rendered and the dialogue flowed well and believably. The author is adept at her craft.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

carivinci's review

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4.25

Listened to the audiobook. Entertaining while I’m driving. No big surprises, the good guys won.

soojin12548's review against another edition

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funny mysterious tense fast-paced

3.25

jesforeverlostinbooks's review

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adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

This was my first read by Ashley Weaver, and I loved it! This was the perfect mix of mystery, adventure, espionage, WWIII historical fiction plus a dash of romance. A fantastic cast of characters that you will fall in love with… it’s filled with cleaver twists & turns & lots of fun banter! Set during the London blackout it’s full of rich historical elements.

We are introduced to Electra, who goes by the name Ellie… she & her Uncle Mick are safecrackers & sometimes thieves. After being caught stealing jewels they make a deal with the British Military Intelligence to avoid prison. They will cooperate with Major Gabriel Ramsey & will use their street-wise talents to serve as agents acquiring documents stored in a safe. Things don't go as planned, and now Major Ramsey along with Ellie & her family will work together to try & discover what happened to the contents of the safe & how to prevent the documents from falling into the hands of German spies. Fantastic pacing & colorful characters make this a winner. And I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

the_daily_orange's review against another edition

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adventurous relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

seeker24's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m typically not the biggest fan of WW2 historical fiction, but I did really enjoy this story.

Very lighthearted mystery with spies, a hint of a love triangle and the determination of Ellie to prove herself.

Excited to read the next books in the series to see where she goes next with herself, family and love story.