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A review by kelly_e
A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Title: A Peculiar Combination
Author: Ashley Weaver
Series: Electra McDonnell, #1
Genre: Historical Mystery
Rating: 3.5
Pub Date: May 25, 2021
Thanks to Minotaur Books for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Historical • Sassy • Engaging
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A Peculiar Combination is the first book in a brand new historical mystery series from Ashley Weaver. Set in 1940s London, against the backdrop of the war, this novel introduces Electra McDonnell, who knows her family's way of earning a living is outside the law. When Uncle Mick receives a tip about a safe of jewels, this is a heist they cannot resist. When the two are caught red-handed, the expect to be taken straight to prison. However, the end up in the hands of Major Ramsey who has a proposition for them. With really only one option, they agree to help the British war effort. Ellie and Major Ramsey will be forced to put aside their differences as they work to stop allied forces plans from falling into German hands.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Being the first book in a series, this one packs a lot of punch! Equal parts mysterious and clever, with espionage vibes, a historical atmosphere and an unconventional protagonist, Weaver delivers an entertaining start to a brand new series. The writing is polished and well paced, and there are just the right amount of twists and turns. It does introduce a lot of characters setting the groundwork for the series, but at times it's difficult to keep them straight. Ellie is a feisty heroine you cannot help but root for. The humour and touch of romance don't detract from the suspense of the plot, but add another dimension to the story.
While I won't be racing out to pick up the next book in the series on release day, this was a solid start to a fun series, and it's something I would definitely pick up in the future.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of Rhys Bowen
• historical mystery enthusiasts
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I couldn't fully explain it to myself. I only knew that, until I had met Major Ramsey, there was a void in my life I had tried to fill with the thrill of theft. And I had justified it by telling myself I was flouting the laws that had taken my mother unjustly.
'I steal because it's the only life I know,' I said. 'And as for my mother, there's nothing that can be done about it now, so there's no use in discussing it. It doesn't matter.'"
Author: Ashley Weaver
Series: Electra McDonnell, #1
Genre: Historical Mystery
Rating: 3.5
Pub Date: May 25, 2021
Thanks to Minotaur Books for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
T H R E E • W O R D S
Historical • Sassy • Engaging
📖 S Y N O P S I S
A Peculiar Combination is the first book in a brand new historical mystery series from Ashley Weaver. Set in 1940s London, against the backdrop of the war, this novel introduces Electra McDonnell, who knows her family's way of earning a living is outside the law. When Uncle Mick receives a tip about a safe of jewels, this is a heist they cannot resist. When the two are caught red-handed, the expect to be taken straight to prison. However, the end up in the hands of Major Ramsey who has a proposition for them. With really only one option, they agree to help the British war effort. Ellie and Major Ramsey will be forced to put aside their differences as they work to stop allied forces plans from falling into German hands.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Being the first book in a series, this one packs a lot of punch! Equal parts mysterious and clever, with espionage vibes, a historical atmosphere and an unconventional protagonist, Weaver delivers an entertaining start to a brand new series. The writing is polished and well paced, and there are just the right amount of twists and turns. It does introduce a lot of characters setting the groundwork for the series, but at times it's difficult to keep them straight. Ellie is a feisty heroine you cannot help but root for. The humour and touch of romance don't detract from the suspense of the plot, but add another dimension to the story.
While I won't be racing out to pick up the next book in the series on release day, this was a solid start to a fun series, and it's something I would definitely pick up in the future.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of Rhys Bowen
• historical mystery enthusiasts
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"I couldn't fully explain it to myself. I only knew that, until I had met Major Ramsey, there was a void in my life I had tried to fill with the thrill of theft. And I had justified it by telling myself I was flouting the laws that had taken my mother unjustly.
'I steal because it's the only life I know,' I said. 'And as for my mother, there's nothing that can be done about it now, so there's no use in discussing it. It doesn't matter.'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent