Ellie Electra McDonnell, a skilled safe cracker, and her Uncle Mick are recruited by the British Government during WWII to steal blueprints from a safe, but they stumble upon a murder instead. Working with Major Ramsey, they navigate through espionage, theft, and romance to uncover a double agent and deceive the Nazis. The story blends spy thriller elements with historical mystery, featuring a compelling protagonist and an intriguing plot that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Ellie serving as a capable and clever heroine, while Major Ramsey provides an interesting dynamic as a rigid military officer.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and mixes humor with a cozy mystery tone, creating a narrative that flows seamlessly while maintaining a light-hearted romance.

Plot/Storyline:

The story features a protagonist caught in a web of espionage and deceit, forced to assist military intelligence with a dangerous mission involving safe-cracking and uncovering traitors.

Setting:

The setting is vividly portrayed in London during World War II, utilizing the historical context to enhance the story's tension and themes of espionage.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly brisk and engaging, although some readers noted that certain sections felt drawn out.

The alarming idea buzzed around inside my head like the menacing drone of an approaching Luftwaffe bomber, even as I tried to banish it. I had never had this sensation in the middle of a job before, a...

Notes:

The main character, Ellie McDonnell, comes from a family of locksmiths who also do safe cracking.

Ellie's family only robs empty homes to avoid hurting anyone and leave the scene clean, except for stolen goods.

Ellie and her Uncle Mick get caught by military intelligence while attempting a job, leading to their recruitment by the government.

Major Ramsey, the military officer, is described as tall, blond, and handsome but irritating to Ellie.

The story is set during World War II in London, with themes of espionage and patriotism.

Ellie initially distrusts law enforcement, adding depth to her character.

The narrative includes elements of romance between Ellie and Major Ramsey, despite their clashes.

The plot contains twists and red herrings, keeping readers guessing till the end.

Alison Larkin's audio performance of the book is praised for her varied character voices.

The book is the first in a series, hinting at future developments in Ellie’s story and her family's history.

Has Romance?

The romance is present, showcasing a developing relationship that adds depth to the characters without overtaking the main mystery plot.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

The first in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, set in England during World War II, A Peculiar Combination is a delightful mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and the author's signature wit.

“Filled with wry humor, tight suspense, and a delightful cast of characters.”—Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport mysteries FIRST RULE: DON’T LOSE YOUR CONCENTRATION. Electra McDonnell and her family earn their living outside the law. Breaking into the homes of the rich and picking the locks on their safes may not be condoned by British law enforcement, but with World War II in full swing, Uncle Mick’s locksmith business just can’t pay the bills anymore.

SECOND RULE: DON’T MAKE MISTAKES. So when Uncle Mick receives a tip about a safe full of jewels in an empty house, he and Ellie can’t resist. All is going as planned—until the pair is caught red-handed. But instead of arresting them, government official Major Ramsey has an offer: either Ellie agrees to help him break into a safe and retrieve blueprints crucial to the British war effort, or he turns her over to the police.

THIRD RULE: DON’T GET CAUGHT. Ellie doesn’t care for the major’s imperious manner, but she has no choice. However, when they break into the house, they find the safe open and empty, and a German spy dead on the floor. Soon, Ellie and Major Ramsey are forced to put aside their differences to unmask the double agent, and stop Allied plans from falling into enemy hands.

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A Peculiar Combination

Ashley Weaver

Book 1 in the series:Electra McDonnell