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Electra McDonnell #1
A Peculiar Combination
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.
Electra McDonnell has always known that the way she and her family earn their living is slightly outside of 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 World War II is in full swing, Ellie's cousins Colm and Toby are off fighting against Hitler, and Uncle Mick's more honorable business as a locksmith can't pay the bills any more.
So when Uncle Mick receives a tip about a safe full of jewels in the empty house of a wealthy family, he and Ellie can’t resist. All goes as planned—until the pair are caught redhanded. Ellie expects them to be taken straight to prison, but instead they are delivered to a large townhouse, where government official Major Ramsey is waiting with an offer: either Ellie agrees to help him break into a safe and retrieve blueprints that will be critical to the British war effort, before they can be delivered to a German spy, or he turns her over to the police.
Ellie doesn’t care for the Major's imperious manner, but she has no choice, and besides, she's eager to do her bit for king and country. She may be a thief, but she's no coward. When she and the Major break into the house in question, they find instead the purported German spy dead on the floor, the safe already open and empty. Soon, Ellie and Major Ramsey are forced to put aside their differences to unmask the double-agent, as they try to stop allied plans falling into German hands.
Electra McDonnell has always known that the way she and her family earn their living is slightly outside of 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 World War II is in full swing, Ellie's cousins Colm and Toby are off fighting against Hitler, and Uncle Mick's more honorable business as a locksmith can't pay the bills any more.
So when Uncle Mick receives a tip about a safe full of jewels in the empty house of a wealthy family, he and Ellie can’t resist. All goes as planned—until the pair are caught redhanded. Ellie expects them to be taken straight to prison, but instead they are delivered to a large townhouse, where government official Major Ramsey is waiting with an offer: either Ellie agrees to help him break into a safe and retrieve blueprints that will be critical to the British war effort, before they can be delivered to a German spy, or he turns her over to the police.
Ellie doesn’t care for the Major's imperious manner, but she has no choice, and besides, she's eager to do her bit for king and country. She may be a thief, but she's no coward. When she and the Major break into the house in question, they find instead the purported German spy dead on the floor, the safe already open and empty. Soon, Ellie and Major Ramsey are forced to put aside their differences to unmask the double-agent, as they try to stop allied plans falling into German hands.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,360 reviews
October 22, 2020
A cracking good mystery! A Peculiar Combination, the first in a new series, proves that Weaver’s writing chops are as strong as ever. She introduces readers to a smart and gutsy new heroine, and takes them on an adventure filled with clever twists, flourishes of romance, and her signature sparkling wit.
April 22, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Fans of Ashley Weavers “Armory Ames” series of mysteries are rejoicing at her newest heroine, Electra McDonnell, and for new readers this series should be a real treat. Having never read any of the Armory Ames book, I was unaware of the authors abilities with regard to plot, character development and plausible mystery resolution. Fear not! Ashley Weaver has done a great job in all aspects of this book.
We are introduced to Electra (who goes by the name Ellie) and the action begins on page 1, as she and her Uncle Mick are breaking into a house in order to open a safe and steal the items that were left there while the family was away. Yes, Ellie is a safecracker and thief, and as she and Uncle Mick are leaving the residence, during the London blackout, they are apprehended and taken to a non-police location. Who apprehends them? Why were they stopped? Are their lives in danger? All these thoughts go through Ellie and our minds. It is there that we meet Major Ramsey who gives Ellie and offer. Help open and safe and steal the contents, or be turned over to the police and go to jail. Ellie quickly decides to help the Major and the plot heats up.
Things don’t go as planned, and now Ellie is working for British Military Intelligence as she and Major try and discover what happened to the contents of the safe and how can they get them back and keep them from being placed in the hands of German spies. This in turn allows Weaver to introduce some additional characters, as well as mild romantic undertones and some truly comic scenes.
Before we know it Ellie is escorting Major Ramsey to a private function to view Chinese Porcelain and to scope out the 5 or 6 potential suspects who could have the secret items in their possession and are ready to betray their country since they feel there is little hope in stopping Hitler. But Ellie’s family and contacts now provide the Major with a most unlikely army of thieves and the story never falters. Totally believable, with fun and interesting characters and a definite inkling that there will be more espionage in store for Ramsey, Ellie and the most unlikely, and loveable, group of thieves that are all needed to do their part to help the British war effort.
This review was previously published at www.mysteryandsuspense.com
Fans of Ashley Weavers “Armory Ames” series of mysteries are rejoicing at her newest heroine, Electra McDonnell, and for new readers this series should be a real treat. Having never read any of the Armory Ames book, I was unaware of the authors abilities with regard to plot, character development and plausible mystery resolution. Fear not! Ashley Weaver has done a great job in all aspects of this book.
We are introduced to Electra (who goes by the name Ellie) and the action begins on page 1, as she and her Uncle Mick are breaking into a house in order to open a safe and steal the items that were left there while the family was away. Yes, Ellie is a safecracker and thief, and as she and Uncle Mick are leaving the residence, during the London blackout, they are apprehended and taken to a non-police location. Who apprehends them? Why were they stopped? Are their lives in danger? All these thoughts go through Ellie and our minds. It is there that we meet Major Ramsey who gives Ellie and offer. Help open and safe and steal the contents, or be turned over to the police and go to jail. Ellie quickly decides to help the Major and the plot heats up.
Things don’t go as planned, and now Ellie is working for British Military Intelligence as she and Major try and discover what happened to the contents of the safe and how can they get them back and keep them from being placed in the hands of German spies. This in turn allows Weaver to introduce some additional characters, as well as mild romantic undertones and some truly comic scenes.
Before we know it Ellie is escorting Major Ramsey to a private function to view Chinese Porcelain and to scope out the 5 or 6 potential suspects who could have the secret items in their possession and are ready to betray their country since they feel there is little hope in stopping Hitler. But Ellie’s family and contacts now provide the Major with a most unlikely army of thieves and the story never falters. Totally believable, with fun and interesting characters and a definite inkling that there will be more espionage in store for Ramsey, Ellie and the most unlikely, and loveable, group of thieves that are all needed to do their part to help the British war effort.
This review was previously published at www.mysteryandsuspense.com
March 22, 2021
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.
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.
April 3, 2022
I have not read this author before but already have her next book on hold. This is her first book in a new series about WWII. I am enjoying the story and the characters. Not my usual read so this may add to the attractiveness of the story. Enjoy seeing the Spy's looking for professional safe crackers to use against the Nazi's. Only the start of a romance (perhaps triangle) but nothing definite. Strong female lead that has skills and a history with a mystery to solve in a later story. I enjoyed following the clues and thought the twist at the end was really good. I give the book 4.5* not perfect but well done.
November 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and it is a promising start to a new series. I loved the cast of unconventional characters - especially their unique sets of skills. Ellie is wonderfully competent woman with a very interesting set of skills, locksmithing, safe cracking, and with a little bit of pick pocketing thrown in. Circumstances put her to use her talents to help defend her country during WW2. the interplay between her and a very aristocratic and straight laced Major is very entertaining.
I will be continuing to read this author's work.
I will be continuing to read this author's work.
April 27, 2025
I enjoyed this story with its interesting and well-developed characters and a great setting and time period. Set in London during World War II, there is mystery and espionage with someone scheming with the Germans. It is a fun story to figure out who it is. I really liked the narrator, Alison Larkin, who made the story come alive. I borrowed the audiobook from the local library via Libby.
December 9, 2021
A fun start to a new series! It definitely feels like an Ashely Weaver book, with some elements being very similar to her other series, particularly its opening book, Murder at the Brightwell, what with the two competing suitors offering familiarity and intrigue, by turns. But in this series, Weaver is clearly interested in telling one cohesive story rather than have a handful of open & shut cases, like in the Amory Ames series.
Electra is a fun and relatable character with demonstrable skills in sleuthing (being a petty criminal helps with that), both love interests have something to offer and seem to legitimately care for her, and the mystery felt like something that could have potentially happened during WWII. I found the family of criminals' willingness to hop on board with a government mission a little out-of-character, especially how devoted to their country they seem to become, but other than that, this is a solid first book in the Electra McDonnell series. I look forward to reading more of them!
Electra is a fun and relatable character with demonstrable skills in sleuthing (being a petty criminal helps with that), both love interests have something to offer and seem to legitimately care for her, and the mystery felt like something that could have potentially happened during WWII. I found the family of criminals' willingness to hop on board with a government mission a little out-of-character, especially how devoted to their country they seem to become, but other than that, this is a solid first book in the Electra McDonnell series. I look forward to reading more of them!
August 5, 2021
I loved this, and I was not expecting to. Oh, there were beats you’ll see coming from chapters away - but even those predictable tics were part of such a rollicking romp. I hadn’t read a good mystery in such a long time, and I’d forgotten how much fun they could be. And this was a period piece, and it had such tangled human elements, and there were moments of such clever dialogue -
Yes, there were predictable tics, but those were mostly the result of focus (hard not to predict a detail was important when the story was giving it so much time). There were also really exciting twists when something completely unexpected happened.
That’s the charm of a good first-in-a-series: you’re learning who everyone is, too, and every new piece of information can be such a delightful surprise. That’s how I felt, reading this: surprised, and delighted to be so. Or maybe delighted, and surprised to be so. It’s been a while.
This is really good, and you should read it. And the title’s great.
Yes, there were predictable tics, but those were mostly the result of focus (hard not to predict a detail was important when the story was giving it so much time). There were also really exciting twists when something completely unexpected happened.
That’s the charm of a good first-in-a-series: you’re learning who everyone is, too, and every new piece of information can be such a delightful surprise. That’s how I felt, reading this: surprised, and delighted to be so. Or maybe delighted, and surprised to be so. It’s been a while.
This is really good, and you should read it. And the title’s great.
November 20, 2020
From my endorsement:
A wonderfully unique take, A Peculiar Combination is a standout in the historical fiction genre with its dash of romance and adventure, its winsome narrator in the irrepressible Ellie and the marvellously detailed rendering of London during the Blitz. Destined to stand-out in a sea of World War II era fiction, Weaver’s intelligent banter and pitch-perfect research make for an utterly immersive story certain to thrill fans of Kate Quinn and Susan Elia MacNeal.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK TO PIECES
A wonderfully unique take, A Peculiar Combination is a standout in the historical fiction genre with its dash of romance and adventure, its winsome narrator in the irrepressible Ellie and the marvellously detailed rendering of London during the Blitz. Destined to stand-out in a sea of World War II era fiction, Weaver’s intelligent banter and pitch-perfect research make for an utterly immersive story certain to thrill fans of Kate Quinn and Susan Elia MacNeal.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK TO PIECES
May 20, 2025
Reread 5.19.25. Realized I have to do my reread to prepare for the final book coming out!
Reread 5.9.24. Updating this to 5 stars because it deserves it. This series has become spectacularly fun.
Reread 5.9.24. Updating this to 5 stars because it deserves it. This series has become spectacularly fun.
May 26, 2021
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.
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.
May 15, 2023
This was my first read by Ashley Weaver, and I loved it! It's a general market, clean historical mystery set in World War 2 London. It's written in first person, and I loved the protagonist's "voice." She had me laughing several times, and I didn't predict the ending. Fantastic pacing and colorful characters make this a winner. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
February 25, 2022
Electra "Ellie" McDonnell is helping her Uncle Mick break into a house (and its safe) when they're caught—but not delivered to the police. When the built af Major Ramsey offers them an out—help him catch a German informant, or face prison—they accept. But that simple mission gets complicated by murder, which leads to investigations, history, kissing, and betrayal. Oh, and Felix Lacey (Ellie's old friend / sometimes kissing pal) is there, too.
1. While I liked this, it is in first person. So.
2. I really enjoyed the setting / atmosphere of this! 1940s England and its noir-esque overtones is the perfect setting for spygames and mysteries and lots of laden sexual tension. (It felt even more apropos since I literally just watched The 39 Steps earlier this week, which: spygames, mysteries, sexual tension. CHECK.
3. The writing was a touch clunky—a few too many "SOMETHING ABOUT THIS IS IMPORTANT" asides that really laid out some of the story beats. And, to be completely honest, I wouldn't complain about this except that because the story is told in first person....it just makes Ellie feel a little silly. It's truly not the worst "Narrator must be oblivious for PLOT REASONS" I've ever read in my life, but I liked this SO MUCH that I was extra annoyed by it when I did come across it.
4. I am unimpressed by the love triangle if only because of some of the aforementioned "narrative silliness" in #3: i.e, Ellie's continued attachment to Felix being something she doesn't understand. It's not quite love (Ellie doesn't think Felix has ever been serious about his flirtations) and it's not quite deep abiding friendship (there's too much using flirtation to avoid serious topics)—so, like Ellie, I don't really know why she's stuck on Felix, either.
And while my bias for the angelic Ramsey is obvious, I also wasn't super impressed by Ellie's dismissive "He'd never look at a girl like me" which fades away, only to be replaced by "I think I caught him ogling my chest but because this is in first person I'm going to couch it as a very awkward maybe statement before moving on IMMEDIATELY".
That said, I did enjoy her straight up being like "OKAY FINE I FIND HIM ATTRACTIVE THAT DOES NOT MEAN I AM ATTRACTED TO HIM. RIGHT? RIGHT." But that line, too, is dropped as the story takes off.
5. The mystery was fun! I did not call it, and there were some interesting twists, and it was definitely not a drag to get through. From me, this is high praise. ;D
1. While I liked this, it is in first person. So.
2. I really enjoyed the setting / atmosphere of this! 1940s England and its noir-esque overtones is the perfect setting for spygames and mysteries and lots of laden sexual tension. (It felt even more apropos since I literally just watched The 39 Steps earlier this week, which: spygames, mysteries, sexual tension. CHECK.
3. The writing was a touch clunky—a few too many "SOMETHING ABOUT THIS IS IMPORTANT" asides that really laid out some of the story beats. And, to be completely honest, I wouldn't complain about this except that because the story is told in first person....it just makes Ellie feel a little silly. It's truly not the worst "Narrator must be oblivious for PLOT REASONS" I've ever read in my life, but I liked this SO MUCH that I was extra annoyed by it when I did come across it.
4. I am unimpressed by the love triangle if only because of some of the aforementioned "narrative silliness" in #3: i.e, Ellie's continued attachment to Felix being something she doesn't understand. It's not quite love (Ellie doesn't think Felix has ever been serious about his flirtations) and it's not quite deep abiding friendship (there's too much using flirtation to avoid serious topics)—so, like Ellie, I don't really know why she's stuck on Felix, either.
And while my bias for the angelic Ramsey is obvious, I also wasn't super impressed by Ellie's dismissive "He'd never look at a girl like me" which fades away, only to be replaced by "I think I caught him ogling my chest but because this is in first person I'm going to couch it as a very awkward maybe statement before moving on IMMEDIATELY".
That said, I did enjoy her straight up being like "OKAY FINE I FIND HIM ATTRACTIVE THAT DOES NOT MEAN I AM ATTRACTED TO HIM. RIGHT? RIGHT." But that line, too, is dropped as the story takes off.
5. The mystery was fun! I did not call it, and there were some interesting twists, and it was definitely not a drag to get through. From me, this is high praise. ;D
June 6, 2021
3.5 stars for this entertaining start to a new series.
I don't want to say too much about the set-up and the plot as I think it is best to discover the various twists as the story unfolds.
I found the two main characters, Ellie and Major Ramsey, to be works in progress. Neither is fully formed, but the bones are good. Ellie is supposed to be in her early 20s--competent, confident, but she sometimes acts like a petulant 15 year old. Her temper and her unwillingness to follow orders would make her TSTL if that was all there was to her character. However, she does try to keep both tendencies under control. I am hoping we will see her mature as the series progresses. Major Ramsey is first presented as a stiff-backed, tight-lipped man of mystery. We do get to see him unbend a bit and there are hints that he has hidden facets to his personality. I liked him and appreciated him as an excellent foil to Ellie's impetuousness.
The secondary characters are thus far somewhere between 'types' and real people, but I expect that to change as the series progresses. Ellie's Uncle Mick, cousin Colm, and friend Felix, as well as mother-figure Nacy, all have great potential for growth.
Those readers familiar with the author's Amory Ames series will find this to be quite different in tone and atmosphere. We are in a different world now and I'm ready for the next adventure.
I don't want to say too much about the set-up and the plot as I think it is best to discover the various twists as the story unfolds.
I found the two main characters, Ellie and Major Ramsey, to be works in progress. Neither is fully formed, but the bones are good. Ellie is supposed to be in her early 20s--competent, confident, but she sometimes acts like a petulant 15 year old. Her temper and her unwillingness to follow orders would make her TSTL if that was all there was to her character. However, she does try to keep both tendencies under control. I am hoping we will see her mature as the series progresses. Major Ramsey is first presented as a stiff-backed, tight-lipped man of mystery. We do get to see him unbend a bit and there are hints that he has hidden facets to his personality. I liked him and appreciated him as an excellent foil to Ellie's impetuousness.
The secondary characters are thus far somewhere between 'types' and real people, but I expect that to change as the series progresses. Ellie's Uncle Mick, cousin Colm, and friend Felix, as well as mother-figure Nacy, all have great potential for growth.
Those readers familiar with the author's Amory Ames series will find this to be quite different in tone and atmosphere. We are in a different world now and I'm ready for the next adventure.
May 29, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A PECULIAR COMBINATION (Electra McDonnell Series Book #1) by Ashley Weaver is an entertaining and unique WWII historical cozy mystery featuring a resourceful female well versed in the family business of locks and safe cracking and a strait-laced English Intelligence officer. I love finding a new series that guarantees more stories with strong characters for me to enjoy in the future.
Electra “Ellie” McDonnell grew up with an uncle and cousins who earned their living slightly outside the law when their lock-smithing business was not quite enough to pay the bills. With her cousins away serving their country in the fight against Hitler, Ellie goes with her Uncle Mick on a late-night job. They are caught red handed and taken not to jail, but to the government office of Major Gabriel Ramsey. Ellie and Uncle Mick are offered a deal, work for the government using their unique skill set or go to prison.
Ellie must break into a safe to exchange critical weapons blueprints before they are delivered to a German spy. While Ellie does not like the high-handed Major, she is more than willing to do her part for the war effort. But things do not go as planned and Ellie and the Major must race to uncover all the traitors involved in the plot as the dead bodies stack up.
This is a great start to this new historical mystery series by this new to me author. All the characters are very well developed and feel very believable and appropriate to this time in history. Not only is the research on London before the blitz evident, but the author does a great job of making the reader feel the appropriate atmosphere of living in the black outed city. The mystery/espionage plot is fast-paced and tightly written with plenty of twists throughout. Electra is a wonderful protagonist and there is still so much to learn about her, her mother’s conviction and which possible gentleman she will find romance with in the future, Major Ramsey or Felix.
I highly recommend this wonderfully enjoyable start to this new WWII historical mystery series!
A PECULIAR COMBINATION (Electra McDonnell Series Book #1) by Ashley Weaver is an entertaining and unique WWII historical cozy mystery featuring a resourceful female well versed in the family business of locks and safe cracking and a strait-laced English Intelligence officer. I love finding a new series that guarantees more stories with strong characters for me to enjoy in the future.
Electra “Ellie” McDonnell grew up with an uncle and cousins who earned their living slightly outside the law when their lock-smithing business was not quite enough to pay the bills. With her cousins away serving their country in the fight against Hitler, Ellie goes with her Uncle Mick on a late-night job. They are caught red handed and taken not to jail, but to the government office of Major Gabriel Ramsey. Ellie and Uncle Mick are offered a deal, work for the government using their unique skill set or go to prison.
Ellie must break into a safe to exchange critical weapons blueprints before they are delivered to a German spy. While Ellie does not like the high-handed Major, she is more than willing to do her part for the war effort. But things do not go as planned and Ellie and the Major must race to uncover all the traitors involved in the plot as the dead bodies stack up.
This is a great start to this new historical mystery series by this new to me author. All the characters are very well developed and feel very believable and appropriate to this time in history. Not only is the research on London before the blitz evident, but the author does a great job of making the reader feel the appropriate atmosphere of living in the black outed city. The mystery/espionage plot is fast-paced and tightly written with plenty of twists throughout. Electra is a wonderful protagonist and there is still so much to learn about her, her mother’s conviction and which possible gentleman she will find romance with in the future, Major Ramsey or Felix.
I highly recommend this wonderfully enjoyable start to this new WWII historical mystery series!
May 19, 2024
Judging a book by…
🥰 The cover—stunning as well as evocative of the 1940s, I was sold, and eager to read.
🥰 The title—clever. With two words it encapsulated the family business as well as the array of recurring characters.
Beyond the cover:
☺️Likable characters.
☺️A hint of a budding romance between Electra AKA Ellie and two MCs. Which one will win her heart?
🤔Which begs the question common to this genre, how many books will it take to strike romantic gold? Answer: More than my patience.
🤔 The storytelling felt flat:
—Except for one surprise toward the end, Weaver telegraphed every twist and turn. Why? I don’t get it.
—”I had an eye for these things, and it didn’t look authentic.”—Ellie O’Donnell. A reference to pottery, but from the beginning there wasn’t a clear sense of 1940’s London. Weaver is American. Biscuits and tea does not a British character make.
Quibble:
*tugs on schoolmarm bonnet* A well educated person would say “sneaked” never “snuck.”
🥰 The cover—stunning as well as evocative of the 1940s, I was sold, and eager to read.
🥰 The title—clever. With two words it encapsulated the family business as well as the array of recurring characters.
Beyond the cover:
☺️Likable characters.
☺️A hint of a budding romance between Electra AKA Ellie and two MCs. Which one will win her heart?
🤔Which begs the question common to this genre, how many books will it take to strike romantic gold? Answer: More than my patience.
🤔 The storytelling felt flat:
—Except for one surprise toward the end, Weaver telegraphed every twist and turn. Why? I don’t get it.
—”I had an eye for these things, and it didn’t look authentic.”—Ellie O’Donnell. A reference to pottery, but from the beginning there wasn’t a clear sense of 1940’s London. Weaver is American. Biscuits and tea does not a British character make.
Quibble:
*tugs on schoolmarm bonnet* A well educated person would say “sneaked” never “snuck.”
May 24, 2021
A Peculiar Combination, first in a thrilling new series by Ashley Weaver, had me at the first click of a safe being picked! Electra McDonnell and her uncle Mick are caught soon after they steal jewels from a safe in an upscale house. Turns out, they were set up by a secret branch of the British government, seeking safecrackers they can use in the war against the Nazis.
I adored gutsy Electra, her handsome love interest, the atmosphere of espionage, and the deftly written tale that made me gasp when unraveled. Perfect for fans of feisty female characters, gripppng hist fic, and romance that hints at much much more. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 25 May 2021
#APeculiarCombination #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
I adored gutsy Electra, her handsome love interest, the atmosphere of espionage, and the deftly written tale that made me gasp when unraveled. Perfect for fans of feisty female characters, gripppng hist fic, and romance that hints at much much more. Highly recommended!
5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 25 May 2021
#APeculiarCombination #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
May 25, 2021
What do you get when you combine a feisty, safe-cracking heroine and a uptight, ram-rod straight army intelligence major? A can’t miss combination of mystery, romance, and historical fiction. Set in London during WWII, this new series introduces Electra “Ellie” McDonnell, who along with her uncle Mick make part of their living breaking into the houses of those who have fled the city for the safer environs of the countryside. Their current job seems too easy, and it is. They are set up by Major Gabriel Ramsey, who needs just their particular talents. He requires help breaking into the safe of a traitor and convinces Ellie to cooperate by threatening she and her uncle with prison. When the break-in is unsuccessful, Ellie decides to continue helping Ramsey sort through a cast of suspects and possible traitors in a race against time, to keep war secrets out of the hands of the Germans.
This first book in what promises to be an exciting new series, is chockfull of intrigue, suspense, wit, and romance. An intricately plotted storyline, with crisp dialogue, this is a great read for fans of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, WWII historical fiction and romance. I cannot wait for the next installment!
This first book in what promises to be an exciting new series, is chockfull of intrigue, suspense, wit, and romance. An intricately plotted storyline, with crisp dialogue, this is a great read for fans of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, WWII historical fiction and romance. I cannot wait for the next installment!
November 23, 2022
I was already a fan of Ashley Weaver, so I was predisposed to liking this book. That being said, it’s a wonderful start to a new series and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Electra “Ellie” McDonnell is from a family of locksmiths who also engage in robberies. They don’t realize that the government is searching for safe crackers and sets up an enticing job to find some. When Ellie and her uncle are caught, they are coerced into helping the government crack a safe…but that leads to a full-fledged spy operation that involves an interesting cast of characters, including a childhood friend of Ellie and her cousins.
The spy games are interesting and it’s hard to guess just how many “bad guys” there may be. There’s also a love triangle set up that is pretty entertaining.
When does book 2 come out?
Electra “Ellie” McDonnell is from a family of locksmiths who also engage in robberies. They don’t realize that the government is searching for safe crackers and sets up an enticing job to find some. When Ellie and her uncle are caught, they are coerced into helping the government crack a safe…but that leads to a full-fledged spy operation that involves an interesting cast of characters, including a childhood friend of Ellie and her cousins.
The spy games are interesting and it’s hard to guess just how many “bad guys” there may be. There’s also a love triangle set up that is pretty entertaining.
When does book 2 come out?
January 21, 2024
So disappointing, especially given the hype.
Essentially, didn't believe the historical details presented in the novel, which constantly disrupted the read.
Here be spoilers. You have been warned.
Food shortages, and absence of their descriptions in the novel, was a big issue for me.
Food rationing began in England in January of 1940; the novel opens in August 1940. Food shortages would have been occurring due to the German blockade. Yet every time tea is mentioned in the novel, it is served with cream and LOTS of sugar. In real life, tea was often used more than once; sugar and cream were rationed and in short supply.
One morning. (pg. 82) the protagonist has "delicious porridge with eggs and bacon" for breakfast. Not likely a daily occurrence, since eggs and bacon were in short supply. Bacon specifically was rationed in 1940.
From Wikipedia re rationing: When World War II began in September 1939, petrol was the first commodity to be controlled. On 8 January 1940, bacon, butter and sugar were rationed. Meat, tea, jam, biscuits, breakfast cereals, cheese, eggs, lard, milk, canned and dried fruit were rationed subsequently, though not all at once. In June 1942, the Combined Food Board was set up by the United Kingdom and the United States to coordinate the world supply of food to the Allies, with special attention to flows from the U.S. and Canada to Britain. Almost all foods apart from vegetables and bread were rationed by August 1942. Strict rationing created a black market. Almost all controlled items were rationed by weight; but meat was rationed by price.
At the end of the novel, (pg.287) "Then I had risen and consumed the banquet Nacy had prepared for me. She always cooked too much when she was nervous, and I ate more for than I would've thought could fit in a girl my Size." Don't know what the "banquet" included, but doesn't seem likely.
Additionally, London bombings are conspicuous by their absence in the novel, particularly the Battle of Britain.
Again, from Wikipedia: "The Battle of Britain, also known as the Air Battle for England (German: die Luftschlacht um England), was a military campaign of the Second World War, in which the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the Royal Navy defended the United Kingdom (UK) against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany's air force, the Luftwaffe. It has been described as the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.[15] The British officially recognize the battle's duration as being from 10 July until 31 October 1940."
This is a historical mystery. While I did not expect there to be as much detail as I might find in historical written by other authors, I expected the descriptions of day-to-day life to be representative. Leaving out the realities of food shortages and bombings seemed to be large omissions, IMO.
Essentially, didn't believe the historical details presented in the novel, which constantly disrupted the read.
Here be spoilers. You have been warned.
Food shortages, and absence of their descriptions in the novel, was a big issue for me.
Food rationing began in England in January of 1940; the novel opens in August 1940. Food shortages would have been occurring due to the German blockade. Yet every time tea is mentioned in the novel, it is served with cream and LOTS of sugar. In real life, tea was often used more than once; sugar and cream were rationed and in short supply.
One morning. (pg. 82) the protagonist has "delicious porridge with eggs and bacon" for breakfast. Not likely a daily occurrence, since eggs and bacon were in short supply. Bacon specifically was rationed in 1940.
From Wikipedia re rationing: When World War II began in September 1939, petrol was the first commodity to be controlled. On 8 January 1940, bacon, butter and sugar were rationed. Meat, tea, jam, biscuits, breakfast cereals, cheese, eggs, lard, milk, canned and dried fruit were rationed subsequently, though not all at once. In June 1942, the Combined Food Board was set up by the United Kingdom and the United States to coordinate the world supply of food to the Allies, with special attention to flows from the U.S. and Canada to Britain. Almost all foods apart from vegetables and bread were rationed by August 1942. Strict rationing created a black market. Almost all controlled items were rationed by weight; but meat was rationed by price.
At the end of the novel, (pg.287) "Then I had risen and consumed the banquet Nacy had prepared for me. She always cooked too much when she was nervous, and I ate more for than I would've thought could fit in a girl my Size." Don't know what the "banquet" included, but doesn't seem likely.
Additionally, London bombings are conspicuous by their absence in the novel, particularly the Battle of Britain.
Again, from Wikipedia: "The Battle of Britain, also known as the Air Battle for England (German: die Luftschlacht um England), was a military campaign of the Second World War, in which the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) of the Royal Navy defended the United Kingdom (UK) against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany's air force, the Luftwaffe. It has been described as the first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces.[15] The British officially recognize the battle's duration as being from 10 July until 31 October 1940."
This is a historical mystery. While I did not expect there to be as much detail as I might find in historical written by other authors, I expected the descriptions of day-to-day life to be representative. Leaving out the realities of food shortages and bombings seemed to be large omissions, IMO.
August 15, 2022
Despite a few cringey elements, this was a good book.
The clichés:
•“I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.” For reals.
• The major has eyes that change color and have colors that no non-alien person can have.
• Potential love triangle.
I’d also like to point out that my main suspect, whom I was suspicious of right away, was correct, so I’m going to gloat.
Still, it was really good overall. The plot is well crafted with a satisfying climax and the prose and voice are quite pleasant. Ellie is not a stupid YA heroine who likes to be sassy and mouth off to all the villains; she exercises self-control. That was so refreshing.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: Vague innuendo
Violence: Murder by slit throat (not graphic)
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
*Reader’s Choice Nominee Spring 2022*
The clichés:
•“I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.” For reals.
• The major has eyes that change color and have colors that no non-alien person can have.
• Potential love triangle.
I’d also like to point out that my main suspect, whom I was suspicious of right away, was correct, so I’m going to gloat.
Still, it was really good overall. The plot is well crafted with a satisfying climax and the prose and voice are quite pleasant. Ellie is not a stupid YA heroine who likes to be sassy and mouth off to all the villains; she exercises self-control. That was so refreshing.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: Vague innuendo
Violence: Murder by slit throat (not graphic)
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
*Reader’s Choice Nominee Spring 2022*
May 10, 2021
Series: Electra McDonnell #1
Publication Date: 5/25/21
Number of Pages: 304
I have been reading and enjoying this author’s Amory Ames series, so when I saw this first book in her new series, I grabbed it right up! I am so very glad I did because the mystery is an exciting and suspenseful whodunit with delightfully entertaining characters. The characters we met who will, I assume, be recurrent characters in the series are the McDonnell family including Uncle Mick, Electra (Ellie), and perhaps Uncle Mick’s son Colm as well as life-long family friend Felix Lacey. That motley crew isn’t exactly following the letter of the law – though they try – sort of. They have their own code of right and wrong. Then, add in strait-laced, law-and-order, rule-following, unyielding, unbending, aristocrat Major Ramsey and you have a delightfully entertaining uneasy alliance when they all do their best to protect England from the Germans.
London is dark – very dark – and quiet in the wee hours of the morning in August of 1940. Uncle Mick has been planning a routine safe-cracking job for himself and Ellie. The always cheerful and good-humored Irishman is highly skilled and very thorough in his planning – so why is Ellie apprehensive about this job. As they approach the house – and then enter it – she feels as if she’s being watched. She shakes those feelings off and gets on with the job at hand. She breathes a sigh of relief as they complete the job and leave the residence – only to be apprehended by a big, burly, very unfriendly set of cops.
Major Gabriel Ramsey leads a section of military intelligence in London – and he has a case on his hands that could potentially cost England the war against Germany. Top secret plans have been stolen and are being delivered to a German courier. Ramsey must identify the English conspirators, retrieve those plans, substitute an alternate set of plans for the Top-Secret ones, and do it all without alerting the Germans that he is aware of any of it. Hopefully, they’ll be able to use that same conduit to pass future misinformation along to the Germans. What Ramsey needs is someone who is skilled in stealth and locks – and he thinks he’s found the perfect person(s).
I thoroughly enjoyed Ellie’s interactions with Ramsey. He certainly didn’t know what to make of her – other than she was a law-breaking thief of the first order. There were so very many suspects and any of them could have easily been the traitor. It takes a lot of investigation – and a number of dead bodies before the case is solved. The traitor will surprise you – and make you very sad. Now, I can hardly wait to see the next book to see if any of those potential traitors we didn’t apprehend in this book turn out to be the villains in the next tale.
I definitely recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. I’m hanging on by my fingernails to see what happens with Ellie’s cousin Toby and to see what kind of relationship develops between Ramsey and Ellie (I must have a romance to go along with my mystery). Then, there is Felix – he’s sweet on Ellie, but – they’ve always been such close family friends – is that to be the romance? OMGoodness – we’re just going to have to wait and see who our next traitor is and how the romances progress.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 5/25/21
Number of Pages: 304
I have been reading and enjoying this author’s Amory Ames series, so when I saw this first book in her new series, I grabbed it right up! I am so very glad I did because the mystery is an exciting and suspenseful whodunit with delightfully entertaining characters. The characters we met who will, I assume, be recurrent characters in the series are the McDonnell family including Uncle Mick, Electra (Ellie), and perhaps Uncle Mick’s son Colm as well as life-long family friend Felix Lacey. That motley crew isn’t exactly following the letter of the law – though they try – sort of. They have their own code of right and wrong. Then, add in strait-laced, law-and-order, rule-following, unyielding, unbending, aristocrat Major Ramsey and you have a delightfully entertaining uneasy alliance when they all do their best to protect England from the Germans.
London is dark – very dark – and quiet in the wee hours of the morning in August of 1940. Uncle Mick has been planning a routine safe-cracking job for himself and Ellie. The always cheerful and good-humored Irishman is highly skilled and very thorough in his planning – so why is Ellie apprehensive about this job. As they approach the house – and then enter it – she feels as if she’s being watched. She shakes those feelings off and gets on with the job at hand. She breathes a sigh of relief as they complete the job and leave the residence – only to be apprehended by a big, burly, very unfriendly set of cops.
Major Gabriel Ramsey leads a section of military intelligence in London – and he has a case on his hands that could potentially cost England the war against Germany. Top secret plans have been stolen and are being delivered to a German courier. Ramsey must identify the English conspirators, retrieve those plans, substitute an alternate set of plans for the Top-Secret ones, and do it all without alerting the Germans that he is aware of any of it. Hopefully, they’ll be able to use that same conduit to pass future misinformation along to the Germans. What Ramsey needs is someone who is skilled in stealth and locks – and he thinks he’s found the perfect person(s).
I thoroughly enjoyed Ellie’s interactions with Ramsey. He certainly didn’t know what to make of her – other than she was a law-breaking thief of the first order. There were so very many suspects and any of them could have easily been the traitor. It takes a lot of investigation – and a number of dead bodies before the case is solved. The traitor will surprise you – and make you very sad. Now, I can hardly wait to see the next book to see if any of those potential traitors we didn’t apprehend in this book turn out to be the villains in the next tale.
I definitely recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. I’m hanging on by my fingernails to see what happens with Ellie’s cousin Toby and to see what kind of relationship develops between Ramsey and Ellie (I must have a romance to go along with my mystery). Then, there is Felix – he’s sweet on Ellie, but – they’ve always been such close family friends – is that to be the romance? OMGoodness – we’re just going to have to wait and see who our next traitor is and how the romances progress.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 4, 2024
January 2023: I chose this book for my book group at the library and the (small) group of ladies LOVED it. Some of them already downloaded/checked out the second book (!!!). I enjoyed my re-read, it reminded me how strong a character Ellie is and how much I adore her. Off to re-read the rest very shortly, it looks like book 4 gets released in May!!
August 2021: What a GREAT first book. It really set up and left things open ended for the additional books which I am all here for. Ellie is a fantastic heroine and I really enjoyed her relationships with her uncle, cousins, Nacy, Felix and the whole host of other characters.
That said, unless later books can convince me otherwise, I am firmly on the Ellie/Major Ramsey train . Their dynamic really caught my eye and fingers crossed it gets explored in future books.
August 2021: What a GREAT first book. It really set up and left things open ended for the additional books which I am all here for. Ellie is a fantastic heroine and I really enjoyed her relationships with her uncle, cousins, Nacy, Felix and the whole host of other characters.
That said, unless later books can convince me otherwise, I am firmly on the Ellie/Major Ramsey train . Their dynamic really caught my eye and fingers crossed it gets explored in future books.
August 12, 2025
5 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: August
I ate this up.
This book has everything I could ask. Faking dating, excitement, a love triangle with two likeable leads, and a very solid mystery. One of my favourite things about it is that the mystery was set from the beginning and the plot never wavered from it. Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of mystery books I’ve read tend to almost have the murder as a secondary plot. I’ve even found myself forgetting about it. Not this time. It kept me invested and I’m proud to say I guessed the twist correctly.
Absolutely continuing with the series.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: August
I ate this up.
This book has everything I could ask. Faking dating, excitement, a love triangle with two likeable leads, and a very solid mystery. One of my favourite things about it is that the mystery was set from the beginning and the plot never wavered from it. Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of mystery books I’ve read tend to almost have the murder as a secondary plot. I’ve even found myself forgetting about it. Not this time. It kept me invested and I’m proud to say I guessed the twist correctly.
Absolutely continuing with the series.
December 14, 2021
I did not know what to expect from this book. I really enjoy Ashley Weaver's Amory Ames series, but a significant portion of my enjoyment of those books depends on the setting. I love the era. The glitz and glamour. The romance between husband and wife. But the actual mysteries? They're background.
So, picking up A Peculiar Combination and finding it contained none of the elements that drew me to the Amory Ames series, I was skeptical. But the change of pace works in this book's favor. Electra McDonnell is a strong heroine with none of Amory's effortless poise and style. But she makes up for it with gumption and determination. No comparison really exists.
This is more of a spy story (almost a heist book) than a mystery. Electra gets blackmailed into serving her government and putting her safecracking skills to work. As the book goes on, she's rapidly joined by a cast and crew that I hope we will see in other books.
In fact, I would say most of the enjoyment I gained from this book came from expected payout in future books.
If the Amory Ames story gives us Nick and Nora, Electra McDonnell promises Tommy and Tuppence. And I am here for it.
March 5, 2025
One of my most anticipated 2021 reads! I read Ashley Weavers' Amory Ames series last year and really loved it so I was really excited to see this coming out this year. I love these casual spy books set during the World Wars; they are very interesting and easy to follow. I love Electra and the Major! Definitely a different romance than Amory Ames'
June 29, 2021
Loved it! I'm a fan of Ellie & the Major! Great chemistry between superlative characters. Nice mix of cozy mystery & WWII British home front spy story. So glad this is the start of a series. Can't wait for book #2.
August 13, 2025
4.5 stars
The only reason I'm not giving the full 5 stars is because I don't think I'm capable of not deducting something when a love triangle is involved. Even if I didn't really hate it here, which is surprising even to me, I still wanted Ellie to be less conflicted about Felix (as I assume she and the Major are going to ultimately be a thing; I think I shipped them from the very moment they meet).
And I wish there'd been more romance, I already know I am going to gobble that up!! I am into it.
I really liked this. The period, all of the characters, the clever title, the mystery itself - which I didn't predict the outcome of at all, and that surprised me as a good many things throughout the book were fairly predictable - and, as noted, the hint of romance to come.
I can see why everyone's been so positive about these books, and I'm glad the series is finished so I can read them all in one go.
The only reason I'm not giving the full 5 stars is because I don't think I'm capable of not deducting something when a love triangle is involved. Even if I didn't really hate it here, which is surprising even to me, I still wanted Ellie to be less conflicted about Felix (as I assume she and the Major are going to ultimately be a thing; I think I shipped them from the very moment they meet).
And I wish there'd been more romance, I already know I am going to gobble that up!! I am into it.
I really liked this. The period, all of the characters, the clever title, the mystery itself - which I didn't predict the outcome of at all, and that surprised me as a good many things throughout the book were fairly predictable - and, as noted, the hint of romance to come.
I can see why everyone's been so positive about these books, and I'm glad the series is finished so I can read them all in one go.
October 3, 2023
Edit... I read the book last year and loved it and knew my husband would love it too. So, we listened to the audio version, and yes, indeed, he did love it. The narration was well done. I thought maybe the voice might be a tad older than the character, but overall, we loved listening to the book.
I am a huge fan of this author. I have read all of her Amory Ames books. So, when I saw she had a new series out, I was totally giddy. This book is the first book featuring Electra McDonnell and is set in 1940 during WWII in London. Ellie is a burglar. She has learned her craft from her uncle and got caught by the handsome Major Ramsey. Instead of going to jail, they decide to join the war effort and use their particular skills to catch a spy for King and Country. I really enjoyed it. The book is easy to read, and the characters are so likable. This mystery was so good that I didn't guess the bad guy at all. I'm totally surprised by it, in fact. There is also a romance as well. Actually, a love triangle from what I'm gathering. I can't wait to see how this unfolds. I'm sitting ready for the second book.
I am a huge fan of this author. I have read all of her Amory Ames books. So, when I saw she had a new series out, I was totally giddy. This book is the first book featuring Electra McDonnell and is set in 1940 during WWII in London. Ellie is a burglar. She has learned her craft from her uncle and got caught by the handsome Major Ramsey. Instead of going to jail, they decide to join the war effort and use their particular skills to catch a spy for King and Country. I really enjoyed it. The book is easy to read, and the characters are so likable. This mystery was so good that I didn't guess the bad guy at all. I'm totally surprised by it, in fact. There is also a romance as well. Actually, a love triangle from what I'm gathering. I can't wait to see how this unfolds. I'm sitting ready for the second book.
June 5, 2021
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
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
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