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sydapel's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I'll admit I picked this up solely to tick off a "cozy mystery" on a reading challenge, and find myself not really having a strong opinion either way on it. Mysteries aren't really my thing, and I have actively avoided WWII books for awhile now (due to the sheer overabundance of book set in that time period). Unsurprisingly for me, I enjoyed the characters far more than the plot, which really didn't work for me at all. An easy enough read, though I don't necessarily feel inclined to continue with the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: War and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
rachelschloneger's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: War
kelly_e's review
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: Violence, Murder, and Sexism
Minor: Death of parent
happyreadings's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
This was the first novel in the book series, Electra McDonnell. It follows Electra (Ellie), during WWII and her family is exploiting all the empty homes and robbing them of valuables. During the day, they are a family of locksmiths, at night they are a take on the modern Robin Hood.
When Ellie and her uncle get caught robbing a house by the government they are given an ultimatum: join their cause to retrieve some documents in the wrong hands, or go to jail. Obviously they choose the first option.
Since this book was in Ellie's perspective, I felt it was fast paced because we didn't get to see a lot with her. A lot of things happened in the background or she wasn't included with some spying. So I hope for the next book, or books, we see her more involved with things.
Another thing I hope that gets more involved is the love triangle that has begun in this first book. I think I was expecting more romance, but I'm sure the next books will go into further detail about it. But so far we have Ellie and her long time friend, Felix who is easy going but just came back from the war due to an injury. Then we have Ellie and Major Ramsey, who is the person in charge of their mission. But I just don't know which side to choose because I need more story.
Overall, I think this was a great beginning to a great series that I hope continues.
When Ellie and her uncle get caught robbing a house by the government they are given an ultimatum: join their cause to retrieve some documents in the wrong hands, or go to jail. Obviously they choose the first option.
Since this book was in Ellie's perspective, I felt it was fast paced because we didn't get to see a lot with her. A lot of things happened in the background or she wasn't included with some spying. So I hope for the next book, or books, we see her more involved with things.
Another thing I hope that gets more involved is the love triangle that has begun in this first book. I think I was expecting more romance, but I'm sure the next books will go into further detail about it. But so far we have Ellie and her long time friend, Felix who is easy going but just came back from the war due to an injury. Then we have Ellie and Major Ramsey, who is the person in charge of their mission. But I just don't know which side to choose because I need more story.
Overall, I think this was a great beginning to a great series that I hope continues.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Murder, and Medical trauma
girlonbooks's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
🔓🔓🔓 (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...
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
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Kidnapping, and Murder
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