A Peculiar Combination- Ashley Weaver (Electra McDonnell, Book 1)

A thoroughly enjoyable read! Ellie McDonnell has been raised since infancy by her widowed uncle Mick, a locksmith and a safecracker. It’s London, August 1940, Britain is in the war and Mick’s two sons have been called to duty. Ellie already is trained in both sides of the family business, when she learns her skills on the shadier side are needed for a government matter. A cast of suspects–traitors some–a dishy but distant Major, a series of mishaps, hampering a ragtag band of sorta do-gooders’ efforts to secure stolen wartime papers, and a fun array of red herrings are present. It’s enough to satisfy any fan of cozy/historical fiction mysteries. I won an advance readers copy of A Peculiar Combination in a Goodreads giveaway and I’m glad I did. I previously read Weaver’s first book in the Amory Ames series, “Murder at the Brightwell,” and found it wanting. Weaver has definitely found her voice and addressed the weaknesses in that effort, probably several books ago. The characters are well drawn. The writing is light but engaging and entertaining. And there are several hints of stories to come in the series. I definitely plan to keep up with Electra McDonnell!