A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver

A PECULIAR COMBINATION by Ashley Weaver is her first Electra (Ellie) McDonnell novel, featuring a young female safecracker in WWII era London and Torquay.  Edgar award finalist Weaver has written numerous “cozy” mysteries (see Murder at the Brightwell) and this latest one had plenty of questions:  Who are the German spies and collaborators? Who murdered Harden? Could the transfer of secret plans be stopped? Would Ellie fall for Major Ramsey or childhood friend Felix Lacey? The historical details, a Belgravia “office,” and a fancy society party lend an air a bit like a game of Clue and this puzzling mystery is sure to entertain. An especially likeable sleuth, Ellie abides by her Uncle Mick’s philosophy: “One thing at a time. Focus was the key to success. Focus and prioritizing the tasks ahead.” She also offers a bit of feminist “cheekiness” with observations like: “That’s the way it was now, with the men away fighting. Women stepping up to do the jobs we’d been telling them we were capable of all along.” Enjoy! A PECULIAR COMBINATION received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.