Book Review: A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver

This was an entertaining historical mystery. The construct – a thief-with-a-hear-of-gold turned patriot/spy – was a fun and less common spin on the mass of World War II novels that have appeared in the past year. Weaver has done a lovely job creating a cast of characters that, if a bit stereotypical, are highly relatable and engaging. Her writing style is easy and engrossing, and she does an excellent job painting a scene for the reader to relax into.

There was a little more romance than I anticipated, but it wasn’t overly heavy – I just don’t know that it added a lot to the story beyond the seemingly-obligatory triangular tension common in so many “women’s” books. Frankly, I think that element could easily have been left out and the tension based on the philosophical differences between the characters would have provided enough opportunities for conflict, misunderstanding, and an eventual coming-together – and that if it had been, this would likely find a broader audience. But that’s just me…

All in all it was a fun book to read, and I’d pick up the next in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.