This follow up to "A Rip Through Time" brings us back to Victorian Era Scotland, 1869. Mallory, a modern day detective, is still stuck in the past, with no idea how to return home to modern times. She is making the most of her time in 1869, growing closer with Dr. Gray, her employer, as they work together to assist Detective McCreadie solve a string of murders. Several men throughout the city are dying from poison, and their wives are the first to be blamed. Mallory and Gray must work to prove their innocence and find the real killer.

This time-travel series is a fun glimpse into Victorian society, and it's entertaining to witness Mallory acting strangely as she tries to match her mannerisms and vocabulary with the times.

A delightful follow-up to A Rip Through Time.
Mallory has become fairly comfortable inhabiting the body of the housemaid, Catriona. She has shared the truth of what happened with Dr Gray and other members of the staff. As an assistant to Dr Gray she has her detective voice back and uses it to her advantage. It's fun to watch her use modern vocabulary and science in 1860's Victorian Scotland. Her relationship with Dr Gray is heating up but neither of them are willing to admit to any romantic feelings they have for each other.
Men are being poisoned to death, one of them being Dr Gray's brother-in-law who his sister, Annis, is suspected of murdering. Is there a serial killer on the loose and could that person be Annis? That is the question that Mallory and Dr Gray must answer to solve this string of crimes. With the help of an inspector friend and some other associates the investigation progresses leading to dangerous and sticky situations for all involved.
It's apparent that the author has done her research into what science was available in this time period. The writing is immaculate and the characters are well fleshed out. The story is evenly paced and the investigation is thoroughly explored in an easy to follow manner. The reveal was a surprising twist and the identity of the killer was someone I never suspected but made perfect sense once revealed.
If you're new to this series I would recommend you start with the first book to get a complete understanding of Mallory's dilemma and how she got to where she is. This is only the second book of the series so it won't be hard to catch up before the next book hits the shelves. I, for one, can't wait to see what's in store for these beloved characters and what mischief awaits them.

I went back to the review I did in 2022 when I read "A Rip Through TIme" (book one of this series)... I was mad at the cliffhanger ending and super excited to read book 2. I forgot about this series, life happened... and then I just wasn't excited going into it.

... but I'm glad I stuck through it and kept going with the series. Mallory is a 30+ year old heroine from modern times stuck in the body of a 19 year old maid in 1869. She's come to terms with being in 1869: her employer recognizes her skills as a detective from 2019, and she doesn't even have to clean chamber pots as frequently!

I enjoyed the character growth of Mallory and Duncan- two characters that have some romantic tension, but recognizes the awkwardness of their situation. In book 2, Duncan's sister is accused of murdering her husband in a potential "poisoner's ring"-- a group of women that are hiring a third party to kill their husbands through poison.

The beginning had a slow start, but the overall story was satisfying and well done. The unraveling mystery came at a good pace, and I didn't see all the twists until it all came together. I'm looking forward to the next book ("Disturbing the Dead") in May 2024 and hoping to see Mallory get some closure on how time is passing in her timeline.

Thank you Netgalley for an e-ARC of "The Poisoner's Ring." I have a backlist of Kelley Armstrong books to get through, but I'm happily steadily working my way through them :)

I love A Rip through Time, and I could not wait to read the sequel! I must say that this sequel did not disappoint! I love the time-traveling aspect of the novel! The mystery was very compelling! There were many twists and turns! I also loved the well-rounded characters who were already established from the first novel! Overall, this was a very solid and fast-paced sequel! I can’t wait to read the third book in this series! Mrs. Armstrong is growing into a stunning and amazing author! I recommend this book for fans of Julie McElwain!

The Poisoner's Ring is the second book in the Rip Through Time series, where modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. There is enough detail in this book of how Mallory ended up in housemaid Catriona Mitchell's body that you do not need to read book one in order to enjoy this story. If you like Victorian era historical fiction this book is for you! Kelley Armstrong's writing is very strong in the details and I could easily picture Mallory's new house and neighborhoods as they are written about in vivid detail, bringing everything to life. In this book most of the people who live closest to Catriona know that she is actually Mallory and here from the future. This allows Mallory freedom that Catriona would not have had, and Mallory is invited in to help find clues and solve mysteries with the local police and her boss, Duncan Gray. I like the relationship between Mallory and Gray, but I find the idea that people in Victorian Scotland would accept Mallory (as Catriona) on scene at crimes to be completely unbelievable. For me the historical details were far too many and the mystery details too few. The book started off very slow and it wasn't until the very end that the mystery finally became the main focus and the pace picked up.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Now that Gray knows Mallory's true origins, they make a great investigation team and maybe something more later on. They are open with their communication.

I can't tell whether the author is smart or I'm giving her too much credit. The character sometimes seems very emotionally distant. This could mean she’s doing this because she knows it will hurt to leave and doesn’t want to make it worse, or that’s how the author writes.

One thing I don’t like is that Mallory keeps bursting the balloon on the Victorian characters. They ask her if things get better, and she says no. You can see them deflate. Girl, start telling these people that things are better. You're smashing their hopes. Also, there are times when Mallory edits herself as if Twitter is going to be picking apart her words. This might be something a writer in the twenty-first century might be worried about, but not someone having to live in Victorian Scotland.

This review is based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

I adore Kelley Armstrong. This book is lovely and I cannot wait for more. I recommend this book andencourage you to give her a try.

I love everything Kelley Armstrong writes and this is no exception! This is a great historical mystery that I think readers will really enjoy.

Kelley Armstrong immerses us in 1869 Edinburgh crime with The Poisoner's Ring, successor to A Rip through Time when Mallory Atkinson, Canadian present detective, was strangled and sent back to Victorian Edinburgh.
She is working as a maid in Dr. Gray the undertaker's household and assisting with his forensic detective work, Then his sister is suspected of poisoning and killing her husband. Police and the Grey household investigate. What can go wrong? Read and find out.

I did not have a chance to read this because of personal reasons. I wish I had had the time to do so. I look forward to reading it at some future point in time. I will then review at that time.

I absolutely love Kelley Armstrong! If you enjoy time travel with a little romance and a bit of mystery, then this is a series for you.

Mallory, a police detective, takes a step back in time to 1869 Victorian Scotland. She finds herself working as a maid in Dr Duncan Grey's household. Dr Grey and his staff find out Mallory's true identity while she tries to figure a way to get home and help the local police solve crime.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, for this advanced readers copy. This book released on May 23, 2023.

In our last encounter with her, homicide detective Mallory Atkinson had tumbled through a portal, landing herself in 1869 Edinburgh, where she had to take on the role of a scullery maid to make ends meet. Her salvation came in the form of the undertaker Dr. Duncan Grey, who employed her as his assistant, unwittingly embroiling her in some of Scotland's most notorious murder cases.

Now, in this latest installment, Grey and his family are privy to Mallory's true identity, a secret that proves quite useful when a series of unexplained deaths in the community points to a poisoner on the loose. As Mallory and Duncan join forces to investigate these suspicious deaths, they face a delicate balancing act: unraveling the mystery while safeguarding Mallory's true self from prying eyes. To complicate matters further, everyone Mallory has come to know becomes a potential suspect in the ongoing investigation.

"The Poisoner's Ring" marks the second entry in the "A Rip Through Time" series by the Canadian author Kelley Armstrong. Building on the success of the first book, this novel continues to captivate readers with its intriguing Victorian Scotland setting and time-travel plot. The endearing duo of Mallory and Duncan remains central to the story, their palpable romantic tension and chemistry adding depth to the narrative.

As the second book unfolds, a series of poison-related deaths unfolds, raising questions about a possible poisoner's ring. Is someone facilitating the means for wives to eliminate their husbands? With a runaway wife, an incarcerated spouse, and a high-profile death in the mix, the pressure mounts to connect the dots and prove the innocence of those accused.

This narrative offers a fascinating exploration of Victorian Scotland, drawing contrasts between crime-solving techniques from the past and present. With its succinct, cliffhanger-infused chapters, the book commands attention, making it a challenging task to set it aside.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Poisoner’s Ring:

Thank you @stmartins @macmillan.audio for my gifted copy.

What is there to say that hasn’t already been said? Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite authors of all time. I’ll read anything she writes. I LOVED A Rip Through Time, and couldn’t see wait to see what was next for Mallory & Dr. Gray. It was such a unique concept I was worried the second one couldn’t live up to the first.

I liked that the mystery of who Mallory wasn’t the leading part of this story. We were able to focus on the real mystery at what was happening at hand. Annis and her deadish husband really was a delicious plot to add for the sophomore release. I didn’t know who to trust (besides Gray and Mallory.. I’d trust them everywhere)

Kate Handford does an amazing job of navigating through the dialect and nuances of the 1800 and also our girl trying to not sound like she’s from 2023. She really brings out Mallory and I love the audio. Highly recommend.

Overall, another KA hit. I’ll never get over her books, they’re all so good. Out now.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for a copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

If someone can explain to me why I like torturing myself, I’d be glad to hear it, cause that’s how I am feeling right now. I love Kelley Armstrong’s books, and I loved A Rip Through Time, so of course I was going to love The Poisoner’s Ring – the follow-up book to A Rip Through Time. So WHY did I wait so long to read it? WHY was I surprised there was a cliffhanger? And WHY can’t I stop thinking about this book?! This book follows Mallory as she continues to acclimate to Victorian Scotland while still looking for a way home. One murderer has been apprehended but now a new one arises, looking like it might be a ring of women poisoning their husbands. Dr. Gray’s sister ends up in the crosshairs of the police investigation, and Mallory is torn between wanting to help in her capacity as a detective & the image she has to keep in order to stay safe in this time. I normally hate time travel books but this series does it in a way that I find addicting, and I am desperate to read book three now. The feelings that started to arise towards the end of the book? Come on! I need closure! What is going to happen next? Another murder? Mallory finding her way home? WHO KNOWS! All I know is I cannot wait for May for book 3.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read all of Kelley Armstrong’s series and this one, by far, is my favourite. It’s not your typical time travel novel either. There’s murder, mystery, scandal, friendship, secrets, and the undertones of romances brewing.

The lead character, Mallory, has a fantastic sense of humour and brings her modern day detective perspective on crimes in Victorian Scotland. Duncan, the doctor/funeral director/ part time detective always gets my wheels spinning as well.

The author has done such a great job of bringing this all to life and applied a great balance of modern vs the past. I have no idea how I’m going to wait until December and then may for the next instalments.

Rip Through Time #2. Modern day police detective Mallory finds herself stranded in 1869 Edinburgh. In this second outing Mallory is making the best of things as she adapts to being in the body and life of a maid in the home of Dr. Duncan Gray, an undertaker and police consultant. Duncan and his sister Isla have discovered her situation and she now aids them and a police officer friend of Duncan's as they search for answers in the poisoning deaths of three . disreputable men. When Duncan's brother in law becomes the fourth victim his oldest sister comes under suspicion. Poison is considered a woman's weapon and rumors of a poisoner's ring, a group of women aiding the demise of abusive husbands gain surface. This unique series features well drawn, engaging characters and the early stages of forensic development are intriguing. As a history buff I relish the historical tidbits that illustrate the culture and everyday life in Scotland during this era, a time of rapid change and new developments. No nonsense modern Mallory's frustration with dealing with crinolines and corsets and the restrictions imposed on her gender are humorous and informative. An entertaining read and i will continue to follow the series. Armstrong is a versatile and creative wordsmith.

I LOVE this series! I can’t wait for the next book!
The relationship between Mallory and Grey that is developing is intense and engaging, the mystery is spot on for the time period and true to Kelley Armstrong!
I could not put this book down but at the same time didn’t want it to end!!

Thank you to netgalley and st martins press, minitar books for my advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kelley Armstrong for a chance to read an ARC of "The Poisoner's Ring". This is my honest and unpaid review of the book. I love this author's books. I read the first book of this series "A Rip Through Time" and once I finished it I started to eagerly await the next one. I really enjoyed this book, the story, the setting and especially the characters. I felt like in this book that the characters developed a bit more and the reader was granted a bit more insight into their history. Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities and I like when authors choose to set their books there. Especially mysteries, it seems to lend itself as the perfect setting for them. I've read quite a few time travel books and I like how this author has woven her theory into the story. It almost could happen...

I'm honestly loving this series so much, but I can't seem to pinpoint exactly what it is about it that has me hooked because right now, it's genuinely just a historical mystery series. And, well, that's not really my vibe usually? I'm a sucker for a historical mystery with a slowburn romance element, but I'm still not convinced that's at play here. There's no flirty banter like there is in the Lady Sherlock series or even with Veronica and Stoker, but there IS maybe something?

Anyway, regardless of that, this book and the one prior have incredibly engaging plots that have me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out the reveals. Because, let us be honest, I am not the one who is solving this crime so I cannot tell you if the twists are twisty enough to be surprising because I am suspicious of EVERYONE. I'm the perfect reader for crime writers honestly because I will follow EVERY red herring and be like, "Oh, okay, that's the guy," and then something happens, leaving me going "OHHH, not the guy. Got it." So in addition to the truly excellent plot in my very humble opinion, I'm actually obsessed with these characters. And the friendships. And even the snide looks the housekeeper likes to give Mallory. So I'm here to continue reading and loving this series no matter where it goes, even if it isn't my usual thing. I'm very delighted to have crept tentatively outside of my comfort zone with this series and just really love Armstrong's writing.

Kelly Armstrong is one of my absolute favorite authors and she has another winner with the Poisoner's Ring, the 2nd installment in her new series a Rip Through Time. Modern-day homicide detective Mallory is still stuck in Catriona's body in 1869. Men are dropping dead from poison, deemed a woman's method for killing, and Mallory must help figure out who is behind it all. However, all eyes are on the Gray household as Gray's brother-in-law is one of the men poisoned, and his sister is well versed in botany, making her a prime suspect. Armstrong is well known for her ability to create worlds you can immerse yourself in, well developed characters full of backstory, and naturally flowing dialogue. Read a Rip Through Time first, not because it's necessary, but because if you have the opportunity to read a Kelly Armstrong novel you absolutely should!
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