I love this time travel historical mystery as it was very engaging. The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Since she managed to convince a few key individuals (particularly her kind, handsome employer Duncan Grey) that she really is a time-displaced detective trapped in the body of a teenage housemaid in Victorian Edinburgh, Mallory's life has improved immensely. She spends less time scrubbing chamber pots and more time going undercover. A series of poisonings that cuts across social boundaries grabs her attention. The widows are all more aggrieved than grieving, including Duncan's sister Annis. Mallory overcomes cumbersome cultural mores (and clothing) to unravel the mystery. A fine mystery coupled with a very slow burn romance.

3 Stars! This is the second book in ‘A Rip Through Time’ series and isn’t really a standalone book, so definitely read book one first. I didn’t read the first book in the series and I felt so lost and confused through the entire book. This wasn’t really a romance though there is a hint of one between the main characters, Mallory and Dr.Grey. I’m guessing their story continues in book 3 but hopefully the secondary characters get their romance too. Since I didn’t read book one, I had no clue how Mallory got to the past, the first case Mallory helped solve and how Dr.Grey & his sister, Isla, found out Mallory was from the future. Still, it was a very entertaining book and I enjoyed reading it. Would’ve been a lot better if I read book one though. I also absolutely despise CLIFFHANGERS which this book sorta had. It’s more an action packed, adventure, unpredictable, mystery book that kept me guessing the whole time and had wonderful characters that I became invested in. So I would recommend this book but only if you read book one first.
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

I loved this book! Once I started reading this book, I found it impossible to put it down. I liked this installment even more than the first book in the series. The mystery kept me guessing until very close to the end. I think that the way that the time travel aspect of the story is handled is rather unique and incredibly well done. This story entertained me from beginning to end.

I like how Mallory handles the situation that she has found herself in and doesn’t try to change her environment to accommodate her. Mallory, Gray, and the other key characters are intelligent and easy to like. I wanted to see things go well for them as they worked to solve the case. Mallory’s knowledge of the future is the key to solving this crime and I love the fact that Gray trusts her knowledge, although it seems like she should be the one in charge if only that time in history would allow it.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Kate Handford did an excellent job bringing this story to life. I found her voice to be incredibly pleasant and enjoyed the voices that she used for the various characters. I thought that she added just the right amount of excitement to her reading and I found myself wanting to listen to the book for hours at a time. I am certain that her narration added to my enjoyment of this wonderful story.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the A Rip in Time series which I would recommend reading in order. This well-written book was filled with fantastic characters, a mystery that kept me guessing, and a vivid setting. I cannot wait to read more of this entertaining series.

I received a review copy of this book from Minotaur Books and St. Martin’s Press.

The Poisoner's Ring, A Rip Through Time Novel by Kelley Armstrong, is the second book in this series. It's a unique blend of Time Travel and Historical Mystery. Mallory is a detective from the 21st century who woke up in the body of a 19th century maid.
I enjoyed the contrasts of Mallory trying to live and work in an earlier century with a modern mind. Mallory and the other characters must make constant allowances for her quirks and thinking. Exciting mysteries with unusual plot twists make all Kelley Armstrong’s books a new favorite. Looking forward to the next books particularly any with her special brand of Time Travel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

This series continues to be absolutely delightful. It's strength lies in how richly drawn its characters are, and how distinct each of the voices are. Even with new characters introduced, their voices do not get muddled and the writing leaves one wanting to learn more about the characters.
I really enjoyed it.

Being a romance gal, the slowwwwww burn is killing me but I do appreciate that there are real, weighty issues to Mallory and Gray being together and I cant wait to see how those are resolved.

Bring on book 3!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC

Time travelling is not my usual genre of choice, however, the first book in this series was fantastic so I was very excited to be approved to read book 2!

Mallory is still stuck in 1869 but it's not all bad. She's officially Dr. Duncan Gray's undertaker assistant, but moonlighting to help solve homicides. This was a fun read, definitely need to read book 1 (A Rip Through Time) before diving into this one.

I found the mystery conclusion to have too many red herrings and the thought process was a bit chaotic. The ending left me wanting more though and can't wait to see what's next for Mallory and Duncan.

The Poisoner’s Ring continues the story of detective Mallory Atkinson as she is trying to adjust to her life in a previous century. Her trip to 1869 Edinburgh is still mysterious and, as yet, irreversible.

Adjustment is a challenge to a 21st century woman who was accustomed to living life on her own terms, as opposed to being a female servant in a Doctor’s household. Dr. Duncan Grey, and his sister Isla both know who she really is and allow her to help out in more substantial ways than a typical maid would. In this book, Mallory will be helping to find the culprits behind several poisonings. Duncan’s oldest sister, Annis, is a prime suspect, making the Grey household involvement in the investigation a bit problematic.

Mallory’s character is growing nicely, as is Duncan and his sister. And yet, Mallory is always thinking about getting home even as she grows closer to Duncan and Isla.

It is still challenging for Mallory to ‘blend’ in. She doesn’t act like a maid – at all. Always going where women don’t go, asserting herself, speaking informally with her ‘betters’. Her use of 21st century colloquialisms tends to confuse the locals. This adds humor in some instances, and tension in others. Still, she is appreciated for her brain and problem-solving skills. While 19th century crime solving leaves much to be desired, Mallory is lucky to be working with the Duncan and Isla, who have both embraced scientific techniques and integrity.

The term ‘poisoner’s ring’ refers to ring of women who murder their loved ones, possibly with the help of another person. The multiple deaths by poison lead the police, newspapers, and public to suspect such a ring. However, before this convoluted, complicated killer scheme will be resolved, there will be many twists, turns, and surprises. This book is full of lots of little mysteries and one great big plot. There are many suspects and even though Annis is not really a very nice person, as the reader, I did not cheer against her, lest the Grey family, and by extension, Mallory, come out the worse for wear.

Both books in this series can be read as standalone. Reading them in order will give insight to Mallory’s circumstance in Edinburgh’s past. The Poisoner’s Ring is for readers who enjoy humor, drama, mystery, police procedurals, and mixing modern day logic with historical crime-solving mayhem.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

**3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads**

The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong is the second book in the Rip Through Time series. I enjoyed the first so was glad to receive the second book in the series from NetGalley. I’d describe it as a historical cozy mystery with a tiny smidge of sci-fi due to our main character, Mallory Atkinson who is a modern day female detective, being stuck in 19th century Edinburgh inside the body of a 19 year old thieving maidservant named Catriona. I highly recommend you read the first book in the series before reading this one.

This volume involves dead men who seemed to have been murdered with poison by their wives for various reasons, until Dr Duncan Gray and Mallory find reasons to believe otherwise.

I love the setting of Victorian Edinburgh, love the main and side characters, and the mystery I didn’t guess the culprit from the start. The only negative thing I can say is the book could have lost 30 or so pages to move the plot along faster.

If you like historical mysteries with a unique touch then I recommend this series.

**Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review.**

4.5 stars = I really liked it. This series is really hitting its stride. I like book 2 even more than book one - possibly its that our herione is settled into her new existence and has formed relationships. Also I liked the murder mystery much more (the Jack the Ripper case from the the first book hit my prejudice against JR cases - it seems that historical detectives in this time period aways run up against Jack.) So, I really enjoyed this and if readers of Armstrong's Rockton series are looking for a new fix this series has a similar vibe with the police detective herione solving cases without her normal tools if the trade handy.

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, Expected publication May 23, 2023. This is sn unpaid review.

Disclaimer alert!!! I'm a diehard Kelley Armstrong fan. I've read all of her books and have yet to find one that was not excellent!!! She writes stories across differing genres with the same skillful attention to detail and the same ability to pull the reader into the story. I have not only read her books, I often gift them to my reading circle and I always recommend them to anyone looking for their next great read.
THE POISONER'S RING is book #2 in the Rip Through Time series. The first book sets up the series, explaining how this law enforcement officer from the 2000's finds herself in the 1860s. It is also a very good read. In book 2, Mallory is now working with the undertaker and assisting the police. Of course, using scientific methods of the future without having to explain to everyone how she came to this knowledge. As the story progresses, she will assist in investigating a ring of poison deaths while trying to prove the innocence of the suspects.
Another great 5 star read.

The Poisoner's Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrong's 'A Rip Through Time' series. Now, you don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this tale as Armstrong provides enough backstory in the opening chapters to catch up.
In 2019, Mallory, a American Homicide Detective who went on a trip to Edinburgh, was attacked and left for dead in an alley. But, Mallory isn't dead. And here's where the series title comes in - she wakes up in a hospital to find herself in the body of a housemaid, who was also attacked in the same alley. But.....in 1869. What a great set up!

From the outside looking in, she appears to be a maid, but once a detective, always a detective. This latest case is too close for comfort for Mallory's benefactors. I really enjoy how the cases are solved - which is the 'old fashioned' way - using deductions, legwork, suspicions, observations and more. Forensic science is in it's infancy and Mallory can help with that. Armstrong always comes up with a well written, not easy to solve, crime. This latest is no exception - I changed my guess multiple times on the way to the final pages.

I quite like Mallory as a lead character. We're privy to her inner thoughts as she tries to adapt to the time frame, keep up a façade and help her benefactors solve local crime. She has to think of everything - what her behaviour should look like, the language she uses and how to navigate in a past she doesn't really know much about. The supporting cast is excellent - the master of the house and his sister have skills and interests that intersect with Mallory's talents.

I also appreciate the detailed description of the settings and the social strata as well.

A unique premise, great characters, a keep 'em guessing mystery and more. I feel a romantic thread may develop in the next entry? The ending is satisfying, but there are still questions to be answered. The biggest being if Mallory can ever get back through the rip. And on the other hand...where is Catriona?

In the first book in the series, modern day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson somehow woke up in the body of a servant named Catriona in 1869 Edinburgh. She was finally forced to tell her employer the truth of her real identity. Duncan Gray went to medical school but as a man of color he's not trusted enough to be more than an undertaker and unofficial medical examiner. Mallory is now officially his assistant since the truth came out and he needs her help. Men across the city are dropping dead of apparent poisoning and the most likely suspects are their widows. When Duncan's oldest sister is blamed for her husband's poisoning, the clock is running out for them to discover the truth.
This is quickly becoming my favorite new series by this author. The Victorian mystery with a modern twist in Mallory's character is refreshing and unique. The hints of deeper feelings between the two are also intriguing... how will they hide the scandal of an age gap, interracial, master/servant relationship if it ever happens? I can't wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong

“If Dr. Addington is here at this hour, there has been a murder. Is it a devious one? Oh, I do hope so. We are in need of a puzzle. A dastardly killer who must be brought to justice.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨

Happy pub day to The Poisoner’s Ring and thank you to @minotaur_books and @netgalley for the ARC.

The Poisoner’s Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrongs Rip Through Time series and lovers of the first will also enjoy this one as we follow defective Mallory and Dr. Duncan Gray as they try to solve a string of mysterious, poisonings that are taking place in 1869 Edinburgh that are resulting in the deaths of multiple husbands. One of which is Duncan’s brother in-law.

*For all the Bailey Sarian fans out there, I hope you also think of Aqua Tofana because that’s all I can think of while reading this.*whispers “Aqua Tofana”*

The writing is great and I love how Armstrong is incorporating more diversity in her works. This one really focuses on LGBTQIA+ community, pro nouns, gender fluidly and same sex relationships. This really was my favourite aspect of the novel and I love the conversations that were had throughout, that revolved around this.

Those that love cozy mysteries will eat this up because it delivers on all of those vibes but unfortunately they are not for me. I have yet to come across a cozy mystery that I really enjoy and because of that this one was a bit of a struggle for me. But that’s a me issue not the book’s issue. Because I know a lot of people who would absolutely love this.

I also think I would enjoy this one more on audio than reading it.

If you love historic, cozy mysteries with a sprinkle of romance and social commentary this is a great read!

I am loving Kelley Armstrong’s historical time travels and was fortunate enough to receive advanced copies of both the book & audiobook. The Poisoner’s Ring is the second novel in the Rip Through Time series featuring a young detective who finds herself stuck in Edinburgh, 1869. An exciting mystery and danger await you in this fast-paced, twisty tale.

This is the second novel in the Rip Through Time murder-mystery series. Armstrong does a fantastic job of reintroducing the characters and world, I highly recommend beginning with A Rip Through Time. This review may contain minor spoilers if you haven’t read book one.

On May 2019, Edinburg Detective Mallory Atkinson was attacked and awoke in Edinburg 1869. She awoke to find herself in the body of Catriona Mitchell, a housemaid for Dr. Duncan Gray, the local undertaker. After the events of the first book, Mallory is adjusting and working as an assistant to Dr. Gray.

In this novel, men are being poisoned and expiring. The lead constables believe the wives are responsible. Mallory, Dr. Gray and Constable McCreadie set out to look for the poisoner who may supply these women. Things take a turn when Dr. Gray’s own sister stands accused of poisoning her husband. How are these women connected? Did they, in fact, kill their husbands? The case was filled with twist and danger.

I loved the story that unfolded from the well crafted mystery to the threads involving social issues. Armstrong touches on racism, women’s rights, sapphic romance and the social classes. The characters are rich and developed from the street urchins to the upper class. We learn more about Dr. Gray and his family and, of course, Mallory herself. I enjoyed the relationship between Mallory and the doctor, as well as her friendship with his spinster sister.

The story wove in historical tidbits, the history of forensic science and the origins of the poisoner’s ring. While Mallory still longs to return to her time, I am looking forward to more mysteries in 1869.

Perfect for fans of murder-mysteries, historical fiction and well-drawn characters. If you haven’t tired Armstrong or read her earlier works, I cannot recommend her enough. Her latest series from romantic suspense to historical romance and mysteries have become must reads/listens for me.

Audiobook
While I bought the audiobook, I had the pleasure of listening early. Kate Handford narrates and brought these characters and story to life. The tale lends itself to the audio format, and Handford gave unique voices to each character. I highly recommend listening.

I forgot how much I loved this series until I picked this book up again. I love how while being historical Mallory still brings in the modern world and uses it to her advantage. Also the mystery unfolding was interesting and I loved how it involved a lot of detective work and deduction, not just the science of things. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Mallory and Gray.

Before I get too far along in writing about The Poisoner’s Ring I need to give some information about A Rip Through Time, the first book in the series by the same name. It's 1869 in Edinburgh Scotland and man is strangling Catriona Mitchell in an alley. The nasty little housemaid works for Dr Duncan Grey. In modern times, Canadian detective Mallory Atkinson is passing by the same alley at the same time of day and hears Catriona’s cries for help. Mallory goes into the ally and is also grabbed by a man who starts to strangle her. The two women jump time and switch bodies. Mallory wakes and finds herself as the disliked housemaid in the home of undertaker Dr Duncan Grey.
Ok, we are mostly caught up and we can move on to The Poisoner’s Ring . In the previous book Mallory has had to confess her time traveler status to Duncan Grey, his sister Isla and police detective McCready who often consults with Duncan on forensics since the so-called police surgeon uses Duncan’s facilities to do his so-called autopsies. Duncan has no official status with the police since he is bi-racial; and despite his brilliance and wealth is a second-class citizen.
Poison is a woman’s way of killing an unwanted husband. When men begin to start dropping dead in Edinburgh, the wives are the ones arrested. Duncan’s oldest sister also immediately comes under suspicion when her husband succumbs to a poisoning. All of the men are rotten husbands, so it makes sense to suspect the wives.
Kelley doesn’t get bogged down in all of the different time travel tropes, which is a smart move on her part. Who cares, just bring on the story! Which she does in her usual inimitable way.
I don’t think I have ever met a character that Kelley writes about that she hasn’t done justice to in her portrayals. Even secondary characters get their due.
In The Poisoner’s Ring she brings modern sensibilities on race and sexuality to Victorian times. Kelley includes characters who are bi-racial, women who identify mostly as men, lesbians, and gay men who pay for their “crimes”. What is now was also then.
I am fascinated by the historical detailing and the fun little facts Kelley throws into The Poisoner’s Ring . Whenever I find the intriguing little details, I know the author is actually having fun writing the book, despite their hair-pulling moments. It matters. I think a reader knows instinctively when a book is a labor of love or a chore.
As terrific these first two books are, I have a wish to see how Catriona Mitchell is doing with Mallory’s life in the 21 century. Then again maybe we are better off not knowing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur for an Advanced Reader’s Copy.

This is the second in the series and I generally enjoyed it. Would have liked more time spent on the main character’s efforts to find out how she ended up in Victorian Scotland and how she can return to the present day - her efforts are all on solving a mystery involving a poisoner’s ring. That mystery itself was a bit long-winded but did touch on sibling relationships, the funeral business in the 1890s, and the role of women and social class. The book was well-written but slow moving. Not quite as good as the first in the series but was a good read.

Thanks to Minotaur books and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

The Poisoner’s Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrongs A Rip Through Time series which follows a modern-day homicide detective trapped in the body of a 19 year old housemaid 150 years in the past.

Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison and the main suspects are the grieving widows, the latest of which happens to be Gray’s oldest sister Annis. Mallory, Gray, Hugh and Isla must figure out who the real murderer is before Annis hangs for not only her husbands death, but the others as well.

I was so excited when I was approved to read this ARC because I absolutely LOVED A Rip Through Time. As expected, this book was so much fun!
This time around, Gray, Isla and Hugh know who she really is. To everyone else she’s still Catriona - only much improved after her head injury - and in addition to being a maid she now acts as Grays assistant.

The mystery of the poisonings was very well done and I enjoyed seeing Mallory be able to openly assist with the investigation as they attempt to solve the murders.
Once again, I adored the main characters and their interactions now that they know the truth about Mallory.
There is still a small hint at romance that has me curious as to how it will play out, especially now that Mallory and Duncan have both acknowledged that they will miss each other if and when she finds a way to get back home.

This series is becoming one of my favorites and I’m so excited to find out what comes next!
If you’re a fan of murder mysteries set in the Victorian era, or even a fan of Kelley Armstrong I definitely recommend giving this series a chance!

Mallory is still stuck in Victorian Scotland in the body of a teenage housemaid. She continues to try to keep busy trying instead of focusing on the fact that she cannot get back to her real life. Lucky for her there is no shortage of crime for her to investigate with Gray and his family…even when his family members are the ones being investigated.

This is the sequel to A Rip Through Time (which I loved last year) and a new investigation into a new crime with the characters you know and love. I was initially confused as to why Mallory getting back to her time wasn’t a bigger plot line buuttt then I realized there are more books to come. There is more of a romance developing between Mallory and Gray which I am loving and very looking forward to seeing more of. Overall fun and different and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!