Mallory and friends have gone to the Scottish Highlands to the attend the wedding of McCreadie’s younger sister to one of McCreadie and Gray’s oldest friends (more friends on McCreadie’s part than Gray’s, that is). The setting is idyllic, but every idyllic setting comes with its own beasts, and in this case it’s gamekeeper Muller who has installed barbaric traps on the property of the hunting lodge to keep out poachers. The poachers in this case are people whose families have had access to the land for generations. When someone is murdered, it seems initially a case of mistaken identity. Someone wanting to kill the owner for his imperious ways. But the more Mallory et al. dig, a larger web of secrets, lies, and bad behavior is illuminated in this exciting installment of Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip through Times series, Death at a Highland Wedding.

The nice thing about being a reader is that a book can immediately transport you away from interminable doom scrolling to a place far, far away. In this case, to Victorian Scotland where Mallory has the gift of prescience (only because she has taken history classes (haha)) and good friends.

Elements I really enjoyed:

Mallory’s snarky humor
Excellent research and presentation on Victorian culture as well as science and history (I liked learning something as I enjoyed the read.)
I didn’t know whodunit until Mallory did. This hardly ever happens–not that I’m an excellent detective or anything but when you’ve read a lot of mysteries you usually do have an educated inkling.
That Mallory and Gray have continued a platonic relationship although the chemistry between them is palpable.
And, Mallory’s presence in Victorian Scotland may not always be her choice. Gotta love the precariousness of the situation.
The end resulted in obviously being more books. Yay! 😁
I’m sure I’ve told you to read this series. I really mean it, particularly if you enjoy time travel and mysteries and the Victorian era.

Many thanks as always to Minotaur Books for sending me a copy!

What do you get when you mix a time travel story with a beautiful setting in Scotland? Only one of the most fun series by Kelley Armstrong ever! This is book #4 and it has Mallory, Gray and McCreadie traveling to the Highlands for McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. Of course we have another murder to solve and it's a blast to watch these characters come together to figure it out.

Kelley's books are always at the top of the list for me and A Rip Through time is one of my favorite series by her. Start at the beginning if you haven't yet because if you're a time travel fan like I am, you will love this series!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 20 May 2025

I love this series.

In the last book, I was hoping for something that didn't happen. After reading this book, I'm beginning to suspect this something will never happen. Kelley Armstrong has other plans for Mallory. And maybe I can accept that. But my idea was really cool. Just saying.

The series in short: Canadian 30-something-year-old female detective named Mallory visits her dying grandmother in Scotland in 2019 & ends up time travelling to 1869 to a different body, that of a 19-year-old parlour maid named Catriona (pronounced Katrina). Time travel + crime-solving + found family + romantic tension = mouah!

I love this series. Yes, I've already said that. But I do. I'm also heavily invested in Duncan & Mallory. And I love solving the mysteries. Even though I never do, haha.

I can't wait for the next book.

If this series is new to you, start with A Rip Through Time.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy. I am so grateful.

ARC Review: In Kelley Armstrong’s latest installment in the A Rip in Time series, time-traveling 21st century detective turned 19th century former maid/undertaker’s assistant Mallory Atkinson and her 19th century found family (which includes employer Duncan Gray and his sister Isla, and police detective Hugh McCreadie) leave Edinburgh to attend the wedding of Duncan/Hugh’s former classmate Archie Cranston and Hugh’s younger sister, Fiona. Tensions ahead of the wedding are high given that years earlier Hugh broke off his own engagement to Archie’s sister (because of feelings for Isla) and estranging him from both families. Further complicating the already fraught situation, there is also bad blood between the villagers and the estate that has been recently exacerbated by the hiring of a new groundskeeper, the rather creepy Muller. When one of the other members of the wedding party shows up dead and the local constable is too young and inexperienced to investigate properly, Duncan, Mallory, and Hugh must do their best to ensure that the truth is discovered.

This was a complicated mystery with so many conflicting clues and red herrings that I was left guessing as to who the culprit was (and why) until the very end. It was also a bit darker than some of the previous mysteries in this series (CW: assault and human trafficking) and the ending a bit more nuanced in how one thinks about justice being carried out. I actually really liked that things weren’t tied up neatly or in a black/white way. On the lighter side, the relationship between Duncan and Mallory continues to develop, although the complications remain—and if things continue as they are, may only become more difficult. I’d love to say more but don’t want spoil anything (I wish we’d seen the letter Duncan wrote to her!) Overall it was an engaging read and I am very much looking forward to the next installment!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love this series so much! This is one of those series that you keep reading every book just hoping it never ends. Everything about it is amazing. The characters are incredible, the storylines and pacing are on point, and each story is thoroughly entertaining. But one of the things that I like the most is when Mallory has to learn to adapt to the timeframe she’s currently in. She has to take what she knows about forensics from the future and try to make it work with her limited resources in the past. And between all of their crime fighting antics are the interpersonal relationships between all of them. Mallory is the main character yes, but we get the chance to get just as close to Duncan, Isla, and McCreadie. This is rare for me in most books. Usually I only get really close to one character, even in an multi-POV, but that’s not the case with this series. And it is in this book that we FINALLY get to see those relationships moving forward! I won’t spoil it, but something I’ve been waiting to happen finally does! Oh happy day! Here are some other things that will hopefully be happening in future books, but the ending of this one was so satisfying! It was surprising only because I’ve been waiting so long for it to happen! (Or as Mallory said, it was a slow as molasses.) I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time #4) by Kelley Armstrong. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery or as part of the series. I was soooo looking forward to reading this book and it did not let me down!

This book was so good and I did not want it to end!!!!

This was such a wonderful book! I loved every minute of it! I found it to be truly captivating and a wonderful story! I need the next book to be released soon because I'm ready to go back!

The world the author created is absolutely fascinating! I love the characters and the blend of modern culture into 1869 Scotland life. This book is filled with heart!

I highly recommend reading Death at a Highland Wedding. I’ll be (in)patiently waiting for the next book!!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time #4) by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books
Genre: Historical Fiction | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Expected Publication Date: May 20, 2025

I love Kelley Armstrong and have for years and years. Her latest novel in her Rip Through Time series is book 4 and you immediately fall in love with the characters all over again.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC. Another adventure still back in time. A little bit of romance, mystery, historical fiction, and time travel. I’d love to see more back and forth in the time travel This is book four in the series and you should start from the beginning just so you can enjoy the character development. Look forward to the next installment if there is one.

DNF at 26%. I think I’m losing interest in the series. The mystery is boring this time around (it was also pretty boring in the previous one), and while I do like the camaraderie between the cast, the endless “is there a romance?” tease between Duncan and Mallory is frustrating.

I found this mystery hard to put down. It kept me guessing until the very end with plenty of red herrings. I was surprised by the ending, but it fit perfectly with the story and the characters. This is one of my favorite mystery series. Dr. Duncan's Gray's assistant, former modern day Canadian police detective Mallory has more latitude to help Duncan and McCreadie solve crimes, but she has to behave with Victorian decorum, so she doesn't harm Duncan's reputation or hers. It's even harder when they travel to the wedding of McCreadie's sister with more people misconstruing their relationship. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. The mystery is intriguing and the characters and their relationships continue to evolve. I can't wait until the next one.

Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong, a well written book that piqued my interest. I enjoyed the first in the series, sadly this one ultimately failed to hold my interest. I do think others will enjoy it and thank you for giving me a chance with it.

I enjoyed this book. I love the setting, especially going to visit the historical highlands! The characters were entertaining, the relationship's slow burn was nice, along with the mystery element. I greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series!
Thank you, NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Kelley Armstrong, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another fantastic entry in the "A Rip Through Time" series. Would highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before picking up this one even though Armstrong give a nice brief summary of what is going on. This time around, Mallory, Duncan, Hugh, and Isla have traveled out of Edinburgh to the Highlands of Scotland for the wedding of Hugh's sister. Due to circumstances, Hugh is estranged from his family, but his sister, Fiona, wants him present for her big day. When a body is found, the group investigates, although they cannot officially. I really like how we got to see more of the backstory of Hugh and Duncan, as well as a bit more into Isla and why she is reluctant to move forward in the romance department. While Duncan and Mallory are a standstill in that respect due to the belief that they are cross purposes (which dear reader, they are not) there is finally movement in the other couple - though it is left very late. While the murder is the focus, there are layers and Armstrong slowly allows the reader to follow along with the intrepid investigators while they try to solve why the person was killed and by whom. The internal battle Mallory has with her 21st century experiences in 19th century Scotland bring a few laughs and aha moments throughout. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes historical fiction with a bit of mystery, and also those who like the In Death series by J. D. Robb.

(4.25 stars)
Hooray for being back in 1870 Scotland with Mallory/Cartriona, Duncan, Isla and Hugh. Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time series has become one of my favorites and I always look forward to the next book in the series. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s a quick orientation for you - Mallory is a 21st century detective from Canada who found herself transported to 1869 (now 1870 in book 4 of the series) Scotland, and not as herself. She lives in the body of a younger woman, Catriona, who was a maid in the Gray household. Dr. Duncan Gray and his sister Isla both know who Mallory is at this point and she’s serving as Dr. Gray’s assistant, helping investigate cases with Duncan and Hugh McCreadie, their detective friend, who also knows about Mallory now.

Mallory is the ultimate “fish out of water,” having to get used to 19th century clothing and customs, and with this being the fourth book, she’s doing a pretty good job of it. And it seems that she has decided that she wants to stay right where/when she is.

This time the group finds themselves outside of Edinburgh, to attend the wedding of Hugh’s sister, Fiona. I missed Edinburgh but enjoyed the countryside atmosphere, including the hunting lodge/mansion where the wedding is to take place.

There’s a creepy gamekeeper, dangerous traps on the estate grounds, villagers who don’t trust the new owner (the groom), and more. And of course, a death, as the title says. And an inexperienced local constable. I enjoyed the mystery and the progress in relationships among our regulars.

If you haven’t read any of this series, you could pick this up as a standalone, but you’d lack all the backstory. However, the author has provided a short summary before the beginning of the book, aimed at both new readers and returning readers who might appreciate a bit of a refresher.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Kate Handford once again.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

5/5 stars: This is the fourth entry in Armstrong's A Rip Through Time series, which is a Sci-Fi (Time Slip) Historical Mystery that follows a modern-day detective living as an 1870 Scottish maid, after slipping 150 years into the past, as she helps her undertaker boss and a detective investigate a groom's erratic behavior and a wedding guest's murder. With plenty of twists and turns, Armstrong has masterfully crafted a mystery that balances the suspects and deftly weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I really like how Armstrong combines modern-day police procedures with emerging 19th century forensics and policing practices. A longtime favorite author, Armstrong's heartfelt, clever and witty writing and in-depth character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. I love reading Mallory’s modern day POV being turned on its head by her Victorian era setting and her continuing adaption to it. It's also a joy to catch up with Mallory, Gray and his sister, Isla, police detective, McCreadie and household staff members, Simon and Alice. Additionally, I really appreciate Armstrong's handling of Victorian social strictures and the incredibly atmospheric descriptions of the Scottish Highlands. With tact and sensitivity, Armstrong touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Rip Through Time. If you’re looking for a great mystery run don’t walk and pick up this amazing series; highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

I am truly obsessed with this series. If you're a fan of the Lady Sherlock or Veronica Speedwell series, I think you should give this series a shot. I was hesitant back in book one of whether or not the fact that I was intrigued by a potential romance was just me being delulu, but I finally feel fully vindicated in this book. I love the audiobook. I love the mystery. I did not guess the mystery, but once it was all revealed, I thought it was wildly clever. If you're in a place where you're especially sensitive to violence against women, maybe steer clear for a bit until your tolerance is slightly higher because there are mentions of sexual assault, though no real descriptions.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley but this review represents my honest opinion.

First of all, I love this series. Love it. The way the author combines the reality of 19th century Scotland and the whimsical concept of a modern girl stuck in that era and still finding her footing so well is perfect- there's enough reality that I don't need to suspend belief but not so much that I can't escape into the pages.

I very much enjoyed this look into the backstory of one of my favorite characters, Hugh. And the thing is that like most of us, it's messy. And while the author doesn't shy away from the consequences, and those aren't great, it also doesn't punish him for them. It's never comfortable to be confronted by the consequences of our actions, even when done for all the right reasons, but how we handle them says a lot about us. And because I don't want to leave spoilers, I'll leave it up to the reader to see how Hugh handles his.

Mallory and Duncan are fun and charming as always. This is one of those rare series where I live the primary and secondary characters equally, so I'm never disappointed to see anyone get a few words on the page.

As for the mystery, I liked it. Some parts of it were easy to predict, but much of it wasn't. And the denouement was very satisfying.

It's been a stressful few months, and I'm appreciative of a book that was just fun and unstressful to read. 5 stars, great read

Death at a Highland Wedding might be my new favorite book in the Rip in Time series. I loved the historical tidbits scattered among the murders. I also loved that I had to keep guessing who the killer was until the end. The story's plot and pacing were excellent, and I continue to consider this series one of my most enjoyable book series to date. I gave Death at a Highland Wedding 5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review Death at a Highland Wedding. All opinions are my own

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 20, 2025
Mallory Atkinson is beginning to adjust to her new life after slipping through time and becoming a housemaid in Victorian Scotland. Working for undertaker Dr. Duncan Grey, she also uses her police experience to assist Grey and his friend, Hugh McCreadie, in investigating and solving local crimes. In this installment, Mallory, Grey and McCreadie are on their way to the Scottish Highlands for McCreadie’s youngest sister’s wedding but, as is to be expected, Mallory and her friends end up investigating a murder when the best man is found dead.
“Death at a Highland Wedding” is the fourth installment in Kelly Armstrong’s “A Rip Through Time” series. Think “Outlander” with a police investigation, murder mystery component, and you have Armstrong’s time travel series.
Although I have read the first three novels in this series, it had been a while so I appreciated Armstrong’s recap at the beginning of the novel. This would also be helpful for anyone who jumped into book four without reading the previous three, although I wouldn’t recommend it. Although it is easy to follow either way, Armstrong’s “Time” series is definitely one of those that should be read consecutively, as it is most definitely worth the time and effort to get the full experience.
Mallory is just starting to come to terms with her feelings for Grey, so expect slow, creeping romantic tension. “Wedding” has a few of these secret romances, as well as some adorable kittens, and some very disturbing secrets that are treated very differently in Victorian Scotland than they would be today. Combined, Armstrong’s novel creates non-stop, page-turning drama and action from the first page.
I love Mallory as a protagonist as she is sharp, sassy and relatable. In “Wedding”, there is a small glimpse (and I mean a sentence or two) of Mallory’s former life and some mystery about how she transported back and forth is hinted at, although I’m glad she chose to remain in the past. Duncan continues to be completely socially awkward but brilliant and I love that Armstrong brought back McCreadie and Isla for book four, as they have slowly started to develop their own plotline, which I completely support.
I love books that take place in Scotland, regardless of the era, and I’m almost as big of a fan of time travel novels, so Armstrong’s “Wedding” was a no-brainer for me. Armstrong has numerous other novels, both stand-alones and series, but I have only had the pleasure of reading her “A Rip Through Time” novels, though I continue to be curious about her other stories. I’m definitely going to be looking for more Mallory and Grey, but I might just check out some of Armstrong’s other novels in the interim.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This is #4 in the Rip Through Time series but can be read as a standalone. I had only read the first book, and read it when it was first published, so it's been a few years. There was enough background in this one to get me up to speed without feeling I was missing anything. Absolutely loved this from start to finish. It was much more humorous than I was expecting. The characters were great, the slow burn among the couples was just right, and I didn't even attempt to figure out the mysteries - it was simply a fun ride. Even though part of the mystery was heavy and tragic, it never brought down the mood of the story. I don't think I'll go back and read 2 and 3 but I sure do want to read 5 and find out where the author takes these characters! Highly recommend.