Another excellent time slip mystery by Armstrong. This is in the middle of a series, so the characters are already set up, but evidently, there is much progress in their relationships. The mystery is a slippery, convoluted conundrum, well executed so the reader can follow every clue and guess the killer at the same time as the characters. Mallory was a 30+ detective in modern day Scotland when she fell through time. Now, she is a 22-year-old maid assisting a coroner and a Victorian detective to solve murders with techniques that are barely feasible in that time period. Since 22-year-old maids generally do not assist the police or physicians, or work beside men in general, this presents a few difficulties on many levels, along with the risk of the killer coming after you with a shillelagh or bear trap. I enjoy the sensible characters, the way they handle their unusual companion, and the insights into the history of police detection—plus the puzzle of whodunnit. A great historical read as well as a mystery and romance, what’s not to love?

I love the premise of this series - a modern detective thrown back in time to 1869 Scotland, still solving murders but without our current tools, and while enduring the sexism and stereotypes of the period.

I'll be honest, I'm actually not the biggest fan of Kelley Armstrong's writing style; in particular, the dialogue often sounds stilted and overly formal, even between characters who know each other well. The mystery plots are fine, but not especially memorable, However, I can't stop myself from picking up these books. Mallory and Gray are such interesting characters and their relationship keeps me reading. I wish this would be adapted into a TV series.

4.5 Stars ⭐️

I was thrilled to see that there was a new book out in this series. This is the 4th book and I have enjoyed every single book so far. The premise of the storyline is of a 31 year old 21 century woman -modern day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson - who is attacked and strangled in an alley and at the same time, a 19 year old house maid living in the 19th century -Catriona Mitchel - is also attacked at the same time in Scotland.

For whatever reason, something happens and they seem to switch bodies. Mallory ends up in the 1800's and in the body of this young house maid (and for the first three books we do not know if Catriona is in Mallory's timeline - so no spoilers for those that haven't read this). We have followed along as Mallory has had to learn the customs and behaviors of this new time - which is not easy when women of that time were looked upon as no more than property and we only supposed to be seen and not heard. And having the ability to read and write - not a chance.

Luckily, the home that she works in happens to have the most progressive employers and we have watched as she has worked her way up to become an assistant to her employer - Undertaker Dr. Duncan Gray and his awesome sister Isla - along with his best friend Detective Hugh McCreadie. This foursome has become great friends and have solved many crimes.

This story has the foursome traveling to the Highlands to attend the wedding of Hugh's sister. I'm not even going to go into how difficult the most simple things become with the outdated behaviors that they have to deal with concerning propriety. One thing is the treatment of Mallory because she looks so young and most think that the title of "assistant" really means she is something else to Duncan. The foursome had gotten used to being able to behave a certain way in their homes and are surprised to be reminded that they have to be very careful when around new people.

Of course, there is a murder before the wedding and our foursome is actually so very delighted to have a case to focus and spend their time on. There are a lot of things that they uncover, some relevant and others are unexpected. The case is not simple in the slightest. There are many, many secrets that the guests have and things are discovered that are surprising and disappointing.

Another fantastic book in the series and I am looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on May 20, 2025.

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book. I chose to review it and this in no way impacts my opinion of it.

I know I say a lot on this blog that I am obsessed with Kelley Armstrong’s novels, but I think this series is one of my favourites. Death at a Highland Wedding is the 4th novel in the A Rip Through Time series. I highly recommend starting with the first book and reading them in order before beginning this novel as you really get to know the characters and there are a lot of times where the characters refer back to past books happenings.

The novel begins with Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie on their way to a country estate for McCreadie’s younger sister’s wedding. The estate is beautiful, if you can look past the deadly traps set up against the Scottish wildcats and the guest who is soon found dead in the grounds. Time is against them as they try to solve the murder before the wedding day.

As with most Armstrong novels, I was hooked right from beginning until end. I blasted through this novel despite the extreme busyness of my life at the time. The characters in this novel are just as lovely as in the first three and I am still a huge fan of them. I root for Gray and Mallory as well as all the side characters.

This novel is most definitely a SLOW BURN romance in all caps because 4 books in and we’re still barely burning. but I am loving it. I love the tension and being able to watch the build up of feelings throughout the books. We have way too many insta-love novels these days so this is a welcome trade-off.

I am always left guessing and trying to figure out the murderer before the characters solve the mystery but I have not yet sorted it out before them. I highly recommend this novel/series to anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries with a little dash of time travel.

The latest book about Mallory Atkinson (Catronia) and Dr. Duncan Gray is amazing story and continues their relationship with a murder to solve in the Scottish Highlands - a visit away from their Edinburgh home. Both Mallory and Duncan are terrific characters, along with sister Isla, friend Detective Hugh McCreadie, and maid Alice. Part of the story involves Scottish wildcats, which are adorable and grumpy cat currently listed on the endangered species list. Armstrong is an outstanding writer and manages to weave the mystery and in a storyline that is both magical and believable. In this book, we meet Hugh's sister Fiona, who will hopefully be a recurring character, as well as her fiance and other friends from Duncan's school days. The relationship of Mallory and Duncan moves forward, but with delightful 'wooing' - based on concerns of society at large and concerns of Duncan. Love this series and can't wait for the book!

Although this is the fourth in the Rip Through Time Novels it is a great standalone read. Humor, Adventure, Murder and family drama make this roller coaster ride interesting and fun. Keeps you entertained and guessing! True to the period, but small modern insights from Mallory. Hard to put down.

My 2nd Net Galley ARC and I picked it solely from the cover, title and genre. Jumping into book 4 of a series blind - I yet again am thankful for an author that puts a synopsis of the previous books in the beginning so I didn’t feel lost starting on this one.

If you like the time traveler aspects of Outlander (except a modern update - the FMC is from 2019) with a Sherlock Holmes type of dynamic and a murder/mystery to solve - this is 🤌🏻

The characters, the pacing, the red herrings. I loved it and will def be going back to read the others in the Rip in Time series.

Title: Death at a Highland Wedding   
Author: Kelley Armstrong          
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery/thriller, fantasy   
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

After slipping 150 years into the past, modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson has embraced her new life in Victorian Scotland as housemaid Catriona Mitchel. Although it isn’t what she expected, she's developed real, meaningful relationships with the people around her and has come to love her role as assistant to undertaker Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie.

Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie are on their way to the Scottish Highlands for McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. The McCreadies and the groom’s family, the Cranstons, have a complicated history which has made the weekend quite uncomfortable. But the Cranston estate is beautiful so Gray and Mallory decide to escape the stifling company and set off to explore the castle and surrounding wilderness. They discover that the groom, Archie Cranston, a slightly pompous and prickly man, has set up deadly traps in the woods for the endangered Scottish wildcats, and they soon come across a cat who's been caught and severely injured. Oddly, Mallory notices the cat's injuries don't match up with the intricacies of the trap. These strange irregularities, combined with the secretive and erratic behavior of the groom, put Mallory and Duncan on edge. And then when one of the guests is murdered, they must work fast to uncover the murderer before another life is lost.

This was a fun read. I thought I’d read the first book in the series—and not the second two—but maybe not. I still had no problems stepping in mid-series. I enjoyed the characters and the dichotomy between modern Mallory caught 150 years in the past. I found all the characters to be solid and (mostly) likable, and I truly had no idea what was really going on until the reveal at the end. Very solid historical/time travel mystery read with some great characters.

Kelley Armstrong is a bestselling author. Death at a Highland Wedding is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 5/20).

I enjoyed this far more than was likely warranted, but i'm not entirely sorry. It feels like she's really hit her groove with these characters, although, on that note, might be less fun without reading the rest of the series first (though of course it isn't strictly necessary).

This is not my first Rip Through Time story, and I very much enjoy this series. Mallory has been thrown back to 1870 into the lives of the best family to welcome such a bizarre occurrence. Being a detective in our time, she is able to bring her deductive reasoning into play in this time of old where science is still lacking. I enjoy the interaction between Mallory and Gray, and the way Mallory fits into the dynamic of Gray's family and friends. I love how she uses modern day science and investigative tools to assist McCreadie and Gray in solving crimes, all the while lacking forensic tools - even flashlights. I enjoy the reminder of the societal changes over time as we watch Mallory struggle to remain proper. This particular book in the series strikes close to home as the murder occurs at a wedding. The mystery is dangerous and exciting, but the character backstories and relationships are explored in more detail; you really get to know this little crew better. Since we know more about emotions and motivations now, I really can't wait for the next book in the series! The mysteries, old investigative techniques, propriety of the time and the risk of Mallory being thrust back to her own timeline makes for a thrilling read where you feel like you are racing against time! I love this series!!

👉🏻For my friends who love historical fiction, police procedurals, and time travel, and want all three in the same book.

🎧 Thanks to @Macmillan.audio and Minotaur Books for the e-book and audiobook review copies of book four, and for generously providing the earlier books when I requested them. #macaudio2025

Okay, so hear me out: a modern Canadian detective lands in the body of a 19th-century maid in Scotland. Working in an eccentric household, she is accepted for who she is and helps a forensic doctor, his chemist sister, and his best friend (a police detective) solve murders.

Time-traveling police procedural set in 1870s Edinburgh with a confident and intelligent MC?
Commentary on societal differences between the two time frames full of anachronism, wit, and a touch of “will they or won’t they?” It’s a #FiveSpongeAudiobook SERIES! 🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽 (It’s so captivating, and you’re willing to clean to keep listening.) I jumped into this at book four and had no problem following the story. However, I enjoyed it so much that I had to go back and read the first three immediately.

The juxtaposition of Mallory’s experience, insight, and mannerisms in Victorian Scotland is fascinating, as are her comparisons and explanations of the differences between the two cultures. Like other beloved books, I feel I’m learning while being entertained, and that’s one of my favorite things. The addition of @katehandford ‘s brilliant narration (I love how she shifts from Mallory’s modern Canadian “thinking” voice to her period Scottish “speaking” voice) adds to the immersive experience.

💍 Murder, Mayhem & Mutual Pining in the Highlands

I swear, this series is now my favorite. Every time I open a Rip Through Time book, I’m instantly hooked—and this one had me hooked from page one. Murder at a wedding in the Scottish Highlands? Yes, please.

Mallory (our modern homicide detective stuck in Victorian Scotland) is once again juggling corsets, outdated gender roles, and a murder investigation like the absolute boss she is. She, Gray, and McCreadie head off to the countryside for what should’ve been a nice family wedding weekend. Instead, we get tension, secrets, wildcat traps, suspicious grooms, and. a dead body.

The mystery is twisty in all the right ways, but what keeps me coming back is the character dynamics. Mallory and Gray? Still the slowest of burns. Their chemistry is smoldering, respectful, and so emotionally layered I want to scream. Also, the friendships, found family vibes, and little moments of humor made the darker moments hit harder.

What I love most about this series isn’t just the mystery (though that part’s great). It’s the way Mallory balances her 21st-century brain in a 19th-century world that doesn’t expect women to speak up, let alone solve crimes. She plays the long game so well, always reading the room but never dumbing herself down. And Gray?? their slow burn is so satisfying and just the right kind of frustrating.

The mystery kept me guessing, the pacing felt tight, and there’s real emotional depth here too. especially toward the end. This one felt quieter in some ways, but deeper. The characters are growing. Relationships are shifting. The tension is building. I need the next book yesterday.

Already counting down to the next one.

I hated this book so much. I got about halfway through and I just couldn't do it anymore. I would get in the mood to read, remember I was in the middle of this book, and then just not read.

I couldn't connect with the characters at all. I felt like I was missing something important the whole time I was reading. I did do some investigating and found out this is part of a series and there are a few books before this one. Had I of read those first may have made my experience better.

You can’t go wrong with Kelly Armstrong! Her books consistently feature well rounded, compelling characters and plot lines all tied together with page turning pacing. This one kept me up late reading and I did not see the end coming at all.

I have been a fan of this series since the first book. There’s a nice balance of quick asides, so you can read easily read this on its own. I really enjoyed the Scottish country side setting in this one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read "Death at a Highland Wedding."

Kelley Armstrong continues her engaging time-slip mystery series, dropping modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson, now comfortably ensconced in Victorian Scotland as Catriona Mitchel, into a classic whodunit scenario. This time, the picturesque backdrop of a Highland wedding for McCreadie's sister quickly turns ominous.

Armstrong skillfully balances the charm of Mallory's fish-out-of-water perspective with the growing tension of a potentially volatile family dynamic between the McCreadies and the Cranstons. The initial discovery of the injured wildcat and the inconsistencies Mallory observes immediately prickle the senses, setting the stage for a more sinister plot than simple animal cruelty.

The dynamic between Mallory, Dr. Gray, and McCreadie remains a highlight, offering moments of warmth and camaraderie amidst the brewing unease. Their decision to explore the Cranston estate provides a natural way for them to stumble upon the initial clues and allows Armstrong to weave in details of the Highland setting.

While the time-travel element is the unique hook of the series, this installment leans more heavily into the traditional mystery genre, which fans of Armstrong's suspenseful writing will likely appreciate. The introduction of a murder amidst the wedding festivities raises the stakes considerably, promising a race against time to uncover the killer before more lives are lost.

"Death at a Highland Wedding" offers a satisfying blend of historical setting, intriguing characters, and a well-crafted mystery. While the time-slip aspect takes a backseat in this particular installment, the engaging plot and Armstrong's signature suspense make for an entertaining read.

I just finished Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong and here are my musings.
Book 4 in the Rip through time Series.

Genre - Historical Mystery
Date of Release - May 20th 2025
Publisher - @minotaur_books


Mallory is thriving in the past… After slipping back 150 years in the past into a maids body… She has carved a decent life for herself as assistant to the undertaker DR Gray and Detective McCreadie. The trio are on the way to McCreadies sister's wedding in the highlands…Something is very off when they arrive and when one of the guests turns up murdered… They must race against the clock to uncover the killer before another guest turns up dead.
I was super curious about the audio of this series so I thankfully got a copy of this one to read and an audio to fully submerge myself into their world. The audio was amazing!! The narration was spot on!!

Mallory is one of my favorite FMCs. Being a detective in her time, she has skills that haven’t even been invented yet and she finds a way to become useful to the police in the only way a woman can.. Under the protection of men. They know she's from the future and they have a perfect dynamic. It was a nice change of pace getting out of the city and into the country. It gave the series a new dimension… I loved every second of it.

I love how all the characters work together and I am so invested in this series that I am already thirsting for the next installment. I love how everyone is kind of on the fringe of society and they couldn't care less! They all live their lives unapologetically and I am here all day for that! I have to admit, I am so worried that Mallory will end up back in the future and never make it back to Duncan.. I hope that does not happen…

Kelley Armstrong has a beautiful writing style and you will be drawn right into this series! Now you can read it as a standalone book but knowing their backstories will give you a better feel for the story.

4.5 stars

Thank you for my gifted copy - Minotaur books and @netgalley for the audio and ebook.

#deathatahighlandwedding #kelleyarmstong #aripthroughtime #historicalmystery #bookseries #bookreview #bookblogger #bookishreview #bookstababe #bookalorian #lionessofliteracy #bookishpodcast #bookinfluencer

I really never want this series to it end. If you enjoyed Veronica Speedwell, truly think you would also enjoy this. This book takes us up to the highlands to McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. As you foretell from previous books there's a murder that happens and it needs solving. Really enjoyed how this book deepened relationships between characters. Still no kiss for Mallory and Duncan but, a woman can hope.

Thank you, NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC.

I think I would read Kelley Armstrong's grocery list. I love this series, seeing Victorian times through Mallory's eyes is fun! In this episode, we get to go to the Highlands of Scotland and meet more friends of Gray's, MacCredie's and Isla's and one is murdered during a wedding trip. The who dunnit and why, combined with the slow burn of Gray and Mallory, makes for a fun and twisty read.

I'm not sure what made me start this series, the premiss is something that would catch my eye but it's not in the genre I typically read but for some reason I tried it and I have been hooked since. In fact I love it so much I own the book and the audio book as well so I can listen to it in the future. Seeing this book I knew I would read it. I will be reading every book in this series till it is finished. Every book before this was a 5 (with the excretion of one novella which I am in the process of reading right now..spoiler it will be a 5 star as well). And this book as you can see is a 5 as well. It would actually be higher if I was able to.

This review will contain spoilers from previous books** Mallory and Gray as well as Gray's sister and best friend who is the brother of the soon to be bride travel to a wedding. No one wants Gray's friend McCreadie at the wedding except his sister and that's enough for him. When they arrive it seem's that McCreadies sister's soon to be husband isn't happy with their match and isn't a fan of most people, but they wedding will go on. Before the wedding can even happen there is a death and then another that soon makes it apparent these deaths may both be murder.

Mallory and Gray can't help but get involved to help find the murderer and prove innocence. While at the same time finding more evil deeds and maybe hoping to finally get McCreadie and Gray's sister to admit how they feel about each other? This book is filled with so much we get a pull from the present and some other moves forward that I have been hoping for. This book is written so well just like the others. The storytelling is superb and I am all in in this world Kelley Armstrong has created.

The mystery has twists and turns and I loved every minute of it. I also can't get enough of all of these characters and with each book we keep getting just that....more. I didn't want to stop this book I could have finished it it one sitting and now I am left waiting for the next book. I can't recommend this series enough, if you haven't read this series and want to read this book start from the beginning, you really need to. If you have read every book before this I can't see why you are not as excited as I was to get this. Now I just hope the next book or novella isn't too far away. I'll be here very impatiently waiting!

-I saw this on Netgalley and freaked out and proceeded to stalk my emails for an approval!!

*Thank you Netgally, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for this ARC copy!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the “Rip Through Time” series! This time, the gang attended McCreadie’s sister’s wedding in the Highlands. We learned more background info for some of the characters and watched several relationships continue their progressions. I don’t know where this series is going to wind up. Will Mallory stay in the past forever or will something happen to bring her back home? I’ll stay tuned to find out!
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley