Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the chance to read an ARC of Death at a Highland wedding by Kelley Armstrong. This is the 4th book in the Rip through time series, and I couldn't wait to read it! The story opens up with Mallory accompanying Duncan, Isla and Hugh to the wedding of Hugh McCreadie's sister. Settling into her new life as housemaid Catriona Mitchell, Mallory relishes her new position as assistant to Dr. Gray, and the friendships with the Grays, and McCreadie. The weekend becomes unpleasant when they meet the obnoxious groom, and discover that his new groundskeeper has set up deadly traps through the woods and an unexpected murder thrusts Mallory, Duncan and Hugh into solving the crime behind the back of the local incompetent police.
Death at a Highland wedding was a fabulous read and I couldn't put it down! I enjoyed the main characters, the chemistry they have with each other, and the humour that is woven through the story. The plot is timely and the author has definitely done her research. As with her other books, the female characters are strong, and resilient. I totally recommend this book, but definitely recommend you read the series from the beginning! I can't wait for the next one.
Publishing date: May 2025.

This series is just fantastic and always a fast fun read. The twists and turns in a new setting with new characters was dun and learning supporting characters back stories was enjoyable. It got a little soap opera ish but aside from that can't wait for the next one!

The Rip Through Time mysteries are my current favorite mystery series and I was really excited to get an invite to review Death at a Highland Wedding, the 4th book in the series. It was completely out of the blue and I didn't know the book was even set up for publication next May. Of course I downloaded and read it immediately and I was not disappointed!

Mallory and Duncan, along with Hugh and Isla, head off to the Highlands for the wedding of Hugh's younger sister. There's a lot of family dynamics surrounding Hugh and while the previous books and novellas set up this foursome as a band of misfits, we don't really see how that plays out until Death at a Highland Wedding where more traditional Victorian characters make an appearance.

And then a murder happens...

Armstrong really outdid herself setting up this mystery. The victim was unexpected, the twists and turns kept me guessing, and the end was not a neat tied up with a bow ending. However, it was still a satisfying conclusion and I like how Armstrong plays with Mallory's thoughts and feelings regarding justice and the law and morality. It wasn't cut and dried and unlike some other authors lately, Armstrong had strong words for violence against women, without having it take over the case and becoming a look at how awesome my character is speaking about me too!

We still have the slow burns to end all slow burns and I was little disappointed at the lack of romantic scenes. But then I got to the end and those last few chapters really made up for it! I'm eagerly awaiting book 5 and I hope St Martin's Press extends another invitation!

Thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the arc for review purposes.