I've enjoyed this series so much. I already look forward to the next book. I am rooting for Gray and Mallory to end up together. Though she has gone back 150 years in the past and basically decided to stay there Mallory pretty much has fallen for Gray.

In this book the group go to the Cranstons estate for a wedding. While there they encounter a few things that will make you cringe. And there is a murder. The murder of the groom's best friend. All is not as it seems though. While trying to find out who the murderer is Gray and Mallory uncover some pretty dark and sinister things. Things that the deceased may have done and the grounds keeper is part of.

I enjoyed this book so much. It was a real page turner. It keeps you guessing and keeps you on edge. The things going on are of a touchy nature. Or I should say things there went on. There are a few love tangles along the way. Some scandals also. Even back in this time period women were held responsible for anything that may happen to them of a sexual nature that they may not have wanted. Pretty much the same is today.

There are quite a few secrets revealed. A murder of course. Attempted kidnapping possibly. There are a few who could be guilty. I can't say I was shocked at who the murderer was even though I didn't guess. The reason fit.

My favorite character in this book was Fiona. She was just fun. And so honest. My least favorite was Muller. He was a cad of the worse kind. I look forward to reading more about Gray, Mallory, Isla, and McCreadie. Where they will end up next. I think this is my favorite book of this series so far. All are great though. This author knows how to write a story that pulls you in and keeps you wanting more.

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC.

I love this series. However, this one fell a bit short. It just was a bit boring in spots and too long. I do love the setting of Scotland! And I tend to get a bit bored with series. That is probably what happened with this book. I will give the next one a shot.

Beware: classism; misogyny; racism; disability; rape (not on page); violence on page; killing of an animal.

One of the things I love most about good writing is losing myself in the world the characters inhabit, and caring for those characters as I follow them along; so far, all the stories in the Rip Through Time series have provided me that much needed refuge from the real world.

As this is the fourth full-length novel in a series with a number of ongoing relationship threads, I firmly believe that readers would enjoy it most after having read the previous entries. However, for those adventurous souls who jump in mid-series, the author--showing that she's also very much a reader--has kindly included a brief summary of the series setting as a kind of foreword.

Like all the stories before, this book is narrated in first person, present tense, by our protagonist, Mallory-slash-Catriona, as she and her employers, Dr Duncan Gray and his sister, Mrs Isla Ballantyne, accompany their friend, Hugh McCreadie, to his sister's wedding.

However, as is generally the case with weddings, regardless of time period or setting, the supposedly happy occasion hides many interpersonal entanglements which, here, culminate in murder.

Please note that, while the blurb gets the broad strokes right, the traps about the property aren't there to kill Scottish wild cats, but to "scare away" poachers who dare trespass on the groom's land; as is often the case when a wealthy man buys land for a song, evicts the population, and then walls it up, the people who were there first don't take any of this too kindly.

Mallory has never been much into history, which means that, despite coming back from the 21st Century, there are vast blanks in what she knows about the Victorian era; and while she's a fast learner, with a keen and pressing interest in getting things right and fitting in as well as possible in her new life--for her friends' sake as much as for herself--there are occasional stumbles as her modern training and the instincts of a lifetime clash with the mores of her new time.

On the other hand, as a modern homicide detective, forensics, criminal investigations, and human motivations are all up her alley. Which in turn means that she's catching a lot of the uneasy undercurrents floating about in this intimate gathering of friends prior to the wedding, even as she lacks a lot of the context behind them.

If you, like me, are a romance reader who enjoys mysteries (or a mystery reader who likes romance in their mysteries), all the feelings in this book will make you sigh. And yes, that includes the pull-push-pull harder dynamic between Mallory and Duncan, and all the many and varied reasons the road ahead will not be easy for them.

Also, as we learn what's behind Hugh's estrangement from his parents (and how it all connects to his much younger sister marrying, all these years later, the brother of the woman Hugh was once supposed to marry), there's finally some progress in his relationship with Isla.

This is a more intimate story than those told in the previous books; the solution to the murder hinges as much on the long history between this small group of people coming together for the wedding, as it does on what has been happening at the Cranston estate over the past few years. There are whole layers of complexities, wholly dependent on the characters' relative social statuses, gender and prospects.

Good characterization and believable growth arcs are often what make or break books for me (the rare exceptions are straight plot-driven mysteries). With a first person, present tense narrative voice, I'm always impressed by how well-rounded even the most minor characters in these books are. Here, as the story progresses, more and more secondary characters are introduced, until we end up with something like twenty plus people playing their part in the developing drama.

And with one or two very minor exceptions, they all have pasts, interests, ambitions, and quite distinct personalities.

Another interesting aspect is how much out of their element our core group are, not only because this isn't Edinburgh, but middle-of-nowhere in the Highlands, but also because of the insularity peculiar to many rural communities; here, people often never travel more than a couple of miles from where they were born, for the entirety of their lives. Superstition, xenophobia, and an even more stringent misogyny than usual for the period seem very entrenched here.

Therefore, when Mallory says that she doesn't know what to expect from the investigation, it's because their current circumstances go well beyond her usual struggle with the state of science in the 1860s, or even Victorian expectations of behavior for a woman in her position; in such a small, out-of-the-way place, the written law and what is actually done in its name, can be quite distant from each other.

As usual, I love how much sense of the era the author puts into the narrative; by giving us Mallory's modern perspective in contrast to how science was understood in the late 1860s, the reader is both more aware of how much has changed--and how much hasn't.

"We've reached a time when doctors are starting to understand that infection comes from dirty conditions, though cleanliness is still not common practice. While Gray believes in the new science, this insistence on a clean operating theater is in deference to his assistant, who could confirm that yes, dear God, you don't slice into a living body without first boiling your instruments" (Chapter 7)

As Mallory and her friends navigate these unfamiliar surroundings and, little by little, uncover secrets of long standing as well as more recent ones, things eventually come to a head with rather stunning violence.

Which makes the neat final plot twist, and the solution to the mystery, all the more satisfying; there's only one tiny "this is too convenient by far" thread, but I'm willing to let it go given the overall impact of the story.

(I still want to read Duncan's letter, though!)

Death at a Highland Wedding gets 9.25 out of 10, and I now wait impatiently again for the next story in the series.

Love Kelley Armstrong. Love this series. This book did not disappoint. What's not to love about a time traveling mystery in Victorian Scotland. I really appreciated that the introduction of the book gave a recap/general overview of series, because some times it hard to what's happened so far in the series without rereading the previous books every time a new book comes out.

This is the fourth book in a series about Mallory a 30 year old female police detective from current times who after an attempted murder, finds herself in the body of an 20 year old Scottish parlor maid in the 1860s. How she got there is revealed in books 1 and 2, and she gets to briefly go home in book 3. I have come to love the characters in these stories, especially Duncan Gray, and Mallory’s slow burn romance with him. ( When I say slow - I mean sloooow, not even a kiss after 3 books) . Humor and friendship themes remain strong.

In this story we have our group of main characters heading to a wedding in the Scottish Highlands, and are introduced to McCready’s sister and some school friends. I found these extra characters much less compelling and felt this book dragged quite a bit ( I usually can read a book in less than a week- but this one took me 5 to finish) . The story line doesn’t progress much, and this book could be skipped by readers of the series. I love this author but book 5 really needs to pick up the pace.

The mystery itself is pretty dark and involves sexu@al assault ( though it’s not graphically described). We have lots of red herrings, but aren’t given enough clues to really figure out “who done” it. Still, the ending was satisfying with the characters behaving in a realistic way for the time period.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love how the characters are quirky, and they work together to solve this mystery. They think they are going on a holiday, to the wedding of Hugh's sister. What they get is a murder with too many suspects and secrets. As the gang works to solve the murder, they keep uncovering secrets. If some of these secrets are revealed, it could hurt some of the people they love. What will they do?

I have loved the previous books in the series and yes I loved this book just as much.
Such a fantastically written story that got me hooked from the beginning.

I highly recommend reading it.

Mallory Atkinson, Isla, Dr. Duncan Gray and Hugh McCreadie are headed out of town to the Scottish Highlands to attend Hugh's younger sister's wedding. Fiona is to be married to Lord Archibald Cranston, a wealthy young man whom Gray and McCready know from their school days. Cranston’s best man is Ezra Sinclair, a well-liked person also well known to Gray and Hugh from school. Travelling with them is Hugh's former fiancé Volet, who is subdued and seemingly still hurting from Hugh's rejection years earlier.

Mallory quickly becomes annoyed with Cranston for his loudness and persistent bullying of Duncan, while she is impressed with Fiona's good sense and logical, curious mind.

Mallory also notices that there are tensions amongst the people of the village, who are angry that Archie has employed a dreadful person as his gamekeeper, who has laid many bear raps on his land, and that Archie has made no effort to get to know who the people of the village are.

When Ezra is found dead the next morning, Mallory and Duncan begin investigating, even while Mallory chafes at the societal restrictions upon women that force her to curtail her normal activities as an investigator. Much is revealed by their detecting, and much of it shocking.

I really enjoy this series, and the way Mallory is forced to rely on observation and interrogation in the form of tea and chats, rather than the forensic science she was used to. Thankfully, she's not had to hide her 21st century self from her closest associates while getting to the truth of their cases. Also, Mallory has developed genuine feelings for Gray, which only complicates their activities.

I enjoy that conflict and friction, and also the low tech approach to detection, as well as the great relationships Mallory has forged with Isla, Gray and Hugh, and Alice, the Gray's young maid.

I went back and forth between the prose and the audio, and greatly enjoyed voice actor Kate Handford's narration. She brings a humour and intelligence to Mallory, as well as to Isla and Alice which I enjoy a lot. And she creates a good balance between Duncan's curiosity and social awkwardness.

This was another enjoyable and compelling instalment in this series, and I can't wait for the next.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for these ARCs in exchange for my review.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.

Another great installment in this series. I love the characters and their relationships with each other, and we finally get a slight movement in the anticipated romance. I love how this series does not focus on the potential love interest and it doesn't take over the story, although I'm sure it frustrates many on its slow movement. This wasn't my favorite in the series, perhaps because of the new location, but overall a great story with characters that I love!

I’m not huge on historical type of stories, but I have enjoyed many other books by this author and the time travel aspect seems interesting, so I gave this a go. It is fun for a modern day detective type to be solving cases in the past; I enjoyed the mystery surrounding a murder case. The setting being a wedding in Scotland is fun too! I found myself enjoying the whole Victorian vibe to the story. Modern Mallory trying to fit into a time when women were expected to follow along with a man is interesting, and all the societal restrictions and decorum at that time. Enjoyed the dynamic between Mallory and the whole group of friends. They are all supportive of each other! A great friend group!

Warning about some animal cruelty being involved in the story; not super detailed, but still a sad part of this story.

Overall, an entertaining story! Really did enjoy the setting! Looking forward to more!

I loved Death at a Highland Wedding. Kelley Armstrong’s Rip Through Time Series is one of my favourite comfort reads — a perfect mix of mystery, fantasy, and a very slow burn romance.

It follows a Canadian police detective who has been transported back in time to Victorian-era Scotland.

Death at a Highland Wedding is the fourth book in the series, taking us out of Edinburgh and into the Highlands. I loved the setting and the twistiness of the mystery.

I often get bored with series but I’d probably read another 20 books in this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for my review copy.

A time traveling detective along with her unconventional 1890’s Scottish companions, set off for a quiet country wedding, until there’s a murder. With the threat of a wrongful conviction and hanging looming, the friends have to unravel the mystery, revealing long-buried secrets and tangled relationships along the way. It’s a classic whodunnit with quite a bit of adventure.
This is part of a series that I hadn’t read yet, but Armstrong gives enough details to fill in any gaps in the story. I never felt lost, and the story stood strong on its own. The characters are distinct and engaging, and the plot kept me hooked. This definitely won’t be my last Armstrong book. It was clever, cozy, and charming all around.

We are on our way to a HIGHLAND WEDDING! Duncan, Mallory, Isla, and McCreadie are on their way to the wedding of McCreadie's sister Fiona.
And we know that at some point, they are going to come across a body and will have to work to solve it. I love this series and have devoured every one so far, including this one, in one sitting.

I love the plots of these stories and love watching these characters, especially Mallory, with her 21st century knowledge, navigate solving crimes in victorian England. I live for these plots and love watching Duncan and Mallory's extremly slowburn, in the best ways, one step forward, three steps back relationship. They are soo close!!! yet so far away.

I am completely and utterly invested in this series, and can not wait to see where this series is going to go next.

Kelley Armstrong continues her Victorian mystery series about Mallory Atkinson, a thirty-something detective from modern Edinburgh dropped into an 1870 twenty-something girl who works with Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie. With some modern techniques like fingerprinting, and a solid way of looking at the world they face Sherlockian puzzles. This book is about a Death at a Highland Wedding(hard from Minotaur Books). Hugh McCreadie’s sister is the bride and the groom is a wealthy landowner. The local constable is young and refuses any help, leaping to unwanted conclusions and arrests the groom. This is a streight mystery and part of an enjoyable series. Recommended.

Death at a Highland Wedding is fourth in the Rip through Time series by Kelly Armstrong. I've read many of Armstrong's paranormal novels but this was the first of this series I've seen. I was delighted to read a brief, but charming synopsis that Armstrong included at the beginning of this book that caught me up to the premise of a modern day detective thrust back to Victorian Scotland. Mallory Adams finds herself in the body of a 19-year-old housemaid and ends up posing as Duncan Grey's assistant. She has joined Grey, his sister Isla (shockingly interested in Chemistry), and Hugh McReadie, family friend and detective of the Edinburgh police. We join the four friends on their way to a wedding in the Highlands. You can tell by the title that there will be a death and Armstrong delivers an excellent gothic mystery. What makes this story unique is Mallory's injection of modern humor and science. She also has to deal with the restrictions of a Victorian era where women had very little to do with anything but planning mild social events and running a household. Add a romantic interest in Duncan Grey and you have a novel that has everything. I highly recommend this novel and I'm excited to read the rest of the series. Kelley Armstrong has created another exciting, enticing world and it was a pleasure to delve into it!

This is the fourth entry of the Rip Through Time series. This quick read can be read as a stand-alone, but for full enjoyment, it is highly recommended that you start this series at the beginning. The story plot moves forward with a mystery about who killed a guest found in a field outside the castle. While the mystery keeps the reader reading to see who performed the murder and why, it really is the relationships that are continuing to be built that make this entry unique. Ms. Armstrong is a master storyteller, and Death at a Highland Wedding does not disappoint. Highly recommended to readers who like a character-based story with a good mystery.

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martins Press, in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy this series. All of the characters are enjoyable. This had a great mystery with an ending I didn't see coming. I was so happy with Isla and Hugh's storyline in this instalment. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

5 ⭐️

Oh Kelley, I have got a bone to pick with you! This slow burn is killing me!! I understand it's a sub plot but I mean damn, this book 4, can we please get a kiss or an admission of interest??? lol

In all seriousness, this series is so amazing. It quickly became a favourite of mine. I love the mystery, the fantastical element of time travel, the historical aspect. Everything is so well done. This book had me guessing until the very end, I had NO IDEA who the murderer was and it was a wild ride to get there! Poor Mallory was caught in the middle of the whole thing, once again, and I love seeing her fight her way through. I might also love seeing Duncan take care of her afterwards 😏.

The side characters in this book are also amazing and I hope we continue to see lots about them! I'm looking at you Isla and Hugh!

Also, what the heck Kelley??? You really scared me for a minute, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!! Or almost did anyway...

Another solid entry in the series. I loved the eerie Highland setting and the slow-building mystery—it took a bit to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. The Victorian vibe is spot on, and Mallory continues to be such a fun, clever character. Her chemistry with Gray is off the charts (seriously, just kiss already). The mystery kept me guessing, and the final reveal was really satisfying. A few side plots felt a little distracting, but overall, I enjoyed it a lot. The ending especially wrapped things up nicely. Can't wait for the next one!

I love this series so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love all of the main characters, I love their dynamics, their personalities, their adventures they get into, their romances, and most of all their stories. Excitedly looking forward to the next book in this series and what these characters get into next.