In the 4th book in the A Rip Through Time Series, Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie are on their way to the Scottish Highlands for McCreadie's younger sister Fiona's wedding. After they arrive, Gray & Mallory decide to take a stroll around the gardens and get a bit of fresh air. They discover while on their walk, that the groom, Archie Cranston, a slightly pompous and prickly man, has set up deadly traps in the woods for the endangered Scottish wildcats. When they happen upon a cat who's been caught and severely injured in one of those traps Mallory notices the cat's injuries don't match up with the intricacies of the trap. This, combined with the secretive and erratic behavior of the groom, puts 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.

I love this series.... I mean really what is not to love? A detective from present day Vancouver, Canada gets attacked in an alley and somehow switches identities with a housemaid from Victorian Scotland 150 years prior. The housemaid just happens to live in the home of Duncan Gray, the medical examiner & best friend of Hugh McCreadie, an Edinburgh detective. Once Mallory convices them of her true identity, the trio have been solving crimes together. She has also developed feelings for Gray, but is unsure of his feelings towards her. Every book I have my fingers crossed that he will finally declare his feelings for her. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end - I think I suspected almost everyone in the book at some point. If you love a good mystery, especially one with a bit of a historical fiction or fantasy twist to it, you will love this. Each book, technically could be read as a standalone, since the author does an excellent job giving a refresher course at the beginning of the book to remind you of everything that has happened so far in the series.

I enjoyed this latest entry in the A Rip Through Time series, as Mallory and the household leave the familiar terrain of Edinburgh and travel to the Scottish Highlands for a family wedding. There were a lot of characters to keep track of, and my interest flagged a bit in the middle, but overall this was a fun book with good character development in the various stories Armstrong has going on. There's still a slight self-consciousness in the writing that I don't see in her other novels, a sense that she wants to make it clear to the reader that she's done her research on the historical setting, but it doesn't bother me. It's certainly always fun to see Mallory, Duncan, and McCreadie solve murders with the limited means of the 1870s. Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for a digital review copy.

Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong is the fourth novel in A Rip Through Time, a timeslip mystery series and one of my favorites. Murders, weddings and mischief in the Scottish Highlands await you in this addictive installment.

Mallory and Gray travel with McCreadie to the Scottish Highlands for McCreadie’s younger sister’s wedding. What should have been a supportive holiday for a friend turns into a murder investigation as suspicion falls on the groom.

The author does a splendid job of bringing new readers up to speed and each book contains a new mystery/case for Gray and Mallory to solve. However, if like me you are vested in the building of relationships, romances and want to discover them on your own, I recommend started at the beginning with A Rip Through Time. I also recommend the novellas, which have proven to be equally delightful.

A broken engagement caused McCreadie to become estranged from his family. However, he remained close to his sister and refuses to disappoint her. He brings Duncan Gray, Mallory Atkinson (Catriona Mitchel) and Duncan’s sister, Isla. Mallory is a modern day detective who time-slipped 150 years into the past and into the body of Catriona Mitchel, a Victorian house maid in Gray’s house.

The groom’s family has a complicated history with the McCreadie family, making things slightly awkward. Then there are the orders to remain close to the home. This holiday is turning out to be anything but. On a walk, a cat is discovered caught in a trap, only the wounds don’t add up, and then one of the house guests turns up murdered. Mallory suspects the grounds keeper and they work to investigate. The investigated is hampered when the young local constable declines their offer to assist and arrests the groom.

From the descriptions of the highlands to the investigation itself, I found myself fully immersed in the story. I love when a book pulls me out of this world and into the story. The dance between Mallory and Gray continues, but we get to witness the rekindling of another romance and I was all in.

Armstrong has created a delightful series filled with interesting tidbits about Victorian times and criminal forensics. If, like me, you enjoy both; you are in for a treat. Each new novel is better than its predecessors, and I look forward to the next novel & novella.

I loved this book when I read it. Homicide detective, Mallory Atkinson, travels 150 years into the past and emerges as housemaid, Catriona Mitchel. Catriona is a complex, unlikeable, character and adopting her lifestyle and place in the Gray household is very challenging for Mallory. At the same time, she is trying to find a way to return to her own life. When I received a copy for review, I didn't realize that it was the 4th book in the series, so I immediately began reading the previous 3 books. I have completed the first two - A Rip Through Time and The Poisoner's Ring. I strongly suggest that you read the books in order. The first book sets the stage and each book builds on the murders and the characters. Will Mallory change the future by providing modern tools and techniques for solving crimes or by having theories as to who the murderer is?

This series is definitely one of my all time favourites series. I go into each book worried that it will not live up to my expectations but thankfully that hasn’t happened yet . I love these characters , their very complicated relationships , their struggles and challenges . And yes there’s always a mystery or two to solve and not one but two slow burn romances to follow ! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately and keep putting books down and picking up new ones .. but this one . .. I read in one sitting !

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a copy provided for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in a historical time travel mystery series. I love this type of genre mash-up and it really works in this series. I do recommend that you start at the beginning, but if you want to jump right in, this author provides a small synopsis of the situation at the beginning of the book. Mallory was a modern-day detective in Canada but has been transported to Victorian Scotland into the body of a much younger woman now working as an assitant to an undertaker who also provides unofficial medical examiner services and has a rather unconventional household including a sister who is a chemist.

This book follows the Gray household as several members travel to the Scottish Highlands to support his best friend Detective Hugh McCreadie as his younger sister gets married. The festivities are overshadowed by family tensions due to events that occurred prior to Mallory’s arrival to this time period that clearly pertain to the groom’s sister who was once engaged to Hugh. Amidst the family turmoil are bad feelings in the local community with regards to the management of the estate. When one of the guests is found dead on the grounds under suspicious circumstances, it is clear that our favorite sleuths must find the culprit before the inexperienced local constabulary sends a member of their family to the gallows.

Another grand installment to this excellent mystery series. I loved the characters, both old and new, and the new setting provided new insights into the relationships between the characters. The mystery kept me guessing with several likely suspects. I highly recommend this series to anyone that loves mysteries, time travel and historical fiction.

I was excited to dive back into the intriguing world of the “A Rip Through Time” series as we reunite with Mallory Atkinson, a modern homicide detective from Vancouver, now navigating life in the 19th-century Scottish Highlands—still in the body of 20-year-old maid Catriona Mitchel. In this compelling fourth installment, Mallory embraces her role as assistant to the passionate Dr. Duncan Gray, the village undertaker and medical examiner, collaborating with him and the charming Detective Hugh McCreadie on a series of captivating cases.

As they head to the picturesque Cranston estate for Hugh’s sister Fiona’s wedding to Archie Cranston, the weekend is marred by some family drama. While the haunting beauty of the Highlands offers a breathtaking backdrop, Mallory and Duncan stumble upon disturbing signs of illegal poaching as they explore. Just when the wedding festivities seem idyllic, tragedy strikes—one of the guests is found murdered.

Mallory is a character brimming with depth and complexity. Her logical yet empathetic nature makes her relatable and fiercely protective of those she cares for. She defies the era's norms with a sharp wit and a penchant for sarcasm, proving that strong female protagonists can be independent thinkers unafraid to voice their opinions. Joining her in this gripping narrative are Duncan, whose enthusiasm for forensic science shines through; Isla, a brilliant chemist and widow with a heart of gold; and the adventurous McCreadie, whose clever antics add a bit of lightheartedness to the mix.

Kelley Armstrong’s fluid writing envelops readers in a richly crafted story, seamlessly summarizing previous events for those returning to the series while welcoming newcomers embarking on this thrilling journey. The insightful exploration of early police forensics and the local constable's investigative methods adds a fascinating layer to the murder mystery.

Expect unexpected twists and shocking revelations as the plot unfolds, leading to a heart-pounding finale filled with action. Amidst the suspense, the story tackles darker themes that resonate deeply, offering a glimpse into the treatment of servants and changing societal expectations for women. The vivid world-building transports readers to the enchanting Scottish Highlands, augmented by clever humour that lightens the narrative beautifully.

With its well-drawn characters, gripping tension, and moments that tug at your heartstrings, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries. Get ready to immerse yourself in a tale that captures the essence of the past while leaving you eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in the next chapter of Mallory’s journey!

Kate Handford's narration is truly exceptional, highlighting her impressive vocal range and skill. She skillfully switches between various character voices, including Mallory's distinct "Canadian" voice and Catriona’s unique tone, while effectively capturing other characters' Scottish brogue. Her engaging and natural delivery allows the story to unfold beautifully, making her performance a joy to listen to. I wholeheartedly recommend the audio format of this series as it offers an excellent way to immerse oneself in the captivating tale.


Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing an ALC and ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. I was under no obligation to provide a review.

Death At A Highland Wedding is the fourth book in the Rip Through Time series by Kelly Armstrong, Mallory is still stuck in Scotland in the 1800s and for the most part she is loving it. When the book starts we see her, Gray, McCreedy, and Gray’s sister Isla, on their way to the country to Detective McCreedy‘s sister‘s wedding. let me start by saying this is one of those historical mystery series who every book you get to delve deeper into another known characters life and in this one we get to see detective McCready, the family and fiancé he left behind to become a police officer more friends from the past who they went to school with and my favorite thing about this series we learn more about etiquette and manners in the 1800s. Instead of it turning out to be the vacation that the group 1st thought it was going to be it turns into another murder mystery with plenty of suspects including the local villagers. I love that the author never skimps on doing her due diligence and the book is packed with red herrings and twist you will not see coming. forgive the vague review but make no mistake I was gifted the Kindle version and the audiobook narrated by Kate Hanford who always does a magnificent job love her narration. This is a wonderful series and this installment is another five star read these are books that just seem to keep getting better. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #KellyArmstrong, #DeathAtAHighlandWedding,#ARipThroughTimeSeries,

It took me forever to get through Kelley Armstrong’s fourth Rip Through Time novel, Death at a Highland Wedding. I think I had the same problem I have with other series at times. Armstrong took her four sleuths out of Edinburgh, and sent them to the Highlands, away from all the tools and structure they would normally have, and still expected them to uncover a killer.

Detective Hugh McCreadie’s younger sister, Fiona, is marrying Archie Cranston, who owns a hunting lodge in the Highlands. McCreadie and Dr. Duncan Gray went to school with Cranston. Mallory Atkinson, who is in the body of housemaid Catriona Mitchell, after a violent time shift, accompanies Gray’s widowed sister Isla as her maid. But, all four of them know Mallory’s true identity as a police detective who now assists Gray.

There’s a great deal of tension when they all reach the estate. Cranston delights in picking on Gray as if they were still school boys. McCreadie’s former fiancee is Cranston’s sister, and she still seems uncomfortable years after their engagement ended. There are business arguments. And, when Gray and Mallory discover the murdered body of a houseguest in the middle of the night, it raises all kinds of questions since he was wearing Cranston’s coat.

Although the successful conclusion of the story hinges on McCreadie’s inability to take responsibility for the investigation, that was part of the problem for me with the book. Gray and Mallory did not have their normal tools used in dealing with a body, and McCreadie couldn’t take on his normal duties. All the sleuths seemed out of their comfort zones in this case.

Although there are hints that romances will proceed in the next book, those romances could also lead to difficult situations. The relationships and life styles in Victorian Scotland are always interesting. However, with the characters out of place, Death at a Highland Wedding had too much conversation and not enough action for me. I found it to be the slowest of the four books in the series, and my least favorite.

I listened to an advance copy of the audio book. I love this series, and this one did not disappoint. The narration is great and from a story perspective I enjoy the asides that help those of us in modern times understand the differences she is experiencing with the time travel. This story was a great mystery and deepening of the characters we’ve come to love. Can’t wait for the next one!

I really enjoyed the new setting in this installment of this wonderful series.Mallory, Duncan, Isla and Hugh in the countryside with the addition of Hugh’s sister Fiona, Archie & Violet was so fun. I thought the catch up on the series at the beginning of the book was brilliant but I really hope people will read the rest of the series. (It’s soooo good!) The mystery of who killed Ezra was interesting and the climax of the story was so good I was on the edge of my seat. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong & St, Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for a copy of this book.

While this was my first book in the Rip Through Time series, I thought it was pretty good! I appreciated that the author put in a summary section at the beginning in case this was the first one you picked up, or if it had been a while since you had read some of the series. I'm generally not the biggest fan of historical timelines, but again, I enjoyed this one - to the point where I want to pick up the previous 3 books. I liked the relationships between the characters and how the story developed.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC!

Death at a Highland Wedding is fourth the Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong. This story has a slow beginning pacing as Mallory and friends travel to a wedding. There are necessary clues to be gleaned from these travel events that will help the reader discern certain things about the wedding party characters. For that reason, I did not mind the slower pace. It all speeds up as a murder is committed. Life in Victorian Scotland is not easy for women which this story clearly shows. I was totally in agreement with the conclusion of the investigation as well as the relationship development between the characters.

This atmospheric novel does little to explain how Mallory ended up 150 years in the past. On the whole, it does not deal with the part where she has tried to return home. For that reason, a new reader could enjoy this story on its own. However, I love following Mallory, Gray and the decisions leading up to her stay in the 1800’s, so I highly recommend the series.

I've really enjoyed the Rip in Time series, and Death at a Highland Wedding does not disappoint! I really enjoyed getting more backstory on Hugh, and his family. Well paced, this was very satisfying, moving the story forward, with the locale being in the Highlands, away from the city.

I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC!

Another case has hit the Highlands, and Mallory Atkinson is on the case. This time a wedding has been caught in the crossfire, and a complicated history amongst the two families causes issues in solving the case.

Kelley Armstrong is a prolific (and charming) writer whose first in this series, A Stitch in Time, I read a while back. Apparently, I wasn’t paying attention and I missed the next two. But I am delighted to have the chance to read book four in the series and reacquaint myself with modern police detective Mallory, who travels back in time to 19th century Scotland. Armstrong does give you a little catch up in this volume, but it wouldn't hurt to go back and read A Stitch in Time so that you’ll fully onboard with the household Mallory finds herself in.
One of the things I liked the most about this book is that the author clearly has a wonderful sense of humor that she shares with her characters. The story flows right along but doesn't feel rushed. It’s also a complicated murder mystery that you won’t solve immediately. It kept my interest enough that I genuinely wanted to finish it and not just read enough to write a review.
I especially like the complex relationships of the main characters—especially Detective Mitchell, now turned maid and then assistant to Dr. Gray, a full-fledged medical doctor who works primarily as a Victorian undertaker (not the same as a modern funeral director.) Hugh McCreedie is a Vicotrian police detective who is in love with Dr. Gray’s sister. All of these relationships complicate and yet work together to help this crew of four solve the mystery.
I look forward to additional works by Armstrong. I think she has a good story and a good series.

Oh for a cell phone. Or any phone for that matter let alone DNA. Mallory, a Vancouver homicide detective, has time slipped to the Victorian UK where she has been lucky enough to land with Dr. Duncan Gray and his family, which includes Hugh McCreadie (not blood but found). Everyone knows that going to the wedding in the Highlands is going to involve a lot of drama but go they must because it's Hugh's sister who is getting married- to Archie, the brother of Violet, who Hugh was once engaged to. Yes, there's drama but there's also murder, first of a wild cat and then of Ezra Sinclair while he was wearing Archie's coat. Who did it? Well, the estimable team discovers there is a lot roiling under the serenity of the hunting estate and with Sinclair. Many suspects, very little forensics (not invented yet) means that the three must use their minds to work out the mystery. And they work out other things as well. Armstrong gives readers an introduction with the basics up front, which was a nice refresher even if you, like me, have read the preceding books. The slow burn between Duncan and Mallory turns up a bit this time as it does between Duncan's sister Isla and Hugh (and we learn their joint back story). It's atmospheric, it's twisty, it's engaging, and it kept me guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am eager for the next installment.

I was thrilled to receive this ARC, as this is one of my favorite series. This book was a little darker than the previous ones (which may seem odd, as they all involve solving murders) so check content warnings. The darker aspects of this book make it lower on the list than the other ones, but I did still enjoy the mystery and trying to figure out the clues. I appreciated the development of some of the relationships and the introduction of new characters. As always, I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Death at a Highland Wedding is the fourth book in Kelley Armstrong's addictive historical mystery series a Rip Through Time. I've read this series from the beginning with book one, and I was hooked from the start! Now I read all I can get my hands on by this talented author. If this is your first foray into this series, this story stands alone. At the beginning of each book the author tells a bit about the characters and past situations, so there's never any confusion. Even if you've read all the books, it's nice to get a refresher course.

Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson slipped 150 years into the past to Victorian Scotland. She has come to embrace her new life there, even if she's in the body of housemaid Catriona Mitchell. She's become dear friends with the people she's met, and she loves her job as assistant to undertaker Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie. Mallory is traveling with Gray, his sister Isla and McCreadie to the Scottish Highlands to attend McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. McCreadie and the groom's family, the Cranstons, have a past history which makes this an uncomfortable reunion. The Cranston Estate is lovely, so Gray and Mallory head out to explore the surrounding grounds. Archie Cranston, a loud and pompous man who constantly needles Gray, has allowed his groundskeeper to set deadly traps in the woods to catch the endangered Scottish wildcats. They soon discover a deceased cat in a trap. However, Mallory realizes the cat's injuries don't match up with the trap. These irregularities and the behavior of Archie put Mallory, Gray and McCreadie on edge. When one of the guests is murdered, they must work fast to solve the crime before another life is lost.

For a while it seemed this story was a little slower than the previous books, and I was getting a wee bit disappointed. However, the second half took off and I was thrilled! It was actually a very interesting mystery when it really got started. Was murdered Ezra Sinclair the intended target? He was wearing Archie's coat when he was killed. Was the real target Archie? Also, why was the Scottish wildcat killed one way, but made to look like a different method was used? What was the angry Austrian groundskeeper so mad about? Last but not least, who was the "Nora" referred to in a note left in Gray's carriage? Sounds a bit disjointed, but it all came together beautifully in the end. Of course, though the mysteries in this series are always great, it's the compelling characters who keep me coming back. Mallory, a homicide detective, was somehow transported to Victorian Scotland when someone attempted to murder her. Now, however, she's content where she is, loving her work with Gray and McCreadie, and having wonderful friends. It has to be hard to exist in another's body of a very young woman and men's reactions to her. Her friends know the truth about her. She's tough and smart, but now she has feelings for Gray to contend with. Gray is another great character who I just adore! He's bi-racial, which some people have issues with and treat him without respect. He's an undertaker, but also a doctor who practices early forensics work. He really learns from Mallory, but she also learns from him, too. He seems to really care for Mallory but sometimes it's hard to tell. I've been waiting for their relationship to bloom into romance and move forward. It's changed, all right, but not quite the way I expected! I am going to be horribly impatient, waiting for the next book to play this out! The supporting characters are also wonderful, being some of my favorites. Hugh McCreadie is a handsome, funny man who works closely with Mallory and Gray. Isla Ballantyne is Gray's widowed sister. She a chemist (that's one smart family!) who was treated badly by her now-deceased husband. There are sparks between McCreadie and Isla. How's that going? You're not going to hear it from me! Archie Cranston was a schoolmate of Gray and McCreadie. He treats Gray horribly and is loud and boorish. But is he really? And I adored Fiona, McCreadie's sister who was to wed Archie. She seemed to be a sweet girl who was going to be stuck in an arranged marriage, but she pleasantly surprised me! I await the next book with bated breath; I don't want to wait an entire year!

I also listened to the audiobook version of this story when I was unable to read carefully; you know, like while driving. The book was narrated by Kate Handford, and I think she did an excellent job. She really brought the story to life.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I thought this was another good book in this series.
It’s well written and has some surprises along the way.
I did think it dragged a little and felt drawn out.
I’m looking forward to what might develop next