810640 Kelley Armstrong is one of those authors that consistently delivers books that are exactly to my taste, across genres. In her Rip Through Time series, Mallory Atkinson is a modern day detective visiting family in Edinburgh when she’s violently attacked in an alley. When she wakes up, she’s in Victorian Scotland in the body of a young housemaid, working for the local undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Gray. Hijinks ensue.

This is the 4th book in the series, so we’ve had time to settle in with these characters. Oh, they’re all going to a country house for a wedding? They’ll be staying at the estate? Look, I’ve read plenty of regency romance, I know what happens at these house parties! Ok, maybe it’s not usually MURDER, but what more could you ask for? Mallory and Gray at a beautiful country estate, a wedding, a body to examine together and a murder to solve, come on.

There’s definitely progression on the romance front for several couples, but this is a slow burn –and thank GOD, why aren’t there more slow burn romances lately, I need a serious break from insta-love. Look y’all, the slower the burn, the hotter the fire, ok? The payoff is going to be so worth it.

As far as the murder mystery goes, I was engaged and surprised by several of the reveals. (I do want to be upfront about this, a trigger warning for SA.) I feel like Armstrong’s mysteries are always well done, never over the top and always believable, but still well constructed and a complete surprise.

You should really start at the beginning of this series to get the full effect, but if time-travel-romance, fish-out-of-water, Sherlock-esque characters appeals to you, then I think you’ll like this one. It’s not out till May so you’ve got some time, but make sure to put it on the TBR!

As always, thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC! My opinions are, for better or for worse, my own.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book! I had been anxiously awaiting this book coming out and was so excited to receive a free, advanced copy of it. My opinions are my own and are freely given.

I love this series so much. I have always loved the time-travel genre. This has quickly become my favorite time travel series. The plot and characters are amazing, and I love a slow burn.

This can be read as a stand-alone book (and even includes a 'what you missed' blurb at the beginning of the book), but the series is so amazing that I would recommend reading all of the books! If you start with this one, I can't imagine anyone not going back and reading the previous three. Although there are not spoilers for who the murderer is in the previous books, you will definitely miss tons plot-wise.

This book hasn't been published yet, and I have already marked on my calendar to look for the next book, to make sure I don't forget about the series. It's so hard to wait sometimes!!!

Definitely recommend this entire series!

Triggers: rape

My Thoughts

Life in 1870’s Victorian Scotland after being transported back in time has become easier in many ways for modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson as her employers have become friends as well as her confidants.

This story starts with a road trip to the Scottish Highlands where Hugh McCreadie’s younger sister Fiona is marrying his friend Archie.

The trip itself is fairly uneventful but upon arrival at the Cranston estate that changes quickly and readers are embroiled in not only a murder investigation but uncovering damaging personal secrets right along with our characters.

To make things even more interesting Hugh and Isla seem to finally be acknowledging their feelings for each other, now if only Duncan and Mallory find a way to do so my heart would be happier.

As have the three full length books before it book four only made me want more adventures with this group of fictional people that I have grown quite fond of.
[EArc from Netgalley]
On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

“There’s nothing quite like a Highland Wedding”

Oh how I adore this series.

This is the fourth installment in the Rip through time series, however it can be read as a stand alone. Kelley Armstrong has a quick synopsis at the beginning of the book that makes it easy to jump right into this world.

In this story, what is quickly becoming my favorite foursome of Mallory, Dr. Gray, Isla, and Hugh McCreadie embark on a road trip (or more accurately for this time period a carriage ride) to the Scottish Highlands for a wedding!

This is not just any wedding, Hugh’s little sister is getting married! But what’s a wedding without a murder and secrets to uncover. That’s where our team thrives, working their magic to solve this strange case of “whodunit”.

The mystery in this book, the banter between characters, ideas of time travel, historical references, and the slow burn possible romance I’m still holding out for are top notch. Kelley Armstrong has masterfully tied so many different genres together into one amazing tension-filled adventure. I was invested after the first chapter and this story did not disappoint.

Pick it up, try something a little different. This one is a keeper.

*Also sending out an honorable mention for the lost letter*

I received eARC of this title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This was a great 3rd installment to the series! The characters are gaining more depth which is really cool. I think the author is finally hitting her stride with this series now that Mallory, the main character, is not trying to go back to her time. I'm really excited to see how this series continues.

I really love this series. I feel it is well written and I really enjoy the characters. I do believe they need to be read as a series however. This series is different for Kelley Armstrong, but she tells the story magnificently. Definitely looking forward to the continuation!

Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Kelley Armstrong is back with another of her great thriller that spans over a century and a half. Mallory Atkinson continues to settle in 19th century Scotland with her secret of time travel. She and her close friends are on their way to a wedding in the Scottish Highlands, a great break from the busyness of the every day. However, during their time there, a man is murdered on the estate and other oddities begin to surface. The family secrets come to the surface and what was supposed to be a celebratory affair is soon covered with an alarming pall. Mallory and her group will have to solve things to bring some closure to a baffling murder. Armstrong delivers a great story that kept me hooked until the final pages. 

While it has been a while since Mallory Atkinson slipped back in time, the former Vancouver Police detective has made the most of her life in Victorian Scotland. Malory overcame some significant bumps along the way and has created meaningful friendships with those she shares a home, including Dr. Duncan Gray. She’s also found a niche to hone her forensic skills as she works alongside Dr. Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie of the local police constabulary.

While the work is enjoyable, the idea of getting away for a bit is equally alluring. When Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie travel with a handful of others to the Scottish Highlands, the adventure commences. The wedding of McCreadie’s younger sister is the occasion, though family histories could create some concerns. The groom, Archie Cranston, proves to be a prickly fellow, whose estate is beautiful, though scattered with many animal traps. When Mallory and Gray discover a wildcat that has been found in a trap, the injuries baffle them, as nothing seems to make sense.

After the body of a wedding guest turns up, Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie begin investigating. What they discover leaves the trio concerned that someone is hiding something important. The body appears to have been struck by something, while one of the estate managers is acting quite oddly. The more they probe, the fewer answers come to the surface. Soon, a missing child is added to the mix and more confusion ensues. With the wedding now on the back burner, Mallory and Gray will have to slyly get answers, reporting to McCreadie so that an arrest can be made. Kelley Armstrong delivers a chilling story that mixes ideas of both Victorian Scotland with police work in the 21st century. 

I discovered the work of Kelley Armstrong and cannot get enough. While it was another series that pulled me in, when I sought to expand my reading base, this time travel series seemed intriguing. The series has kept a solid narrative foundation and provides the reader with a clear pathway to see how events will transpire. As things gain speed, the handful of core characters develop effectively, keeping the reader curious. This is complemented by a strong plot that weaves its way throughout and provides multiple surprises on which the reader can feast. I am eager to see where things are headed with this series and how Kelley Armstrong will keep appealing to her reading base!

Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for another strong piece in this time-travel collection.

It's no secret that I adore this series. It just truly, gets better with each new installment. I want to devour each new book and yet also take my time, soak it all in, and savor it. Sadly, I almost always devour it and then am left sad that it is over because I want more.

I love how much more we get in this installment. So much more history, so much more mystery, so much more Mallory and Gray, Isla and Hugh. *happy sigh* Armstrong writes so beautifully that I want to step into the pages and experience it all myself, well, minus the murder, of course.

It's another great book in the series, and I'm on edge for the next because so much happens in it. So many feels. So many potential feels on the horizon.

The more this series continues the more that I never want it to end. I was so excited to hear that this series was continuing so when I had the opportunity to read the latest one, I jumped at it. Just like all the other books by Kelley Armstrong, this one was absolutely fantastic, and I devoured this story from the very first word. This book follows the same characters as the previous ones and while our main character, Mallory, is still lost in the last she is starting to embrace her new normal. This book sees our characters on their way to attend a Highland wedding, as the title suggests, however nothing is as it seems with this group. When what should be a simple outing turns tragic, Mallory is left to figure out what is going on. When a cat’s injuries don’t seem to match the hunt and traps that the groom’s family have planted Mallory’s radar is peaked. However, it isn’t until one of the guests at the wedding is killed that she jumps into action. This is an incredible read just like the previous ones and I found myself yet again being lost in the world of these characters. I loved the mix between modern times and the 1800s because the contrast is so jarring yet Kelley Armstrong manages to somehow piece them together seamlessly. I’ve always loved the interaction between the main characters but what makes this story so much better is they are getting to know each other much more and really starting to accept their differences. This is a great series that I can’t seem to get enough of. It has everything for everyone mystery, time travel, amazing banter and character development as well as fantastically written and empowered female characters that I have come to almost expect from a Kelley Armstrong novel. While the whole series is very different than anything Kelley Armstrong has done before, she still manages to draw in even the most skeptical of readers and turn them into diehard fans. I loved how each book in this series always seems to have a very different plot while sticking to the same time travel esq theme. What could have been a super jumpy and confusing read, was very well laid out and written. Fantastic job, while I’m not always a big fan of time travel books this series is really starting to become one of my favourites. This book was powerful enough to satisfy your appetite however once you are finished it will leave you desperate for the next book. This was a great read that will really get your heart pumping. I just wish that I was able to give it a higher rating. Great job and I can’t wait to see this book on shelves. This is a book that everyone will enjoy and a series that continues to have people taking. This is also one that I can't wait to add to my collection.

This review is my opinion and my opinion only. Thank you to Minotaur Books, St Martin Press, & Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
This series is just an example of why Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. This series, “A Rip Through Time”, is wonderfully unique. Kelley Armstrong had mastered story telling, and she knows how to get you invested into the story.
This book, which takes place in 1870, is about Duncan, Mallory, Isla, & Hugh are going to Hugh’s sister’s wedding. Hugh’s sister, Fiona, is marrying Archie Cranston. Cranston went to school with Duncan and Hugh. Hugh used to be engaged to Cranston’s sister. With Hugh braking the engagement, there is animosity between the families and Hugh. The wedding is being held at Cranston’s hunting lodge. The next day there was a discovery of a dead body, who happens to be Cranston’s good friend. Who and why? You must read the story!
I highly recommend this series!!!

I love this author, and this series so was excited to get my hands on this book!

I enjoyed this instalment in the series, however found it a bit slower paced than some of the previous books. It was still enjoyable, just missing a bit of Armstrongs usual spark.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. I really enjoy this series and this latest installment did not disappoint! I like the unique twist the author uses on the time travel genre and that this book uses a unique setting (country vs city) to move the story along. The character development was good and makes me anxious for the next book in the series.

I admit to being at a disadvantage reading Death at a Highland Wedding. This novel is book 4 of the Rip Through Time series, written by Kelley Armstrong, and it was the first book that I have read in this series. I appreciated the brief explanation at the beginning of the novel, which helped to set up the background of the characters and time. However, even with that brief setup, I was still a bit unclear on who was who and what was happening. I enjoyed Death at a Highland Wedding very much, but I found myself wishing that I had read the previous novels 1-3 in this series.

Although I was at a disadvantage beginning to read Death at a Highland Wedding, I soon figured out the basics of the characters, their connections, and their backgrounds. I enjoyed this Armstrong novel very much. I love Scotland as a setting and found the information about women's roles and their limitations in Victorian Scotland informative. It was refreshing to read about the regard for nature and how important the regard for nature was during this period. I know that Queen Victoria valued the preservation of the natural world. The importance of enclosure laws and tenant.interactions within neighboring villages was informative, although I was already knowledgeable about this history. I liked the references to Highland culture and displacement laws. There were several well-defined characters and a number of complex plot twists. The ending of the novel works well, and I will definitely look for more books in this series.

I do recommend Death at a Highland Wedding. The characters and plotting were well done and the novel is historically accurate. Thank you to St. Martin's Press/ Minotaur Press and NetGalley fr [providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review. There is much to like in this Rip Through Time series and with Death at a Highland Wedding.
5 stars

3 stars - I have read all of the "Rip in Time" series (including the novella's) and really enjoyed them. BUT, this fourth novel had a huge issue for me - ANIMAL HARM!! I just really hate that and it is rarely ever necessary for a story. Honestly, I had to skip a section of this novel due to the trapping & severe injuries of a kitten (!!!) and it severely impacted my enjoyment of this series installment. So I've deducted a whole star from my review and am putting a strong "Content Warning" out to all animal & cat lovers. At this point I am not sure if I even want to continue with this series. I love the characters & theme of this series too, but this trigger just pulled me right out of Victorian Scotland and I just skimmed it after that. My thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the advance reader's copy - I do appreciate the opportunity.

Death at a Highland Wedding

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 star murder mystery- I just love this series by Kelley Armstrong.

In the fourth installment in her Rip Through Time series. Mallory is tackling a new adventure - a Victorian Scotland wedding. This book is filled with the typical intrigue, comedy a touch of romana ce and suspense expected from this series. The change in location and addition of new character and their entanglements made for a great read.

The meticulous attention to detail the author uses to familiarize the reader with Victorian Scotland is spot on as well.

I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment. Hopefully by book five we can see Duncan and Mallory confess their feelings ✨sigh ✨

Thanks so much to Kelley Armstrong, NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader copy !

Once again I enjoyed the mystery, the romp, and the historical details narrated by a feisty voice from the future. I felt the author stretched the possibility of a romantic relationship between the two main protagonists with a wee bit too much tension although I fully understand the rationale behind the decision. It detracted slightly from my full appreciation of the novel but I would not hesitate to highly recommend the novel. Armstrong's sense and control of characters, setting, and atmosphere are, as always, suburb.

Another excellent installment in this series. The way that Armstrong weaves this ongoing story along with the mysteries in each book is great. New characters come with well developed back stories, and there is always insight into the characters we feel we know so well by now. Learning new things about beloved characters keeps them three-dimensional and at the forefront of readers' minds, and makes us really look forward to the next book in the series. I am hopeful that the individual stories will continue to keep me guessing, unfold at a great pace, and that the overall intertwining of characters continues to be awesome.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved this one. Since the first book, I've been completely hooked on this series and this one was no different. Mallory's relationships with Gray, Isla, and Hugh are so great, and the addition of the new characters (which I hope we see in future books) added a lot.

My only gripe, and this is knowing that Kelley is the queen of the slow burn, is that this one was torture for the Mallory-Gray shippers. That conversation about marriage just about ripped out my heart. I'm ready for some action...even just a little. But knowing Kelley, we've got a looooong way to go before that payoff.

I loved it! This is my favorite author! Every book in this series has been excellent. I especially enjoy it when a series takes a road trip. Mallory and Gray have no problem "making do" and MacGyvering their tools even though they are far from home. It was very interesting as they explained while setting up. The intuitiveness and kindness of Mallory in her methods keeps me drawn in and I never want the book to end.

4.5 Stars

I'll start off by saying if you haven't read the previous three books, you need to go back and start at the beginning with A Rip Through Time. There is a lot of character development you would be missing if you started with this one, and the characters are what make these books so memorable.

On to the main event! Mallory, Isla, Dr. Gray, and McCreadie are on their way to the wedding of Hugh's sister Fiona to an old acquaintance of his and Dr. Gray's which is to take place at a hunting lodge near a small town in the Highlands.

I tore through this one as if I couldn't read it fast enough. The character dynamics and relationships (the pining!!) are one of my favourite parts of this series and I am grateful for getting to spend more time with them. The change of scenery from city to rural (while still dealing with challenges of the time), also added a new challenge of taking our detectives out of their element.

I was glued to the pages as the layers of the mystery as they got pealed back and the pieces of the puzzle came together. Overall, it was an engrossing story that I couldn't get enough of and I'm only sorry that I have another wait ahead of me for the next book.