I wish I’d had time to start this series at the beginning. I will definitely be adding the rest to my TBR. I really liked Mallory’s character as a modern-day detective finding herself trapped in the past. I also enjoyed the historical detail and the way the mystery played out. Fans of historical mystery will eat this series up.

Death at a Highland Wedding is the fourth book in the A Rip Through Time series. This time Mallory, Gray, and McCreadie go to a Highland Wedding and try to solve a murder. I love this series so much. Kelley Armstrong's writing is incredible and captivates the reader from the very first page. I liked Mallory's humorous tone and her occasional twenty first century lingo is always fun to read. I often find myself chuckling while reading these books. The author does a great job of summarizing the key points from previous books, so you can read this one as a standalone and still grasp the story. However, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to fully enjoy the series. This series is such a delight to read and I can't wait to read the next instalment. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The 4th in prolific author Armstrong’s Rip through Time series begins with a summary so this can be read by anyone. Dr. Gray’s household traveling to the wedding of friend and criminal officer McCreadie’s sister gave a fun glimpse into the backstory of McCreadie. Travel to a countryside hunting lodge meant interesting details about Scottish wild cats and the evolution of the concept of private property. Mallory’s hack for a microscope was fun and of course the mystery wound through several twists. The relationship dance between couples was also satisfying. While there’s too much contemporary thought for historical accuracy this is a solid entry in a fun time-travel mystery series. Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book I have read in this series and I’m hooked! Traveling back in time to Scotland with a strong female protagonist and a solid mystery was the highlight of my week as I read this one. I’m off to read the first three in this series so I can catch up.

4.5 Stars
Death at a Highland Wedding is book 4 in the A Rip Through Time series which follows a modern-day homicide detective trapped in the body of a 20 year old housemaid 150 years in the past. Mallory has now fully embraced her new life in Victorian Scotland as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie.
While there is a recap in the beginning, I highly recommend starting with book 1.

In this installment Mallory, Gray and McCreadie head to the Scottish Highlands for the wedding of McCreadie’s younger sister, Fiona. What was supposed to be a fun trip takes a turn when the best man is found dead and the groom becomes the main suspect. Considering the local constable is inexperienced and unqualified to handle a murder investigation, the trio doesn’t hesitate to begin their own.

Following along with Mallory, Gray and McCreadie’s investigations is always a highlight for me. I love seeing Mallory use her modern-day detective skills in Victorian Scotland while also trying to fit in to the time period. I loved the Highland setting. The estate, especially at night, was just so atmospheric!

The setting, whodunnit, and evolving relationships all kept me engaged throughout. There’s a continued hint of a romance between Mallory and Gray but considering their circumstances, it’s the slowest of burns. I’m here for it though!

Words can’t describe how much I love this series. It has it all - wonderful characters, time travel, murder mysteries and even a dash of romance.
I can’t wait for the next book and am so excited to see that there’s another novella releasing this December!

This is not your traditional time-travel novel. Armstrong has put a twist on the trope whereby her main character, Mallory Atkinson, a modern-day police detective is transported to 1870, but awakes, after being attacked in an alley in modern day Edinburgh, in the body of a younger woman. Mallory is now a maid in the household of a medical doctor and his sister. In this book, Mallory, the doctor, his sister, and their friend, a police detective, travel to the Scottish Highlands to attend the wedding of a close friend. When a member of the wedding party is found murdered. It is up to the four friends to solve the murder.

This is a very well-written historical mystery series that will keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning. The characters are well-drawn and very likable. If you’re looking for a new series to become engrossed in and haven’t yet found this series, give it a try and you’ll be hooked.

This is the fourth book in Armstrong’s Rip in Time Series, but you do not need to read the first three books in order to enjoy this. Armstrong is adept at giving just enough information about the events occurring in the other books so that first-time readers will not be so lost that they set the book aside.

My thanks to Minotaur and NetGalley for an eArc.

This was the best entry into the series yet! I also loved the previous novella, Schemes and Scandals, but Death at a Highland Wedding takes the place as #1 in my heart. Not only was this an exciting foray into the personal life of our beloved Detective McCreadie, but there were so many sweet moments with the other characters. This series, despite being a mystery, always feels like a warm hug because of the characters' personalities as well as their relationships and interactions with one another - so heartwarming. I am so incredibly sad to be finished with this installment, but the ending left me super excited for what is on the horizon. Kelley Armstrong is truly a master at her craft - she creates twisting mysteries that keep you guessing but also sprinkles in humor and warmth that makes for an incredibly satisfying read. Also, I just need to note that I immensely appreciate Armstrong's commentary on Victorian women's issues, homophobia, sexism, and racism. Such important topics that she does not shy away from addressing - I have so much respect for her incorporating these topics in her work - a reality that many of us live with in our everyday lives.

This installment follows our group - Mallory, McCreadie, Gray, Isla, and Alice - as they take a holiday to the Highlands for McCreadie's sister's wedding. When a wildcat is found dead, questions as to its suspicious death arise, particularly when the body of one of the guests is found murdered the next day. There is a whirlwind of family and personal drama and an intriguing mystery at the heart of the plot. It kept me guessing up until the very end.

Overall, this is a great series to pick up if you enjoy time-travel, found-family vibes, quirky characters, and twisting mysteries.

With that being said, I am someone that struggles with continuing series, I typically will read the first book and then get bored and not continue. However, this is one of the few series that has kept me utterly invested. If you suffer with the same problem, I would recommend trying this series!

In this latest Armstrong story in the "Rip Through Time" series, we find all of the major characters heading to the Scottish Highlands for Hugh McCreadie's younger sisters' wedding.

Of course during the preparations for the wedding there is a murder of a rather irritating character.

Duncan Gray, Hugh McCreadie, the groom, Archie Cranston and Ezra Sinclair all attended private school together and there is a dynamic of underlying insults in the guise of playful banter.

Set at the groom's rural estate there is an opportunity for Duncan and Mallory to spend alone time together and to explore both the grounds and a bit of their mutual feelings. (Just a little).

There are many sub-plots. McCreadie and the groom's sister Violet were once engaged. The landowner/groom Cranston has a contentious relationship with the villagers and the former game keeper and his family. McCreadie and Duncan's sister Isla are taking the first steps of a relationship.

In this novel we meet Hugh's sister Fiona, (the bride), Who shows that she is no Victorian wallflower. Her compassion for animals is clear and in the end so is her determination to steer her own course.

This is a great addition to the "Rip Through Time " series. No longer under the auspicies of restrictive 1870's Edinburgh, Mallory is able to utilize her 21st century detective skills and forensics. Duncan and Hugh are both observant and dedicated to finding the murderer.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC. Opinions expressed are strictly my own.

I adore this series. The perfect mix of historical fiction and mystery. I really enjoy the characters, especially when they make me laugh out loud with their wit. This is a great installment in this series and I can’t wait for more.

But Gray, my guy, GET IT TOGETHER. I have been ROOTING FOR THIS FOR FOUR BOOKS NOW.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong. This is a time travel story and it is the fourth book in a series. You can read these books as standalones, in my opinion. You just need to understand that our female main character has traveled back in time about 150 years. She was a police detective in Canada and now she is working as an assistant to an undertaker, Dr. Henry Grey, in role that we would think of as forensic pathology as he works with his good friend, Inspector Hugh McCready in Scotland to solve murders. Henry and Hugh are aware that Mallory has traveled back in time and they are benefiting from her expertise and modern knowledge of criminology. This story has the three, plus Henry's sister traveling to the Highlands for a wedding between Hugh's younger sister and one of their contemporaries. There is side drama here as Hugh was once engaged to the groom's sister and Hugh called off the engagement and there are still hurt feelings. There is a murder on the eve of the wedding. Was it mistaken identity? The local constabulary does not want Henry and Hugh's assistance, he can handle it. They know he cannot so they begin to quietly investigate. This was so well done I gave this 4.25 stars and I will be seeking out books 1-3 to read them because I enjoyed this so much! Thank you so much #netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my e-arc!

This novel took me on an emotional rollercoaster, ranging from gobsmacked, shocked, disgusted by the sexual predators, and even cheering by the conclusion.

I adore my Rip Through Time gang: Mallory Atkinson, Dr. Duncan Gray, Isla Gray, and, of course, Detective Hugh McCreadie. And yes, Simon and Alice are along for the ride too, all heading to the Scottish Highlands for Fiona McCreadie’s wedding to the insufferable Archie Cranston. Did I mention that Violet, McCreadie’s ex-fiancée, will also be attending? Yes, that Violet, who happens to be Archie Cranston’s younger sister. It’s the first time McCreadie and Violet have seen each other since the broken engagement. Add in the fact that McCreadie, Cranston, Gray, and Ezra Sinclair all went to school together, and you’ve got a powder keg of personal history.

Archie Cranston? Utterly obnoxious. Boorish, arrogant, and consistently rude to Gray. But even back in their school days, Gray noted that Archie was always the one to walk away from a fight, which is odd. Complex dynamics all around.

Among this cast of characters, major and minor, Fiona McCreadie, Hugh’s younger sister, completely stole the show for me. Her deep love for animals, her fierce sense of right and wrong, and her sharp mind made her a standout. I didn’t expect to love her as much as I did—shame on me for judging too soon. Can’t get enough of Fiona!

As for McCreadie, he finally faced what his broken engagement did to Violet. Confronting her and her family at the wedding gave him some closure, and, finally, Isla and McCreadie’s romance took a step forward. About time!

Then there’s Dr. Gray...oh, Gray! Sensing a change in the wind, he proposes to Mallory in the most painfully awkward way possible. In true Gray fashion, it comes off like a business arrangement rather than a heartfelt moment. His intentions were good, but he’s painfully aware of how it looks. With Isla potentially marrying McCreadie and moving out, Mallory (or Catriona) can no longer remain in his home as the maid. Their private conversations are already raising eyebrows, and Gray knows the danger of scandal.

Can we discuss Mr. Mueller, the gamekeeper? Massive ick factor. Something is seriously off with him, and it’s deeply unsettling.

The mystery itself? Excellent. Twisty, layered, and full of surprises. I didn’t see it coming, and honestly, that’s the best kind of mystery.

Sorry if I’ve been a bit cryptic here, but I didn’t want to spoil too much. It’s a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it, as it is my favorite novel out of the Rip Through Time series.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC!

Having the whole story set at country estate in a distant village gave the book a bottle-episode feel, which I loved. It was fun to see how Duncan and Mallory navigated the employer-employee, amateur detective-professional detective dynamic in unfamiliar territory. I also appreciated the very gentle toe-dip into the waters of their romantic relationship . The slow-burn is killing me but I know we'll get there eventually.

I loved the reveal of the murderer. It was the ideal moment of "No, that makes no sense... oh yes, that actually makes perfect sense." Thinking back through the story and all that is revealed about both the murderer and the victim. everything settles into place. It's great and rather satisfying.

What drops this book down to four stars is the red herring plot line. That whole storyline just didn't really work and honestly had me pretty annoyed.

Overall 4/5 stars, can't wait for the next one!

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,