What do you get when you mix a time travel story with a beautiful setting in Scotland? Only one of the most fun series by Kelley Armstrong ever! This is book #4 and it has Mallory, Gray and McCreadie traveling to the Highlands for McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. Of course we have another murder to solve and it's a blast to watch these characters come together to figure it out.

Kelley's books are always at the top of the list for me and A Rip Through time is one of my favorite series by her. Start at the beginning if you haven't yet because if you're a time travel fan like I am, you will love this series!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 20 May 2025

Though not the first in the series, this can be read as a standalone. Mallory, a police officer from Vancouver, Canada, has time traveled to Victorian Scotland where she works as an assistant to Dr. Duncan Gray. His friend, Detective Hugh McCreadie, sometimes avails himself of Mallory's detection skills.

They are all off at an estate in the Highlands to attend a wedding. A nasty gamekeeper, broken engagement among the guests, missing maid, trapped Scottish wildcats, and another murdered guest give everyone more than enough to think and talk about. Was the man mistakenly murdered? Is the groom guilty? Where is the missing maid? Who killed the mother wildcat? What was the motive for murder?

The newly minted constable of the town is obviously out of his depth, but not in his own eyes. Will anyone get to the bottom of the mystery? Will justice be served?

Veteran narrator Kate Handford easily switches between accents for different characters and their voices and thoughts. This is the fourth book in Armstrong's series, A Rip Through Time. If you haven't read any of the others, you'll want to catch up.

(4.25 stars)
Hooray for being back in 1870 Scotland with Mallory/Cartriona, Duncan, Isla and Hugh. Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time series has become one of my favorites and I always look forward to the next book in the series. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s a quick orientation for you - Mallory is a 21st century detective from Canada who found herself transported to 1869 (now 1870 in book 4 of the series) Scotland, and not as herself. She lives in the body of a younger woman, Catriona, who was a maid in the Gray household. Dr. Duncan Gray and his sister Isla both know who Mallory is at this point and she’s serving as Dr. Gray’s assistant, helping investigate cases with Duncan and Hugh McCreadie, their detective friend, who also knows about Mallory now.

Mallory is the ultimate “fish out of water,” having to get used to 19th century clothing and customs, and with this being the fourth book, she’s doing a pretty good job of it. And it seems that she has decided that she wants to stay right where/when she is.

This time the group finds themselves outside of Edinburgh, to attend the wedding of Hugh’s sister, Fiona. I missed Edinburgh but enjoyed the countryside atmosphere, including the hunting lodge/mansion where the wedding is to take place.

There’s a creepy gamekeeper, dangerous traps on the estate grounds, villagers who don’t trust the new owner (the groom), and more. And of course, a death, as the title says. And an inexperienced local constable. I enjoyed the mystery and the progress in relationships among our regulars.

If you haven’t read any of this series, you could pick this up as a standalone, but you’d lack all the backstory. However, the author has provided a short summary before the beginning of the book, aimed at both new readers and returning readers who might appreciate a bit of a refresher.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Kate Handford once again.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

When are the next books coming out! Tomorrow would be great thanks! I cannot get enough of these characters. How can you not love them all!? I need two more weddings to happen immediately! Please and Thank you =)

I am truly obsessed with this series. If you're a fan of the Lady Sherlock or Veronica Speedwell series, I think you should give this series a shot. I was hesitant back in book one of whether or not the fact that I was intrigued by a potential romance was just me being delulu, but I finally feel fully vindicated in this book. I love the audiobook. I love the mystery. I did not guess the mystery, but once it was all revealed, I thought it was wildly clever. If you're in a place where you're especially sensitive to violence against women, maybe steer clear for a bit until your tolerance is slightly higher because there are mentions of sexual assault, though no real descriptions.

The narrator is great. I love her work. Also, the coos!!!!!! Loved it.

This is book 4 of A Rip in Time series, but it is my first time reading the author and the series. I enjoyed this story. The main characters are strong, well described and come alive for the reader.
Mallory is a modern detective who has time traveled to Victorian era Scotland into the body of a maid Katrina. She has found a good situation as an assistant to a doctor and undertaker Duncan Gray. Duncan’s sister Isla, detective inspector Hugh McCreadie, Duncan and Mallory head north from Edinburgh for the wedding of Hugh’s sister Fiona to one of Duncan and Hugh’s friends.
As bodes well for a mystery novel all sorts of things are happening amongst the guests and with the locals at the castle where the wedding will take place. When someone is killed, Hugh, Mallory and Duncan work to find out what is going on.
The narrator was great at bringing the story to life.
I felt like there was enough information given that I was able to pick up Death at a Highland Wedding and feel at home. I enjoyed the journey of discovery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio form the opportunity to enjoy this book.

Death at a Highland Wedding might be my new favorite book in the Rip in Time series. I loved the historical tidbits scattered among the murders. I also loved that I had to keep guessing who the killer was until the end. The story's plot and pacing were excellent, and I continue to consider this series one of my most enjoyable book series to date. I gave Death at a Highland Wedding 5/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review Death at a Highland Wedding. All opinions are my own

Death at a Highland Wedding offers an entertaining murder mystery set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Kelley Armstrong delivers a solid plot with enough twists to maintain reader interest. However, while the setting and mystery itself are engaging, the pacing can feel uneven at times, and some character interactions lacked depth. Overall, it's a decent mystery that fans of the genre might enjoy for its charm and Scottish flair

Armstrong does it again!

Book Four of the Rip through time series is just as enthralling as book one. The evolution of the relationship between Gray and Mallory is finally addressed in this novel. I have been waiting for some movement on this romance for a while and although it was a small step forward, there is so much more to explore with this relationship.

I loved that this one was set in the Scottish countryside or highlands. We were introduced to some relatives of our main cast and learned a lot about them.

I loved this well thought out mystery. I cannot wait to see what is next for this series.

As far as the audiobook, it was so well done. This is the same narrator for the other books and she is fantastic.

Okay, this one had everything—a fancy wedding in a moody Scottish village, a shocking murder, and some seriously shady secrets coming to light. Just when you think it’s one crime, Armstrong peels back the layers and suddenly you’re knee-deep in a whole web of lies and hidden motives. Loved the suspense!

Also… Mallory and Gray?? The tension is unreal. Can they please just admit they’re in love already? The slow burn is killing me—in the best way. And Mallory and Isla’s feelings? Totally relatable. We’ve all been there.

Such a fun, twisty read with just enough cozy vibes to balance out the murder. Can’t wait for the next one!

Title: Death at the Highland Wedding
Series: A Rip Through Time #4
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Time Travel Mystery
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Kate Handford
Publisher: Macmillan Audio and ~ Minotaur Books
Pub Date: May 20, 2025
My Rating: 4.6 Rounded up
Pages: 336

This is Book #4 in the series and starts off with a recap of how Mallory Atkinson a modern day homicide detective but has time-travel story she crossed over to 1869 Victorian Edinburgh into twenty-year old Catriona Mitchel who is Dr. Duncan Gray’s housemaid. She was walking near a dark street saw what looked like a vision of a blonde girl being attacked and the next thing she knew she was that blonde girl.
Dr. Duncan Gray is an undertaker/forensic scientist/medical examiner and he knows Mallory’s story. He is aware of when she crossed as she and Catriona both had ‘head injuries’. Catriona was left unconscious for days. Dr. Gray explains the personality change as <i>‘Peccadilloes </i>- brain trauma and allows Mallory to be called Mallory and not Catriona. Mallory sometimes slips and mentions things from the twenty-first Century and excuses her misremembering as result of her damage to her brain.

Aww I read early stories and just love Mallory. - Last one ended with Mallory asking - Should I stay or should I go? Although Mallory seems to use more 21 Century foul language – I don’t remember in the earlier books. I am not a fan of some of her language but guess it was a reminder that she was a bit different I was hooked so I just had to ignore Mallory’s language when it got a bit nasty. However did love when she used common saying that of course, were saying they didn’t understood. Giving some a high five was met with a stare. I was waiting for a rainy day and Mallory saying `~’it is raining cats and dogs’.

Homicide Detective Mallory Atkinson does continue to live 150 years in the past. She is now working as undertaker Dr. Duncan Gray's assistant and is working closely with Detective Hugh McCreadie, who can make use of Mallory's "in the future" knowledge.

Mallory, Gray, McCreadie, and Gray's sister are heading to the wedding of McCreadie's sister to McCreadie's and Gray's school friend. The estate where they will be staying is gorgeous but revolves around game hunting.
Our team goes into action when there is a murder. They try to solve a crime yet keep in as not to insult the locals that they know so much more than they should know thanks to Mallory knowledge of the future.
This fourth book is my favorite of the series so far. It's nice that the trio is on the same page more often than not, now. Mallory and Gray are also inching closer to something between them.
The ending was NOT what I expected but I did like it!!!

Narrator Kate Handford did a GREAT job performing the characters!

This is only my fifth Kelley Armstrong. Why it is took me so long to get on the Kelley train I have no idea. But I am there now- looking forward to reading not only the next in this series but her other great stories as well!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 20, 2025

👉🏻For my friends who love historical fiction, police procedurals, and time travel, and want all three in the same book.

🎧 Thanks, @Macmillan.audio, for the audiobook review copy of book four and for generously providing the earlier books when I asked. #macaudio2025

Okay, so hear me out: a modern Canadian detective lands in the body of a 19th-century maid in Scotland. Working in an eccentric household, she is accepted for who she is and helps a forensic doctor, his chemist sister, and his best friend (a police detective) solve murders.

Time-traveling police procedural set in 1870s Edinburgh with a confident and intelligent MC?
Commentary on societal differences between the two time frames full of anachronism, wit, and a touch of “will they or won’t they?” It’s a #FiveSpongeAudiobook SERIES! 🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽 (It’s so captivating, and you’re willing to clean to keep listening.) I jumped into this at book four and had no problem following the story. However, I enjoyed it so much that I had to go back and read the first three immediately.

The juxtaposition of Mallory’s experience, insight, and mannerisms in Victorian Scotland is fascinating, as are her comparisons and explanations of the differences between the two cultures. Like other beloved books, I feel I’m learning while being entertained, and that’s one of my favorite things. The addition of @katehandford ‘s brilliant narration (I love how she shifts from Mallory’s modern Canadian “thinking” voice to her period Scottish “speaking” voice) adds to the immersive experience.

This is another great story about Mallory, Gray, and crew from Kelley Armstrong. If you've been following the series, this one is slightly different because it takes place in the Scottish highlands, not in Edinburgh. For this reason, I found the pacing a little slower, but the story pays off at the end. I would keep reading these books forever if Kelley keeps writing them!

I enjoyed the story, however the constant switching of use of the male characters first names to last names made it extremely difficult to keep the characters straight. I understand that this was done to convey the custom of the area and the time setting, servants and staff using last names, while friends and family or those thought to be of equal class would use first names..
It was a very slow start it took until about halfway through the book for the tempo of events to gain some momentum. It does showcase the change in attitudes toward women over the past 150+ years but also shows that human nature in many aspects remains the same, Overall an enjoyable listen with a satisfying ending. I would recommend for a light read or listen.
I found the audio good. The narrator had a pleasing tone and cadence, with appropriate inflection and emotions conveyed clearly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the advance audio copy.
Full review will posted to GoodReads closer to publication date.

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

I really enjoyed this installment of the rip through time series. The mystery was interesting and well plotted and the look at Mallery's and Duncan's possible romance was amusing to watch. Talk about a slow burn! I can't wait for the next one!

NetGalley Review – Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong
🎯 Rating: 4.5/5 stars
🏴 Genre Tags: Mystery, Cozy Crime, Contemporary Gothic, Small Town Secrets

Death at a Highland Wedding is a delightful tangle of tartan and tension. Kelley Armstrong once again delivers a moody, murder-laced escape to the Scottish village of Lochdubh—with a cast of characters so vivid they might just gossip about you if you set foot in town.

This installment in the A Rip Through Time series brings us a juicy blend of Highland atmosphere, historical twists, and sharp interpersonal drama. The premise is irresistible: a wedding at a remote estate, the looming threat of a killer, and just enough secrets to choke a thistle. Armstrong’s prose is brisk and accessible, but never bland—it draws you in like a dram of whisky by a crackling fire.

What I love most is the balance she strikes between cozy and cutting. There's humor, warmth, and personal stakes, yes—but also real emotional gravity when the mystery starts to unravel. You’re not just solving a crime; you’re peeling back the layers of grief, legacy, and unspoken truths.

The pacing is well-executed, with just enough red herrings to keep you flipping pages and second-guessing everyone’s motives. Our sleuth remains as grounded and likable as ever, with her clever observations and determined spirit making her a standout in the genre.

🕵️ Perfect for fans of:

Cozy mysteries with a darker edge

Strong female leads navigating tight-knit communities

Scottish settings with gothic undertones

Agatha Christie meets Outlander (with less time travel and more murder)

This series has fully won me over—equal parts comfort read and cunning whodunnit. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I’ll be preordering whatever Armstrong serves next with bells (and bagpipes) on.

I just finished Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong and here are my musings.
Book 4 in the Rip through time Series.

Genre - Historical Mystery
Date of Release - May 20th 2025
Publisher - @minotaur_books


Mallory is thriving in the past… After slipping back 150 years in the past into a maids body… She has carved a decent life for herself as assistant to the undertaker DR Gray and Detective McCreadie. The trio are on the way to McCreadies sister's wedding in the highlands…Something is very off when they arrive and when one of the guests turns up murdered… They must race against the clock to uncover the killer before another guest turns up dead.
I was super curious about the audio of this series so I thankfully got a copy of this one to read and an audio to fully submerge myself into their world. The audio was amazing!! The narration was spot on!!

Mallory is one of my favorite FMCs. Being a detective in her time, she has skills that haven’t even been invented yet and she finds a way to become useful to the police in the only way a woman can.. Under the protection of men. They know she's from the future and they have a perfect dynamic. It was a nice change of pace getting out of the city and into the country. It gave the series a new dimension… I loved every second of it.

I love how all the characters work together and I am so invested in this series that I am already thirsting for the next installment. I love how everyone is kind of on the fringe of society and they couldn't care less! They all live their lives unapologetically and I am here all day for that! I have to admit, I am so worried that Mallory will end up back in the future and never make it back to Duncan.. I hope that does not happen…

Kelley Armstrong has a beautiful writing style and you will be drawn right into this series! Now you can read it as a standalone book but knowing their backstories will give you a better feel for the story.

4.5 stars

Thank you for my gifted copy - Minotaur books and @netgalley for the audio and ebook.

#deathatahighlandwedding #kelleyarmstong #aripthroughtime #historicalmystery #bookseries #bookreview #bookblogger #bookishreview #bookstababe #bookalorian #lionessofliteracy #bookishpodcast #bookinfluencer

I really never want this series to it end. If you enjoyed <i>Veronica Speedwell</>, truly think you would also enjoy this. This book takes us up to the highlands to McCreadie's younger sister's wedding. As you foretell from previous books there's a murder that happens and it needs solving. Really enjoyed how this book deepened relationships between characters. Still no kiss for Mallory and Duncan but, a woman can hope.

I was captured early and have enjoyed each entry in the "a rip in time" series featuring Mallory Atkinson a Vancouver police detective who time traveled to the 1870s when she was violently attacked while visiting her dying grandmother in Edinburgh. Her host, mentor, employer and crush, Gray, is a trained medical doctor who operates the family undertaking business and seriously studies forensic evidence in assisting his childhood friend Hugh McCready, a London police detective. There are lots of other recurring characters in the series, each with a back story. I recommend reading it in order. Time will fly (got that?)

In this case the household is off to a highland hunting grounds/estate owned by Hugh's younger sister's fiancé, a rather boorish man. Hugh's ex-fiance, whom he broke off with ten years ago is coming, which is somewhat uncomfortable. He is estranged from his family, due to breaking off this arranged marriage of financial and stature importance to them. It turns out there is tension between the villagers and the prior owner of the estate, that the fiancé's best friend got him to fire the current gamekeeper and to hire a menacing, annoying misogynist from Austria and tensions are high. Of course, someone gets murdered and all of our key players are present to investigate while various interactions among the guests and townspeople keep things lively and offer both useable clues and red herrings.

So farm Armstrong maintains high standards for this series and originality in each of the entries. This one helped fill out a number of back stories and, as slow as molasses, move some love interests either forward or to some kind of what next status. Definitely enjoyed the narration by Kate Handford. A must read: Entire series including this.

Death at a Highland Wedding is the 4th book in the Rip Through Time books by Kelley Armstrong. This might be the best book in the series; it's not my usual genre but I really like this series. I hope there will be a sequel because I want to know what happens with the main characters. The narrator is quite good especially when she switches seamlessly between her Canadian accent and the Scottish accent.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my review copy of this audiobook.