Did Armstrong actually write this one? Is it a "ghost writer" using her name? Having read so many other of her series, it just may be that this one was way too similar to Outlander for my tastes and too dissimilar from the books prior that i absolutely loved. ., with the overdrawn descriptions, the lack of stress about actually traveling back in time.

I haven’t read anything by this author before so I can’t compare it to her other works. What had me intrigued about this one was solely based on the blurb. Time travel is always a unique concept and it’s fun to see how an author will choose to wield it in their plot. Although I found some things to like in this novel, a lot of it was bogged down by the things that I didn’t. It was at least a quick read!

The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Mallory. She is a detective in Canada but is presently in Edinburgh to be closer to her grandmother who is dying. I thought that it was an interesting choice to start the story off this way, especially if she is not to be around. This is one thing that I didn’t like because Mallory is very much grieving the inevitable and wants to make it back to present time but kind of forgets all about it in a way by the end of the book.

I guess that also brings me to my next point. Nothing is ever elaborated on when it comes to the time travel aspect, not even by the end of the book. The ones that she also tells about it seem to just believe her without questioning it. I mean if the person she is inhabiting at the time was a thief and a liar before, how is it not seen as a far fetched lie? I understand that time travel is unbelievable and maybe I am expecting too much from other things feeling more realistic. I also wasn’t a fan of the whole “trying” to fit into the era Mallory finds herself in. It was very cringe.

The blurb mentioned romance and I can see where it might go but nothing ever happened in this book.

Overall, it was okay. I did like the mystery even if it wasn’t very thrilling. It still kept me a bit engaged. I don’t think that I will be continuing on with this one as it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion. #NetGalley #ARipThroughTime

Another wonderful Kelly Armstrong book this one involving time travel.Fans of Outlander Will love this.Glad this is the first in a new series can’t wait for the next one will be recommending.#netgalley #st.Martins press

A Rip Through Time reminded me of the time travel, FBI agent Kendra Donovan series by Julie McElwain. I love the time travel element, the mystery, and the hint of romance. Armstrong's book hasn't been published yet and I am already anxious for the sequel.

I’m going to start out by saying that I did not know this was going to be a series and when the story ends and there’s a whole book missing (or at least one, I’m not sure what the plan is) I was so bummed that this was an ARC because now I have to wait extra long to see what happens with Mallory. So just be forewarned that everything isn’t wrapped up with a pretty little bow at the end of this. And it’s so good that you’ll want to know what happens right away.

I love the main character, Mallory. Is it a little hard to believe that she would know enough about the Victorian era to get away with not drawing even more attention to herself than she does in this book? Sure, yes, but I’m willing to suspend my disbelief because: time travel. Looking beyond that, I love that she’s a strong, independent woman who is good at her job, who has a life outside of her job, and who doesn’t need a man in her life to give her worth. She’s smart, she’s scrappy and she’s got a good head on her shoulders. I’m glad we get to find out even more about her as the story goes on. And I’ve got to admit, seeing how frustrating it would be for a 21st-century woman to be stuck in the 19th century, both science-wise and with the gender divide, is more interesting than I thought it would be. I grab my phone 16,000 times a day, so it would be really hard to be without it.

The Victorian characters are also very well developed. Dr. Grey and Officer McCreadie are good guys who are really into advancing science and police work, respectively, Isla is that character that you just want to be bffs with, and though you don’t get a lot of Alice, the much younger housemaid, I’m hoping we learn more about her as the series goes on.

The murder mystery itself is compelling. I don’t know much about Jack the Ripper (which is alluded to), but I don’t think you really need that knowledge to understand or appreciate what’s going on. There are really two parts to the mystery, and though the first part comes to a close at the end of the first book—and I totally didn’t see it coming until Mallory was putting the pieces together herself—I know the second part is going to be even more interesting.

If you like detective stories, if you like forensic science, if you like the Victorian era, or even just some great characters, I highly recommend you pick up A Rip In Time. I hesitate to say there’s almost something for everyone here.

4.5 STARS

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Excellent book in a new time-travelling, great main characters both with complex and believable lives of their own., the historical details are immersive and accurate. I look forward to the next book in the series..

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series, and have yet to pick up one of her other series. When I saw this available for request at Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to try a new one.

That's my mistake, not because the book is bad, but because it was REALLY good and now I have to wait who-knows-how-long for book two!!!!

Mallory is a fantastic character, well developed, brave, intelligent, and thoughtful. The supporting cast members are all interesting, and the plot definitely was a good mystery. I also enjoyed the setting, the world-building, and the excellent pacing of the story.

I did guess the solution a little early, so couldn't give it a full 5 stars, but 4.5 (had to round down for Goodreads/Amazon) is still great! Absolutely worth picking up.

A Rip Through Time is Kelly Armstrong's latest, and it's a great start to a very promising series that is perfect for fans of Outlander. I'm so excited to get fans of the show (and books) introduced to this and definitely think this is a must buy for all collections. I loved reading this!

Kelley Armstrong combines a murder mystery and time travel in a historical setting in this first book in a new series. It’s May 20, 2019 and Vancouver homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is in Edinburgh, Scotland to be with her dying grandmother. While jogging, she hears and sees a woman being attacked and goes into an alley where she is also attacked. It’s May 20, 1869 and housemaid Catriona Mitchell is discovered in a lane where she has been left for dead. It’s the exact spot where Mallory was attacked 150 years later. Mallory wakes up in Catriona’s body in 1869 and quickly has to adjust to being a housemaid to an undertaker in Victorian Scotland. The undertaker, Dr. Gray also assists Detective McCreadie. They are investigating the strangulation of a man, similar to Mallory’s attack. She hopes that catching the murderer will lead her back to modern times.

Mallory is a character with plenty of depth. She’s hardworking, kind, relatable, and makes for a strong female protagonist that readers can cheer on. The supporting cast of characters are well-developed and provide insight into individuals in various roles in a Victorian household as well as those they interact with.

Kelley Armstrong has a fluid writing style that quickly brings readers into the well-paced story. They also get insight into the state of police forensics during this early era and a few insights into chemistry, diversity, and how servants are treated as well. Other themes include family, relationships, sanitary (and other) conditions, and much more. There is a hint at a couple of potential romances, but nothing more. The world-building was great and felt accurate for the times. The ending has plenty of action and wraps up many threads, but leaves a few open to be explored in future books in the series.

Overall, this is well-written, engaging, and entertaining with complex characters in a historical setting. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 31, 2022.

A new series by a favorite author? Yes,please!
Based on the summary and my love for Armstrong's "Rockton" series, I was eager to read "A Rip through Time."
I am so pleased that I decided to take the opportunity.
This trip into 19th Century Scotland begins in modern day Edinburgh. Detective Mallory Atkinson is visiting her Nan, who is in ailing health. While during some down time Mallory decides to go for a run to air her mind. While on her run she passes an alley and hears pleas for help from a young woman. Mallory, in "cop mode", heads down the dark alley hoping to help a young woman in trouble. Instead,she finds herself in the thickest of trouble. She ends up passing out during an altercation and upon waking, finds herself 150 in the past! Mallory is now known as Catriona and is the housemaid for a mortician and his scientifically minded sister.
The majority of this book involves Mallory learning how to cope in the 19th century as well as connecting the dots that will hopefully get her back to modern day Scotland and her dear Nan.
For me, this new style of writing from Armstrong shows how wonderfully capable she is writing a witty,fun tromp into the past. She still includes murder and mystery in her plot which Armstrong excels.
I will definitely recommend and will look forward to the next installment.

After Cainsville, I knew I had to request this read. What a fun time I had!

When police officer Mallory happens upon a crime in a Scottish alleyway, she is inexplicably transported 150 years back in time.

Inhabiting another body, Mallory is now Catriona, a 19 year old housemaid to a local doctor who—as fate twists—investigates homicides.

While slowly trying to figure out what happened to her, “Cat” begins to assist her new master with his investigations. What follows is a rich cast of interesting characters, plenty of intrigue (and humor!) and action that never relents.

I’m hooked and will keep eyes out for next installment.

Recommend to Armstrong fans and readers of Victorian crime novels. Or anyone wanting a GREAT story!

I really liked A Rip Through Time. It mixes several elements together to create a unique story. Time travel with a mystery element, historical with police procedural blended together well. All the characters were well developed and I could understand their view points and actions. Particularly interesting was the comparison between modern police procedure and that of the Victorian era. Having the author incorporate them and address them was a nice detail. I felt drawn into the story and I was satisfied with the resolution while still leaving the path for another book to pick up. There was plenty of action in the plot, with very little filler or downtime in the story, which kept it moving along. The incorporation of everyday tasks such as teeth brushing and chamber pots made the heroines struggles in the new time line feel valid.

Mallory is a great lead for this series. She is smart, funny, quick thinking, and good at problem solving. I am lookin*forward to reading more in this series.

I have read many time travel novels including Outlander which is what drew me to this book. Most of the time the time travel books are fairly accurate when it comes to the time period and use of language etc. I found that besides the odd use of lass, you would not know you were in Scotland.
At the beginning the method of time travel seemed a bit bizarre to me but that mattered less as the story continued.
By the mid point of the book, I was hooked on the story and by the end I loved it. My only question would be when is the next book? I can’t wait!!

Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for an ARC.

I was very excited to read this book. The concept was really intriguing to me. I wanted to see where Kelley Armstrong went with it. She did not disappoint at all. The mix of modern day and Victorian was great. The main character’s wonder of when what started being more common when was really relatable. If I were to so happen to be thrown back in time I’d have no idea of when things happened and what was common for the time. I really loved the mystery through the whole book. It was a two for one. To find her would be killer she had to find Catriona’s. Catriona’s character was a lot more interesting and not what you expect when first introduced. The more you learn about her the more frustrated you get with her life choices. It was fun seeing how Mallory fumbled her way through Catriona’s life to gain the info she needed to solve her murder. I couldn’t put the book down.

4.5/5 stars

Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. So I was beyond excited to read the first book in her new series. This is a mystery time travel book set in Victorian Scotland (1869).

The narrator is 30 year old homicide detective Mallory (1st person POV). I don't typically read historical fiction. But I loved this book. Because the narrator is from the present this book has a very contemporary feel to it.

I absolutely loved Mallory. And I loved seeing her try to live in 1869 Scotland. This was such a fun enjoyable mystery. With great supporting characters. The author writes such great series. And she always includes heroines who are strong and unique women.

The mystery is solved in this book. However there is so much more that I want to know. The book features only a hint of romance (I definitely wish that there had been more). However it gives me something to look forward to in future books. If you love Kelley Armstrong then this is a must read. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next in this series!

I've recently been on a bit of a binge of Armstrongs books, and I have to say I'm really love the time travel idea. It's sincerely something I haven't read often done this well. The smoothness to which engaging two times/eras/cultures is so well done that this book is a delight to read. There were parts that were a bit slow as the book worked through worldbuilding a little, but I really really enjoyed how it framed things out and cannot wait for the next in this series!

Prefacing this to say I rarely read mystery/thriller. I picked up A Rip in Time because I adore Kelley Armstrong and enjoyed her *other* Victorian time travel (romance) series, A Stitch in Time.

While A Stitch in Time is Victorian Gothic Romance, A Rip in Time is time-travel detective thriller. It was okay, but I had to suspend my belief a little too far at points regarding the “trying to blend in to a different time period” aspects.

Fans, be aware going in that this is a totally different universe. A Rip in Time focuses on the thriller aspects, with lead character Mallory putting her professional detective skills to use in the 1800s. From cringing at crime scene contamination to theorizing about a water boarded victim, her experience adds an interesting wrench into her ability to blend in to her new time period.

A drawback in this book that I didn’t run into in the Stitch books is how ridiculous Mallory sounds trying to blend in as a 21st century Canadian transplanted into Victorian Scotland. Her over the top accent and attempt to use “period” words is a gag that runs a little too long, and gets even worse when she switches to modern slang.

I was also skeptical with how easily Mallory was believed when she finally shared the truth with a major character.

All that said, it was still an entertaining quick read.

A Rip Through Time is latest from Kelley Armstrong, combining her trademark mystery-writing skills with an edge of the seat trip through time.

It’s 2019, and Canadian homicide detective Mallory Atkinson visits Edinburgh to be at the bedside of her dying grandmother. But an evening jog turns horrifying when she’s attacked and blacks out – only to wake up in the body of a nineteenth century housemaid. Even worse, it appears that her trip through time hasn’t made her any safer, as someone seems to be trying to get her attention – through murder.

Kelley Armstrong is a reliably excellent author, writing mysteries that usually carry at least a hint of the paranormal, and a healthy dash of romance. The romance aspect is minimal in A Rip Through Time – though there’s absolutely some very promising potential in a couple of directions. Instead, the focus is on the mystery, and on well-researched historical details; everyday life in the mid-1800s is detailed and accurate, without bogging down a well-paced story. The forensic aspects are fascinating, and allow the Victorian investigators to be forward in their thinking, while staying realistically true to attitudes in the time.

While there’s a lot to like here, the characters are the strongest part of the book, to me. It’s hardly surprising – Kelley Armstrong has a great track record – but it’s still such a delight to spend time with these people. Mallory is kind, intelligent, and able to handle unexpected time travel surprisingly well; she’s easy to root for. Her new Victorian allies are similarly likable, and they all feel like genuine people, ones with lives, cares, and dreams.

While A Rip Through Time wraps up the first mystery very satisfactorily, there’s still plenty of open ends to play with for the next book in the series. I, for one, will absolutely be following the further adventures of this historical series.

Mallory Atkinson is a Vancouver police detective visiting her dying grandmother in Edinburgh, Scotland. While out for a jog in the city’s Old Town, Mallory is attacked and strangled. When she wakes up, she is still in Edinburgh, but it is 1869 and she inhabits the body of a chambermaid, Catriona Mitchell.
Time travel is tricky to explain to readers and to other characters in the story. The author gets a little bogged down trying to do this, but if the reader suspends that sense of disbelief, I think they will enjoy the story as I did.
Catriona is chambermaid to independently minded Isla Gray and her brother Dr. Duncan Gray, who runs a funeral parlor. He is also a scientist fascinated by death. Mallory learns that the doctor also assists Detective Hugh McCreadie with murder investigations. Of course, with her own background as a homicide detective, Mallory wants to assist Dr. Gray and McCreadie with their investigations, which she finds impossible to do as a lowly chambermaid in Victorian Scotland. She also needs to find a way back to her own time.
I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of Edinburgh and Victorian life. The characters are interesting and I look forward to reading the next books in this series.