This is the second book in A Rip Through Time series and it picks up where A Rip Through Time left off. Our main character, Mallory has been trying to deal with the many adjustments needed to function in Victorian era Scotland after being transported there by a fluke in time. She's stuck in a maid named Catriona's body and only a few people now know who she really is.

In The Poisoner's Ring, Mallory helps her boss Dr. Duncan Gray, police detective McCreadie and Isla try to solve the mystery of who is poisoning random men in their area. To figure it all out, they have to determine what the common link is and that becomes more and more difficult every day.

I really enjoyed the mystery of the story and how they handled all of the interplay between characters and the impact of the time period. In addition, they dynamic between the characters was strong. I was kept glued to the story until it finished.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The narration was really good and made this book just resonate even more. It helps to make the listener feel completely immersed in the storyline. Well done. 4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the audiobook and ebook. I'm voluntarily reviewing them both and the opinions contained within are my own.

Second book in the Rip Through Time series. Mallory continues to be a maid in Victorian Scotland but also gets to help Dr Gray as his assistant. Three men have died due to poison and the group seeks to figure it out. ARC from NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this second installment and the narration was fantastic! She handled the different accents to perfection. I loved the introduction of some new characters like Jack and Sarah and getting to know old ones even better. I was fully invested in the murder mystery, but I found this particular one to be pretty predictable. I wasn’t as wowed as I was with book one. This is by no means a romance, but it feels like there is still the possibility of one between Mallory and Duncan despite it being an impossible situation. It’s so complicated with the possibility of Mallory going back to her own time period, but there is just so much chemistry there!! Can’t wait to see what happens in book three!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy and Macmillan audio for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

Love a good time travelling mystery! This book perfectly follows book 1 and cannot be read as a stand-alone. That said, I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend!

4.5 stars

The Poisoner’s Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time series. Book one followed Mallory, a modern-day Canadian detective who’s visiting Edinburgh and gets sucked into the Victorian era while investigating a potential crime. Not only is Mallory trapped in another time, but also in another woman’s body - that of a young maid who’s built a less-than-stellar reputation for herself. While I enjoyed the first book, I loved the second book. I’m invested in the characters now, the mystery kept me guessing, and I love the setting.

In this book, we see Mallory adjusting to Victorian life while working as an assistant to Dr. Duncan Gray, an undertaker with a medical background. Gray and Mallory work with the local police, and Mallory proves to be a valuable asset with her 21st-century knowledge and expertise. When a string of murders makes it seem like there’s a poisoning ring in Edinburgh, Mallory, Gray, and Gray’s friend Detective McCreadie, set out to discover if and how the victims are connected and where the poison is coming from. It becomes personal when Gray’s own brother-in-law is poisoned and his sister is accused of the murder.

This book had it all: mystery, action, humour, fantastic characters, a great setting, and just a hint of potential romance. Having recently visited Edinburgh for the first time, I enjoyed getting a glimpse of what life was like in Victorian Scotland and ‘travelling’ around the city with Mallory and Gray. I appreciated that Armstrong touched on topics like racism, social classes, women’s rights, and gender identity and orientation, among others.

If you’re looking for historical fiction with a unique modern twist, a mystery that’ll keep you guessing, and characters you come to love and root for, The Poisoner’s Ring is a must read.

The Poisoner's Ring was a mixed bag for me. There were aspects I loved and parts I could definitely do without. I thought the mystery wasn't very strong. When it was all solved, it didn't seem like the perpetrator actually had a very good motive for the crimes they committed. The escalation from manipulating people to serial murder was a bit extreme - I just didn't believe they were desperate (or crazy) enough to make that leap. I realize that it's silly to complain about the murder in a murder mystery book, but for me it took me out of the story. I also don't think Mallory is a very good detective. She's very knowledgable about forensics, which is cool, but isn't really what modern-day detectives do. One thing I love is the discussion of historical accuracy. I especially like that being in Mallory's head means we get the explanation of historical practices from a contemporary perspective, which simply woudn't be possible in a strictly historical novel. I know that Armsrtong does a lot of research for her books, so I expect that what she's sharing about Victorian life in Edinburgh is accurate and I love learning from novels like this. I give this book 3.5 stars.

The Poisoner's Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrong's incredible series A Rip Through Time. I absolutely loved the first book. Surely it couldn't get any better than the first one. But it sure as heck did! I've got a lot of things going on in my personal life right now that don't allow me much reading time. When I had to put the book down for extended periods of time, however, I was able to jump right back into the story as if I had never left. Though this particular mystery stands alone, you will miss too much backstory if you start with this volume. Do yourself a favor and follow our heroine's journey from the beginning.

Mallory Atkinson is a modern-day homicide detective who was inexplicably thrown back into Victorian Edinburgh, Scotland. Not only is she in the wrong time period, but she's also in the wrong body! She's inhabiting the person of housemaid Catriona Mitchell; at least her employers are now aware of who she truly is. Mallory is adjusting to living in 1869, working as an undertaker's assistant in addition to being a maid. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and his latest case hits a little too close to home. Men are dying from a potent poison, and suspicion in falling upon their widows. Who is the latest widow? Well, that would be Gray's older sister Annis! Oh, dear. Poison is generally considered to be a woman's weapon, but is it that simple? No one can guess where the evidence leads!

This was such an amazing, exciting story! The plot was great, but it's the wonderful characters that make it so special. Mallory is such a fish out of water; just imagine a modern homicide detective stuck in the body of a young (and apparently unlikable) maid. She does her best to fit in when she's in the presence of others besides Dr. Gray and Isla, his chemist sister. At least with them she can be herself since they've gotten through the hurdle of finding out her true identity. Mallory is too snarky and bold to fit in with many in Victorian society. She stuggles to fit in...but she especially struggles trying to run and fight while wearing a corset, numerous petticoats and boots! She has become friends with Isla, but also with Gray. She's a great help in his investigations...having advanced knowledge of crime fighting techniques sure does help! She desperately wants to return to her time; is Gran still alive? But she also seems torn at the thought of leaving. I absolutely adore Dr. Duncan Gray. He is a man of color, the illegitimate child of his father and Indian mother. He is living in a society that's not yet particularly diverse and is sometimes treated with disdain. He has his deceased father's funeral business, but sometimes uses his skill as a doctor, and he moonlights as a medical examiner. He respects Mallory's skills and opinions, yet is still protective of her. He's gotten to the point that he gets angry when Mallory calls him sir or Dr. Gray; he insists she call him Duncan. They are obviously friends now...but is the spark between them just my imagination? I hope not; I love a little romance with my mysteries! I so enjoyed seeing Gray's sister Isla Ballantyne, who is a chemist. Gray isn't amused when she asks Mallory to teach her how to knife fight. (Just wait until you see how Mrs. Wallace the cook handles that situation! HA!) We also get to visit with Detective Hugh McCreadie, who was Gray's childhood friend. (He seems to hold a bit of a tendre for Isla...hopeful thinking again?) The most important new character we are introduced to is Annis, Lady Leslie, the older sister of Gray and Isla. She isn't exactly a warm, fuzzy person. She is actually quite prickly and disdainful of others. She has a bit of an unpleasant history with Gray. She is accused of murdering her husband and perhaps the other deceased. Or are the killings part of a poisoner's ring, where one woman is supplying the poison to each of the now-widowed women? Sarah is Annis's Sapphic lover who has reappeared after many years apart. And then there's Jack, a young woman who dresses like a man and who may or who may not be the writer of sensationalistic broadsheets. The plot is quite exciting and kept me constantly changing my mind as to the identity of the culprit. But it's the characters who shine the brightest. I don't want to wait an entire year for the next installment!!!

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 love this time travel historical mystery as it was very engaging. The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Since she managed to convince a few key individuals (particularly her kind, handsome employer Duncan Grey) that she really is a time-displaced detective trapped in the body of a teenage housemaid in Victorian Edinburgh, Mallory's life has improved immensely. She spends less time scrubbing chamber pots and more time going undercover. A series of poisonings that cuts across social boundaries grabs her attention. The widows are all more aggrieved than grieving, including Duncan's sister Annis. Mallory overcomes cumbersome cultural mores (and clothing) to unravel the mystery. A fine mystery coupled with a very slow burn romance.

3 Stars! This is the second book in ‘A Rip Through Time’ series and isn’t really a standalone book, so definitely read book one first. I didn’t read the first book in the series and I felt so lost and confused through the entire book. This wasn’t really a romance though there is a hint of one between the main characters, Mallory and Dr.Grey. I’m guessing their story continues in book 3 but hopefully the secondary characters get their romance too. Since I didn’t read book one, I had no clue how Mallory got to the past, the first case Mallory helped solve and how Dr.Grey & his sister, Isla, found out Mallory was from the future. Still, it was a very entertaining book and I enjoyed reading it. Would’ve been a lot better if I read book one though. I also absolutely despise CLIFFHANGERS which this book sorta had. It’s more an action packed, adventure, unpredictable, mystery book that kept me guessing the whole time and had wonderful characters that I became invested in. So I would recommend this book but only if you read book one first.
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

I loved this book! Once I started reading this book, I found it impossible to put it down. I liked this installment even more than the first book in the series. The mystery kept me guessing until very close to the end. I think that the way that the time travel aspect of the story is handled is rather unique and incredibly well done. This story entertained me from beginning to end.

I like how Mallory handles the situation that she has found herself in and doesn’t try to change her environment to accommodate her. Mallory, Gray, and the other key characters are intelligent and easy to like. I wanted to see things go well for them as they worked to solve the case. Mallory’s knowledge of the future is the key to solving this crime and I love the fact that Gray trusts her knowledge, although it seems like she should be the one in charge if only that time in history would allow it.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Kate Handford did an excellent job bringing this story to life. I found her voice to be incredibly pleasant and enjoyed the voices that she used for the various characters. I thought that she added just the right amount of excitement to her reading and I found myself wanting to listen to the book for hours at a time. I am certain that her narration added to my enjoyment of this wonderful story.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the A Rip in Time series which I would recommend reading in order. This well-written book was filled with fantastic characters, a mystery that kept me guessing, and a vivid setting. I cannot wait to read more of this entertaining series.

I received a review copy of this book from Minotaur Books and St. Martin’s Press.

The Poisoner's Ring, A Rip Through Time Novel by Kelley Armstrong, is the second book in this series. It's a unique blend of Time Travel and Historical Mystery. Mallory is a detective from the 21st century who woke up in the body of a 19th century maid.
I enjoyed the contrasts of Mallory trying to live and work in an earlier century with a modern mind. Mallory and the other characters must make constant allowances for her quirks and thinking. Exciting mysteries with unusual plot twists make all Kelley Armstrong’s books a new favorite. Looking forward to the next books particularly any with her special brand of Time Travel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

This series continues to be absolutely delightful. It's strength lies in how richly drawn its characters are, and how distinct each of the voices are. Even with new characters introduced, their voices do not get muddled and the writing leaves one wanting to learn more about the characters.
I really enjoyed it.

Being a romance gal, the slowwwwww burn is killing me but I do appreciate that there are real, weighty issues to Mallory and Gray being together and I cant wait to see how those are resolved.

Bring on book 3!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC

Time travelling is not my usual genre of choice, however, the first book in this series was fantastic so I was very excited to be approved to read book 2!

Mallory is still stuck in 1869 but it's not all bad. She's officially Dr. Duncan Gray's undertaker assistant, but moonlighting to help solve homicides. This was a fun read, definitely need to read book 1 (A Rip Through Time) before diving into this one.

I found the mystery conclusion to have too many red herrings and the thought process was a bit chaotic. The ending left me wanting more though and can't wait to see what's next for Mallory and Duncan.

The Poisoner’s Ring continues the story of detective Mallory Atkinson as she is trying to adjust to her life in a previous century. Her trip to 1869 Edinburgh is still mysterious and, as yet, irreversible.

Adjustment is a challenge to a 21st century woman who was accustomed to living life on her own terms, as opposed to being a female servant in a Doctor’s household. Dr. Duncan Grey, and his sister Isla both know who she really is and allow her to help out in more substantial ways than a typical maid would. In this book, Mallory will be helping to find the culprits behind several poisonings. Duncan’s oldest sister, Annis, is a prime suspect, making the Grey household involvement in the investigation a bit problematic.

Mallory’s character is growing nicely, as is Duncan and his sister. And yet, Mallory is always thinking about getting home even as she grows closer to Duncan and Isla.

It is still challenging for Mallory to ‘blend’ in. She doesn’t act like a maid – at all. Always going where women don’t go, asserting herself, speaking informally with her ‘betters’. Her use of 21st century colloquialisms tends to confuse the locals. This adds humor in some instances, and tension in others. Still, she is appreciated for her brain and problem-solving skills. While 19th century crime solving leaves much to be desired, Mallory is lucky to be working with the Duncan and Isla, who have both embraced scientific techniques and integrity.

The term ‘poisoner’s ring’ refers to ring of women who murder their loved ones, possibly with the help of another person. The multiple deaths by poison lead the police, newspapers, and public to suspect such a ring. However, before this convoluted, complicated killer scheme will be resolved, there will be many twists, turns, and surprises. This book is full of lots of little mysteries and one great big plot. There are many suspects and even though Annis is not really a very nice person, as the reader, I did not cheer against her, lest the Grey family, and by extension, Mallory, come out the worse for wear.

Both books in this series can be read as standalone. Reading them in order will give insight to Mallory’s circumstance in Edinburgh’s past. The Poisoner’s Ring is for readers who enjoy humor, drama, mystery, police procedurals, and mixing modern day logic with historical crime-solving mayhem.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

**3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads**

The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong is the second book in the Rip Through Time series. I enjoyed the first so was glad to receive the second book in the series from NetGalley. I’d describe it as a historical cozy mystery with a tiny smidge of sci-fi due to our main character, Mallory Atkinson who is a modern day female detective, being stuck in 19th century Edinburgh inside the body of a 19 year old thieving maidservant named Catriona. I highly recommend you read the first book in the series before reading this one.

This volume involves dead men who seemed to have been murdered with poison by their wives for various reasons, until Dr Duncan Gray and Mallory find reasons to believe otherwise.

I love the setting of Victorian Edinburgh, love the main and side characters, and the mystery I didn’t guess the culprit from the start. The only negative thing I can say is the book could have lost 30 or so pages to move the plot along faster.

If you like historical mysteries with a unique touch then I recommend this series.

**Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review.**

4.5 stars = I really liked it. This series is really hitting its stride. I like book 2 even more than book one - possibly its that our herione is settled into her new existence and has formed relationships. Also I liked the murder mystery much more (the Jack the Ripper case from the the first book hit my prejudice against JR cases - it seems that historical detectives in this time period aways run up against Jack.) So, I really enjoyed this and if readers of Armstrong's Rockton series are looking for a new fix this series has a similar vibe with the police detective herione solving cases without her normal tools if the trade handy.

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, Expected publication May 23, 2023. This is sn unpaid review.

Disclaimer alert!!! I'm a diehard Kelley Armstrong fan. I've read all of her books and have yet to find one that was not excellent!!! She writes stories across differing genres with the same skillful attention to detail and the same ability to pull the reader into the story. I have not only read her books, I often gift them to my reading circle and I always recommend them to anyone looking for their next great read.
THE POISONER'S RING is book #2 in the Rip Through Time series. The first book sets up the series, explaining how this law enforcement officer from the 2000's finds herself in the 1860s. It is also a very good read. In book 2, Mallory is now working with the undertaker and assisting the police. Of course, using scientific methods of the future without having to explain to everyone how she came to this knowledge. As the story progresses, she will assist in investigating a ring of poison deaths while trying to prove the innocence of the suspects.
Another great 5 star read.

The Poisoner's Ring is the second book in Kelley Armstrong's 'A Rip Through Time' series. Now, you don't have to have read the first book to enjoy this tale as Armstrong provides enough backstory in the opening chapters to catch up.
In 2019, Mallory, a American Homicide Detective who went on a trip to Edinburgh, was attacked and left for dead in an alley. But, Mallory isn't dead. And here's where the series title comes in - she wakes up in a hospital to find herself in the body of a housemaid, who was also attacked in the same alley. But.....in 1869. What a great set up!

From the outside looking in, she appears to be a maid, but once a detective, always a detective. This latest case is too close for comfort for Mallory's benefactors. I really enjoy how the cases are solved - which is the 'old fashioned' way - using deductions, legwork, suspicions, observations and more. Forensic science is in it's infancy and Mallory can help with that. Armstrong always comes up with a well written, not easy to solve, crime. This latest is no exception - I changed my guess multiple times on the way to the final pages.

I quite like Mallory as a lead character. We're privy to her inner thoughts as she tries to adapt to the time frame, keep up a façade and help her benefactors solve local crime. She has to think of everything - what her behaviour should look like, the language she uses and how to navigate in a past she doesn't really know much about. The supporting cast is excellent - the master of the house and his sister have skills and interests that intersect with Mallory's talents.

I also appreciate the detailed description of the settings and the social strata as well.

A unique premise, great characters, a keep 'em guessing mystery and more. I feel a romantic thread may develop in the next entry? The ending is satisfying, but there are still questions to be answered. The biggest being if Mallory can ever get back through the rip. And on the other hand...where is Catriona?

In the first book in the series, modern day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson somehow woke up in the body of a servant named Catriona in 1869 Edinburgh. She was finally forced to tell her employer the truth of her real identity. Duncan Gray went to medical school but as a man of color he's not trusted enough to be more than an undertaker and unofficial medical examiner. Mallory is now officially his assistant since the truth came out and he needs her help. Men across the city are dropping dead of apparent poisoning and the most likely suspects are their widows. When Duncan's oldest sister is blamed for her husband's poisoning, the clock is running out for them to discover the truth.
This is quickly becoming my favorite new series by this author. The Victorian mystery with a modern twist in Mallory's character is refreshing and unique. The hints of deeper feelings between the two are also intriguing... how will they hide the scandal of an age gap, interracial, master/servant relationship if it ever happens? I can't wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.