I love the Rip in Time series by Kelley Armstrong and was delighted to get early access to Schemes & Scandals, a holiday novella. A modern day female detective finds herself in Victorian Scotland where she helps a doctor and a constable solve murders. It’s Mallory Atkinson’s first Christmas and she and Dr. Gray must solve a blackmailing case.

I love this series including the novellas. Mallory Atkinson, a modern day detective, was attacked and woke up to discover herself in the body of a housemaid in the home of Doctor Duncan Gray. You’ll need to read the series in order to discover all that and how she is now working to solve cases.

It’s Christmas in Victorian Scotland and it’s Mallory’s first. While Christmas wasn’t really celebrated, Hogmanay, the last day of the old year, was. From Dicken’s A Christmas Carol to gift giving, we get to spend lovely time in the Gray household and celebrate the season.

It wouldn’t be a Rip Through Time story without a bit of a mystery for Mallory and Duncan to solve, and that comes from a widowed acquaintance of Duncan’s. It seems someone is blackmailing her over letters she wrote to her lover. Scandalous! I had a delightful time as Armstrong had us hunting down clues, sneaking into men’s only clubs and more. It was clever.

I love that despite the short-length, we got a complete mystery and a fun holiday story. I highly recommend this series and novella to fans of historical mysteries with a hint of romance. It’s filled with intrigue facts and delightful characters.

It looks like the hardcover edition from Subterranean Press was pushed back, but the kindle edition will publish December 3, 2024.

Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite fantasy/science fiction authors. I enjoyed this easy-going addition to the series. There is a mystery to be solved, but it's more of a cozy mystery with no death threats etc. going on. I love this series and will continue to read just as many as she publishes!

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong and Subterranean Press for allowing me this e version arc in exchange for my opinion. All thoughts above are my own.

I LOVE this series, it has easily become one of my favorites. It follows Mallory Atkinson, a modern-day homicide detective who found herself trapped in the body of a 20 year old housemaid 150 years in the past. She is now fully embracing life in Victorian Scotland and her job as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray.

Schemes & Scandals is a wonderful addition to the series to hold us over until Death at a Highland Wedding releases next year. It’s a holiday novella that features a blackmail scheme involving Gray’s ex-lover and the fun addition of Charles Dickens.

I loved revisiting Mallory, Gray and Isla! Once again, I loved the detail put into describing Edinburgh in 1869 and I enjoyed learning about Hogmanay. It was fun following along with the mystery and Mallory’s attempts to navigate the…slightly awkward position the case puts them in (poor Gray!).

If you haven’t read any of the A Rip Through Time series yet but enjoy historical fiction, time travel and mysteries, this is your sign to do so now!

It’s Mallory Atkinson’s first Christmas in Victorian Scotland, where she time-travelled to, and she is excited to celebrate it with her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray. That is, until he informs her that Christmas really isn't celebrated in Victorian Scotland - instead, they celebrate Hogmanay. As an early Hogmanay present, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. After the reading, they bump into Lady Inglis—the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed. Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She’s being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.

I am a huge fan of this series, and this was another fun installation in the series. This novella was a quick read with a mystery that kept me guessing and the witty banter between Mallory, Dr. Gray, and his sister Isla that I have come to expect from this series. I definitely recommend it!

I love every book in this series, including this one. Former modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson has now accepted that she will remain in the Victorian era Scotland as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray in solving murders. They are approached by Lady Inglis to take a blackmail case. Mallory takes lead on the blackmail case since Duncan didn't want to take the case. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love how well Mallory and Duncan work together. I also like learning more about Scottish Hogmanay. This is a must-read series for me with its intriguing mysteries and interesting characters.

I always want more! A lovely little novella in the Rip in Time series and I especially liked that we get to continue to see growth between our OTP :)

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for the ARC

From the very beginning, Kelley Armstrong's masterful storytelling drew me in with well-crafted characters and a plot brimming with twists and turns.

The protagonists are exceptionally well-developed, each with their own unique flaws and strengths, making them incredibly relatable. The dynamics between Mallory and Duncan are fun to read, as always. As this is a short story, I did not expect a lot to develop within their relationship but I am hopeful the next installment will further propel their connection.

The pacing is perfect, never dragging.

Armstrong has a remarkable talent for creating vivid settings that transport readers right into the heart of the story. I continue to be a huge fan of her work and cannot wait to read her next book.

Christmas was once banned in Scotland? Charles Dickens had a farewell tour? I love learning things like this and that was in the first few pages. The time-travel construct allows Mallory to observe and comment on Victorian life. I enjoy the Gray siblings and the interactions between Mallory and Dr Gray as they investigate a case of blackmail. This novella, set between books 3 & 4, can stand alone. Purchase where the novels circulate.

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

This novella was alright. I didn't love that letters of an "intimate nature" were the missing item because it gave the story too much emphasis on the sexism of the Victorian era. I also kind of felt like it was a way for there to be more romance without actually increasing the romance between Mallory and Duncan. I did really enjoy the inclusion of Charles Dickens though!

Another excellent read from Kelley Armstrong!

I am a huge fan of the author and the "A Rip Through Time" series. In "Schemes & Scandals", a cozy Christmasy novella, Mallory gets to meet Charles Dickens, but it comes at a price. In exchange for an introduction to the famous writer, Duncan and Mallory are tasked with investigating the blackmail of Lady Inglis, Duncan's former lover. Apparently, someone apprehended her scandalous letters to yet another paramour and is now blackmailing her. With Hogmanay just around the corner, Mallory is more determined than ever to solve this mystery as quick as possible.

I loved this novella as Kelley Armstrong has a way of pulling you right into the story, and the case itself was highly suspenseful. I cannot wait for the next installment!

Love this newest installment in the Rip Through Time Series!
Mallory and Duncan are on the case of the blackmailed widow. The Widow had a previous relationship with Duncan and has asked for his and Mallory's help in this delicate situation. They are on the case and ready to celebrate Hogmanay. We get to know everyone a little bit more, and even Mallory feels a bit more settled after the decision she made in the last book.
I love this series and I can't wait to see where this series is going to go next!

Kelley Armstrong can do nothing wrong in my book! I love her A Rip Through Time series and Schemes & Scandals is a wonderful, riveting, and gripping addiction to that addictive series. I love the characters, the Victorian time period, the atmosphere, the time travel aspect and the mystery in this series (and this book.).

Some background:
Mallory Atkinson was a modern-day homicide detective who found herself transported back in time and into the body of a young woman living in Victorian, Scotland after an attack. Now she is employed by Dr. Duncan Gray and becomes his assistant.

In Schemes & Scandals, Mallory will experience her first Christmas in Scotland (which isn't celebrated at that time) Hogmanay is the holiday that is celebrated and Gray's gift to her is seeing Charles Dickens (yes, that Charles Dickens) doing a reading. There they are approached by Gray's former lover, Lady Inglis, who informs them that she needs their help as she is being blackmailed.

As I mentioned I love this series. I have enjoyed watching as Mallory attempts to adjust to the Victorian time period, and how the Gray household copes with her being outspoken and clever. The mystery in this book was interesting and I enjoyed watching as Mallory and Gray did their best to uncover the identity of the blackmailer.

As with the other books in this series, this book was atmospheric, gripping, tense, wonderfully written, well thought out, and captivating. The characters are well fleshed out, likeable, and interesting.

If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for????? Seriously, it's a wonderful historical mystery series! I love going back in time and being with Gray, Mallory, and everyone else in the Gray household. This book was a joy to read and has me looking forward to reading what comes next for Gray and Mallory.

Thanks to Netgalley, I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are my own.

I love this series. It's one of my favorites, not least because here is a series that doesn't shy away from the grosser parts of time travel to the past. I'm so grateful to be born in a time of indoor plumbing and sewage systems.

In earlier books, I wasnt always sure I could get a good feel for Mallory. The other characters yes, but her? She could be anyone. Here, I don't know, it feels like we connect to her better, see her fight her misconceptions, fail at history, and maneuver her world with the ease of someone who has been there for long enough to learn a good deal of it. Her relationships are maturing and she's learning to understand other people's motivations better.

Unlike a lot of the previous stories, this is more detective story than thriller, and I enjoyed it. I think we get a better picture of society, good and bad, and the literary and art scenes. The interactions with a certain famous figure are poignant and yet I'm grateful there aren't more of them. I prefer watching her deal with the people closer to her level than the cameos.

I'm so invested in this series, can't wait for more!

Schemes And Scandals by Kelly Armstrong is the new book in her rip through time series and although just a novella it totally has everything I’ve come to love the series for. Opening up a new book in beloved series is like visiting old friends and that is the feeling I get when opening up a rip-through time book this one has Mallory investigating a black male case for grays ex girlfriend and despite wanting to celebrate Christmas with her new Scotland family she’s excited to hear they mainly celebrate Hogmanay we also get to see more of my new favorite character Jack as she helps Mallory investigate the blackmail case that Mallory is taking the lead on. This is an action packed time travel mystery series it’s well written with great characters who we get to learn more about in every book it’s a series I cannot recommend more. Despite the books being able to be read as stand the loans it is a much better in fuller picture when reading all the books in order but if standalones are your thing they do recap at the beginning of each book it should be easy to catch on as you read. #NetGalley,#SubterraneanPress #KellyArmstrong, #RippedThroughTime, #SchemesAndScandals,

This series is one of my favorites and I highly recommend reading the whole series first. This novella lives up to my expectations. I devoured it immediately and in one sitting.
In this story Mallory and Dr. Gray are looking for a blackmailer on behalf of a wealthy widow previously involved with Gray. The relationship between Mallory and Gray remains professional and collegial with the hopes of something more in the future.
Mallory is a strong, insightful, mature heroine. I love that she is smart and professional and not prone to the kind of frustrating and out of character choices that some authors write their heroines into to cause drama or advance the story.
The world building immerses readers in Victorian Edinburgh. Mallory’s commentary on Victorian life is a highlight and provides a way for readers to make connections by highlighting contrasts/similarities with modern life.

I love Kelley Armstrong’s books and this series is one of my favorites (how could I not love a series with a heroine that shares my name?). My only problem with this one is that as a novella it was too short because I could stay in this world for ages. I liked the Hogmanay information and the unique take on a book for the holidays (befitting of a Holiday type book that comes out on Halloween). Mallory and Dr. Gray have a new case although this one is filled with awkward. Dr. Gray’s former lover has requested help as she has a blackmailer in possession of some salacious letters that would ruin her reputation. I liked this investigation very much and found this one going by super quickly. While you could probably get by reading this if you haven’t read the others there’s no reason for that. If you haven’t read the A Rip Through Time series go get them right now.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I absolutely love this series! This is book 3.5, a short story featuring our beloved characters from a "Rip Through Time" series. I implore you to start at the beginning or you will regret missing out on the entirety of this worthwhile series.

I enjoy the flashes of historical information scattered throughout. I had never heard of Hogmanay and was surprised to hear about the legality of celebrating Christmas in Scottland! This novella takes place during the holiday season. This installment has Charles Dickens among its pages, giving a true historical fiction feel. The focus of our detectives this time around is unravelling a blackmailer as well as a murderer. The person being blackmailed is an ex-lover of Gray's which adds another dynamic to the story.

We get the same camaraderie and teamwork from our characters. Throw a couple of sweet, personal scenes and the usual witty banter. My only complaint is I was hoping for something romantic and more intimate for the holidays...still holding out for Gray and Mallory's relationship to go to the next level! Pretty please with sugar on top!! :)

I can hardly wait for the next in this series!!

4 stars

Book Review
Schemes & Scandals
Kelley Armstrong
reviewed by Lou Jacobs


readersremains.com | Goodreads


Enjoying this novella is like eating dessert before the main course—the next full-length novel in this delightful series, A Rip Through Time. This nicely adds to the lore of Vancouver police detective Mallory Atkinson, who has been ripped into Victorian Scotland. This is her first Christmas spent in 1869 Scotland.

She finds herself stranded in a time period where Christmas is not celebrated and is considered a pagan holiday, virtually banned. The locals instead celebrate Hogmanay, the last day of the year. This New Year’s celebration involves similar traditions of gift-giving, parties, and festivities.

Mallory was originally thrown into these circumstances on May 20, 2019. The police detective ran into an alley where she heard the screams of a woman. Suddenly, a rope noose is thrust around her neck. Even though she struggles valiantly, she starts to pass out. Just before losing consciousness, she “sees” an optical illusion of “a young woman with honey-blond hair, in a cornflower-blue dress, as a shadowy figure has his hands wrapped around her throat.”

The world goes dark. She awakens confused and startled, and suddenly realizes she is inhabiting the body of an eighteen-year-old blond girl, Catriona Mitchell, in what is obviously Victorian Edinburgh, Scotland. Somehow, through a “rip in time,” she has traveled from May 20, 2019, to the same day in 1869.

Kelley Armstrong crafts a delightful tale combining elements of historical fiction, time travel, and a convoluted police procedural. Walking a dangerous tightrope, Armstrong expertly blends lengthy internal dialogue from Mallory/Catriona with the development of interesting, multi-dimensional Victorian characters. Catriona is a housemaid in the unique household of “undertaker” Dr. Duncan Gray and his half-sister, Isla Ballantyne. Dr. Gray is much more than a funeral director and is actually a trusted consultant of Detective McCreadie, examining murder victims. His studies and methods are the forerunners of modern forensic science. Isla is an exceptional variant of the women of the time—highly educated, but forced to work as a herbalist rather than a chemist, due directly to her gender. Dr. Gray, despite being highly educated, is dismissed as irrelevant and somewhat of a charlatan because he is Black. Through perseverance and guile, Mallory eventually proves her worth, gains Dr. Gray’s trust, and becomes his true assistant in his investigative endeavors.

In the spirit of the upcoming Hogmanay, Gray presents Isla and Mallory with tickets for a special reading at the music hall by the popular writer, Charles Dickens. His performance delights Mallory, as it’s not a mere author reading but an actual performance, with Dickens acting out the different characters. Mallory arrives at the reading with a copy of her favorite Dickens book, hoping to obtain his signature. However, this is not common in Victorian times. Dr. Gray is approached by an “old flame,” the widower Lady Patricia Inglis, a family friend of Charles Dickens. Lady Inglis offers to introduce them to Dickens for a possible signature. At the same time, she confides in them and requests their aid. She is being blackmailed. She has been sending intimate letters to a long-time lover, a dear friend of her husband’s, with whom her friendship blossomed into intimacy after her husband’s passing.

Her lover has informed her that the letters, stored in a locked box, have disappeared. This was not discovered until he received a threatening letter stating the letters would be sold to a publisher of ill repute unless a sizable ransom was paid. When Mallory first arrived in Catriona’s beautiful and fetching body, she realized her murky past as a con artist and a thief, possibly using her “feminine wiles” for illicit purposes. Mallory discovered that Catriona had in her possession a similar letter from Lady Inglis to Dr. Gray. She burned the letter after disclosing its existence to Gray. Mallory eventually agrees to help Lady Inglis uncover the blackmailer and hopefully recover the letters. Dr. Gray quickly agrees to help in the investigation, despite his past relationship with Lady Inglis. The dynamics between the main characters continue to evolve based on past and present motivations. There has been a slow-burn romance between Mallory and Dr. Gray, somewhat threatened by the current circumstances.

Kelley Armstrong proves to be a marvelous storyteller as she weaves multiple twists into the plot, escalating suspense and intrigue into a thrilling denouement that is satisfying while leaving many unresolved questions, knowing there is more to come. Armstrong explores themes of women’s equality, racism, immigration, and even homosexuality. It has been a pleasure to see the character of Mallory unfold, with her intelligence and determination, while being adaptable and resilient. While this can be enjoyed as a standalone, I would encourage reading the previous entries in the A Rip in Time series to fully enjoy the experience of Armstrong’s conjured world of Victorian Edinburgh.

Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. I truly cannot wait for the fourth installment to be released.

I absolutely love these novellas while waiting for the next one in the series. They feel a little less serious and a bit more fun adventures. I feel like they also give a bit more background on some other side characters that the main novels might not get the chance to do. This one was a perfect look in what Christmas was like in those times. I like the look at what it might be like to meet someone’s work you loved but weren’t ever able to meet because they have been gone from this world for a long while.

This was a fairly short novella that takes us to Mallory's first Christmas season in her new time of the year 1869. This is not a stand alone book, it is the continuation of the story of Mallory - a US police detective from the 21st century - who somehow finds herself in a different body, and back in the year 1869. Oh, and she is now a chamber maid for a coroner in Scotland.

In the prior 3 books, we have gotten to know the other characters in this world - Dr. Gray and his sister Isla, along with Hugh and Jack. This short story takes us on the journey as Mallory and Dr. Gray take on a new case involving the theft of some intimate letters and the subsequent blackmail of the writer.

It is a quick and easy read, but even though it will probably make sense if you have not read the prior books, I would recommend reading them first. I have enjoyed this entire series and it is definitely worth the time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book will be out for publication on October 31, 2024.