I was so happy to get to spend time with Mallory and Duncan again. This is a fun short Novella that lets us see Mallory spend her first Christmas season with the Gray's. It is a more laid back story since we are not dealing with murder, but blackmail. The client that they are trying to help is someone from Duncans past and it gives us a little more insight into him. I highly recommend this series. If you haven't read any of it yet you should go pick up the first book and give it a try. If you have read the other books in the series you will want to get this one to read, too.

The first book in this series, “A Rip Through Time” began in May 2019 in Scotland.

Canadian police officer Mallory Atkinson, aged 30, had traveled from Vancouver to be with her dying grandmother in Edinburgh, and took a jogging break from her hospital vigil.

In the Grassmarket, former site of executions, she was attacked by someone who showed signs of being the serial killer recently reported about in the papers. She only escaped death by somehow falling through a rip in time. She ended up in May 1869 in Victorian Scotland in the body of 19-year-old Catriona Mitchell, a maid in the house of an undertaker, Duncan Gray. Catriona had been strangled and left for dead exactly one hundred and fifty years before Mallory was strangled and left for dead in the exact same spot.

Mallory now passes as Catriona, but she has convinced Duncan, who is 31 and quite handsome, his sister Isla, and a few others, including a police detective Hugh McCreadie, that she is actually Mallory, and that Duncan can benefit from using her as an assistant in solving crimes. (To help her adjustment, they agree she should go by the name Mallory Mitchell.).

At first, Mallory wanted to get back to her own time, but she grew closer to Duncan and Isla - especially Duncan, and he grew closer to her. She also got more accustomed to life in the Victorian Age, with frequent musings about how things were that help readers understand the period better as well.

This novella takes place during Mallory’s first Christmas in the past. She discovers that Christmas isn’t observed there like it is in the future because celebrations were banned after the Scottish Protestant Reformation in 1560. As the BBC points out, “People bringing in religious changes didn't approve of all the partying and they banned or strongly discouraged feasts that were associated with Catholicism, including Christ's Mass - that is, Christmas. By 1640, an Act of Parliament had officially banned the Christmas break, so it is believed that this is what pushed all the partying and fun to New Year instead.”

Hogmanay is the Scots word for New Year's Eve. Armstrong takes the opportunity to acquaint readers with its various customs. [It has now evolved into a huge party time - four days of processions, concerts and fireworks. As Wikipedia notes, “The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations are among the largest in the world. Celebrations in Edinburgh in 1996–97 were recognized by the Guinness Book of Records at the world's largest New Year party, with approximately 400,000 people in attendance.”]

Gifting was deemed appropriate for Hogmanay if not Christmas, and Duncan presented Mallory and Isla with tickets to see a Charles Dickens reading, along with him and McCreadie. Mallory not only got to meet Dickens, but they also picked up a new client, Lady Inglis, for their criminal investigation work.

Lady Inglis was the lovely widow with whom Duncan had a previous relationship. She told them she was now being blackmailed after another amorous affair. She had written sexy letters to her lover and they were stolen, with the thief threatening to publish them if a sizable ransom was not paid.

Armstrong conveys a lot of interesting information about the state of knowledge in science in that era, as well as how policing was done. Working together, Mallory, Duncan, Isla and Hugh solve the crime and cement their interrelationships even further.

Evaluation: This book is very entertaining, and chock full of romance as well as suspense. Armstrong always tells a good story, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

This was a fun, short entry in the 'A Rip Through Time' series with Mallory spending her first Christmas in Victorian Edinburgh. Mallory and Duncan take up a blackmail case involving Duncan's ex-lover and a salacious letter. I flew through this and enjoyed its Christmas charm, as well as the lower-stakes investigation (no murders!). Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this novella. Thank you to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for a digital review copy.

Another fun installment to this series
Loved getting more of Gray's history and some Jack shenanigans are always fun
The mystery was fun and I really do enjoy these novellas

Thank you NetGalley and Subterranean Press for this early review copy.

This was a quick and fun read by one of my favorite authors! I truly enjoy this series and look forward to many more of Mallory and Duncan's adventures! This was a quick holiday novella that had a nice lighthearted crime they were trying to solve rather than their typical murder. Anyone who enjoys Kelley Armstrong's books and hasn't given this series a try yet, I highly recommend it!

Kelley Armstrong combines a mystery and a time travel aspect in a historical setting in this novella in the Rip Through Time series which fits between books three and four. If you’re in the mood for a historical mystery that doesn’t involve murder and that is set in December, then look no further than this one.

Mallory is a character with plenty of depth over the course of the series. She’s hardworking, kind, relatable, curious, impulsive, and makes for a strong female protagonist that readers can cheer on. However, she is also an independent thinker unafraid to speak her mind which isn’t normal for women in Victorian times. Her bluntness and intelligence are highlighted in this novella. Gray is passionate about his work, enthusiastic, confident, and occasionally relaxed and teasing. He is forward-thinking for Victorian times and that is the aspect of his personality that comes through in this story-line. Since this is so short, many of the regular characters only show up briefly. However, readers get more insight into Jack, who is working for Gray’s household.

I enjoy returning to these characters and the setting with each book in the series. This well-paced story is atmospheric. The world-building was wonderful and felt accurate for the times. I also enjoyed learning more about how holidays have changed over time and gained some knowledge of printing in Victorian times. The mystery was somewhat straightforward with a twist or two, but the culprit was a little too easily discerned.

Overall, this was an entertaining and engaging historical mystery with diverse characterization. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Understanding how Mallory gets to this time in history is explained in depth in book one so I recommend starting with it. This is one of my favorite historical mystery series.

Subterranean Press and Kelley Armstrong provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 31, 2024.

Yay! This is a Christmas Novella in the "Rip in Time" series with a modern detective, Mallory, time & body swapped with a Victorian, Scottish housemaid & their, Catriona, who works in the household of a BIPOC investigative coroner, Dr Gray. (it works). I quite enjoyed this holiday interlude before the next major installment drops. My thanks to Net Galley & the Publisher for the DRC.

This is one of my favorite series, and I couldn't be more thrilled to revisit it with some of my favorite characters! Mallory Atkinson's first Christmas in Victorian Scotland is full of charm, intrigue, and just the right amount of holiday spirit—though in true historical fashion, it's all about Hogmanay. The historical details are spot-on, and I adore the dynamic between Mallory and Dr. Gray, which just keeps getting better and better!

This novella takes place shortly after Disturbing the Dead, and it's the perfect holiday treat to tide fans over until the next full-length book. The mystery is engaging, the writing is witty, and the interplay between the characters is as delightful as ever. The appearance of Charles Dickens is a fun bonus, and the blackmail plot adds an exciting twist. Armstrong’s 1869 Edinburgh is as richly detailed as ever, and the historical accuracy makes the setting come alive.And I have to say that I absolutely love the cover—seeing Mallory in her dual roles as both herself and Catriona is a fantastic touch!

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves time travel, Victorian-era stories, and well-crafted mysteries. If you haven't read the previous books, do yourself a favor and start from the beginning—you won't be disappointed!

A very cute holiday story in the Rip through Time world. A fun mystery. I always enjoy short stories in worlds I enjoy.

I loved it! This is my favorite author! This novella feels like a full novel since it has everything It's exciting to see Mallory witnessing historical events with modern eyes and deciding what to share with Gray. This is an excellent series!

I found myself really enjoying this little Christmas/Hogmanay novella. Sometimes this series can get a bit tedious, but this one was just a fun story that moved quickly.

I love this series, I can't get enough of it or any of Kelley Armstrongs books actually.  I haven't really found any I haven't liked. Mallory is celebrating her first Christmas in Victorian Scotland. Her employer Dr. Gray has gifted her and his sister tickets to see Dickens, where not only does she get to meet a dead man, but also is asked to help discreetly find a blackmailer. 

Filled with mystery, schemes and interesting observations about the differences between modern and victorian era ideals.  I love the characters and the quirkiness of life in the Gray household. Jack the new maid wearing dresses while working and dressed as a boy to navigate the streets at night. Gray's sister who is particularly gifted with poisons and Gray who is supposed to be an undertaker but dabbles in police investigation and forensics. 

You can find a little bit of romance, a scandalous mystery and a whole lot of fun in these pages.

This novella, Schemes and Scandals, is part of the Rip Through Time series by Kelley Armstrong. It is a short tale that will satisfy fans of this series until the next full installment arrives. Fans and readers will learn more about the character Jack and of course the growing relationship with Gray. Although the read is short, it does not disappoint in the relationship building between the four main characters as well as a mystery to be intrigued. For those new to the Rip Through Time series, start with A Rip in Time and quickly catch up!

I received an ARC ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Subterranean Press in exchange for an honest review.

It's always nice to check back in with old friends and this story doesn't disappoint. Mallory is now fully Gray's assistant and not the maid anymore. Disappointed to learn Christmas is not a big celebration in Scotland in 1869, but Hogsmanay is, Gray gives Mallory tickets to see Charles Dickens reading live. Her excitement does conflict with her knowledge of the future for Mr. Dickens and the bittersweet of it all. At this reading she is introduced to a wealthy lady Gray knows very well and is presented with a mystery she decides to help the woman solve. Together they solve the mystery with Gray taking a back seat to Mallory in the detection work. It's a quick read you won't want to put down. NetGalley and the publishers granted an early read for an honest opinion.

Schemes & Scandals was a nice little early holiday gift novela for fans of the series. I have been enjoying the author's Rip Through Time series which has a modern day police detective thrown back in time into the body of house maid in Vicorian era Scotland. Fortunately she's working for a man who is involved in the development of forensic science in that era and she's able to bring her skills to bear to aid in solving cases - mostly of the murderous variety though this time it's blackmail.

I really enjoyed seeing our out of time detective again work her magic and there were some fun little bits as she finds out she's not going to get the Victorian Christmas of her dreams as Christmas isn't really celebrated in Scotland in this era. Also fun is just the way that the cast is all clicking together at this point. I really liked this.

ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, Expected publication 0ctober 1 2024. This is an unpaid review.

This novella will keep me entertained until the next book in the series.

Mallory realizes she needs to fully adapt to her new era and home. Part of this involves knowing the future but keeping it a secret from those who aren’t aware. Hint: she meets one of her favorite classic authors.
The story explores the pornography of that time, and someone is blackmailing Dr. Gray’s former lover. Will Dr. Gray and Mallory take on the case and uncover the blackmailer’s identity? Will this reveal any private matters that Dr. Gray would prefer to keep hidden?

It’s 3 1/2 stars rounding up to 4 stars. The story was enjoyable, but being a short story, it lacked the usual gripping plot. However, it does provide closure for Dr. Gray and his ex-lover leaving the doorway more open for another love interest for Dr. Gray.

I want to thank NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the ARC for an honest review.

This was a fun and quick novella to pass the time while I wait for the next full installment of Mallory's adventures in Scotland. I enjoyed the Christmas/Hogmanay setting and the appearance of Dickens. I also appreciated how the novella dealt with some of Gray's background with Lady Inglis. I'll be honest and say I did guess at a few things and was correct, but still overall a good mystery and I can't wait for more of Mallory and Gray!

First off, Thank you so much to Net Galley and Subterranean Press for this ARC.

This was my favorite installment of the series so far. I feel like this one is for the Duncan-Mallory shippers out there, no spoilers, but if you love them, you would be missing out if you skipped this delightful novella, not to mention hilarious. There were so many laugh out loud moments for me. I feel like Kelley Armstrong played around so much with the time travel aspects, language and traditions of the time.

The case itself kept me fully invested and I liked how much Mallory and Duncan were able to work together. I liked getting to see more of Jack as well, her character is very intriguing to me. Charles Dickens’ appearance added an interesting element, and I hope to see more historical figures and learn even more about the time.

Armstrong does such a great job of pulling you into the story and making things feel real. The characters themselves are so endearing, you can’t help but love them all and want to go on more adventures with them. I honestly don’t want the series to ever end. I can’t wait to get my hands on book 4!

This novella has been an absolute delight to read! I will likely have to re-read it during the holidays, as that is when this is set to occur. I was not aware that Scotland did not celebrate Christmas, but I enjoyed learning this bit of history. I had never heard of Hogmanay and will be doing some research into that as it sounds intriguing.

I also enjoy the descriptions of the setting (excrement and all!) I liked that it was used to show the reader what the time was like. It seems that Kelley Armstrong has done a great deal of research into the period, which I genuinely appreciate.

I think my favorite part was the luncheon with Lady Inglis, during which Mallory was delightfully blunt. Her interactions with Gray are fantastic, and I'd be lying if I weren't hoping their friendship would blossom into something more than that. I also really enjoy Jack's character. She's a great counterpart to Mallory.

This novella also did not lack the wit that I have come to really appreciate in Kelley Armstrong's work. Dialogue is never lacking, and this novella follows suit.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This Novella will be released on October 1, 2024.*

#KelleyArmstrong #TimeTravel #Novela #NetGalley #ARC-Book-Read #SchemesScandals

This was a fast, fun novella that did not go the way I thought it would. I truly love this series but man I wish the slow burn would speed up.