A great Christmas edition of one of our favorite series. Laughed out loud when she decided that porn was a good hogamanny present!

Schemes & Scandals is book 3.5 in the spectacular A Rip Through Time series by Kelley Armstrong. If you love historical mysteries, this series is for you. If you love time slip, fish-out-of-water stories, it's for you, as well. I fell in love with Ms. Armstrong's characters since I started reading the first installment, and each is better than the last. You can enjoy this story without reading the previous books, but you'll be well served by knowing the backstory. This one is a quick novella which will help put you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season.

In 1869 Edinburgh, Mallory Atkinson, a twenty-first-century detective, is looking forward to her first Victorian Christmas. However, she quickly finds out that Christmas isn't a big thing in that era; the big celebration is Hogmanay, the last day of the year. Dr. Duncan Gray, her boss, treats her to an early seasonal gift of tickets to an author reading...by none other than Charles Dickens, one of her all-time favorites! At the reading they run into Lady Inglis, a beautiful widow who has been trying to get Gray back into her bed by writing him sexual letters. She introduces Mallory to Dickens, but wants a favor in return. Someone stole letters that she wrote to another lover, and she is being blackmailed; if she doesn't pay, the letters will be published. Mallory doesn't think.any woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray's help. With Gray's attitude, Mallory suspects he may have a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to solve the case, and hopefully things will be right with Gray so they can enjoy the holidays together.

This was basically a lighthearted novella, with a little blackmail thrown in. Mallory and Gray are usually trying to solve a murder, so it was a nice change of pace for them! This was an entertaining tale, though bittersweet. Mallory was beyond thrilled to hear Charles Dickens give a reading and to have him sign her favorite book, but she was heartbroken that she knew his soon-to-be fate. At this point Mallory is really getting settled into her new life in 1869 Edinburgh, but is occasionally still thrown for a loop, like finding out Christmas isn't much of a celebration at that time. She's also gotten comfortable in her new job as Dr. Gray's assistant as the two solve murders and other crimes. However, she's still trying to adjust to her changing feelings for Gray. There's a little discord between the two of them here, as Gray's former relationship with Lady Inglis causes them both to feel uncomfortable, and Mallory wants to know why. I simply adore the relationship between these two characters, and I like the change I feel coming. I was happy that my other favorite characters were here to celebrate the season with us, including Isla Ballantyne (Gray's widowed sister, a chemist), Detective Hugh McCreadie (Gray's friend since childhood and admirer of Isla), as well as Jack (the household's newest employee, a reporter disguised as a male but actually a young woman who's now their maid). Yes, Jack's persona is a little hard to keep up with at first! Though I loved this novella, I am beyond anxious having to wait for the next full-length novel!

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.

Oh how I adore this series! This was the perfect novella to continue the series and let us get to know Mallory even more. I loved that Mallory and Gray have continued to work closely but when are they finally gonna get together!? I love this budding relationship and can't wait to see where it goes next.

This novella, part of the Rip Through Time series, is set in the last days of 1869 in Edinburgh. The series premise is that a twenty-first century Canadian homicide detective finds herself stuck a good hundred and fifty years in the past, in the body of a housemaid ten years her junior. Fortunately for our protagonist, she is now part of a rather unusual household: Dr Duncan Gray owns a funeral parlor, and his widowed sister Isla is a chemist.

They also help the local police department solve crimes. As a treat.

Beware: discussions of racism and misogyny; ARC review.

Like the rest of the series, this novella is narrated in first person, present tense by Mallory, whose voice is the perfect mix of snarky humor and wonder at her current circumstances. After all, it is not every day that one gets to meet Charles Dickens, is it?

Mallory's ruminations about the world around her will resonate with readers who enjoy history beyond period dramas; as she is still a relative newcomer to Victorian Edinburgh, her internal dialogue is as heavy with social commentary on misogyny, both in the past and the present, as it is with thoughts on the problem at hand.

From struggles with voluminous skirts to working to set boundaries in her professional relationship with Duncan, and from code-switching depending on the company she finds herself in, the past comes alive here in a way that is very relatable to modern sensibilities.

Speaking of which, I very much appreciate the research behind the worldbuilding, and the author's note at the beginning that grounds the story in the historical period; this made the scene where Mallory meets Dickens all the more meaningful.

For fans of the series, there is quite a bit of development in Mallory's and Duncan's personal relationship, as well as tantalizing hints about Isla's and Hugh's own budding romance.

Which brings me to the usual question: how much series context is too much?

When writing episodic book series--meaning, the story follows the same main character or a core group of characters, through a series of adventures, and there may or may not be an overarching plot thread to be solved eventually--authors must weigh how much of the premise of the series to include in each entry. There must be enough information and worldbuilding that readers new to the series don't feel so lost they give up, but not so much that long time readers grow tired of the repetition. This is only more important when writing a mid-series novella, with the much tighter word-count.

In "Schemes & Scandals", the author provides a very condensed yet thorough recap of the series premise, making the references to previous events self-contained enough not to clutter this story, but also potentially intriguing enough for new readers to look up the previous books.

The mystery is well laid out, and the investigation layered, as so much of it hinges on cultural norms and human nature; the solution is both satisfactory and bittersweet.

I inhaled this novella, and can't wait for the next book in the series.

"Schemes & Scandals" gets a 9.00 out of 10

Mallory is entering her first holiday in the world of Victorian Scotland. However the holiday is not about Christmas but the Scottish holiday of Hogmanay. Duncan gives her a special gift and she is thrilled to be at a reading by Charles Dickens. Thrilled with the opportunity, it is bittersweet as she realizes the timing is less than a year until his death. The introduction to Mr. Dickens was made possible through a friend of Duncan's, Lady Inglis. Invited to luncheon the next day, Mallory learns that the Lady is being blackmailed and so she, with Duncan's assistant, takes the case. Another winner in this series.

I love Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time series. Time travel, mystery, detectives, and the characters - so good! I was so excited to get a copy of the newest novella, and it didn’t disappoint! This quick read followed Mallory and Gray as they work a case for Grey’s former lover who’s being blackmailed over her private correspondence. This was. Super quick ne easy read and I love that it gave us a bit more of Mallory and Grey- I love their relationship building and can’t wait to see why happens next!

I cannot express how much I love this series! Mallory is such a rad character! Let me backtrack a little, because of all the characters in this series are amazing. They’re so fleshed out, it’s impressive. And with every story, we get a little more insight into each of them. One of my favorite things about this one is that we got a little visit from Charles Dickens. It’s such a small part of the story, but I loved it! As a kid, I was obsessed with A Christmas Carol to the point that I’ve since devoured every film adaption of it. What great writing that Ms. Armstrong can evoke such a strong memory! Overall, the story was amazing (as always). It’s not necessarily a must read for the entire series to make sense, but I do suggest it. It opens up a lot more between the primary characters that may be missed in future books. Meaning, it may feel like you missed a step when you get to book 4. And speaking of book 4, I can’t wait! I love this series so much!

Huge thanks to Subterranean Press and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for this digital ARC. This novella is book 3.5 in The Rip Through Time series. While you could read this as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with book one! You will not regret it.

Mallory and Duncan are invited to a reading by Charles Dickens... and Mallory can't wait to take this amazing opportunity. Duncan is propositioned by Lady Inglis, a former lover, to help resolve the mystery of being blackmailed. While reluctant to help, Duncan and Mallory are soon embroiled in another mystery.

In the Rip Through Time series, Mallory was attacked in Scotland in the present time, and wakes up in 1869 Edinburgh. In Schemes & Scandals, Mallory will experience her first Christmas in Scotland only to discover in 1869 they celebrate Hogmanay. The big excitement for Mallory is the opportunity to see Charles Dickens. Of course there is a mystery to solve, but it is just so much fun to find out so much history that appears in this series.

Schemes & Scandals, by Kelley Armstrong, takes place between books # 3 and # 4 releasing next year. The year is 1869 Edinburgh, Scotland. Mallory Atkinson, a Detective from the present, is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. She has spent the past 7 months in the past and has grown accustomed to being in the body of a younger woman.

This story takes place before and after Christmas and Hogmanay which is the last day of the year. Apparently, Christmas was once banned in Scotland. In 1640, the Scottish Parliament passed a law making Christmas celebrations illegal and punishable by imprisonment. The law was part of the Scottish Reformation, which began when Scotland split from the Catholic papacy. However, Christmas celebrations began to ease back in from the 18th century but remained rare in public until December 25th became a public holiday in Scotland in 1958.

Boxing Day and New Year's Day became public holidays in 1974. I digress! So, Dr. Duncan Gray and his sister Isla decide to give Mallory a present. The present is tickets to see Charles Dickens's farewell tour. Mallory, raised by a teacher and grew up on Dicken's work, is eager to meet the man and even brings a book for him to sign. However, during this time, a woman named Lady Inglis approaches Mallory and Duncan to help her with a sticky situation. The situation is that someone took some intimate letters she shared with one of her possible suitors.

With a bit of help from Jack, who is now working for Duncan while also writing a series about Mallory and Duncan's exploits, investigate who could have motives and means to cause damage to Inglis's reputation. The most interesting thing about this story is that Mallory gets to meet and talk to a man who will likely die shortly after she meets him. Can you imagine? Being able to go back in time for a day, or two, and meeting the author that you grew up with, and have him or her sign a book for you that makes the book priceless? For me, the mystery was solved when the author introduced several characters.

"It's Mallory Atkinson's first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn't a thing in Victorian Scotland. It's all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. There, 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.

Mallory isn't sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray's help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.

Note this is not a full-length novel. It's a novella set after Disturbing the Dead."

Hogmanay and Dickens!?! That's the kind of holiday season I approve of. Heartily.

In case you didn't already know, I'm kinda obsessed with the A Rip Through Time series by @kelleyarmstrongauthor and while I've been (im)patiently waiting for the next book in the series, I saw that there was a new novella coming out this month(10/31) - and I knew I had to read it! Kelley Armstrong is such a versatile author and I love this series because it combines many of my favorite elements - time travel, mystery and a slow burn romance(okay it's super sloow!).⁣
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Schemes & Scandals takes us back to Victorian era Scotland with Mallory Atkinson as she's finally settling into her life here - after traveling through time and ending up in the body of a housemaid! It's Christmas time but that actually wasn't celebrated much then and the focus is one Hogmanay - but Mallory is looking forward to enjoying the festivities. When they go to a Charles Dickens reading - an early gift from Duncan, they end up running into Lady Inglis, Duncan's former lover(how awkward because he's so uncomfortable lol💀) - and she requests their help as she's being blackmailed by someone.⁣
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I love all of the characters in this series - especially Mallory because she's such an amazing protagonist! She's witty, smart and tenacious but she has her own weaknesses too. I'm eagerly waiting for more romance between her and Duncan 🤞 hopefully in the next book. But in the meantime I did love learning more about him and his past. I loved the mystery and how this novella had a lot of things packed into it without feeling too short or rushed! It was perfect for my mood and I finished reading it in one sitting!⁣
Highly recommend this one - and the whole series(best read in order!) if you're a fan of time travel and historical mysteries! You'll definitely not be disappointed!

Yay! This is a Holiday (no Christmas in Scotland yet) Novella in the "Rip in Time" series with a modern detective, Mallory, time & body swapped with a Victorian housemaid Catriona, who works in the household of a BIPOC investigative coroner, Dr Duncan Gray. (it works). I quite enjoyed this holiday interlude before the next major installment drops & my favorite part was the meeting with Charles Dickens and I also liked that this one was a non-murder mystery. My thanks to Net Galley & the Publisher for the advance reader's copy.

4.5/5 stars

A delightful novella in the time travel series, I really enjoyed this one set around Mallory's first Christmas in Victorian Edinburgh and showcasing Duncan's former love, Lady Inglis.

Mallory and Duncan are asked to uncover the identity of a blackmailer and recover risqué love letters between Lady Inglis and a friend with benefits. The villain wants a payoff, or the letters will be released to the press.

I loved that this storyline was a bit awkward to navigate for Mallory and Duncan personally and that surprisingly Mallory was the one who was adamant about helping Lady Inglis in her difficulties. I also commend the author on something that I think must be very difficult to achieve with a novella...presenting a clear, concise and thorough story that leaves the reader happy and satisfied. I didn't feel rushed or left hanging but simply entertained. Well done!

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Subterranean Press for providing the free early arc of Schemes & Scandals for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart


Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 hearts

I am always surprised but delighted when I read a new book in the A Rip Through Time series. Even with about half the size of a full novel, Kelley Armstrong does not disappoint. Of course, it helps to read the series in order, both so one is aware of the history with the characters and relationships but also because they are some of the best books I read each year.

Schemes & Scandals begins as a holiday story with Mallory wanting to celebrate Christmas and trying to determine the best gifts for Isla and Gray. Gray gets them an early gifts of tickets to hear Charles Dickens read, which is a real treat. There Lady Inglis asks them to visit her; she needs their help.

The case is interesting and shows much about the position of women in this Victorian time and the casual entitlement of some men. There are also the discussions about Gray's relationship with Lady Inglis he has with Mallory with some reluctance but to share the truth.

I enjoyed this so much. I am a big fan of Dickens. It was fun to learn about holidays in Victorian Scotland, both Christmas and Hogmaney. There's the clever solving of the mystery of who is blackmailing Lady Inglis. Everything is engaging and easy to read.

Blackmail, Lords and Ladies!

Not as exciting as previous titles but an interesting novella if like me you’ve been following the series.
Mallory Mitchell, our 21st century detective who’s found herself trapped in a rather buxom maid’s body, Catriona, in Victorian Edinburgh, is taking up a case to do with the blackmailing of Dr. Duncan Gray’s ex lover and companion, Lady Patricia Inglis.
Lady Patricia is being blackmailed over letters of a ‘sensual’ nature sent to a friend with benefits. Only they were stolen from him. The blackmailer is threatening to have the letters published by Hogmanay if his payment demands aren’t met.
One of best moment was when Mallory meets Charles Dickens, a hero of hers. This raises a heap of other realisations for Mallory.
Another great addition to the series with the requisite mystery and a look at the traditions around Christmas and Hogmanay in Victorian Scotland.

A Subterranean Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Schemes & Scandals by Kelley Armstrong
A Rip Through Time series #3.5. Historical time travel holiday mystery. Best read in series order.
Mallory Atkinson is ready to celebrate Christmas however in Victorian Scotland, it’s currently not outlawed but also not a thing celebrated. Instead Hogmanay, the last day of the year, is celebrated with gifts, a meal with family and friends and fireworks. Dr. Duncan Gray gives Mallory an early gift to an event of a Charles Dickens reading performance. Mallory is excited to meet one of her favorite authors. Even though she is from the future, she still loves the stories of Dickens.
While at the performance, she and Gray run into a former lover of Gray’s, Lady Inglis who asks them to investigate the theft and blackmail of love letters she’s written to a long time friend. They have until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer and ease the tension Gray has from seeing his former crush.

Mallory is from current time and must work within historical equipment and science to be the detective she is at home. Only a few people know her secret. Everyone else knows her as a young and curvy beautiful blonde that may not fit the image of the undertaker’s assistant.
Mallory is smart and asks questions of the house staff, former valet and more to figure out who stole the letters.
A wonderful mystery with a bit of humor and smart investigative work by an out-of-time detective. The story is vivid and engaging. Mallory has a firm grasp of history where I’d be totally lost. Especially outside my own country.
Fantastic series.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.

Schemes & Scandals by Kelley Armstrong is a novella in the Rip Through Time series. I already love the original series and now there is a little interlude featuring the holidays, Charles Dickens and a blackmail crime? Count me in!

This is a very charming story featuring Mallory who is a 21st century detective trapped in the younger body of an 1860s assistant, her progressive boss, Gray, and his good-hearted sister, Isla. Armstrong makes a point to research and make the time period as realistic as possible for a fictional tale. It’s not surprising that class divides, women’s control of their own actions, and keeping up appearances all make a showing here, even in this fun story.

The mystery was intriguing, the setting and pacing were perfect. I loved the inclusion of another one of my favorite authors, Charles Dickens. Not only did it help set the holiday season stage at a time when Christmas wasn’t celebrated much in Scotland, it offered some good insight into what might be both the good and bad of being transported to a different time period.

Although it could stand alone as a short introduction to the series, it would likely be more meaningful to start at the beginning of the series.
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next one! As always, thank you to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the eARC.

Terrific novella set in the world of the A Rip Through Times series. The mystery is compelling, and the Christmas-time setting adds an enjoyable sense of fun and joy. A great addition to a great series.

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.