A Twist in Time

I am really fascinated in time-travel stories. Alas, often times they do not appeal to me. However, McElwain’s Kendra Donavan’s time travel is convincing and vivid. In A Murder in Time, FBI Agent Kendra has a disastrous raid where many members of her team is murdered and she uncovers a mole in the agency. She flees from the assassin and is pulled back in time…to the early nineteenth century. Then things from there get really interesting….

I was so delighted when the second book, A Twist in Time was available for reviewers to pick up. I was anxiously waiting to read about Kendra and the supporting characters again. What a wonderful cast of mixed characters. I love the central story-line and how the characters face the challenges together in solving the crime. There are also class distinctions in the story and I found that story-line intertwined intriguingly and blends perfectly with the main plot.

In England at that time there was no real police force in place. Only a loose network of constables, magistrates, sheriffs, bailiffs, bow street runners and watchmen. Then there was the class system-as I mentioned above-that made questioning peers and their servants about on-going investigations and murder difficult. People seemed to be appalled that a peer could commit such a heinous act. That is brilliantly told in this story.

I believe the plot came together nicely and there was strong character development. Which is vital in storytelling. The profanity is lesser in this book than the first and I was appreciative of that fact.
I do recommend reading the first book before diving into this one. I rated this book four stars and I do hope there will be another Kendra Donavon story.

I obtained a review copy from the publishers through NetGalley for an honest review.
Stephanie M. Hopkins

What an extraordinary series this is! I read the first book last year as part of the Library Reads program - when I saw the sequel on here, I jumped at the chance to request it... McElwain writes a brilliant tale - the characters are a delightful mix of eccentricity and relatable humanity; the setting is gorgeously painted; the plot and mysteries are well-woven and engaging.

I am a sucker for time-travel, so she had me from the get-go. Add to that a very strong, compelling heroine and a supporting cast that resonates with familiarity yet never feels stereotyped or stale, and you have the beginning of something grand. This second book sees our fearless heroine, Kendra, still a resident of Aldridge Castle - and once again drawn into a murder that she is uniquely positioned to help solve. The ongoing challenges she faces as she tries to force her modern, American, sensibilities and crime-solving techniques into Regency England are very well handled. Her frustration is palpable, and her restraint more than admirable - even if she, herself, might feel it is not as well managed as she (or those around her) would like... The love interest plot line (if you haven't read the first book, I don't want to spoil anything, so won't say more) is delicately managed and doesn't distract - or detract - from the mystery or the history, which is nice. Too often, authors seem to try to blend too many genres; McElwain manages to make this a time traveling historical fiction police procedural with a romantic under-core - without over- or under-playing any of those elements. No small feat, that... It helps that her writing style is so engaging and her stories so eminently readable - these are books you jump into with both feet, and ones you hate to see end... I cannot wait to see where Kendra's tale goes next, and truly hope there are many more books to come!

Ahhhhhh! When I found out there'd be a second Kendra Donovan book, I got so excited! It exceeded my expectations! I love Kendra's complex character and her navigating through early 1800's English Ton aristocratic idiosyncrasies. I love Alec the Duke and how they try so hard to understand and meet Kendra halfway. And the murder mystery! I didn't know who the killer was till the very end. A must-read! Can't wait to read the next Kendra installment.

Will leave review on a Goodreads and Amazon

I enjoyed the first book and so, came to this one with a little trepidation - would it live up to the promise of the premise of book one? It did, and with a great deal of panache. Loved the mystery plot - it was twisty and satisfying, but more than that, loved the character development as we see Kendra beginning to grapple with how she will have to adjust if she is to remain in Regency England, unable to return to her former life. I was not disappointed and will certainly consider book three (please please) a must read.