Book Review: A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong

Release date: May 31st 2022

Goodreads

4.5 stars

As someone who has been reading and blogging on and off since the early 2010's, I consider Kelley Armstrong a classic, one of the pillars, best of, holy grails of the genre (fantasy, paranormal, mystery etc). So I knew going into this story I'd get solid, smart, beautiful, interesting reading. And I was not disappointed!

This was a mystery-crime-time travel-historical fiction-gothic-fantasy book, which is not my go-to genre, but I loved every second of it!

When Mallory Atkins passed through time to 19th century Scotland, I expected some floundering, as it happens with time travel stories. But no, not here, not this girl! Her 'jump' from modern day Canadian detective to Victorian Edinburgh maid was tricky, startling, but somehow it seemed seamless, believable. She didn't lose time in denial, lost and panicked. She adapted and made the best she could of the situation.

Despite the somber vibe of the story, she still managed to have a positive, sometimes even snarky voice. And it felt like she was talking TO the reader, like we were her accomplices from the modern world, navigating the streets, concepts, history and prejudice of the past. I'd add her up there with the rest of our badass FMC, she took no sh*t from anyone, despite her new role!✊️

She made friends, discovered enemies, tried to solve crimes and find puzzle pieces, all while keeping the façade of the maid. Watching her adjusting her speech and getting hold back by 'layers of skirts' was hilarious!

There's clearly some research into the background story and it helped make things more natural and realistic. I don't know how much of that world was real, but it FELT real, so I don't care.

As for the plot, it's what kept me up past my bedtime. Well done, moved smoothly, kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat until the end. And I needed more!

There is potential for romance, but it's subtle and it will probably take a while to develop, considering the character's 'roles'.💙

A bit slow paced sometimes, which is why it's not a sold 5 stars, but a great read overall that I'd recommend to anyone, as it has a bit of everything and a unique story!

*Thank you @netgalley for the ARC!

I squeeze my eyes shut. Great. My thoughts have metamorphosed from lazily fluttering fireflies to a hive of bees, buzzing about, stingers at the ready.

_

An opportunity to experience police work in a past century. A chance to work with a pioneer of forensic science. This is how I could bide my time without losing myself in a gibbering endless panic that I’ll never get back home...

_

He finishes scrubbing and drying his hands, strides into a side room, rummages in a wardrobe, and pulls out . . . Oh my God, it’s a Sherlock Holmes coat. Lightweight tweed with a cape around the shoulders and upper arms. It’s gorgeously tailored, which I’m beginning to realize just means a normal piece of middle-class clothing in a world where most is still handmade. I’m reaching for it when I pause.

“That didn’t come from a client, did it?” I ask.

“Client?”

“Of the nonliving variety?”

_

When I pause, his brows knit. Then a look of horror passes through his dark eyes. “If you think I am attempting anything untoward, I assure you—”

“No, no. You give me no concern on that front, Dr. Gray.”

And that’s a damn shame.

The thought comes unbidden, and I shove it back with as much horror as he just felt.