Cocktails & Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong was the perfect novella in the Rip Through Time series to hold me over until the next release. When Mallory follows the parlor maid, she ends up in a spot of trouble in this clever short story.
by Kelley Armstrong
Series: A Rip Through Time #2.5
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
For modern-day detective Mallory Atkinson, being trapped in the body of Victorian housemaid means overcoming endless obstacles. Her current challenge is winning over the suspicious young parlormaid, Alice. Mallory's plan starts with teaching the girl to make Molotov cocktails, which is a perfectly valid science experiment and not at all a desperate ploy to gain Alice's attention. Before the lesson can begin, though, Alice receives a letter that has her slipping off in the night. Concerned for her safety--and naturally curious--Mallory follows. Mallory finds Alice at what seems like a simple dance hall, watching young men and women flirting and whirling in pretty dresses and dapper suitcoats. But nothing here is what is seems, and what starts as a simple surveillance exercise turns into a full-scale spy mission with Mallory's boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, at her side. Before the evening is done, those Molotov cocktails are probably going to come in handy.
The Rip Through Time series features a modern-day detective whose trapped in the body of Victorian housemaid. She is employed by Dr. Duncan Gray, an undertaker often employed by the local constabulary’s office. Mallory ends up helping to solve cases.
It seems Mallory has a plan to win over the parlor maid Alice, by teaching her to make Molotov cocktails, but a late arriving letter has the girl sneaking out of the house, and Mallory follows. She is joined by Dr. Grey and what they uncover leads to trouble for Mallory. She’ll need to use her wits to get out of this jam.
While I always prefer a full-length story, Armstrong pulled me in and held me captive as this story unfolded. We learn a bit more about the body she inhabits and of Alice. We also see the darker sides of Victorian Scotland and what men will do for greed.
It isn’t necessary to have read the previous books, but I highly recommend reading from the beginning. Not just to learn about Mallory, but also because of the relationships she has built. Some know her secret and others do not.
Perfect for fans of mysteries, time travel and historical fiction.
Cocktails & Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong delivers a suspenseful novella in the Rip Through Time series perfect for fans and new readers. #bookreview #SubterraneanPress Share on XAbout Kelley Armstrong
Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed. Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I’m very rarely tempted by time travel stories but this one is really calling me! I can’t wait to read this author in 2024.
Kimberly
This is an excellent series to start with since it also involves mysteries/murder-mysteries.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I love this series so much. This was a well-developed story but I was worried aboutr Mallory being over confidant and running into trouble. Dr Gray certainly did.
Kimberly
LOL, yes, as if being from the future makes you smarter or safer.
Sophia Rose
I enjoyed the series opener and then dropped the ball. I need to get caught up. Even the tweeny novella sounds great.
Kimberly
Yes…you need to catch up Sophia!
sherry fundin
I have read some time travel, but it was the title that gave me pause. LOL Good one.
Kimberly
Indeed, I imagine it would!
DEBBIE HAUPT
What an interestingly unique premise for a series Kimberly I’ve seen a review or two of this series and I am definitely going to check it out. Thanks
Kimberly
This series is a lot of fun and the full-length ones have a good mystery to solve in each book.