I was excited to return to the Rip Through Time series with Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong. This is the third mystery novel about modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson, who solves cases in Victorian era Scotland with the handsome undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray. A fantastic case and reveals.
by Kelley Armstrong
Series: A Rip Through Time #3
Genres: Historical, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Disturbing the Dead is the latest in a unique series with one foot in the 1890s and the other in the present day. The A Rip Through Time crime novels are a genre-blending, atmospheric romp from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.
Victorian Scotland is becoming less strange to modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson. Though inhabiting someone else’s body will always be unsettling, even if her employers know that she’s not actually housemaid Catriona Mitchell, ever since the night both of them were attacked in the same dark alley 150 years apart. Mallory likes her job as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray, and is developing true friends―and feelings―in this century.
So, understanding the Victorian fascination with death, Mallory isn't that surprised when she and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing when it comes time to unwrap the mummy, Gray and Mallory are asked to step in. And upon closer inspection, it’s not a mummy they’ve unwrapped, but a much more modern body.
I absolutely love spending time in Victorian Scotland with Mallory, Duncan, Isla and Hugh. They make quite the team as they solve murders. I would love to take tea with them in the afternoon and discuss clues while enjoying cakes.
Disturbing the Dead proved to be an interesting story with a murder-mystery, Egyptian mummy and clever plot twists with the murder at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. Armstrong weaved in historical fact, women’s issues and the plunder of Egypt into the tale.
As you know Mallory is trapped in the body of housemaid Catriona Mitchell. Fans of the series will be excited to learn we are enlightened about what happened and how Mallory handles it. Another side thread that wove in nicely was about local serials depicting their adventures.
With recent discoveries, the romantic thread shows more promise. I didn’t dare to hope, but am excited to find out what develops. While each book in this series has its own unique murder mystery, I recommend reading them in order.
I was a tad worried that this might be the last of our adventures with Mallory, Duncan, his sister, Isla, and Detective Hugh because of events surrounding Mallory’s time-slip, but every indication suggests we will get more mysteries and romance. I for one cannot wait!
About 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
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
You’re right, it would be super interesting to join in their tea time discussions. I enjoyed this book and all the twists and the underground market.
Katherine
This series just keeps sounding better and I’ve usually avoided time travel. I really loved the one book I read by Armstrong and can’t wait to read more by her.
Carla
I’m so glad to hear this is another wonderful addition to the series. I love the premise of these books and am looking forward to another trip to Victorian Scotland as well. Great review, Kimberly.
ER LeVar
Ooh, I love the concept of someone contemporary stepping back into this Victorian age? And to solve murders, too?? Sign me up!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I love this series too. I hope we get many more.
Nadene
The cover is awesome.
Jessica @ a GREAT read
OOoh nice! I can’t wait to read this one as I finally got caught up with the last book just a few weeks ago! Now I just need to do the same with her other series…and read about 2-3 other series of hers and a few novella collections, plus a dozen or so standalones and then I am finally caught up with all her work! Lol.
I was wondering if this would be the final book or not but glad to hear there will be another adventure two still to go! As soon as I heard Egypt in this one I became all sorts of excited! Now it’s just a matter of how long my copy will take to get to me! Great review!