Eight stars
After recently discovering the work of Kelley Armstrong, I found myself exploring another in this time travelling series, which proved to be just as exciting as the debut. Still trapped in 1869, Mallory Atkinson is forced to make the most of things, while pulled in to assist with a case of poisoning. What she and Dr. Gray will discover proves not only to be mysterious, but could lead to a string of other murders. This story's reference to two time periods proves highly effective. Kelley Armstrong remains top of her game with this novel!
After the as-yet unexplained situation that finds Mallory Atkinson stuck in 1869 Edinburgh, she is trying to adjust to her new life, using her experience as a homicide detective in modern-day Vancouver. While her employers have been read into her secret, she still appears outwardly to be Catrina Mitchell, a young housemaid in the home of Dr. Duncan Gray. Mallory has taken on the role as Dr. Gray's undertaker's assistant, but helps with his job as medical examiner job takes on during his spare time.
The latest case that has Dr. Gray curious is one that Mallory finds quite intriguing. A number of men have died due to a mysterious poison that has many wondering if the grieving widows might be responsible. This group of poisoners have apparently been secretly carrying the substance around in a ring. When Dr. Gray's oldest sister is accused as being one of the wives who have killed their husband, the case takes on a new level of intensity.
While the Victorian era supposes that poison is a women's greatest weapon, the case may be more complicated than it seems. Mallory will have to use her modern-day perspectives and the tools at her disposal in 1869 to decipher if this is a group or a single killer, as well as a motive that could explain the bodies. Working with Dr. Gray, they pull on the clues left at the various scenes and develop a theory, all while trying to sty one step ahead of the killer. Armstrong develops a great series and has the reader wondering where things are headed in short order.
I quickly found myself completely enthralled with another series by Kelley Armstrong, and could not get enough. This series feels quite different, but is just as addictive. Using great mentions of things from both time periods, the mystery is deeper and more intense. A strong narrative base moves the story forward, adding intrigue against a great setting. Armstrong knows how to develop the story so time is but a flavouring to the larger piece, rather than an impediment, which has me eager to see how things will continue with the next novel. Great characters who represent the era and complement the. Darkness that Victorian Edinburgh has come to represent.
Plot points are key to the story's success, using history to support some of the ideas that fuel the progression. While Mallory and Dr. Gray find themselves tackling some large mysteries, these are further muddied when twists emerge throughout the piece. With a story fairly cemented in 1869, the reader need not worry about two time periods, though there is the ongoing mystery about what Mallory will do to return and how she will be able to accomplish this. Armstrong has piqued my curiosity once more, with a novella waiting me next.
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for a great series that has wonderful aspects I enjoy.
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