What do you think?
Rate this book
A Rip Through Time #3.5
Schemes & Scandals
It’s Mallory Atkinson’s first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland, that is. Also, as the twenty-first-century detective learns, Christmas really isn’t a thing in Victorian Scotland. It’s all about Hogmanay. But her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, treats her to an early gift of tickets to the event of the season: a Charles Dickens reading. There, they bump into Lady Inglis—the lovely widow who has sent Gray sexy letters trying to entice him back to her bed.
Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She’s being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.
Mallory isn’t sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray’s help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.
Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens—the meeting of a lifetime—but in return she wants their help. She’s being blackmailed. Someone stole letters she wrote to another lover and is threatening to publish them.
Mallory isn’t sure what to make of Lady Inglis, but no woman deserves that, so she insists on taking the case with or without Gray’s help. Growing tension between them soon tells Mallory that Gray is hiding a secret of his own. She has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer…and, hopefully, to put things right with Gray so they can enjoy the holiday together.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published December 3, 2024
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
282 books32.5k followersKelley 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
September 13, 2024
Kelley Armstrong combines a mystery and a time travel aspect in a historical setting in this novella in the Rip Through Time series which fits between books three and four. If you’re in the mood for a historical mystery that doesn’t involve murder and that is set in December, then look no further than this one.
Mallory is a character with plenty of depth over the course of the series. She’s hardworking, kind, relatable, curious, impulsive, and makes for a strong female protagonist that readers can cheer on. However, she is also an independent thinker unafraid to speak her mind which isn’t normal for women in Victorian times. Her bluntness and intelligence are highlighted in this novella. Gray is passionate about his work, enthusiastic, confident, and occasionally relaxed and teasing. He is forward-thinking for Victorian times and that is the aspect of his personality that comes through in this story-line. Since this is so short, many of the regular characters only show up briefly. However, readers get more insight into Jack, who is working for Gray’s household.
I enjoy returning to these characters and the setting with each book in the series. This well-paced story is atmospheric. The world-building was wonderful and felt accurate for the times. I also enjoyed learning more about how holidays have changed over time and gained some knowledge of printing in Victorian times. The mystery was somewhat straightforward with a twist or two, but the culprit was a little too easily discerned.
Overall, this was an entertaining and engaging historical mystery with diverse characterization. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Understanding how Mallory gets to this time in history is explained in depth in book one so I recommend starting with it. This is one of my favorite historical mystery series.
Subterranean Press and Kelley Armstrong provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 31, 2024.
-----------------------------
My 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Mallory is a character with plenty of depth over the course of the series. She’s hardworking, kind, relatable, curious, impulsive, and makes for a strong female protagonist that readers can cheer on. However, she is also an independent thinker unafraid to speak her mind which isn’t normal for women in Victorian times. Her bluntness and intelligence are highlighted in this novella. Gray is passionate about his work, enthusiastic, confident, and occasionally relaxed and teasing. He is forward-thinking for Victorian times and that is the aspect of his personality that comes through in this story-line. Since this is so short, many of the regular characters only show up briefly. However, readers get more insight into Jack, who is working for Gray’s household.
I enjoy returning to these characters and the setting with each book in the series. This well-paced story is atmospheric. The world-building was wonderful and felt accurate for the times. I also enjoyed learning more about how holidays have changed over time and gained some knowledge of printing in Victorian times. The mystery was somewhat straightforward with a twist or two, but the culprit was a little too easily discerned.
Overall, this was an entertaining and engaging historical mystery with diverse characterization. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Understanding how Mallory gets to this time in history is explained in depth in book one so I recommend starting with it. This is one of my favorite historical mystery series.
Subterranean Press and Kelley Armstrong provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for October 31, 2024.
-----------------------------
My 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
December 9, 2024
3.5 rounded up- a quick series novella, in between read that advanced the characters primarily with a bit of light mystery. Along with our FMC, I learned about Hogmanay in Scotland and that Christmas used to be banned there!
October 23, 2024
Kelley Armstrong can do nothing wrong in my book! I love her A Rip Through Time series and Schemes & Scandals is a wonderful, riveting, and gripping addiction to that addictive series. I love the characters, the Victorian time period, the atmosphere, the time travel aspect and the mystery in this series (and this book.).
Some background:
Mallory Atkinson was a modern-day homicide detective who found herself transported back in time and into the body of a young woman living in Victorian, Scotland after an attack. Now she is employed by Dr. Duncan Gray and becomes his assistant.
In Schemes & Scandals, Mallory will experience her first Christmas in Scotland (which isn't celebrated at that time) Hogmanay is the holiday that is celebrated and Gray's gift to her is seeing Charles Dickens (yes, that Charles Dickens) doing a reading. There they are approached by Gray's former lover, Lady Inglis, who informs them that she needs their help as she is being blackmailed.
As I mentioned I love this series. I have enjoyed watching as Mallory attempts to adjust to the Victorian time period, and how the Gray household copes with her being outspoken and clever. The mystery in this book was interesting and I enjoyed watching as Mallory and Gray did their best to uncover the identity of the blackmailer.
As with the other books in this series, this book was atmospheric, gripping, tense, wonderfully written, well thought out, and captivating. The characters are well fleshed out, likeable, and interesting.
If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for????? Seriously, it's a wonderful historical mystery series! I love going back in time and being with Gray, Mallory, and everyone else in the Gray household. This book was a joy to read and has me looking forward to reading what comes next for Gray and Mallory.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Some background:
Mallory Atkinson was a modern-day homicide detective who found herself transported back in time and into the body of a young woman living in Victorian, Scotland after an attack. Now she is employed by Dr. Duncan Gray and becomes his assistant.
In Schemes & Scandals, Mallory will experience her first Christmas in Scotland (which isn't celebrated at that time) Hogmanay is the holiday that is celebrated and Gray's gift to her is seeing Charles Dickens (yes, that Charles Dickens) doing a reading. There they are approached by Gray's former lover, Lady Inglis, who informs them that she needs their help as she is being blackmailed.
As I mentioned I love this series. I have enjoyed watching as Mallory attempts to adjust to the Victorian time period, and how the Gray household copes with her being outspoken and clever. The mystery in this book was interesting and I enjoyed watching as Mallory and Gray did their best to uncover the identity of the blackmailer.
As with the other books in this series, this book was atmospheric, gripping, tense, wonderfully written, well thought out, and captivating. The characters are well fleshed out, likeable, and interesting.
If you have not read this series, what are you waiting for????? Seriously, it's a wonderful historical mystery series! I love going back in time and being with Gray, Mallory, and everyone else in the Gray household. This book was a joy to read and has me looking forward to reading what comes next for Gray and Mallory.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 22, 2024
This is one of my favorite series, and I couldn't be more thrilled to revisit it with some of my favorite characters! Mallory Atkinson's first Christmas in Victorian Scotland is full of charm, intrigue, and just the right amount of holiday spirit—though in true historical fashion, it's all about Hogmanay. The historical details are spot-on, and I adore the dynamic between Mallory and Dr. Gray, which just keeps getting better and better!
This novella takes place shortly after Disturbing the Dead, and it's the perfect holiday treat to tide fans over until the next full-length book. The mystery is engaging, the writing is witty, and the interplay between the characters is as delightful as ever. The appearance of Charles Dickens is a fun bonus, and the blackmail plot adds an exciting twist. Armstrong’s 1869 Edinburgh is as richly detailed as ever, and the historical accuracy makes the setting come alive.And I have to say that I absolutely love the cover—seeing Mallory in her dual roles as both herself and Catriona is a fantastic touch!
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves time travel, Victorian-era stories, and well-crafted mysteries. If you haven't read the previous books, do yourself a favor and start from the beginning—you won't be disappointed!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This novella takes place shortly after Disturbing the Dead, and it's the perfect holiday treat to tide fans over until the next full-length book. The mystery is engaging, the writing is witty, and the interplay between the characters is as delightful as ever. The appearance of Charles Dickens is a fun bonus, and the blackmail plot adds an exciting twist. Armstrong’s 1869 Edinburgh is as richly detailed as ever, and the historical accuracy makes the setting come alive.And I have to say that I absolutely love the cover—seeing Mallory in her dual roles as both herself and Catriona is a fantastic touch!
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves time travel, Victorian-era stories, and well-crafted mysteries. If you haven't read the previous books, do yourself a favor and start from the beginning—you won't be disappointed!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 2, 2024
Schemes & Scandals by Kelley Armstrong
A Rip Through Time series #3.5. Historical time travel holiday mystery. Best read in series order.
Mallory Atkinson is ready to celebrate Christmas however in Victorian Scotland, it’s currently not outlawed but also not a thing celebrated. Instead Hogmanay, the last day of the year, is celebrated with gifts, a meal with family and friends and fireworks. Dr. Duncan Gray gives Mallory an early gift to an event of a Charles Dickens reading performance. Mallory is excited to meet one of her favorite authors. Even though she is from the future, she still loves the stories of Dickens.
While at the performance, she and Gray run into a former lover of Gray’s, Lady Inglis who asks them to investigate the theft and blackmail of love letters she’s written to a long time friend. They have until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer and ease the tension Gray has from seeing his former crush.
Mallory is from current time and must work within historical equipment and science to be the detective she is at home. Only a few people know her secret. Everyone else knows her as a young and curvy beautiful blonde that may not fit the image of the undertaker’s assistant.
Mallory is smart and asks questions of the house staff, former valet and more to figure out who stole the letters.
A wonderful mystery with a bit of humor and smart investigative work by an out-of-time detective. The story is vivid and engaging. Mallory has a firm grasp of history where I’d be totally lost. Especially outside my own country.
Fantastic series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
A Rip Through Time series #3.5. Historical time travel holiday mystery. Best read in series order.
Mallory Atkinson is ready to celebrate Christmas however in Victorian Scotland, it’s currently not outlawed but also not a thing celebrated. Instead Hogmanay, the last day of the year, is celebrated with gifts, a meal with family and friends and fireworks. Dr. Duncan Gray gives Mallory an early gift to an event of a Charles Dickens reading performance. Mallory is excited to meet one of her favorite authors. Even though she is from the future, she still loves the stories of Dickens.
While at the performance, she and Gray run into a former lover of Gray’s, Lady Inglis who asks them to investigate the theft and blackmail of love letters she’s written to a long time friend. They have until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer and ease the tension Gray has from seeing his former crush.
Mallory is from current time and must work within historical equipment and science to be the detective she is at home. Only a few people know her secret. Everyone else knows her as a young and curvy beautiful blonde that may not fit the image of the undertaker’s assistant.
Mallory is smart and asks questions of the house staff, former valet and more to figure out who stole the letters.
A wonderful mystery with a bit of humor and smart investigative work by an out-of-time detective. The story is vivid and engaging. Mallory has a firm grasp of history where I’d be totally lost. Especially outside my own country.
Fantastic series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
October 10, 2024
I love Kelley Armstrong’s books and this series is one of my favorites (how could I not love a series with a heroine that shares my name?). My only problem with this one is that as a novella it was too short because I could stay in this world for ages. I liked the Hogmanay information and the unique take on a book for the holidays (befitting of a Holiday type book that comes out on Halloween). Mallory and Dr. Gray have a new case although this one is filled with awkward. Dr. Gray’s former lover has requested help as she has a blackmailer in possession of some salacious letters that would ruin her reputation. I liked this investigation very much and found this one going by super quickly. While you could probably get by reading this if you haven’t read the others there’s no reason for that. If you haven’t read the A Rip Through Time series go get them right now.
December 2, 2024
Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time series is one of my favorites and Schemes & Scandals is a new novella that follows book three, Disturbing The Dead. This novella involves a blackmail case and takes place during the winter, specifically Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), so we learn how those holidays were celebrated/observed in Victorian Scotland.
If you’re not familiar with the series, here’s the main idea - Mallory is a 21st century detective who finds herself transported to 1869 Edinburgh, and not as herself. She lives in the body of a younger woman, Catriona, who was a maid in the Gray household. Dr. Gray and his sister Isla both know who Mallory is at this point and she’s serving as Dr. Gray’s assistant, helping investigate cases.
Lady Inglis is a widow who enjoys the company of men, to put it nicely, including a former relationship with Dr. Gray, Mallory’s boss. She is now being blackmailed and wants Dr. Gray and Mallory to help her. It was refreshing to have a mystery that doesn’t involve a murder!
A highlight for me was Mallory being able to meet the author Charles Dickens in person, during his speaking tour. What an experience that must have been! I also enjoyed getting to know Jack a little more.
If you haven’t read any of this series, you could pick this up as a standalone, but you’d lack all the backstory. I highly recommend this series, so start with the first book, A Rip Through Time, and then you can jump to this one.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
If you’re not familiar with the series, here’s the main idea - Mallory is a 21st century detective who finds herself transported to 1869 Edinburgh, and not as herself. She lives in the body of a younger woman, Catriona, who was a maid in the Gray household. Dr. Gray and his sister Isla both know who Mallory is at this point and she’s serving as Dr. Gray’s assistant, helping investigate cases.
Lady Inglis is a widow who enjoys the company of men, to put it nicely, including a former relationship with Dr. Gray, Mallory’s boss. She is now being blackmailed and wants Dr. Gray and Mallory to help her. It was refreshing to have a mystery that doesn’t involve a murder!
A highlight for me was Mallory being able to meet the author Charles Dickens in person, during his speaking tour. What an experience that must have been! I also enjoyed getting to know Jack a little more.
If you haven’t read any of this series, you could pick this up as a standalone, but you’d lack all the backstory. I highly recommend this series, so start with the first book, A Rip Through Time, and then you can jump to this one.
Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 24, 2024
Looking for some holiday reading, I turned to this great piece of historical fiction by Kelley Armstrong. A great addition to her time travelling series, Armstrong provides readers with a novella well worth their time. After Mallory Atkinson is trying to wrap her head around the Christmas season in Scotland, she is treated to quite the holiday gift. Soon thereafter, Mallory and those around her are pulled into a mystery that includes a blackmail scheme sure to cause scandal. Rushing to get answers in a timely manner, everyone eyes cracking this mystery open before the end of the year. Armstrong delivers a strong story that fits perfectly between two of her novels.
Mallory Atkinson is still trying to get used to living in 19th century Scotland and inside the body of a housemaid. When she pushes her 21st country Canadians views on those around her, Mallory earns from her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, that Scotland does not celebrate the holiday season, nor is it something that receives more than a passing notice. Still, Mallory hopes she does not have to forego everything about the holiday season, which is supported when Dr. Gray offers her tickets to see popular author, Charles Dickens, read from his latest writing.
While at the book reading, Mallory and Dr. Gray see Lady Inglis, a provocative widow who has a great deal to say. Not only has she been trying to woo Dr. Gray back into her web with letters of a forward nature, she has a crime in which she has been the unwitting victim. It would seem that someone has intercepted many of her ‘pornographic’ letters and promises to release them, sullying the outward reputation Lady Inglis has been building. With a deadline for blackmail payment inching closer—Hogmanay, the Scottish name for New Year’s Eve—Mallory and Dr. Gray will have to engage the services of some others to help find the letters and foil the blackmail plot.
While Mallory must not only work in secrecy to get to the core of the matter, she has her own emotions to shelve as she assists Lady Inglis. There is an apparent hope that Lady Inglis wants Dr. Gray back in her bed, though Mallory’s personal sentiments about her boss cannot be ignored. This will be a real test of Mallory’s abilities to compartmentalise her feelings while working a case with a short deadline. Kelley Armstrong does well to keep the reader hooked throughout this well-paced novella.
I have come to really enjoy the work of Kelley Armstrong and her various series that pique my reading interests. Armstrong knows her stuff and is able to switch gears with ease, never shirking on her depictions of various settings or time periods. The narrative flows well and keeps the reader hooked as they delve deeper. Using the holiday season as a backdrop, she educates the reader about issues, both in the 19th and 21st centuries, while also adding a criminal element that keeps the story clipping along. Great characters and strong settings help provide a flavouring to the story as things rush along through to the end. Plot points always keep the reader flipping pages to learn a little more and keeps the reader curious as they try to crack the code while also wondering what will happen between now and the next fall-length novel. I am eager to see where things are headed and what I have to expect soon!
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for a dazzling novella that makes me want more in this series!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Mallory Atkinson is still trying to get used to living in 19th century Scotland and inside the body of a housemaid. When she pushes her 21st country Canadians views on those around her, Mallory earns from her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray, that Scotland does not celebrate the holiday season, nor is it something that receives more than a passing notice. Still, Mallory hopes she does not have to forego everything about the holiday season, which is supported when Dr. Gray offers her tickets to see popular author, Charles Dickens, read from his latest writing.
While at the book reading, Mallory and Dr. Gray see Lady Inglis, a provocative widow who has a great deal to say. Not only has she been trying to woo Dr. Gray back into her web with letters of a forward nature, she has a crime in which she has been the unwitting victim. It would seem that someone has intercepted many of her ‘pornographic’ letters and promises to release them, sullying the outward reputation Lady Inglis has been building. With a deadline for blackmail payment inching closer—Hogmanay, the Scottish name for New Year’s Eve—Mallory and Dr. Gray will have to engage the services of some others to help find the letters and foil the blackmail plot.
While Mallory must not only work in secrecy to get to the core of the matter, she has her own emotions to shelve as she assists Lady Inglis. There is an apparent hope that Lady Inglis wants Dr. Gray back in her bed, though Mallory’s personal sentiments about her boss cannot be ignored. This will be a real test of Mallory’s abilities to compartmentalise her feelings while working a case with a short deadline. Kelley Armstrong does well to keep the reader hooked throughout this well-paced novella.
I have come to really enjoy the work of Kelley Armstrong and her various series that pique my reading interests. Armstrong knows her stuff and is able to switch gears with ease, never shirking on her depictions of various settings or time periods. The narrative flows well and keeps the reader hooked as they delve deeper. Using the holiday season as a backdrop, she educates the reader about issues, both in the 19th and 21st centuries, while also adding a criminal element that keeps the story clipping along. Great characters and strong settings help provide a flavouring to the story as things rush along through to the end. Plot points always keep the reader flipping pages to learn a little more and keeps the reader curious as they try to crack the code while also wondering what will happen between now and the next fall-length novel. I am eager to see where things are headed and what I have to expect soon!
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for a dazzling novella that makes me want more in this series!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 26, 2024
I absolutely adore this series, it has quickly become one I look forward to with relish each time I see a new release on the horizon. I love that Armstrong is giving us all these novellas to go along with the storyline. It makes waiting for the next full-length novel just that much easier.
This was a great addition to the series and I loved getting to see a bit more of Jack and of course, Mallory and Gray further developing their working relationship and friendship.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
This was a great addition to the series and I loved getting to see a bit more of Jack and of course, Mallory and Gray further developing their working relationship and friendship.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
October 6, 2024
Book Review
Schemes & Scandals
Kelley Armstrong
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Enjoying this novella is like eating dessert before the main course—the next full-length novel in this delightful series, A Rip Through Time. This nicely adds to the lore of Vancouver police detective Mallory Atkinson, who has been ripped into Victorian Scotland. This is her first Christmas spent in 1869 Scotland.
She finds herself stranded in a time period where Christmas is not celebrated and is considered a pagan holiday, virtually banned. The locals instead celebrate Hogmanay, the last day of the year. This New Year’s celebration involves similar traditions of gift-giving, parties, and festivities.
Mallory was originally thrown into these circumstances on May 20, 2019. The police detective ran into an alley where she heard the screams of a woman. Suddenly, a rope noose is thrust around her neck. Even though she struggles valiantly, she starts to pass out. Just before losing consciousness, she “sees” an optical illusion of “a young woman with honey-blond hair, in a cornflower-blue dress, as a shadowy figure has his hands wrapped around her throat.”
The world goes dark. She awakens confused and startled, and suddenly realizes she is inhabiting the body of an eighteen-year-old blond girl, Catriona Mitchell, in what is obviously Victorian Edinburgh, Scotland. Somehow, through a “rip in time,” she has traveled from May 20, 2019, to the same day in 1869.
Kelley Armstrong crafts a delightful tale combining elements of historical fiction, time travel, and a convoluted police procedural. Walking a dangerous tightrope, Armstrong expertly blends lengthy internal dialogue from Mallory/Catriona with the development of interesting, multi-dimensional Victorian characters. Catriona is a housemaid in the unique household of “undertaker” Dr. Duncan Gray and his half-sister, Isla Ballantyne. Dr. Gray is much more than a funeral director and is actually a trusted consultant of Detective McCreadie, examining murder victims. His studies and methods are the forerunners of modern forensic science. Isla is an exceptional variant of the women of the time—highly educated, but forced to work as a herbalist rather than a chemist, due directly to her gender. Dr. Gray, despite being highly educated, is dismissed as irrelevant and somewhat of a charlatan because he is Black. Through perseverance and guile, Mallory eventually proves her worth, gains Dr. Gray’s trust, and becomes his true assistant in his investigative endeavors.
In the spirit of the upcoming Hogmanay, Gray presents Isla and Mallory with tickets for a special reading at the music hall by the popular writer, Charles Dickens. His performance delights Mallory, as it’s not a mere author reading but an actual performance, with Dickens acting out the different characters. Mallory arrives at the reading with a copy of her favorite Dickens book, hoping to obtain his signature. However, this is not common in Victorian times. Dr. Gray is approached by an “old flame,” the widower Lady Patricia Inglis, a family friend of Charles Dickens. Lady Inglis offers to introduce them to Dickens for a possible signature. At the same time, she confides in them and requests their aid. She is being blackmailed. She has been sending intimate letters to a long-time lover, a dear friend of her husband’s, with whom her friendship blossomed into intimacy after her husband’s passing.
Her lover has informed her that the letters, stored in a locked box, have disappeared. This was not discovered until he received a threatening letter stating the letters would be sold to a publisher of ill repute unless a sizable ransom was paid. When Mallory first arrived in Catriona’s beautiful and fetching body, she realized her murky past as a con artist and a thief, possibly using her “feminine wiles” for illicit purposes. Mallory discovered that Catriona had in her possession a similar letter from Lady Inglis to Dr. Gray. She burned the letter after disclosing its existence to Gray. Mallory eventually agrees to help Lady Inglis uncover the blackmailer and hopefully recover the letters. Dr. Gray quickly agrees to help in the investigation, despite his past relationship with Lady Inglis. The dynamics between the main characters continue to evolve based on past and present motivations. There has been a slow-burn romance between Mallory and Dr. Gray, somewhat threatened by the current circumstances.
Kelley Armstrong proves to be a marvelous storyteller as she weaves multiple twists into the plot, escalating suspense and intrigue into a thrilling denouement that is satisfying while leaving many unresolved questions, knowing there is more to come. Armstrong explores themes of women’s equality, racism, immigration, and even homosexuality. It has been a pleasure to see the character of Mallory unfold, with her intelligence and determination, while being adaptable and resilient. While this can be enjoyed as a standalone, I would encourage reading the previous entries in the A Rip in Time series to fully enjoy the experience of Armstrong’s conjured world of Victorian Edinburgh.
Thanks to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review. I truly cannot wait for the fourth installment to be released.
.... Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com....
June 15, 2024
Kelley Armstrong has written a holiday novella which follows closely after the events of her recent novel, Disturbing the Dead. It seems that celebrating Christmas is not done by the Scottish of the Victorian era but they do celebrate New Year's Eve, or what they call Hogmanay, with an exchange of gifts and a feast.
The case in this story is one of blackmail. Duncan Gray's former lover, Lady Inglis, is being blackmailed over stolen explicit letters she has written to her current lover, Lord Charles Simpson. Gray allows Mallory to take the lead in the case, at least when it comes to dealing with Lady Inglis herself. Who knew about the letters and had access to them?
In this story, I was pleased to see Mallory making a conscious effort to stick to the manners and mores of Victorian-era Scotland. There are so many places where a woman cannot go at all, gentlemen's clubs for instance, and others where she must be accompanied by a man, like on the streets after dark. It must be so hard to exist in 1869 with the sensibilities of the modern era and not make unwitting mistakes.
What I loved most about this novella is a meeting with Charles Dickens. He is on his farewell tour and comes to perform in Edinburgh in November, 1869. Gray is able to get them tickets and afterwards, Lady Inglis finds a way to get them backstage to meet Dickens and perhaps get a book signed. Mallory is saddened to realize he only has a few more months to live and will never complete the book he tells them he is currently writing, The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novella via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
The case in this story is one of blackmail. Duncan Gray's former lover, Lady Inglis, is being blackmailed over stolen explicit letters she has written to her current lover, Lord Charles Simpson. Gray allows Mallory to take the lead in the case, at least when it comes to dealing with Lady Inglis herself. Who knew about the letters and had access to them?
In this story, I was pleased to see Mallory making a conscious effort to stick to the manners and mores of Victorian-era Scotland. There are so many places where a woman cannot go at all, gentlemen's clubs for instance, and others where she must be accompanied by a man, like on the streets after dark. It must be so hard to exist in 1869 with the sensibilities of the modern era and not make unwitting mistakes.
What I loved most about this novella is a meeting with Charles Dickens. He is on his farewell tour and comes to perform in Edinburgh in November, 1869. Gray is able to get them tickets and afterwards, Lady Inglis finds a way to get them backstage to meet Dickens and perhaps get a book signed. Mallory is saddened to realize he only has a few more months to live and will never complete the book he tells them he is currently writing, The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this novella via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
May 26, 2024
Kelley Armstrong’s novellas are such a treat! Her last time-travel series had novellas between books and it looks like she is continuing the practice with this series.
This is a holiday novella and “holiday” is the proper word because this is set in 1869, when Christmas isn’t celebrated in Scotland. Hogmanay, New Year’s Eve, is the holiday of note at this time, so Mallory’s assumption that she’d be celebrating her first Victorian Christmas is a little off!
The mystery in this story deals with stolen letters and blackmail. Despite the shorter page count, the investigation is thorough and fully developed.
We also see Mallory meeting Charles Dickens, who is on tour in 1869. From reading earlier books, we know her English professor father made Dickens a major part of her childhood, so it’s a lovely part of the story. A new reader won’t be lost, though.
What a wonderful visit with Mallory, Duncan, Isla, and friends as we wait for the next book in this fantastic series!
This is a holiday novella and “holiday” is the proper word because this is set in 1869, when Christmas isn’t celebrated in Scotland. Hogmanay, New Year’s Eve, is the holiday of note at this time, so Mallory’s assumption that she’d be celebrating her first Victorian Christmas is a little off!
The mystery in this story deals with stolen letters and blackmail. Despite the shorter page count, the investigation is thorough and fully developed.
We also see Mallory meeting Charles Dickens, who is on tour in 1869. From reading earlier books, we know her English professor father made Dickens a major part of her childhood, so it’s a lovely part of the story. A new reader won’t be lost, though.
What a wonderful visit with Mallory, Duncan, Isla, and friends as we wait for the next book in this fantastic series!
November 22, 2024
This A Rip Through Time novella is a fantastic read as well as a terrific addition to this series. It's an intriguing mystery with captivating characters, and it's filled with Victorian holiday charm.
In Schemes & Scandals, it seems like Mallory and Dr. Duncan Gray grow closer. Their relationship feels more intimate, and hints of future romance abound. I truly love coming back to this world and these characters as well as the setting. Each of the books in this series brings Edinburgh and the past vividly to life.
Overall, I enjoyed this one very much. It's a short and entertaining historical mystery. This novella worked nicely to fill the gap, but I'm really looking forward to the next full-length book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
In Schemes & Scandals, it seems like Mallory and Dr. Duncan Gray grow closer. Their relationship feels more intimate, and hints of future romance abound. I truly love coming back to this world and these characters as well as the setting. Each of the books in this series brings Edinburgh and the past vividly to life.
Overall, I enjoyed this one very much. It's a short and entertaining historical mystery. This novella worked nicely to fill the gap, but I'm really looking forward to the next full-length book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 17, 2024
I have read some very weak holiday novellas this month, so I'm giving this 5 stars because of sheer competence.
Victorian mystery set in the Rip Through Time series with real charm (and a Charles Dickens cameo that didn't make me roll my eyes too hard).
Victorian mystery set in the Rip Through Time series with real charm (and a Charles Dickens cameo that didn't make me roll my eyes too hard).
July 11, 2024
I hadn't realized Victorians in Scotland didn't celebrate Christmas. Instead, they celebrated Hogmanay, which was more of a New Year's Eve celebration, and included the exchange of small gifts and the sharing of a delicious meal. Dr Duncan Gray has presented his sister and also Mallory with tickets to a Charles Dickens reading. (Make that a big pro for traveling back in time!)
Of course, there is much more involved within the fun, yet heart-touching 176 pages ... but I wouldn't want to spoil your early Christmas gift.
I recommend Schemes and Scandals and hope this series never ends!!
BIG thanks to both #SubterraneanPress and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Schemes & Scandals. This book is #3.5 in the #ARipThroughTime series, and has an expected publication date of October 1, 2024.
#KelleyArmstrong #TimeTravel #Novela
Of course, there is much more involved within the fun, yet heart-touching 176 pages ... but I wouldn't want to spoil your early Christmas gift.
I recommend Schemes and Scandals and hope this series never ends!!
BIG thanks to both #SubterraneanPress and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Schemes & Scandals. This book is #3.5 in the #ARipThroughTime series, and has an expected publication date of October 1, 2024.
#KelleyArmstrong #TimeTravel #Novela
October 30, 2024
I love this series including the novellas. Mallory Atkinson, a modern day detective, was attacked and woke up to discover herself in the body of a housemaid in the home of Doctor Duncan Gray. You’ll need to read the series in order to discover all that and how she is now working to solve cases.
It’s Christmas in Victorian Scotland and it’s Mallory’s first. While Christmas wasn’t really celebrated, Hogmanay, the last day of the old year, was. From Dicken’s A Christmas Carol to gift giving, we get to spend lovely time in the Gray household and celebrate the season.
It wouldn’t be a Rip Through Time story without a bit of a mystery for Mallory and Duncan to solve, and that comes from a widowed acquaintance of Duncan’s. It seems someone is blackmailing her over letters she wrote to her lover. Scandalous! I had a delightful time as Armstrong had us hunting down clues, sneaking into men’s only clubs and more. It was clever.
I love that despite the short-length, we got a complete mystery and a fun holiday story. I highly recommend this series and novella to fans of historical mysteries with a hint of romance. It’s filled with intrigue facts and delightful characters.
It looks like the hardcover edition from Subterranean Press was pushed back, but the kindle edition will publish December 3, 2024. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
It’s Christmas in Victorian Scotland and it’s Mallory’s first. While Christmas wasn’t really celebrated, Hogmanay, the last day of the old year, was. From Dicken’s A Christmas Carol to gift giving, we get to spend lovely time in the Gray household and celebrate the season.
It wouldn’t be a Rip Through Time story without a bit of a mystery for Mallory and Duncan to solve, and that comes from a widowed acquaintance of Duncan’s. It seems someone is blackmailing her over letters she wrote to her lover. Scandalous! I had a delightful time as Armstrong had us hunting down clues, sneaking into men’s only clubs and more. It was clever.
I love that despite the short-length, we got a complete mystery and a fun holiday story. I highly recommend this series and novella to fans of historical mysteries with a hint of romance. It’s filled with intrigue facts and delightful characters.
It looks like the hardcover edition from Subterranean Press was pushed back, but the kindle edition will publish December 3, 2024. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
November 7, 2024
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Historical Fiction / Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Schemes & Scandals, by Kelley Armstrong, takes place between books # 3 and # 4 releasing next year. The year is 1869 Edinburgh, Scotland. Mallory Atkinson, a Detective from the present, is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. She has spent the past 7 months in the past and has grown accustomed to being in the body of a younger woman.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical Fiction / Mystery
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Schemes & Scandals, by Kelley Armstrong, takes place between books # 3 and # 4 releasing next year. The year is 1869 Edinburgh, Scotland. Mallory Atkinson, a Detective from the present, is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. She has spent the past 7 months in the past and has grown accustomed to being in the body of a younger woman.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
October 31, 2024
Terrific holiday-themed novella set in the world of A Rip Through Time. A great treat for fans of the series.
October 2, 2024
Full review to be posted soon.
December 18, 2024
This was a cute holiday novella in Victorian Scotland with Mallory and friends!! This helped me with withdrawal from this series until the next book comes out 🥲
May 29, 2024
Have I waxed poetic enough about this series yet? The A Rip Through Time series is still going strong for me and I enjoyed this new novella just as much as the rest. This is the second novella in the series and takes place after the events of Disturbing the Dead, but it’s not necessary to read other books in the series. The author does a great job with small summaries to bring you up to speed without being too repetitive.
Mallory is a modern-day Canadian detective trapped in the body of a younger, buxom housemaid in Victorian Scotland. Actually, no longer a housemaid as she has been promoted to assistant to her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray who operates as an undertaker and often consults with the police as a medical examiner, lately famous in serial pamphlets for his crime solving adventures.
It's Mallory’s first Christmas in her new setting and she’s anxious to make sure that everything goes well. I did find it odd that she was so preoccupied with the holidays since it didn’t fit with my vision of her character, but I loved learning about Hogmanay of which I only had a passing knowledge and I enjoyed the teasing from Gray and his sister Isla about the legality of celebrating Christmas in Scotland, a subject I was unfamiliar with.
Of course, the festive planning is interrupted by a mystery. Gray gifts Isla and Mallory with tickets to see Charles Dickens. I really enjoyed the enthusiasm that Mallory was enveloped with to attend a Victorian author event with such a literary icon. At the event, they run into Gray’s former paramour Lady Inglis (author of the sexy letters that Mallory found in a previous book), and she requests Gray’s assistance in a delicate matter. Turns out she wrote sexy letters to another gentlemen, only this time they were stolen and now she’s being blackmailed.
Mallory is all over this case and determined to solve it before Hogmanay. Another great read that I couldn’t put down and since it was short, I didn’t have to!
Thank you to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for a copy provided for an honest review.
Mallory is a modern-day Canadian detective trapped in the body of a younger, buxom housemaid in Victorian Scotland. Actually, no longer a housemaid as she has been promoted to assistant to her boss, Dr. Duncan Gray who operates as an undertaker and often consults with the police as a medical examiner, lately famous in serial pamphlets for his crime solving adventures.
It's Mallory’s first Christmas in her new setting and she’s anxious to make sure that everything goes well. I did find it odd that she was so preoccupied with the holidays since it didn’t fit with my vision of her character, but I loved learning about Hogmanay of which I only had a passing knowledge and I enjoyed the teasing from Gray and his sister Isla about the legality of celebrating Christmas in Scotland, a subject I was unfamiliar with.
Of course, the festive planning is interrupted by a mystery. Gray gifts Isla and Mallory with tickets to see Charles Dickens. I really enjoyed the enthusiasm that Mallory was enveloped with to attend a Victorian author event with such a literary icon. At the event, they run into Gray’s former paramour Lady Inglis (author of the sexy letters that Mallory found in a previous book), and she requests Gray’s assistance in a delicate matter. Turns out she wrote sexy letters to another gentlemen, only this time they were stolen and now she’s being blackmailed.
Mallory is all over this case and determined to solve it before Hogmanay. Another great read that I couldn’t put down and since it was short, I didn’t have to!
Thank you to Netgalley and Subterranean Press for a copy provided for an honest review.
November 2, 2024
Blackmail, Lords and Ladies!
Not as exciting as previous titles but an interesting novella if like me you’ve been following the series.
Mallory Mitchell, our 21st century detective who’s found herself trapped in a rather buxom maid’s body, Catriona, in Victorian Edinburgh, is taking up a case to do with the blackmailing of Dr. Duncan Gray’s ex lover and companion, Lady Patricia Inglis.
Lady Patricia is being blackmailed over letters of a ‘sensual’ nature sent to a friend with benefits. Only they were stolen from him. The blackmailer is threatening to have the letters published by Hogmanay if his payment demands aren’t met.
One of best moment was when Mallory meets Charles Dickens, a hero of hers. This raises a heap of other realisations for Mallory.
Another great addition to the series with the requisite mystery and a look at the traditions around Christmas and Hogmanay in Victorian Scotland.
A Subterranean Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Not as exciting as previous titles but an interesting novella if like me you’ve been following the series.
Mallory Mitchell, our 21st century detective who’s found herself trapped in a rather buxom maid’s body, Catriona, in Victorian Edinburgh, is taking up a case to do with the blackmailing of Dr. Duncan Gray’s ex lover and companion, Lady Patricia Inglis.
Lady Patricia is being blackmailed over letters of a ‘sensual’ nature sent to a friend with benefits. Only they were stolen from him. The blackmailer is threatening to have the letters published by Hogmanay if his payment demands aren’t met.
One of best moment was when Mallory meets Charles Dickens, a hero of hers. This raises a heap of other realisations for Mallory.
Another great addition to the series with the requisite mystery and a look at the traditions around Christmas and Hogmanay in Victorian Scotland.
A Subterranean Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
January 10, 2025
It's Mallory's first Christmas in Scotland. Victorian Scotland. As she learns Christmas is not really a big thing in Victorian Scotland. It's all about Hogmanay. Her boss Duncan Gray gifts her an early present, tickets to go see a reading hosted by Charles Dickens. At this event they bump into Lady Inglis the ever so lovely widow who has sent Gray and other men scandalous letters trying to entice him back into her bed.
Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens, meeting of a lifetime for her, Lady Inglis has a price though and that price is help from Mallory and Dr. Gray. She is being blackmailed. Someone has stolen her letters that she wrote to a different lover and is threatening to publish them.
Mallory isn't sure what to make of Lady Inglis, however no women ever deserves that, Mallory insists on taking the case with or without Dr. Gray's help. The growing tension between Mallory and Gray shows that has a secret of his own. Mallory has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer and hopefully to put everything right with Gray as well, so they can all enjoy the holiday together.
What can I say I love this little world. I love Mallory and doctor Gray. I love all the characters in this book, the way Kelley writes characters they make you bond with them so fast, and it makes you want to continuing reading the story that she has written. This book is the slowest of slow burns. It's frustrating but I do love it a lot. This series and Rockton/Haven's rock are both of my all time favourite series by her. Reading this series during Christmas is amazing it feels so cozy and just gives all the right vibes. I did not know that Victorians did not celebrate Christmas, I thought everyone celebrated Christmas. I love that there was a little Christmas Novella before the next book comes out. I was missing this little world a lot, I love reading about Mallory and Dr. Gray. If you love any Kelley Armstrong books, just read everything she has because I just love her books so much. Also if she ends this book and they never kiss I will be a little disappointed. What I love about Kelley Armstrong's novella is they are never long they are usually only 100 to maybe 150 pages so they are easy to read and get through. I don't know what else to say about this book other than you should pick it up all of her books and read then. Her writing and everything is just my favourite. Happy Reading!!!!!!
Lady Inglis introduces Mallory to Dickens, meeting of a lifetime for her, Lady Inglis has a price though and that price is help from Mallory and Dr. Gray. She is being blackmailed. Someone has stolen her letters that she wrote to a different lover and is threatening to publish them.
Mallory isn't sure what to make of Lady Inglis, however no women ever deserves that, Mallory insists on taking the case with or without Dr. Gray's help. The growing tension between Mallory and Gray shows that has a secret of his own. Mallory has until Hogmanay to uncover the blackmailer and hopefully to put everything right with Gray as well, so they can all enjoy the holiday together.
What can I say I love this little world. I love Mallory and doctor Gray. I love all the characters in this book, the way Kelley writes characters they make you bond with them so fast, and it makes you want to continuing reading the story that she has written. This book is the slowest of slow burns. It's frustrating but I do love it a lot. This series and Rockton/Haven's rock are both of my all time favourite series by her. Reading this series during Christmas is amazing it feels so cozy and just gives all the right vibes. I did not know that Victorians did not celebrate Christmas, I thought everyone celebrated Christmas. I love that there was a little Christmas Novella before the next book comes out. I was missing this little world a lot, I love reading about Mallory and Dr. Gray. If you love any Kelley Armstrong books, just read everything she has because I just love her books so much. Also if she ends this book and they never kiss I will be a little disappointed. What I love about Kelley Armstrong's novella is they are never long they are usually only 100 to maybe 150 pages so they are easy to read and get through. I don't know what else to say about this book other than you should pick it up all of her books and read then. Her writing and everything is just my favourite. Happy Reading!!!!!!
January 4, 2025
4.5/5 stars
This is a novella in the A Rip Through Time series. It’s number 3.5
This book takes place at the end of December 1869. Mallory and Dr. Gray solve a small case.
I love Kelley Armstrong’s books. And I love that she writes so many novellas to accompany her series. I adore this series. And I really enjoyed this novella. I’m so happy that I chose this as my first read of 2025. I can’t wait for book 4, Death At A Highland Wedding.
This is a novella in the A Rip Through Time series. It’s number 3.5
This book takes place at the end of December 1869. Mallory and Dr. Gray solve a small case.
I love Kelley Armstrong’s books. And I love that she writes so many novellas to accompany her series. I adore this series. And I really enjoyed this novella. I’m so happy that I chose this as my first read of 2025. I can’t wait for book 4, Death At A Highland Wedding.
January 21, 2025
I absolutely cannot get enough of this series. Like, I can’t stop thinking about Mallory and all that she’s been through — how incredible it is, but also how brutally challenging. I love that we’re far enough into the series now to move beyond just her adjustment to day-to-day life and explore more complex layers of her wild adventure through time.
If you haven’t started the Rip Through Time series yet, just drop your entire TBR and read this now. Start with the first book, A Rip Through Time, and thank me later.
If you haven’t started the Rip Through Time series yet, just drop your entire TBR and read this now. Start with the first book, A Rip Through Time, and thank me later.
January 5, 2025
Another great mystery!
I do have to roll my eyes a bit, though, when Mallory thinks she can handle men twice her size and gets annoyed with Duncan when he steps in to protect her.
I do have to roll my eyes a bit, though, when Mallory thinks she can handle men twice her size and gets annoyed with Duncan when he steps in to protect her.
November 3, 2024
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
I am always surprised but delighted when I read a new book in the A Rip Through Time series. Even with about half the size of a full novel, Kelley Armstrong does not disappoint. Of course, it helps to read the series in order, both so one is aware of the history with the characters and relationships but also because they are some of the best books I read each year.
Schemes & Scandals begins as a holiday story with Mallory wanting to celebrate Christmas and trying to determine the best gifts for Isla and Gray. Gray gets them an early gifts of tickets to hear Charles Dickens read, which is a real treat. There Lady Inglis asks them to visit her; she needs their help.
The case is interesting and shows much about the position of women in this Victorian time and the casual entitlement of some men. There are also the discussions about Gray's relationship with Lady Inglis he has with Mallory with some reluctance but to share the truth.
I enjoyed this so much. I am a big fan of Dickens. It was fun to learn about holidays in Victorian Scotland, both Christmas and Hogmaney. There's the clever solving of the mystery of who is blackmailing Lady Inglis. Everything is engaging and easy to read.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
4.5 hearts
I am always surprised but delighted when I read a new book in the A Rip Through Time series. Even with about half the size of a full novel, Kelley Armstrong does not disappoint. Of course, it helps to read the series in order, both so one is aware of the history with the characters and relationships but also because they are some of the best books I read each year.
Schemes & Scandals begins as a holiday story with Mallory wanting to celebrate Christmas and trying to determine the best gifts for Isla and Gray. Gray gets them an early gifts of tickets to hear Charles Dickens read, which is a real treat. There Lady Inglis asks them to visit her; she needs their help.
The case is interesting and shows much about the position of women in this Victorian time and the casual entitlement of some men. There are also the discussions about Gray's relationship with Lady Inglis he has with Mallory with some reluctance but to share the truth.
I enjoyed this so much. I am a big fan of Dickens. It was fun to learn about holidays in Victorian Scotland, both Christmas and Hogmaney. There's the clever solving of the mystery of who is blackmailing Lady Inglis. Everything is engaging and easy to read.
January 13, 2025
Literally ate this up. We get a little more of Gray's history and love-life revealed in this book. I love these characters and can't wait till May for the next one to come out!!
May 26, 2024
This is one of my favorite series. It's Mallory's first Christmas in 1860s Scotland, and she is surprised that Christmas is not a big celebration. Hogmanay, the last day of the year, is celebrated instead. For her gift, Dr. Gray and his sister take Mallory to an event where Charles Dickens will read to an audience in person. As they walked to the theatre, I could picture the snow falling, crowds of people - rich and poor alike - walking around, and everything candlelit or gaslit.
There is a crime, of course. In this book, the crime is a matter of blackmail for a lady personally acquainted with Duncan. She has asked for his help - a previous lover has compromising letters from her. Duncan is reluctant at first but eventually joins Mallory in taking the case. Then they discover that someone close to them is also being blackmailed...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella, and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
There is a crime, of course. In this book, the crime is a matter of blackmail for a lady personally acquainted with Duncan. She has asked for his help - a previous lover has compromising letters from her. Duncan is reluctant at first but eventually joins Mallory in taking the case. Then they discover that someone close to them is also being blackmailed...
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella, and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
June 5, 2024
Schemes & Scandals is a Rip through Time Novella set just after Disturbing the Dead. This Novella picks up shortly after they rap up that investigation and Mallory now accepting that her place is there with Duncan and Isla excitedly awaits her very first Christmas. To her dismay Christmas is not yet fully celebrated it was once against the law and although it is no longer a crime it hasn’t fully been embraced as a holiday in this era and is not yet truly celebrated.
However, much to Mallory’s delight Hogmanay is and she has many fond memories of celebrating Hogmanay with her Nan. I must say swinging a fireball overhead sounds like great fun. I am a bit intrigued by this and plan to fully to look it up for I must have the knowledge.
This is also another aspect of this series I truly love. I do not necessarily read it for the historical content. However, I absolutely love how naturally it is woven into the storyline. I love that most of what is included as facts are things I either did not know or have forgotten from my history days and this is a wonderful way to see it from the perspective of a modern girl living it from the aspect of understanding that it happened but not fully embracing what it was like to experience it. And it makes the historical facts fun, fresh, and intriguing in a way you can’t just find in a historical account.
And Charles Dickens just wow so completely cool. I have fan girl envy for Mallory and I love that she as able to experience that moment.
I also love seeing Dr. Gray most uncomfortably might I add having to explain his entanglement with Lady Inglis. As the case progresses dare I say as much as she doesn’t want to admit it Mallory is jealous…. Awe now if only we can get Mallory and Duncan to finally admit their feelings for each other. All good things in time I am sure. I absolutely love the natural progression of their relationship and it makes their story so much more believable and interesting.
On this topic I am also very pleased to see Isla coming out of her shell as her mourning period is officially ending. I most certainly hope to see her and our handsome and decent (might I even say perfect for her) relationship with detective McCreadie slowly but surely becoming a regular part of life. Although neither seem to consider it to be the case they are on a regular basis doing very much date like outings with Duncan and Mallory. I love seeing the four of them together doing what most people would in our time call a double date all for the sake of investigations of course.
Ugh how I can’t wait to see how all this comes to fruition. All four deserve happiness and they have it so close at hand.
So all in all if you love the series this is an absolutely delightful adventure.
I am so happy to re-visit this series with some of my favorite characters. I am so excited for more! Get the series it’s an excellent read and completely binge worthy.
I feel this story is best read after delving into the series. The characters and relationship dynamics is best enjoyed knowing the whole picture. So get it and binge it. You won’t be disappointed. I absolutely loved this and I highly recommend it!
However, much to Mallory’s delight Hogmanay is and she has many fond memories of celebrating Hogmanay with her Nan. I must say swinging a fireball overhead sounds like great fun. I am a bit intrigued by this and plan to fully to look it up for I must have the knowledge.
This is also another aspect of this series I truly love. I do not necessarily read it for the historical content. However, I absolutely love how naturally it is woven into the storyline. I love that most of what is included as facts are things I either did not know or have forgotten from my history days and this is a wonderful way to see it from the perspective of a modern girl living it from the aspect of understanding that it happened but not fully embracing what it was like to experience it. And it makes the historical facts fun, fresh, and intriguing in a way you can’t just find in a historical account.
And Charles Dickens just wow so completely cool. I have fan girl envy for Mallory and I love that she as able to experience that moment.
I also love seeing Dr. Gray most uncomfortably might I add having to explain his entanglement with Lady Inglis. As the case progresses dare I say as much as she doesn’t want to admit it Mallory is jealous…. Awe now if only we can get Mallory and Duncan to finally admit their feelings for each other. All good things in time I am sure. I absolutely love the natural progression of their relationship and it makes their story so much more believable and interesting.
On this topic I am also very pleased to see Isla coming out of her shell as her mourning period is officially ending. I most certainly hope to see her and our handsome and decent (might I even say perfect for her) relationship with detective McCreadie slowly but surely becoming a regular part of life. Although neither seem to consider it to be the case they are on a regular basis doing very much date like outings with Duncan and Mallory. I love seeing the four of them together doing what most people would in our time call a double date all for the sake of investigations of course.
Ugh how I can’t wait to see how all this comes to fruition. All four deserve happiness and they have it so close at hand.
So all in all if you love the series this is an absolutely delightful adventure.
I am so happy to re-visit this series with some of my favorite characters. I am so excited for more! Get the series it’s an excellent read and completely binge worthy.
I feel this story is best read after delving into the series. The characters and relationship dynamics is best enjoyed knowing the whole picture. So get it and binge it. You won’t be disappointed. I absolutely loved this and I highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews