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Ruby Vaughn #3
The Devil in Oxford
Jess Armstrong’s USA Today bestselling and award-winning series is historical gothic murder mystery at its best, and Ruby Vaughn returns in The Devil in Oxford.
If someone were to ask American heiress Ruby Vaughn how exactly the occult came to play such a large role in her life, she would immediately point to her octogenarian housemate and employer, Mr. Owen. Together, the pair run a rare book shop in Exeter. Mr. Owen’s penchant for arcane, unusual—and occasionally illegal—books has been known to get Ruby into her fair share of trouble. And after the last year, she is looking forward to spending a quiet holiday in picturesque Oxford while Mr. Owen attends the annual meeting of his antiquarian society. Secretly, Ruby is also looking for a holiday from her confounding feelings for Ruan Kivell, the intriguing folk healer Pellar that she met in Cornwall.
When Mr. Owen secures two tickets to an upcoming exhibition of artifacts amassed by disgraced scholar Julius Harker, Ruby reluctantly agrees to attend. The evening turns out to be more eventful than either of them bargained for. Harker’s dead body is discovered amongst the collection, his business partner is hastily arrested, and Ruan arrives…wanting to speak with Ruby. It seems both the arcane and her Pellar have followed Ruby to Oxford.
The murder case is suspicious at best, but the last thing Ruby wants is another investigation. That is, until an old friend comes begging for Ruby’s help. It soon becomes painfully clear that there is more going on in Oxford than meets the eye. Ruby and Ruan will have to uncover the dark secrets of the competitive world of antiquities while trying to understand the peculiar force that keeps drawing them back together.
If someone were to ask American heiress Ruby Vaughn how exactly the occult came to play such a large role in her life, she would immediately point to her octogenarian housemate and employer, Mr. Owen. Together, the pair run a rare book shop in Exeter. Mr. Owen’s penchant for arcane, unusual—and occasionally illegal—books has been known to get Ruby into her fair share of trouble. And after the last year, she is looking forward to spending a quiet holiday in picturesque Oxford while Mr. Owen attends the annual meeting of his antiquarian society. Secretly, Ruby is also looking for a holiday from her confounding feelings for Ruan Kivell, the intriguing folk healer Pellar that she met in Cornwall.
When Mr. Owen secures two tickets to an upcoming exhibition of artifacts amassed by disgraced scholar Julius Harker, Ruby reluctantly agrees to attend. The evening turns out to be more eventful than either of them bargained for. Harker’s dead body is discovered amongst the collection, his business partner is hastily arrested, and Ruan arrives…wanting to speak with Ruby. It seems both the arcane and her Pellar have followed Ruby to Oxford.
The murder case is suspicious at best, but the last thing Ruby wants is another investigation. That is, until an old friend comes begging for Ruby’s help. It soon becomes painfully clear that there is more going on in Oxford than meets the eye. Ruby and Ruan will have to uncover the dark secrets of the competitive world of antiquities while trying to understand the peculiar force that keeps drawing them back together.
327 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2025
63 people are currently reading
12806 people want to read
About the author
Jess Armstrong
5 books453 followersJess Armstrong is the USA Today best selling author of the Ruby Vaughn Mysteries. Her debut novel, The Curse of Penryth Hall, won the Mystery Writers of America/Minotaur First Crime Novel Competition. She has a masters degree in American History but prefers writing about imaginary people to the real thing. Jess lives in New Orleans with her historian husband, two sons and an ever growing number of pets and plants. And when she’s not working on her next project, she’s probably thinking about cheese, baking, on social media or some combination of the above.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 16, 2025
Ruby Vaughn is a magnet for trouble and in this third book of the series she's found it once again. How she’s still alive is honestly the biggest mystery!
When she and Mr. Owen, her octogenarian employer and rare books collector, go to Oxford to attend a meeting of antiquarians, it seems like a chance for her to finally catch her breath from the murderous events of the past two books and catch up with her old friend Leona. It’s also a chance to put some distance between herself and that pesky growing connection she has with Cornish pellar/folk healer Ruan Kivell. (Is she deluding herself? Of course!)
When local curiosity museum owner Julius Harker doesn’t show up for a planned presentation of Egyptian artifacts and is found murdered inside one of them, Ruby finds out just how dangerous the world of antiquities can be and just how far people will go to collect them. She also has to admit she needs Ruan’s help once again, which he’s only too willing to give.
I won’t go into much more detail than that, other than to say this is a historical mystery, so it was both an engaging whodunnit and an illuminating look at the darker side of collecting and archaeological artifacts. There’s a great new cast of possible culprits and some returning faces, including Ruby’s awesome housekeeper Mrs. Penrose and her adorable cat, Fiachna.
If I had any complaints at all it would simply be the pacing. While something is always happening, a lot of the sleuthing happens at night when most people are asleep which can make the story itself feel just a little bit slow and meandering at times. I also hope they get a proofreader on this before publication, because there were a lot of errors. Nothing major, but enough to be distracting.
All-in-all, this was another fun, solid mystery. I love watching the connection between Ruby and Ruan grow and evolve. She’s stubborn as all get out, but his patience and gentleness with her is sweet, and her ‘act first, think later’ approach is bringing out a more adventurous side of him, mostly by necessity to keep her alive!
This remains a solid series and one I continue to look forward to - especially after the enticing cliff-hanger it ended on!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur, NetGalley and author Jess Armstrong for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
When she and Mr. Owen, her octogenarian employer and rare books collector, go to Oxford to attend a meeting of antiquarians, it seems like a chance for her to finally catch her breath from the murderous events of the past two books and catch up with her old friend Leona. It’s also a chance to put some distance between herself and that pesky growing connection she has with Cornish pellar/folk healer Ruan Kivell. (Is she deluding herself? Of course!)
When local curiosity museum owner Julius Harker doesn’t show up for a planned presentation of Egyptian artifacts and is found murdered inside one of them, Ruby finds out just how dangerous the world of antiquities can be and just how far people will go to collect them. She also has to admit she needs Ruan’s help once again, which he’s only too willing to give.
I won’t go into much more detail than that, other than to say this is a historical mystery, so it was both an engaging whodunnit and an illuminating look at the darker side of collecting and archaeological artifacts. There’s a great new cast of possible culprits and some returning faces, including Ruby’s awesome housekeeper Mrs. Penrose and her adorable cat, Fiachna.
If I had any complaints at all it would simply be the pacing. While something is always happening, a lot of the sleuthing happens at night when most people are asleep which can make the story itself feel just a little bit slow and meandering at times. I also hope they get a proofreader on this before publication, because there were a lot of errors. Nothing major, but enough to be distracting.
All-in-all, this was another fun, solid mystery. I love watching the connection between Ruby and Ruan grow and evolve. She’s stubborn as all get out, but his patience and gentleness with her is sweet, and her ‘act first, think later’ approach is bringing out a more adventurous side of him, mostly by necessity to keep her alive!
This remains a solid series and one I continue to look forward to - especially after the enticing cliff-hanger it ended on!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur, NetGalley and author Jess Armstrong for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
December 22, 2025
The Devil in Oxford is the 3rd-release in Jess Armstrong's Ruby Vaughn series. These adventurous Gothic Mysteries have truly captured my heart.
This installment finds Ruby accompanying her employer, Mr. Owen, to Oxford while he attends an annual meeting of the Antiquarian Society of which he is a part.
Ruby is looking at the time in Oxford to serve as a bit of a holiday for her. She's brought her housemaid, her cat and she's excited to spend time with her old friend, Leona, who works in Oxford. As you may know, however, trouble tends to find Ruby wherever she goes.
That trouble arrives on a night out at an exhibition of artifacts amassed by the disgraced scholar, Julius Harker. How could an event like that possibly bring on trouble, you may ask? A bunch of stuffy old scholars, you may say.
Well, when Harker's dead body is discovered amongst the collection, his business partner is quickly arrested. Ruby gets drawn in, mainly by her friend, Leona, who is close with all parties involved. The last thing Ruby wants, really, is to get dragged into another dangerous investigation, yet, that's exactly what happens.
As all of this is happening, Ruan Kivell, the Cornish Pellar, Ruby is battling feelings for, arrives in town as well, insisting upon seeing her. Well, that's just fine. They work great together. He can only aide in Ruby's investigation, she just wishes he'd stop reading her thoughts.
Thus, Ruby sets out to discover the truth about what happened to Julius Harker, because she's definitely not buying the story they're being sold.
I think it's fair to say that I'm really invested in this series at this point. I love how each installment feels like a completely new adventure. One of my favorite aspects is discovering where Ruby is going in each new book.
I also just love Ruby as a protagonist. She has such an interesting backstory, which I still don't feel we know the true depths of. She's stubborn as a mule, but so quick and determined. She's like that friend you just want to shake sometimes, but you know what, she gets stuff done.
I was so happy at the start of this, just to be returning to this world and cast of characters, and of course, I squealed when Ruan entered the chat.
I liked how tense this mystery got. There was like this dark, seedy underbelly of Oxford that Ruby and Ruan were having to dig into. It felt dangerous, and since we didn't know a lot of these cast of side characters from the previous books, I had no idea who to trust.
I'm glad that Ruan did end up showing up in the story, not just for the romance vibes he always brings, but also for the safety and steadiness he provides Ruby. Their personalities compliment each other well, and they do work well together.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, particularly if you enjoy those with occult elements and gothic atmosphere.
Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait for the next book. I'm really hoping we get to learn even more about Ruby's past!
This installment finds Ruby accompanying her employer, Mr. Owen, to Oxford while he attends an annual meeting of the Antiquarian Society of which he is a part.
Ruby is looking at the time in Oxford to serve as a bit of a holiday for her. She's brought her housemaid, her cat and she's excited to spend time with her old friend, Leona, who works in Oxford. As you may know, however, trouble tends to find Ruby wherever she goes.
That trouble arrives on a night out at an exhibition of artifacts amassed by the disgraced scholar, Julius Harker. How could an event like that possibly bring on trouble, you may ask? A bunch of stuffy old scholars, you may say.
Well, when Harker's dead body is discovered amongst the collection, his business partner is quickly arrested. Ruby gets drawn in, mainly by her friend, Leona, who is close with all parties involved. The last thing Ruby wants, really, is to get dragged into another dangerous investigation, yet, that's exactly what happens.
As all of this is happening, Ruan Kivell, the Cornish Pellar, Ruby is battling feelings for, arrives in town as well, insisting upon seeing her. Well, that's just fine. They work great together. He can only aide in Ruby's investigation, she just wishes he'd stop reading her thoughts.
Thus, Ruby sets out to discover the truth about what happened to Julius Harker, because she's definitely not buying the story they're being sold.
I think it's fair to say that I'm really invested in this series at this point. I love how each installment feels like a completely new adventure. One of my favorite aspects is discovering where Ruby is going in each new book.
I also just love Ruby as a protagonist. She has such an interesting backstory, which I still don't feel we know the true depths of. She's stubborn as a mule, but so quick and determined. She's like that friend you just want to shake sometimes, but you know what, she gets stuff done.
I was so happy at the start of this, just to be returning to this world and cast of characters, and of course, I squealed when Ruan entered the chat.
I liked how tense this mystery got. There was like this dark, seedy underbelly of Oxford that Ruby and Ruan were having to dig into. It felt dangerous, and since we didn't know a lot of these cast of side characters from the previous books, I had no idea who to trust.
I'm glad that Ruan did end up showing up in the story, not just for the romance vibes he always brings, but also for the safety and steadiness he provides Ruby. Their personalities compliment each other well, and they do work well together.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, particularly if you enjoy those with occult elements and gothic atmosphere.
Thank you to the publisher, Minotaur Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait for the next book. I'm really hoping we get to learn even more about Ruby's past!
July 30, 2025
Nobody does a gothic mystery like Jess Armstrong, and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the 3rd installment of the Ruby Vaughn series. Ruby, an American heiress, may dabble in illegal sales of books and her gumption brings me back to the series each time.
Ruby Vaughn returns to us in THE DEVIL IN OXFORD and this has become my favorite in he series. It's winter and Ruby is hoping for some peace and quite when her octogenarian housemate and employer, Mr. Owen invites her to an exhibit. What should be an easy evening turns deadly.
Once again thrown into the middle of a mystery, this time the death of disgraced scholar Julius Harker, Ruby will partner with old friend Ruan (he's back!) to uncover secrets in this shady murder.
This series has such a cool gothic vibe, and I love anything set in the 20s. While this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend grabbing the first two books, it provides a lot more flavor and background to the main characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for an advanced readers copy, I can't wait to grab a copy for my library come November!
Ruby Vaughn returns to us in THE DEVIL IN OXFORD and this has become my favorite in he series. It's winter and Ruby is hoping for some peace and quite when her octogenarian housemate and employer, Mr. Owen invites her to an exhibit. What should be an easy evening turns deadly.
Once again thrown into the middle of a mystery, this time the death of disgraced scholar Julius Harker, Ruby will partner with old friend Ruan (he's back!) to uncover secrets in this shady murder.
This series has such a cool gothic vibe, and I love anything set in the 20s. While this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend grabbing the first two books, it provides a lot more flavor and background to the main characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for an advanced readers copy, I can't wait to grab a copy for my library come November!
October 21, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Nov. 4, 2025
The third novel in the Ruby Vaughan series by Jess Armstrong is back, and this time, Ruby is on the trail of a lost book and missing museum artifacts, all while investigating a dead scholar.
“The Devil in Oxford” is narrated by Ruby who, after the trials of her last two adventures, has her hoping for rest and relaxation while her employer, Mr. Owen, attends a society meeting in Oxford. However, it isn’t long before Ruby is asked to attend a museum exhibition, displaying odd and arcane items discovered by the exiled scholar Julius Harker. Ruby reluctantly attends and of course, wherever Ruby goes, death follows, as the body of Julius is found among the relics in his exhibition. An innocent man is arrested for the crime and Ruby investigates in order to secure his freedom, even if it means reconnecting with Ruan, her star-crossed love, and even though, as usual, Ruby’s life will be put in danger.
The Ruby Vaughan series is unique as the protagonist is a female bookseller who investigates crimes on the side which is unusual in itself since the novel takes place in the 1920s. Ruby is an American heiress, living in England, with her mother deceased and her father estranged she works for the indefatigable Mr. Owen, an octogenarian who cares for Ruby like his own. Ruby’s spunk, tenacity and bravery combine to make the ideal narrator, and I love hearing about her adventures from her perspective.
There are a few mysteries that coincide in “Devil”, with the missing book, then the missing people and, of course, the initial murder that puts Ruby on the case. Armstrong, however, takes all of these moving parts and puts them together seamlessly, not only connecting them but bringing the plot points to a concrete and satisfying conclusion.
Ruby’s love interest, Ruan, is present in this one again, but their budding romance takes a back seat to the murder and mayhem. Ruan is exceptional in his own way, with his healing abilities and his other powers of witchcraft, which makes him stand out as the perfect companion to wild and unruly Ruby.
Armstrong’s Ruby Vaughan series does not need to be read in order, but I always recommend doing so, as any novel is more enjoyable if you understand the intricate relationship details that can be overlooked if read non chronologically.
I have been a part of Ruby’s journey since the beginning and I can’t wait to see where she takes me next.
Expected publication date: Nov. 4, 2025
The third novel in the Ruby Vaughan series by Jess Armstrong is back, and this time, Ruby is on the trail of a lost book and missing museum artifacts, all while investigating a dead scholar.
“The Devil in Oxford” is narrated by Ruby who, after the trials of her last two adventures, has her hoping for rest and relaxation while her employer, Mr. Owen, attends a society meeting in Oxford. However, it isn’t long before Ruby is asked to attend a museum exhibition, displaying odd and arcane items discovered by the exiled scholar Julius Harker. Ruby reluctantly attends and of course, wherever Ruby goes, death follows, as the body of Julius is found among the relics in his exhibition. An innocent man is arrested for the crime and Ruby investigates in order to secure his freedom, even if it means reconnecting with Ruan, her star-crossed love, and even though, as usual, Ruby’s life will be put in danger.
The Ruby Vaughan series is unique as the protagonist is a female bookseller who investigates crimes on the side which is unusual in itself since the novel takes place in the 1920s. Ruby is an American heiress, living in England, with her mother deceased and her father estranged she works for the indefatigable Mr. Owen, an octogenarian who cares for Ruby like his own. Ruby’s spunk, tenacity and bravery combine to make the ideal narrator, and I love hearing about her adventures from her perspective.
There are a few mysteries that coincide in “Devil”, with the missing book, then the missing people and, of course, the initial murder that puts Ruby on the case. Armstrong, however, takes all of these moving parts and puts them together seamlessly, not only connecting them but bringing the plot points to a concrete and satisfying conclusion.
Ruby’s love interest, Ruan, is present in this one again, but their budding romance takes a back seat to the murder and mayhem. Ruan is exceptional in his own way, with his healing abilities and his other powers of witchcraft, which makes him stand out as the perfect companion to wild and unruly Ruby.
Armstrong’s Ruby Vaughan series does not need to be read in order, but I always recommend doing so, as any novel is more enjoyable if you understand the intricate relationship details that can be overlooked if read non chronologically.
I have been a part of Ruby’s journey since the beginning and I can’t wait to see where she takes me next.
September 15, 2025
The Devil in Oxford was an engaging historical mystery that pulled me in right away. I loved the Oxford setting. It has that perfect dark academia vibe with its libraries, antiquities, and scholarly secrets tucked into a winter backdrop. The murder itself was twisty and well plotted, with just enough suspects to keep me guessing. I also really enjoyed how the book wove in Ruby’s personal history and her complicated dynamic with Ruan.
Even though this is the first book I’ve read in the series, I had no problem following along. It works well as a standalone, though now I’m curious to go back and see how Ruby’s story began.
I did expect more of the gothic, otherworldly elements just based on the book’s premise. Still, I eat up dark academia vibes so this was an atmospheric and thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d recommend to historical mystery fans.
4 stars, ARC review
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me the opportunity to get this ARC.
Even though this is the first book I’ve read in the series, I had no problem following along. It works well as a standalone, though now I’m curious to go back and see how Ruby’s story began.
I did expect more of the gothic, otherworldly elements just based on the book’s premise. Still, I eat up dark academia vibes so this was an atmospheric and thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d recommend to historical mystery fans.
4 stars, ARC review
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me the opportunity to get this ARC.
October 27, 2025
ARC Review: The Devil in Oxford by Jess Armstrong
The Devil in Oxford is the third installment in Jess Armstrong’s series about Ruby Vaughn. When I started reading, I didn’t realize it was part of a series—it took me a few pages (and a quick trip to Goodreads) to catch on. After that, though, I found it worked really well as a standalone.
The book is advertised as a historical gothic murder mystery, but to me, it felt more like a historical dark academia mystery. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all, but I think it’s helpful to know before starting.
This time around, Ruby Vaughn finds herself in Oxford around Christmas with her friend and mentor, Mr. Owen, who is attending the annual meeting of the Antiquarian Society. After the year she’s had, Ruby is eager for a break—from her tumultuous relationship with Ruan and from her “heroic detective” lifestyle. She’s hoping for a quiet stay in Oxford, but when a body turns up at an exhibition they attend, Ruby is once again pulled into a murder mystery.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the investigation and loved the supporting cast of characters. Jess Armstrong has a great talent for weaving history into her mysteries, and as a bit of a history nerd, I had a great time with this one.
The romance subplot didn’t matter much to me—it was the story and the characters that stood out. My only small gripe was the occasional word choice that sent me to Google. (For instance, the line “I worried my lower lip as the fire popped merrily in the hearth”—I thought it was a typo at first!)
Other than that, I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a richly historical, wintry mystery with a clever twist.
The Devil in Oxford is the third installment in Jess Armstrong’s series about Ruby Vaughn. When I started reading, I didn’t realize it was part of a series—it took me a few pages (and a quick trip to Goodreads) to catch on. After that, though, I found it worked really well as a standalone.
The book is advertised as a historical gothic murder mystery, but to me, it felt more like a historical dark academia mystery. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all, but I think it’s helpful to know before starting.
This time around, Ruby Vaughn finds herself in Oxford around Christmas with her friend and mentor, Mr. Owen, who is attending the annual meeting of the Antiquarian Society. After the year she’s had, Ruby is eager for a break—from her tumultuous relationship with Ruan and from her “heroic detective” lifestyle. She’s hoping for a quiet stay in Oxford, but when a body turns up at an exhibition they attend, Ruby is once again pulled into a murder mystery.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the investigation and loved the supporting cast of characters. Jess Armstrong has a great talent for weaving history into her mysteries, and as a bit of a history nerd, I had a great time with this one.
The romance subplot didn’t matter much to me—it was the story and the characters that stood out. My only small gripe was the occasional word choice that sent me to Google. (For instance, the line “I worried my lower lip as the fire popped merrily in the hearth”—I thought it was a typo at first!)
Other than that, I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a richly historical, wintry mystery with a clever twist.
November 20, 2025
An entertaining mystery and a solid entry for the Ruby Vaughn series.
I like the tone and pacing of these, though it’s frustrating to see very little atmosphere in a book series claiming to be Gothic.
It’s a bit baffling to see that descriptor consistently applied to this series when neither the pacing nor the settings feel Gothic in any way. I’d categorize these more as Historical Mysteries that use modern language and pacing.
I think I would prefer the imaginary Gothic version of these, as I think better use of the Oxford setting would have gone a long way towards making this a really good book. The story and the mystery are both fine, but they needed stronger atmosphere to truly succeed.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I like the tone and pacing of these, though it’s frustrating to see very little atmosphere in a book series claiming to be Gothic.
It’s a bit baffling to see that descriptor consistently applied to this series when neither the pacing nor the settings feel Gothic in any way. I’d categorize these more as Historical Mysteries that use modern language and pacing.
I think I would prefer the imaginary Gothic version of these, as I think better use of the Oxford setting would have gone a long way towards making this a really good book. The story and the mystery are both fine, but they needed stronger atmosphere to truly succeed.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 6, 2025
4.5 stars. Ruby ily
I absolutely love this series - pretty much everything about it. I love the setting (post-WWI), I love the mysteries that Ruby gets into, the entire cast of characters, and then just the hint of supernatural powers as a treat. This was such a complicated mystery and I loved trying to figure out the clues alongside Ruby & Ruan. This woman is fearless!!!! Major Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries vibes and I am HERE FOR IT.
Also Ruan is perfect and I have no notes.
Thanks to NetGalley, Jess Armstrong, and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this series - pretty much everything about it. I love the setting (post-WWI), I love the mysteries that Ruby gets into, the entire cast of characters, and then just the hint of supernatural powers as a treat. This was such a complicated mystery and I loved trying to figure out the clues alongside Ruby & Ruan. This woman is fearless!!!! Major Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries vibes and I am HERE FOR IT.
Also Ruan is perfect and I have no notes.
Thanks to NetGalley, Jess Armstrong, and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, Minotaur Books, and Jess Armstrong for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide honest feedback.
I threw my hat in the ring not expecting to be approved for this ARC and literally cried when I was!
I became hooked on this series when The Curse of Penryth Hall released and solidified Jess as an auto-buy author for me. The Secret of the Three Fates continued the journey and was a perfect addition to Ruby's adventures. The Devil in Oxford is leaving me waiting (impatiently) for the next installment!
Why do I love these books? Besides a great, captivating mystery with a fun and unique magical system, Ruby is my favorite fictional FMC. She is willful, independent, stubborn, intelligent, relatable, and flawed. She is developed so well in the first book that subsequent books feel like visiting with an old friend. Jess has a gift for consistency - the core characteristics of her characters remain a constant from book to book - but they grow and develop in a very relatable way. Ruby reminds me of myself, or at least the person I hope that I am, and that in and of itself makes these books true gems.
Ruan is a fantastically written MMC. He is off to the side but fully developed and allows Ruby's story to shine without taking over. He helps to make this a true female led series and provides the support needed without overstepping.
The mystery of A Devil in Oxford had me hooked from page 1 (as I expected it would) and was a very different read than the first two. Varying the mysteries at the center of the books is a great move by Jess because nothing seems repetitive, which allows the reader a new adventure but still the consistent characters we've grown to love.
Each book sprinkles in new side characters, and The Devil in Oxford did not disappoint. I really liked Leona and was so curious about her involvement in the mystery, but found her unable to be trusted. The unreliable nature of her character lent well to the story as well as Ruby's character development. The same goes for Frederick Reaver, I thoroughly enjoyed his storyline and my back and forth between "he's definitely the villain" and "he's definitely misunderstood."
I had the pleasure of being in a chat with Jess, and other Ruby fans, as we read the new installment. Jess is a truly genuine soul and is kind, humble, and great fun to chat with. Thank you, Jess, for the candid conversations and invaluable insight. You've created a masterpiece with this series and I look forward to reading more of your works!
I threw my hat in the ring not expecting to be approved for this ARC and literally cried when I was!
I became hooked on this series when The Curse of Penryth Hall released and solidified Jess as an auto-buy author for me. The Secret of the Three Fates continued the journey and was a perfect addition to Ruby's adventures. The Devil in Oxford is leaving me waiting (impatiently) for the next installment!
Why do I love these books? Besides a great, captivating mystery with a fun and unique magical system, Ruby is my favorite fictional FMC. She is willful, independent, stubborn, intelligent, relatable, and flawed. She is developed so well in the first book that subsequent books feel like visiting with an old friend. Jess has a gift for consistency - the core characteristics of her characters remain a constant from book to book - but they grow and develop in a very relatable way. Ruby reminds me of myself, or at least the person I hope that I am, and that in and of itself makes these books true gems.
Ruan is a fantastically written MMC. He is off to the side but fully developed and allows Ruby's story to shine without taking over. He helps to make this a true female led series and provides the support needed without overstepping.
The mystery of A Devil in Oxford had me hooked from page 1 (as I expected it would) and was a very different read than the first two. Varying the mysteries at the center of the books is a great move by Jess because nothing seems repetitive, which allows the reader a new adventure but still the consistent characters we've grown to love.
Each book sprinkles in new side characters, and The Devil in Oxford did not disappoint. I really liked Leona and was so curious about her involvement in the mystery, but found her unable to be trusted. The unreliable nature of her character lent well to the story as well as Ruby's character development. The same goes for Frederick Reaver, I thoroughly enjoyed his storyline and my back and forth between "he's definitely the villain" and "he's definitely misunderstood."
I had the pleasure of being in a chat with Jess, and other Ruby fans, as we read the new installment. Jess is a truly genuine soul and is kind, humble, and great fun to chat with. Thank you, Jess, for the candid conversations and invaluable insight. You've created a masterpiece with this series and I look forward to reading more of your works!
November 6, 2025
Ruby Vaughn travels from Exeter to Oxford to spend Christmas with her friend Leona and also accompany her (Ruby's) boss/companion the octogenarian Mr Owen aka the Viscount of Harwick to various of antiquarian society dinners and talks.
Ruby and Mr Owen arrive slap bang in the middle of a ding-dong between two Oxford scholars, the disgraced Julius Harker who now runs a curiosity museum and the illustrious lecturer on anthropology Frederick Reaver - apparently they were supposed to have a debate several days ago in public but Harker failed to show up. Now crowds have gathered for Harker's unveiling of his Napoleonic cache of Egyptian treasures. But the missing man makes an appearance in the most shocking way possible, his dead body stuffed inside a sarcophagus with his tongue cut out. When Harker's mild mannered business partner Herr Mueller is arrested for his murder Leona begs Ruby to investigate the case and prove Mueller innocent, but there seem to be multiple factors at work.
I didn't realise that this was the third book in a series when I requested the ARC and I have to say I found it difficult to keep track of all the different threads. As I said in my review of a very different book, there are too many overreaching arcs in this book: the romance with the witch Ruan; the women pretending to be Ruby's mother (who died when the Ruritania sank, along with Ruby's father and sister); the mystery about Ruby's 'powers'; her WW1 trauma which may or may not have caused a nervous breakdown, etc, etc.
Also, there were so many suspects for Harker's murder and in the end when the culprit is revealed I didn't feel that there was any evidence (other than the villain's convenient mea culpa) to suggest it was that person over any of the others. There were lots of hints at the supernatural but when it came down to it all the explanations were pretty prosaic.
Pleasant enough but not really what I was hoping for.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Ruby and Mr Owen arrive slap bang in the middle of a ding-dong between two Oxford scholars, the disgraced Julius Harker who now runs a curiosity museum and the illustrious lecturer on anthropology Frederick Reaver - apparently they were supposed to have a debate several days ago in public but Harker failed to show up. Now crowds have gathered for Harker's unveiling of his Napoleonic cache of Egyptian treasures. But the missing man makes an appearance in the most shocking way possible, his dead body stuffed inside a sarcophagus with his tongue cut out. When Harker's mild mannered business partner Herr Mueller is arrested for his murder Leona begs Ruby to investigate the case and prove Mueller innocent, but there seem to be multiple factors at work.
I didn't realise that this was the third book in a series when I requested the ARC and I have to say I found it difficult to keep track of all the different threads. As I said in my review of a very different book, there are too many overreaching arcs in this book: the romance with the witch Ruan; the women pretending to be Ruby's mother (who died when the Ruritania sank, along with Ruby's father and sister); the mystery about Ruby's 'powers'; her WW1 trauma which may or may not have caused a nervous breakdown, etc, etc.
Also, there were so many suspects for Harker's murder and in the end when the culprit is revealed I didn't feel that there was any evidence (other than the villain's convenient mea culpa) to suggest it was that person over any of the others. There were lots of hints at the supernatural but when it came down to it all the explanations were pretty prosaic.
Pleasant enough but not really what I was hoping for.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
August 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book and Jess Armstrong for the early physical copy!
This is the third book in the Ruby Vaughn series I have read. I was originally captured by the gothic vibes, historical fiction elements, and murder mystery. However, The Devil in Oxford seemed to stray away from the gothic vibes of the first two books and leaned into the cozy vibes of winter in Oxford. I did not get the occult vibes from this book. I thought it would lean more into the Cthulhu mythos without the creatures or have some Egyptology based on the cover. I even thought it would dive into Ruby's potential gifts, as it was highlighted so much in the last book.
I was disappointed that none of these things happened. I liked the setting of Oxford in winter and enjoyed the wide variety of characters. I wish we got to spend more time with each side character. I enjoyed Ruby's development with Ruan and how they were finally able to figure out their relationship or at least both mutually confessed they feel the same. I loved exploring Oxford and walking in Ruby's shoes to the different parties and events she went to. I love Leona as a character, as she had her secrets and was known for her intelligence in multiple languages.
My gripe with this book (spoilers) is that the killer turned out to be the good guy, who is mentioned at the start and barely visible, and connected to one of the main characters. They are in the clear, having a connection with one of the main characters. This also happened in the last book with Mr. Owen and the Duke. I do not like books that have repetitive patterns, whether it is how the killer is killed or having similar connections in other books. There are so many different things you can do for a murder mystery so to me, there is no excuse to repeat anything unless it is the same person doing the killing.
Although The Devil in Oxford is my least favorite in the series, I will continue to read the series in the future. I hope that in the next book, we get a better understanding of Ruby and Ruan's gifts.
This is the third book in the Ruby Vaughn series I have read. I was originally captured by the gothic vibes, historical fiction elements, and murder mystery. However, The Devil in Oxford seemed to stray away from the gothic vibes of the first two books and leaned into the cozy vibes of winter in Oxford. I did not get the occult vibes from this book. I thought it would lean more into the Cthulhu mythos without the creatures or have some Egyptology based on the cover. I even thought it would dive into Ruby's potential gifts, as it was highlighted so much in the last book.
I was disappointed that none of these things happened. I liked the setting of Oxford in winter and enjoyed the wide variety of characters. I wish we got to spend more time with each side character. I enjoyed Ruby's development with Ruan and how they were finally able to figure out their relationship or at least both mutually confessed they feel the same. I loved exploring Oxford and walking in Ruby's shoes to the different parties and events she went to. I love Leona as a character, as she had her secrets and was known for her intelligence in multiple languages.
My gripe with this book (spoilers) is that the killer turned out to be the good guy, who is mentioned at the start and barely visible, and connected to one of the main characters. They are in the clear, having a connection with one of the main characters. This also happened in the last book with Mr. Owen and the Duke. I do not like books that have repetitive patterns, whether it is how the killer is killed or having similar connections in other books. There are so many different things you can do for a murder mystery so to me, there is no excuse to repeat anything unless it is the same person doing the killing.
Although The Devil in Oxford is my least favorite in the series, I will continue to read the series in the future. I hope that in the next book, we get a better understanding of Ruby and Ruan's gifts.
September 21, 2025
This was my first book in this series, and although it didn’t limit my enjoyment of the book, it took me a while to get up to date with the goings on in the previous books. I found Ruby to be quite an impulsive character, and nothing will stop her from investigating the murder of the disgraced scholar Julius Harker, even if at times she finds herself at great risk and going up against authority. She is also not averse to breaking into properties as part of her investigation. It’s great to see another book with a strong female lead.
The book had a really gothic feel, set in Oxford in 1922. It really has a bit of everything with a mixture of mystery, historical information and intrigue, romance and a light bit of the occult or magic. This all adds up to a rich and engaging read, with some great plotting and I loved how the exploits of Howard Carter are mentioned through the book.
Ruby as well as being impulsive shows herself to be tenacious, and a great friend who puts herself on the line, and even at great risk, for her friends. There is a great romantic thread in the book through an interesting relationship with Ruan which I felt was explored well with Ruby letting the reader know her thoughts and emotions on it.
I felt the whole book worked well set against the academic world of Oxford with a great array of interesting characters that supported the storyline. It does really rather lead you to start guessing what is going on, who the murderer is and what the motive behind the murders are. Along the way as you’d expect there are some interesting twists.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, and following reading this I would be keen to go back and read the previous books in the series. I feel if you enjoy good gothic and historical mysteries with a strong female lead that you would really enjoy this book. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series to see where the author takes the relationship.
The book had a really gothic feel, set in Oxford in 1922. It really has a bit of everything with a mixture of mystery, historical information and intrigue, romance and a light bit of the occult or magic. This all adds up to a rich and engaging read, with some great plotting and I loved how the exploits of Howard Carter are mentioned through the book.
Ruby as well as being impulsive shows herself to be tenacious, and a great friend who puts herself on the line, and even at great risk, for her friends. There is a great romantic thread in the book through an interesting relationship with Ruan which I felt was explored well with Ruby letting the reader know her thoughts and emotions on it.
I felt the whole book worked well set against the academic world of Oxford with a great array of interesting characters that supported the storyline. It does really rather lead you to start guessing what is going on, who the murderer is and what the motive behind the murders are. Along the way as you’d expect there are some interesting twists.
Overall this was an enjoyable read, and following reading this I would be keen to go back and read the previous books in the series. I feel if you enjoy good gothic and historical mysteries with a strong female lead that you would really enjoy this book. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series to see where the author takes the relationship.
August 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
This was an excellent edition to this series. We catch up with Ruby after the end of book two. She is still reeling from realizing she has feelings for Ryan Kivell as well as her growing sensitivity to the other world.
Ruby is with her employer on another adventure but it wouldn’t be a Ruby book without a murder. And murder finds Ruby again much to her dismay. Ruby is perfectly fine with not getting involved until a close friend begs for her assistance. And of course Ruan shows up to help despite Ruby accidentally insults him in a letter that she thinks tells him that she cares for him. In her defense, she was drinking at the time of said letter writing.
This book delves more into Ruby’s mysterious past and more of her secrets that she’s not quite willing to confront yet. And poor Ruan suffers a heartbreaking betrayal that has Ruby truly worried for him at the end of the book.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much. Jess Armstrong knows how to write a good mystery as well as painting the environment. It’s clear that she puts a lot of research into her writing and I am so excited to see where she takes this series!
This was an excellent edition to this series. We catch up with Ruby after the end of book two. She is still reeling from realizing she has feelings for Ryan Kivell as well as her growing sensitivity to the other world.
Ruby is with her employer on another adventure but it wouldn’t be a Ruby book without a murder. And murder finds Ruby again much to her dismay. Ruby is perfectly fine with not getting involved until a close friend begs for her assistance. And of course Ruan shows up to help despite Ruby accidentally insults him in a letter that she thinks tells him that she cares for him. In her defense, she was drinking at the time of said letter writing.
This book delves more into Ruby’s mysterious past and more of her secrets that she’s not quite willing to confront yet. And poor Ruan suffers a heartbreaking betrayal that has Ruby truly worried for him at the end of the book.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much. Jess Armstrong knows how to write a good mystery as well as painting the environment. It’s clear that she puts a lot of research into her writing and I am so excited to see where she takes this series!
October 4, 2025
It is 1922 and Christmas time. Ruby Vaughn and Mr. Owens are spending time in Oxford where Mr. Owens is attending an Antiquarian Society annual meeting. Ruby is hoping for a quiet time free from the occult and murder investigations where she can consider her relationship with Ruam Kivell.
However, an invitation to an exhibition of artifacts leads to a dead body stuffed into an airtight container. Ruby could consider it not her problem until a friend comes to her begging for her help solving the crime.
When Ruan also arrives in Oxford, he and Ruby find themselves trying to discover just what is going on. Ruan was a student at Oxford and has a number of acquaintances including the father of his bewst friend who died duting the war.
With missing artifacts, a missing book from the Bodleian, and possible drug smuggling, Ruby would have enough to deal with. But piling on is the appearance of another imposter claiming to be her mother who was lost along with her father and sister on the Lusitania.
When Ruby starts seeing things and having flashbacks to her time as an ambulance driver during the First World War, she fears that she is losing her mind and becomes plagued with even more disturbing dreams. Fighting to determine what is real becomes a large part of this story.
I enjoyed the setting and the characters in this third Ruby Vaughn mystery.
However, an invitation to an exhibition of artifacts leads to a dead body stuffed into an airtight container. Ruby could consider it not her problem until a friend comes to her begging for her help solving the crime.
When Ruan also arrives in Oxford, he and Ruby find themselves trying to discover just what is going on. Ruan was a student at Oxford and has a number of acquaintances including the father of his bewst friend who died duting the war.
With missing artifacts, a missing book from the Bodleian, and possible drug smuggling, Ruby would have enough to deal with. But piling on is the appearance of another imposter claiming to be her mother who was lost along with her father and sister on the Lusitania.
When Ruby starts seeing things and having flashbacks to her time as an ambulance driver during the First World War, she fears that she is losing her mind and becomes plagued with even more disturbing dreams. Fighting to determine what is real becomes a large part of this story.
I enjoyed the setting and the characters in this third Ruby Vaughn mystery.
October 26, 2025
It's December, 1923, and plucky American heiress, Ruby Vaughn is accompanying her octogenarian boss for the annual meeting of his antiquarian society. He has managed to procure two tickets for an archeological exhibit presentation by a former professor of dubious fame. The organizers are miffed as the presenter is AWOL. That is until he's discovered in an exhibit sarcophagus, which certainly has ruined his day and any future he sought. The man's assistant is hauled in on trumped up murder charges. Ruby's friend seeks Ruby's help in clearing the assistant's name. When he also winds up on someone hit list, Ruby is more driven to solve the mystery. Mysterious pellar, Ruan Kivell accompanies Ruby trying valiantly to keep her out of harm's way. It's a challenge, to be sure. Hopefully, all will be set to right before another death occurs.
This continuation of the Ruby Vaughn mystery series is as equally engaging as the last, The Secret of the Three Fates. It too includes the Pellar, Ruan Kivell and the sexual tension between him and Ruby continues a bit further along.
This was a highly atmospheric, somewhat dark mystery. The writing is rich and the characters colorful. The scene settings are cinematic in scope and the tension is steady throughout. This was a most entertaining mystery and I eagerly await Ruby and Ruan's next thrilling adventure.
I am grateful to publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: November 4, 2025
Number of Pages: 336 pages
ISBN: 978-1250374653
This continuation of the Ruby Vaughn mystery series is as equally engaging as the last, The Secret of the Three Fates. It too includes the Pellar, Ruan Kivell and the sexual tension between him and Ruby continues a bit further along.
This was a highly atmospheric, somewhat dark mystery. The writing is rich and the characters colorful. The scene settings are cinematic in scope and the tension is steady throughout. This was a most entertaining mystery and I eagerly await Ruby and Ruan's next thrilling adventure.
I am grateful to publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: November 4, 2025
Number of Pages: 336 pages
ISBN: 978-1250374653
November 8, 2025
“The Devil in Oxford” by Jess Armstrong the 3rd instalment in A Ruby Vaughn Mystery series. I love this series. I was instantly drawn back into the world of Ruby, Owen, and Ruan the Pellar. In this latest instalment , we are whisked away to Oxford at Christmas where Ruby and Ruan will have to uncover the dark secrets of the competitive world of antiquities while trying to understand the peculiar force that keeps drawing them back together.
As murders unfold, the author masterfully maintains suspense, which kept me guessing until the very end.
The conclusion hints at a thrilling book four – fingers crossed!
Tess Armstrong has secured her spot as one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this series to all mystery lovers.
I requested and received an advance readers copy from St. Martin’s and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As murders unfold, the author masterfully maintains suspense, which kept me guessing until the very end.
The conclusion hints at a thrilling book four – fingers crossed!
Tess Armstrong has secured her spot as one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this series to all mystery lovers.
I requested and received an advance readers copy from St. Martin’s and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2025
ARC Review: We're back with our favorite cast of characters with #3 in the Ruby Vaughn series and this just might be the best one yet! The gorgeous cover, the atmospheric and dark academia Oxford setting, a winter mystery & our courageous fmc who refuses to stay out of trouble.
Bodies seem to pile up wherever Ruby turns up, and Oxford is no different! Get ready for academic rivalries, missing artifacts, and a murder that has everyone trying to bury their secrets.
Oh and that cliffhanger? You know I'm already ready for Ruby 4! 😂
Bodies seem to pile up wherever Ruby turns up, and Oxford is no different! Get ready for academic rivalries, missing artifacts, and a murder that has everyone trying to bury their secrets.
Oh and that cliffhanger? You know I'm already ready for Ruby 4! 😂
November 26, 2025
This is my favorite type of historical mystery; taking place in the shadows and underbelly of Oxford that didn't show up in the history books. I love a FMC with a benign day job, who secret sleuths in the most dangerous places and circumstances, especially for her gender at this time period .I haven't (yet) read the previous 2 books, but I had no problem jumping in and I will be going back to those ASAP. The romantic longing and yearning jumped off the page and was magnificently done. The mystery had me on the edge of my seat and I was shocked by the twists and turns. I love when no one can be trusted. After that ending I cannot WAIT for more!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
September 26, 2025
Ruby Vaughn is back in this third installment of the series. Ruby and Mr. Owen are staying in Oxford for the Christmas holiday. When they both attend exhibition of artifacts amassed by disgraced scholar Julius Harker, they find him murdered and now is asked by her Leona to help solve the murder. The more Ruby digs the more trouble she seems to get herself into. With the help of Ruan Kivell, Ruby is determined to find the truth behind Juluius Harker's death and why he was killed in the first place. The Devil in Oxford was by far my favorite in the Ruby Vaughn series and I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Ruby gets herself into in the next installment. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Minotaur Books for letting me read an advance copy of this novel.
December 17, 2025
3.75 - I’m so sad I’m out of book. 😂 This particular mystery wasn’t my favorite of the three but I loved being back with the crew and I can tell it set us up to hear more about Ruby’s background in the next book.
September 11, 2025
The third book in the Ruby Vaughn series is the best one so far! This story is little less gothic than the first two, leaning more into dark academia vibes. I thought the mystery elements were set up well, and I enjoyed watching them come together. The location at Oxford was a nice change from the more isolated estates in the previous novels, allowing for different types of characters and settings.
I was glad that both Mr. Owen and Mrs. Penrose were back, and appreciated the further glimpse into Ruby’s wartime service. Ruan’s backstory at Oxford was a little convenient to the plot, but I just went with it. I liked the inclusion of Hari in the story (he was previously introduced via telegram in book two), and I’m looking forward to more of him in the future.
There aren’t as many otherworldly elements this time; it reads more like a standard historical fiction mystery. However, I do get the impression that the author is setting up the next book to dig into what powers Ruby may possess, as well as what connects her with Ruan, and I will be looking forward to it!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for the ARC.
I was glad that both Mr. Owen and Mrs. Penrose were back, and appreciated the further glimpse into Ruby’s wartime service. Ruan’s backstory at Oxford was a little convenient to the plot, but I just went with it. I liked the inclusion of Hari in the story (he was previously introduced via telegram in book two), and I’m looking forward to more of him in the future.
There aren’t as many otherworldly elements this time; it reads more like a standard historical fiction mystery. However, I do get the impression that the author is setting up the next book to dig into what powers Ruby may possess, as well as what connects her with Ruan, and I will be looking forward to it!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for the ARC.
October 9, 2025
This might be my favorite Ruby Vaughn book to date and that's saying something because I adore these books! The paranormal elements are stronger than ever, but there's still so much to learn!
Ruby and her employer, Mr. Owen, are in Oxford to meet antiquarians and buy some books for their shop in Exeter. They attend an exhibit of Egyptian artifacts and the owner of the collection is found dead at the event. Of course Ruby jumps into the fray and of course her potential love interest, Ruan, arrives just in time to help her. Ruan attended Oxford and is revisiting his past during this story. We get some insight into why Ruan prefers to live away from crowds and cities. Ruby ran away from him at the end of the last book, but she's eager for his help in this one.
There's often one major action scene in these books, but we get several in this one. Ruby is in one dangerous situation after another. Ruan always seems to show up when she's in trouble, so we get some wonderful relationship development.
The end of each Ruby Vaughn book introduces the setting and premise of the next, which makes for an exciting wait for the next installment. Imposters have claimed to be Ruby's dead mother for years and they are usually thwarted by her lawyer, but there seems to be someone with some useful information about the mother in London. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Ruby and her employer, Mr. Owen, are in Oxford to meet antiquarians and buy some books for their shop in Exeter. They attend an exhibit of Egyptian artifacts and the owner of the collection is found dead at the event. Of course Ruby jumps into the fray and of course her potential love interest, Ruan, arrives just in time to help her. Ruan attended Oxford and is revisiting his past during this story. We get some insight into why Ruan prefers to live away from crowds and cities. Ruby ran away from him at the end of the last book, but she's eager for his help in this one.
There's often one major action scene in these books, but we get several in this one. Ruby is in one dangerous situation after another. Ruan always seems to show up when she's in trouble, so we get some wonderful relationship development.
The end of each Ruby Vaughn book introduces the setting and premise of the next, which makes for an exciting wait for the next installment. Imposters have claimed to be Ruby's dead mother for years and they are usually thwarted by her lawyer, but there seems to be someone with some useful information about the mother in London. I can't wait to see what happens next!
June 15, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
Overall I enjoyed this cozy mystery - the twists and turns, the various characters, and how it all came together. Additionally, we got more into Ruan and Ruby’s past which was a nice build as it’s clear Ruan is here to stay.
One thing I noticed - for a series that’s advertised as historical gothic mysteries, this book was more historical and less gothic than expected (I.e., Ruby had senses of dread throughout the book but that was mostly it).
A few critiques which lowered the overall score - the biggest of which is I find Ruby herself challenging to like as the heroine. A lot of her actions didn’t make sense (e.g., being too worried about her friend to go to a dinner only to go and get drunk, walking around with a notebook that had all her notes on the murder but also her friend’s home addresses, etc). Additionally, the writing sometimes felt like in order to create a sinister vibe, it undermined Ruby some, e.g., Ruby could sense doing XYZ was a terrible, dangerous idea and did it anyways. While the intention was likely to show her as reckless, given she didn’t actually do much to solve any of the murder herself, it made me question her capabilities.
Thank you to Jess Armstrong, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I enjoyed this cozy mystery - the twists and turns, the various characters, and how it all came together. Additionally, we got more into Ruan and Ruby’s past which was a nice build as it’s clear Ruan is here to stay.
One thing I noticed - for a series that’s advertised as historical gothic mysteries, this book was more historical and less gothic than expected (I.e., Ruby had senses of dread throughout the book but that was mostly it).
A few critiques which lowered the overall score - the biggest of which is I find Ruby herself challenging to like as the heroine. A lot of her actions didn’t make sense (e.g., being too worried about her friend to go to a dinner only to go and get drunk, walking around with a notebook that had all her notes on the murder but also her friend’s home addresses, etc). Additionally, the writing sometimes felt like in order to create a sinister vibe, it undermined Ruby some, e.g., Ruby could sense doing XYZ was a terrible, dangerous idea and did it anyways. While the intention was likely to show her as reckless, given she didn’t actually do much to solve any of the murder herself, it made me question her capabilities.
Thank you to Jess Armstrong, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2025
I would say that this mystery is definitely leaning towards being on the cozy side. This book is marketed as being gothic, but it really doesn't feel that gothic to me. But that could totally be a personal opinion and others may disagree. But it's just something I noticed and thought I would mention. It is definitely a historical fiction situation though, so maybe that is what was supposed to make it a gothic? I don't know, I'm spit-balling.
We get some nice character development and expansion on the pasts of the main characters in this book. And although we get that additional information on those characters, I still did struggle to really like them, especially Ruby. I don't know why exactly, but I just really struggled with her as the hero of this story. It feel very natural for her (and I'm not saying all heroes need to be born to be heroes, but it needs to feel like it is within their character to act that way). She just wasn't a believable hero.
I didn't love the writing at times, but I could tell that the things I didn't like about it were used to add suspense or to create bigger moments. It just felt a little confusing at times.
Overall, this did have some good twists and reveals, so it did its job!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
We get some nice character development and expansion on the pasts of the main characters in this book. And although we get that additional information on those characters, I still did struggle to really like them, especially Ruby. I don't know why exactly, but I just really struggled with her as the hero of this story. It feel very natural for her (and I'm not saying all heroes need to be born to be heroes, but it needs to feel like it is within their character to act that way). She just wasn't a believable hero.
I didn't love the writing at times, but I could tell that the things I didn't like about it were used to add suspense or to create bigger moments. It just felt a little confusing at times.
Overall, this did have some good twists and reveals, so it did its job!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
September 28, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and was so happy to come back to this world a little early!
I really enjoyed this third installment, and can’t wait for the next one. I loved the setting, and the mystery plotline was easy to follow and kept me guessing. Leona was a fun new character, and I hope she comes back. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to delve more into the antiquities; it was there, but more detail would have been fun. I hope we get to learn more about Ruby and what she is, especially with her connection to Ruan. Also more of Mr Owen please!
Overall a good read! There were some good cliffhangers, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this third installment, and can’t wait for the next one. I loved the setting, and the mystery plotline was easy to follow and kept me guessing. Leona was a fun new character, and I hope she comes back. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to delve more into the antiquities; it was there, but more detail would have been fun. I hope we get to learn more about Ruby and what she is, especially with her connection to Ruan. Also more of Mr Owen please!
Overall a good read! There were some good cliffhangers, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
November 4, 2025
The Devil in Oxford is the third book in the gothic historical mystery series Ruby Vaughn. I absolutely fell in love with the first book, but I figured no way could this series get any better, and I should be prepared for disappointment when the next books came out. Except that didn't happen; this series has gotten better and better with each volume, and I simply cannot get enough! Color me totally shocked...and extremely happy.
American heiress Ruby Vaughn's life has gotten wrapped up with the occult, and that can be laid at the feet of her employer and housemate, octogenarian Mr. Owen. Together they run a rare book shop in Exeter, England. Mr. Owen's choice of books has often gotten Ruby into trouble, seeing as he particularly likes arcane, unusual and sometimes illegal tomes. After the last difficult year, Ruby is looking forward to spending quiet time in Oxford as Mr. Owen attends the annual meeting of his antiquarian society in December 1922. She also hopes to escape her feelings for Ruan Kivell, the folk healer Pellar that she met in Cornwall. Ruby reluctantly agrees to attend an upcoming exhibition of artifacts put together by disgraced scholar Julius Harker since Mr. Owen bought them tickets. The evening turns into something totally unexpected: the dead body of Harker amidst his collection. Harker's business partner is immediately arrested for the murder, and then Ruan arrives, wanting to speak to Ruby. Apparently the occult and the Pellar have followed her to Oxford! Ruby simply does not want to go through another investigation, but an old friend begs for her help. There's something hidden in Oxford, and Ruby and Ruan will have to uncover the secrets of the competitive world of antiquities, as they also work to understand whatever keeps drawing them together.
I had been in a bit of a reading slump lately, with lots of things going on in my personal life. This book, however, ripped me out of that slump and kept me reading until I finished this exciting book. I was magically returned to the wonderful world of reading, and I have Ruby and Ruan (well, and talented author Jess Armstrong) to thank for that. I've enjoyed reading stories in the past about the arcane and historical mysteries, but add in Ruby and her Pellar, and I am hooked. In the last book, Ruan expressed how he felt about Ruby, so she hid from him and ignored the situation...with the exception of a gin-fueled letter she wrote to Ruan. She wanted to relax in picturesque Oxford while Mr. Owen spent time with his antiquarian cronies, but of course Mr. Owen couldn't stand for that! Thus Ruby attended the exhibition with Mr. Owen, where the body of the disgraced scholar was found amongst his artifacts. (As Ruan later states to Ruby, "Why is it that dead bodies follow you around like kittens?" Indeed!). Ruby wanted to stay out of the entire situation, but her dear friend Leona Abernathy, who was stationed at the same hospital as Ruby during the war, begged her for help clear Harker's business partner of the crime, and Ruby couldn't say no. Then Ruan shows up, and together he and Ruby begin to investigate as they deal with their feelings for one another, and Ruby's determination to keep apart from Ruan begins to crumble. The mystery here was awesome! Every time I believed someone was guilty of the murder I was proven wrong; there were plenty of red herrings here. I was fascinated with Ruby's sighting of an apparition of a dog; was it a harbinger of doom? Ruby also had to deal with an imposter claiming to be her deceased mother. As fantastic as the mystery was, however, it's the fascinating characters who keep me coming back for more. Ruby was banished to England for an indiscretion years ago, and then she lost her family on the doomed ship Lusitania. She has carved a new life for herself in Exeter with dear Mr. Owen, beloved housekeeper Mrs. Penrose and Fiancha, Ruby's black cat. Her relationship with Ruan a Pellar (folk healer/witch), has turned Ruby's new life upside down. but she cannot stay away. Ruan makes my heart just melt; he's one of my all-time favorite leading men! I just love the interactions between the two, and I can't help but root for a happy ending for them. Will they find it? I sure as heck hope they do, as well as my hope for many, many more books to come in this delightful and riveting series! (I've GOT to get the audiobooks, as well.)
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
American heiress Ruby Vaughn's life has gotten wrapped up with the occult, and that can be laid at the feet of her employer and housemate, octogenarian Mr. Owen. Together they run a rare book shop in Exeter, England. Mr. Owen's choice of books has often gotten Ruby into trouble, seeing as he particularly likes arcane, unusual and sometimes illegal tomes. After the last difficult year, Ruby is looking forward to spending quiet time in Oxford as Mr. Owen attends the annual meeting of his antiquarian society in December 1922. She also hopes to escape her feelings for Ruan Kivell, the folk healer Pellar that she met in Cornwall. Ruby reluctantly agrees to attend an upcoming exhibition of artifacts put together by disgraced scholar Julius Harker since Mr. Owen bought them tickets. The evening turns into something totally unexpected: the dead body of Harker amidst his collection. Harker's business partner is immediately arrested for the murder, and then Ruan arrives, wanting to speak to Ruby. Apparently the occult and the Pellar have followed her to Oxford! Ruby simply does not want to go through another investigation, but an old friend begs for her help. There's something hidden in Oxford, and Ruby and Ruan will have to uncover the secrets of the competitive world of antiquities, as they also work to understand whatever keeps drawing them together.
I had been in a bit of a reading slump lately, with lots of things going on in my personal life. This book, however, ripped me out of that slump and kept me reading until I finished this exciting book. I was magically returned to the wonderful world of reading, and I have Ruby and Ruan (well, and talented author Jess Armstrong) to thank for that. I've enjoyed reading stories in the past about the arcane and historical mysteries, but add in Ruby and her Pellar, and I am hooked. In the last book, Ruan expressed how he felt about Ruby, so she hid from him and ignored the situation...with the exception of a gin-fueled letter she wrote to Ruan. She wanted to relax in picturesque Oxford while Mr. Owen spent time with his antiquarian cronies, but of course Mr. Owen couldn't stand for that! Thus Ruby attended the exhibition with Mr. Owen, where the body of the disgraced scholar was found amongst his artifacts. (As Ruan later states to Ruby, "Why is it that dead bodies follow you around like kittens?" Indeed!). Ruby wanted to stay out of the entire situation, but her dear friend Leona Abernathy, who was stationed at the same hospital as Ruby during the war, begged her for help clear Harker's business partner of the crime, and Ruby couldn't say no. Then Ruan shows up, and together he and Ruby begin to investigate as they deal with their feelings for one another, and Ruby's determination to keep apart from Ruan begins to crumble. The mystery here was awesome! Every time I believed someone was guilty of the murder I was proven wrong; there were plenty of red herrings here. I was fascinated with Ruby's sighting of an apparition of a dog; was it a harbinger of doom? Ruby also had to deal with an imposter claiming to be her deceased mother. As fantastic as the mystery was, however, it's the fascinating characters who keep me coming back for more. Ruby was banished to England for an indiscretion years ago, and then she lost her family on the doomed ship Lusitania. She has carved a new life for herself in Exeter with dear Mr. Owen, beloved housekeeper Mrs. Penrose and Fiancha, Ruby's black cat. Her relationship with Ruan a Pellar (folk healer/witch), has turned Ruby's new life upside down. but she cannot stay away. Ruan makes my heart just melt; he's one of my all-time favorite leading men! I just love the interactions between the two, and I can't help but root for a happy ending for them. Will they find it? I sure as heck hope they do, as well as my hope for many, many more books to come in this delightful and riveting series! (I've GOT to get the audiobooks, as well.)
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 9, 2025
THE DEVIL IN OXFORD is the third installment in Jess Armstrong’s Ruby Vaughn mystery series. As is suggested by the title, the setting is Oxford, England, in the days before Christmas 1922. While Ruby Vaughn is an American, she spent time in France during WWI and now lives in Exeter with the charming octogenarian Mr. Owen; Mrs. Penrose, their clever and admirable housekeeper; and a black cat. In each novel, Ruby travels to a different location where she stumbles on a murder that she is compelled to solve.
This time, the quartet (including the cat, of course) is staying in Oxford. There is an antiquarian society, and Mr. Owen wants to attend their yearly gathering. Ruby agrees to go with him. A good friend of hers, Leona Abernathy, lives and works in Oxford, so they will be able to reconnect. Leona works for Professor Frederick Reaver, a handsome and well-known anthropologist who is the keeper of the Egyptology collection at the Ashmolean Museum. She is also connected to Julius Harker, who was kicked out of Oxford University and runs Harker's Curiosity Museum. But his body is found during a special exhibition, setting Ruby off into detective mode.
Ruby's romantic interest is a Pellar, or witch, from Cornwall. Ruan Kivell attended school at Oxford and shows up in town just in time to help Ruby with her investigatory endeavors. As in past novels, Ruby is intrepid, intelligent and ingenious, but also incorrect at times. We are introduced to such individuals as Emmanuel Laurent, a professor and aspiring MP whose son befriended Ruan at Oxford; Jack, a young constable who warns Ruby about his superior, whose actions have been suspicious; Lord Amberley, another collector of antiquities; and characters we've met in previous novels, such as Hari Anand, Ruby's good friend and lawyer.
After the murder, Leona's behavior is suspicious. Then she disappears. Ruby's investigation uncovers possible links to drugs, stolen antiquities, a stolen book about magic, a mysterious black dog who might or might not be an apparition signifying death, and Ruby's time in war-torn France. We are as mixed up as if we had been tumbled in the salty waters of the surf off England's coast, which Ruby greatly misses.
Like Ruby, we aren’t sure whom she should trust and who the real killer is. The motivation is not clear, and while we’re aware that the constable is definitely not trustworthy, we don't know who he works for. And, of course, Armstrong continues to develop Ruby's personal life alongside her investigation of Oxford’s darker side.
There are impostors claiming to be Ruby’s mother, who died with her father and sister on the Lusitania. But most importantly, her relationship with Ruan is unsettled. She has tried to ignore her feelings for the witch, but his kindness and his devotion to her, in addition to their special connection, make him irresistible. While it seems unfair that he can read her thoughts, there are times when it’s very useful.
Reading historical fiction is often especially entertaining, or informing, when the past meets the present. For example, Ruby is chided by the local police inspector who tells her that "a woman of your age should have her mind to rearing children. Obeying her husband and tending to her household." Shades of tradwives!
Armstrong lays out the chaos that struck England after the First World War when it comes to poverty and unemployment. "A man survives the war and comes home to what? To simply starve on the streets...when the children of the same men that sent them to war are given every advantage." Which, of course, brings to mind the children of billionaires who will never know a day's hunger or fear of any kind, while those whose birth families are not as endowed must fight for their place in society and deal with the injustices that poverty brings to children.
But while politics plays a minor role in the novel, the driving force is Ruby's determination to figure out who killed Julius, who stabbed Annabelle, Leona's roommate, and who is threatening the safety of those Ruby loves. Will she be able to figure it out? How dangerous will her miscalculations be? For historical fiction buffs, these mysteries are a sure winner. The engaging first-person narrative, the detailed description of Oxford a century ago, the wonderfully depicted characters, and the clever twists and turns that the plot takes all make for a delightful mystery. And the ending is a perfect lead-in for the next Ruby Vaughn entry.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
This time, the quartet (including the cat, of course) is staying in Oxford. There is an antiquarian society, and Mr. Owen wants to attend their yearly gathering. Ruby agrees to go with him. A good friend of hers, Leona Abernathy, lives and works in Oxford, so they will be able to reconnect. Leona works for Professor Frederick Reaver, a handsome and well-known anthropologist who is the keeper of the Egyptology collection at the Ashmolean Museum. She is also connected to Julius Harker, who was kicked out of Oxford University and runs Harker's Curiosity Museum. But his body is found during a special exhibition, setting Ruby off into detective mode.
Ruby's romantic interest is a Pellar, or witch, from Cornwall. Ruan Kivell attended school at Oxford and shows up in town just in time to help Ruby with her investigatory endeavors. As in past novels, Ruby is intrepid, intelligent and ingenious, but also incorrect at times. We are introduced to such individuals as Emmanuel Laurent, a professor and aspiring MP whose son befriended Ruan at Oxford; Jack, a young constable who warns Ruby about his superior, whose actions have been suspicious; Lord Amberley, another collector of antiquities; and characters we've met in previous novels, such as Hari Anand, Ruby's good friend and lawyer.
After the murder, Leona's behavior is suspicious. Then she disappears. Ruby's investigation uncovers possible links to drugs, stolen antiquities, a stolen book about magic, a mysterious black dog who might or might not be an apparition signifying death, and Ruby's time in war-torn France. We are as mixed up as if we had been tumbled in the salty waters of the surf off England's coast, which Ruby greatly misses.
Like Ruby, we aren’t sure whom she should trust and who the real killer is. The motivation is not clear, and while we’re aware that the constable is definitely not trustworthy, we don't know who he works for. And, of course, Armstrong continues to develop Ruby's personal life alongside her investigation of Oxford’s darker side.
There are impostors claiming to be Ruby’s mother, who died with her father and sister on the Lusitania. But most importantly, her relationship with Ruan is unsettled. She has tried to ignore her feelings for the witch, but his kindness and his devotion to her, in addition to their special connection, make him irresistible. While it seems unfair that he can read her thoughts, there are times when it’s very useful.
Reading historical fiction is often especially entertaining, or informing, when the past meets the present. For example, Ruby is chided by the local police inspector who tells her that "a woman of your age should have her mind to rearing children. Obeying her husband and tending to her household." Shades of tradwives!
Armstrong lays out the chaos that struck England after the First World War when it comes to poverty and unemployment. "A man survives the war and comes home to what? To simply starve on the streets...when the children of the same men that sent them to war are given every advantage." Which, of course, brings to mind the children of billionaires who will never know a day's hunger or fear of any kind, while those whose birth families are not as endowed must fight for their place in society and deal with the injustices that poverty brings to children.
But while politics plays a minor role in the novel, the driving force is Ruby's determination to figure out who killed Julius, who stabbed Annabelle, Leona's roommate, and who is threatening the safety of those Ruby loves. Will she be able to figure it out? How dangerous will her miscalculations be? For historical fiction buffs, these mysteries are a sure winner. The engaging first-person narrative, the detailed description of Oxford a century ago, the wonderfully depicted characters, and the clever twists and turns that the plot takes all make for a delightful mystery. And the ending is a perfect lead-in for the next Ruby Vaughn entry.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
November 9, 2025
THE DEVIL IN OXFORD is the third installment in Jess Armstrong’s Ruby Vaughn mystery series. As is suggested by the title, the setting is Oxford, England, in the days before Christmas 1922. While Ruby Vaughn is an American, she spent time in France during WWI and now lives in Exeter with the charming octogenarian Mr. Owen; Mrs. Penrose, their clever and admirable housekeeper; and a black cat. In each novel, Ruby travels to a different location where she stumbles on a murder that she is compelled to solve.
This time, the quartet (including the cat, of course) is staying in Oxford. There is an antiquarian society, and Mr. Owen wants to attend their yearly gathering. Ruby agrees to go with him. A good friend of hers, Leona Abernathy, lives and works in Oxford, so they will be able to reconnect. Leona works for Professor Frederick Reaver, a handsome and well-known anthropologist who is the keeper of the Egyptology collection at the Ashmolean Museum. She is also connected to Julius Harker, who was kicked out of Oxford University and runs Harker's Curiosity Museum. But his body is found during a special exhibition, setting Ruby off into detective mode.
Ruby's romantic interest is a Pellar, or witch, from Cornwall. Ruan Kivell attended school at Oxford and shows up in town just in time to help Ruby with her investigatory endeavors. As in past novels, Ruby is intrepid, intelligent and ingenious, but also incorrect at times. We are introduced to such individuals as Emmanuel Laurent, a professor and aspiring MP whose son befriended Ruan at Oxford; Jack, a young constable who warns Ruby about his superior, whose actions have been suspicious; Lord Amberley, another collector of antiquities; and characters we've met in previous novels, such as Hari Anand, Ruby's good friend and lawyer.
After the murder, Leona's behavior is suspicious. Then she disappears. Ruby's investigation uncovers possible links to drugs, stolen antiquities, a stolen book about magic, a mysterious black dog who might or might not be an apparition signifying death, and Ruby's time in war-torn France. We are as mixed up as if we had been tumbled in the salty waters of the surf off England's coast, which Ruby greatly misses.
Like Ruby, we aren’t sure whom she should trust and who the real killer is. The motivation is not clear, and while we’re aware that the constable is definitely not trustworthy, we don't know who he works for. And, of course, Armstrong continues to develop Ruby's personal life alongside her investigation of Oxford’s darker side.
There are impostors claiming to be Ruby’s mother, who died with her father and sister on the Lusitania. But most importantly, her relationship with Ruan is unsettled. She has tried to ignore her feelings for the witch, but his kindness and his devotion to her, in addition to their special connection, make him irresistible. While it seems unfair that he can read her thoughts, there are times when it’s very useful.
Reading historical fiction is often especially entertaining, or informing, when the past meets the present. For example, Ruby is chided by the local police inspector who tells her that "a woman of your age should have her mind to rearing children. Obeying her husband and tending to her household." Shades of tradwives!
Armstrong lays out the chaos that struck England after the First World War when it comes to poverty and unemployment. "A man survives the war and comes home to what? To simply starve on the streets...when the children of the same men that sent them to war are given every advantage." Which, of course, brings to mind the children of billionaires who will never know a day's hunger or fear of any kind, while those whose birth families are not as endowed must fight for their place in society and deal with the injustices that poverty brings to children.
But while politics plays a minor role in the novel, the driving force is Ruby's determination to figure out who killed Julius, who stabbed Annabelle, Leona's roommate, and who is threatening the safety of those Ruby loves. Will she be able to figure it out? How dangerous will her miscalculations be? For historical fiction buffs, these mysteries are a sure winner. The engaging first-person narrative, the detailed description of Oxford a century ago, the wonderfully depicted characters, and the clever twists and turns that the plot takes all make for a delightful mystery. And the ending is a perfect lead-in for the next Ruby Vaughn entry.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
This time, the quartet (including the cat, of course) is staying in Oxford. There is an antiquarian society, and Mr. Owen wants to attend their yearly gathering. Ruby agrees to go with him. A good friend of hers, Leona Abernathy, lives and works in Oxford, so they will be able to reconnect. Leona works for Professor Frederick Reaver, a handsome and well-known anthropologist who is the keeper of the Egyptology collection at the Ashmolean Museum. She is also connected to Julius Harker, who was kicked out of Oxford University and runs Harker's Curiosity Museum. But his body is found during a special exhibition, setting Ruby off into detective mode.
Ruby's romantic interest is a Pellar, or witch, from Cornwall. Ruan Kivell attended school at Oxford and shows up in town just in time to help Ruby with her investigatory endeavors. As in past novels, Ruby is intrepid, intelligent and ingenious, but also incorrect at times. We are introduced to such individuals as Emmanuel Laurent, a professor and aspiring MP whose son befriended Ruan at Oxford; Jack, a young constable who warns Ruby about his superior, whose actions have been suspicious; Lord Amberley, another collector of antiquities; and characters we've met in previous novels, such as Hari Anand, Ruby's good friend and lawyer.
After the murder, Leona's behavior is suspicious. Then she disappears. Ruby's investigation uncovers possible links to drugs, stolen antiquities, a stolen book about magic, a mysterious black dog who might or might not be an apparition signifying death, and Ruby's time in war-torn France. We are as mixed up as if we had been tumbled in the salty waters of the surf off England's coast, which Ruby greatly misses.
Like Ruby, we aren’t sure whom she should trust and who the real killer is. The motivation is not clear, and while we’re aware that the constable is definitely not trustworthy, we don't know who he works for. And, of course, Armstrong continues to develop Ruby's personal life alongside her investigation of Oxford’s darker side.
There are impostors claiming to be Ruby’s mother, who died with her father and sister on the Lusitania. But most importantly, her relationship with Ruan is unsettled. She has tried to ignore her feelings for the witch, but his kindness and his devotion to her, in addition to their special connection, make him irresistible. While it seems unfair that he can read her thoughts, there are times when it’s very useful.
Reading historical fiction is often especially entertaining, or informing, when the past meets the present. For example, Ruby is chided by the local police inspector who tells her that "a woman of your age should have her mind to rearing children. Obeying her husband and tending to her household." Shades of tradwives!
Armstrong lays out the chaos that struck England after the First World War when it comes to poverty and unemployment. "A man survives the war and comes home to what? To simply starve on the streets...when the children of the same men that sent them to war are given every advantage." Which, of course, brings to mind the children of billionaires who will never know a day's hunger or fear of any kind, while those whose birth families are not as endowed must fight for their place in society and deal with the injustices that poverty brings to children.
But while politics plays a minor role in the novel, the driving force is Ruby's determination to figure out who killed Julius, who stabbed Annabelle, Leona's roommate, and who is threatening the safety of those Ruby loves. Will she be able to figure it out? How dangerous will her miscalculations be? For historical fiction buffs, these mysteries are a sure winner. The engaging first-person narrative, the detailed description of Oxford a century ago, the wonderfully depicted characters, and the clever twists and turns that the plot takes all make for a delightful mystery. And the ending is a perfect lead-in for the next Ruby Vaughn entry.
Reviewed by Pamela Kramer
November 1, 2025
I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Devil in Oxford, A Ruby Vaughn Mystery by Jess Armstrong from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.
I’ve been hooked on this series since The Curse of Penryth Hall released, introducing us to Ruby, The Secret of the Three Fates, was a perfect continuation of Ruby’s adventures, and now, The Devil in Oxford is taking us on another adventure with a more seasoned Ruby who has learned a great deal from her adventures.
This latest entry in the series did not disappoint it was an immediately engaging historical mystery that pulled me in from page one, as I expected it would. The Oxford setting delivers that perfect dark academia atmosphere with its ancient libraries, treasured antiquities, and scholarly secrets.
This entry opens with protagonist Ruby Vaughn looking forward to a quiet, relaxing trip to the picturesque city of Oxford in the week leading up to Christmas in 1923. She’s accompanying her employer, the octogenarian Mr. Owen, who is attending his antiquarian society’s annual meeting. Ruby is hoping for a holiday away from the Exeter bookshop, and perhaps a break from her complicated feelings for a certain folk healer.
Her planned peaceful escape is immediately shattered when she and Mr. Owen attend an exhibition of Egyptian antiquities. The exhibition is controversial, featuring artifacts allegedly looted by Napoleon and amassed by the disgraced scholar, Julius Harker. During the event, Harker’s body is discovered, placed among his own collection and a seemingly convenient suspect is quickly arrested.
Ruby has little desire to get involved in another investigation, but her hand is forced when an old friend comes to her, desperately begging for her help. This request pulls Ruby into the the case. Ruby also has to deal with the sudden and unexpected reappearance of Ruan Kivell, the intriguing folk healer, who seems to have been drawn back into Ruby’s orbit after the events of The Secrets of Three Fates.
As Ruby investigates, her and Ruan are once again working together, diving into the highly competitive, sometimes ruthless world of antiquities and something far more sinister. The odd duo must try to untangle a complex web of dark secrets, feuds, and motivations surrounding the murder. It becomes clear that there is far more going on in the beautiful, hallowed city of Oxford than meets the eye, and the mystery has deep roots in both the scholarly world and Ruby’s own personal history.
Yet another amazing novel from author Jess Armstrong. This is a brilliantly written, cleverly plotted, atmospheric mystery with a gothic feel gives the reader a deliciously intriguing tale that will keep them reading to the wee hours of the morning. This was an incredible entry in and I look forward to reading more from Jess Armstrong. All in all, this was an atmospheric and thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d highly recommend to any fan of historical mystery.
I’ve been hooked on this series since The Curse of Penryth Hall released, introducing us to Ruby, The Secret of the Three Fates, was a perfect continuation of Ruby’s adventures, and now, The Devil in Oxford is taking us on another adventure with a more seasoned Ruby who has learned a great deal from her adventures.
This latest entry in the series did not disappoint it was an immediately engaging historical mystery that pulled me in from page one, as I expected it would. The Oxford setting delivers that perfect dark academia atmosphere with its ancient libraries, treasured antiquities, and scholarly secrets.
This entry opens with protagonist Ruby Vaughn looking forward to a quiet, relaxing trip to the picturesque city of Oxford in the week leading up to Christmas in 1923. She’s accompanying her employer, the octogenarian Mr. Owen, who is attending his antiquarian society’s annual meeting. Ruby is hoping for a holiday away from the Exeter bookshop, and perhaps a break from her complicated feelings for a certain folk healer.
Her planned peaceful escape is immediately shattered when she and Mr. Owen attend an exhibition of Egyptian antiquities. The exhibition is controversial, featuring artifacts allegedly looted by Napoleon and amassed by the disgraced scholar, Julius Harker. During the event, Harker’s body is discovered, placed among his own collection and a seemingly convenient suspect is quickly arrested.
Ruby has little desire to get involved in another investigation, but her hand is forced when an old friend comes to her, desperately begging for her help. This request pulls Ruby into the the case. Ruby also has to deal with the sudden and unexpected reappearance of Ruan Kivell, the intriguing folk healer, who seems to have been drawn back into Ruby’s orbit after the events of The Secrets of Three Fates.
As Ruby investigates, her and Ruan are once again working together, diving into the highly competitive, sometimes ruthless world of antiquities and something far more sinister. The odd duo must try to untangle a complex web of dark secrets, feuds, and motivations surrounding the murder. It becomes clear that there is far more going on in the beautiful, hallowed city of Oxford than meets the eye, and the mystery has deep roots in both the scholarly world and Ruby’s own personal history.
Yet another amazing novel from author Jess Armstrong. This is a brilliantly written, cleverly plotted, atmospheric mystery with a gothic feel gives the reader a deliciously intriguing tale that will keep them reading to the wee hours of the morning. This was an incredible entry in and I look forward to reading more from Jess Armstrong. All in all, this was an atmospheric and thoroughly enjoyable read that I’d highly recommend to any fan of historical mystery.
June 13, 2025
After Ruby and Ruan's misadventures in Cornwall and Scotland, I have been eagerly awaiting this next installment of both their sleuthing and romantic journey to Oxford! Mixed in with promises of Egyptology, meeting Mr Owen's antiquarians and a growing body count, I devoured my advanced reader's copy (ARC) within days.
And Ms Armstrong certainly didn't disappoint as the book opens with another mystery that our intrepid amateur detective cannot resist, especially when in aid of a newly revealed friend, Leona, and their regular fencing matches, who notices Ruby's absent-mindedness as she fixates on the state of how she left things with Ruan in Scotland. The new mystery is just what she needs to distract her amidst Mr Owen's boring antiquarian old fogies (and the delightful return of housekeeper, Mrs Penrose).
Before she knows it, Ruby is sarcophagi-deep next to another body only to find herself back in the arm of her swoon-worthy pellar who begrudgingly slips back into his role as her Watson (if only to prevent Ruby from injuring herself yet again). In some ways, perhaps it's the return to the familiar as the two find themselves back to some breaking and entering, puzzling through arcane clues as they sort through their unique bond and connection. There are more swoon-worthy moments between the two (which have been here for from Book One), and those who also love the romance will not be disappointed (in fact, could we please have more in Book Four?)
I also liked learning more about both Ruby and Ruan's backstory via their war experiences, more about Ruan's time as a student at the university, and interestingly, the other backstory of imposters showing claiming to be Ruby's mother. Without spoiling anything, there are hints of the activities happening during this inter-war period in terms of espionage and the political tensions that surround all of the characters and provide a realistic historic context to the world stage of the time...and the potential for other scrapes that this pair may find themselves in for the future.
As wonderful as this story was, I did feel there was something missing in terms of the "otherworld" elements that the first two books were steeped in. It felt more like an ordinary historic mystery (of which I am an avid fan) instead of the gothic feel that I have come to associate with this series. Also, having worked in and visited Oxford multiple times, I felt the descriptions of the city didn't do it justice in terms of its more magical qualities, and like it could have been set anywhere else. These are just minor things that I felt weren't the same, and I hope will return in the next installment!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me the opportunity to get this ARC.
And Ms Armstrong certainly didn't disappoint as the book opens with another mystery that our intrepid amateur detective cannot resist, especially when in aid of a newly revealed friend, Leona, and their regular fencing matches, who notices Ruby's absent-mindedness as she fixates on the state of how she left things with Ruan in Scotland. The new mystery is just what she needs to distract her amidst Mr Owen's boring antiquarian old fogies (and the delightful return of housekeeper, Mrs Penrose).
Before she knows it, Ruby is sarcophagi-deep next to another body only to find herself back in the arm of her swoon-worthy pellar who begrudgingly slips back into his role as her Watson (if only to prevent Ruby from injuring herself yet again). In some ways, perhaps it's the return to the familiar as the two find themselves back to some breaking and entering, puzzling through arcane clues as they sort through their unique bond and connection. There are more swoon-worthy moments between the two (which have been here for from Book One), and those who also love the romance will not be disappointed (in fact, could we please have more in Book Four?)
I also liked learning more about both Ruby and Ruan's backstory via their war experiences, more about Ruan's time as a student at the university, and interestingly, the other backstory of imposters showing claiming to be Ruby's mother. Without spoiling anything, there are hints of the activities happening during this inter-war period in terms of espionage and the political tensions that surround all of the characters and provide a realistic historic context to the world stage of the time...and the potential for other scrapes that this pair may find themselves in for the future.
As wonderful as this story was, I did feel there was something missing in terms of the "otherworld" elements that the first two books were steeped in. It felt more like an ordinary historic mystery (of which I am an avid fan) instead of the gothic feel that I have come to associate with this series. Also, having worked in and visited Oxford multiple times, I felt the descriptions of the city didn't do it justice in terms of its more magical qualities, and like it could have been set anywhere else. These are just minor things that I felt weren't the same, and I hope will return in the next installment!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me the opportunity to get this ARC.
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