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A Rip Through Time #5
An Ordinary Sort of Evil
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Expected 19 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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25 copies available
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New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to Victorian Scotland in the latest in the genre-blending Rip Through Time series.
Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Mitchell has grown accustomed to life in Victorian Scotland after travelling 150 years into the past into the body of a housemaid. She’s built a new life for herself. Even though she works as an assistant to forensic-science pioneer Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie, she considers them true friends. And with Gray in particular, perhaps, someday, something more.
Late one night, Gray and Mallory are summoned urgently to the home of Lady Adler, a patron of Gray’s undertaking business, and they assume there's been a death in the household. But instead, they arrive in the midst of a seance with a ghost demanding Gray's presence. The ghost is Lady Adler's former maid, who had gone missing but now requests that Gray investigate her murder. Although Gray and Mallory are skeptical, they agree to look into the matter, whether she's dead or alive. But unsure if there's been a murder or not, unable to call out the medium as a fraud, and concerned for the fate of the young maid, Gray and Mallory are once again drawn into a mystery much more puzzling--and more dangerous--than it first seems
Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Mitchell has grown accustomed to life in Victorian Scotland after travelling 150 years into the past into the body of a housemaid. She’s built a new life for herself. Even though she works as an assistant to forensic-science pioneer Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie, she considers them true friends. And with Gray in particular, perhaps, someday, something more.
Late one night, Gray and Mallory are summoned urgently to the home of Lady Adler, a patron of Gray’s undertaking business, and they assume there's been a death in the household. But instead, they arrive in the midst of a seance with a ghost demanding Gray's presence. The ghost is Lady Adler's former maid, who had gone missing but now requests that Gray investigate her murder. Although Gray and Mallory are skeptical, they agree to look into the matter, whether she's dead or alive. But unsure if there's been a murder or not, unable to call out the medium as a fraud, and concerned for the fate of the young maid, Gray and Mallory are once again drawn into a mystery much more puzzling--and more dangerous--than it first seems
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 19, 2026
21 people are currently reading
7254 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
303 books33.4k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 7, 2025
4.5 Stars- Another great addition to the series! In this novel Mallory and Gray are summoned to the Adler household because during a seance the ghost of a former maid says she was murdered. Mallory and Gray don't have any real proof that a crime was committed but decide to humor Mrs. Adler and begin investigating. As the case unfolds they learn that there is more to the story than meets the eye.
First of all, if you are a fan of mystery this story will capture your attention. I did not figure out what was going on until it was revealed. Second, if you love historical fiction you will enjoy the details that this author captures of the Victorian Era. There was also a surprise cameo of a historical figure that absolutely made the story! Third, if you like time travel this book is the one for you. Mallory is a homicide detective from Canada with modern knowledge and seeing how she uses that in 1800s Scotland, makes this a must read story.
For me this series has it all. The ending of the book makes me especially excited to see where the next book will go.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
First of all, if you are a fan of mystery this story will capture your attention. I did not figure out what was going on until it was revealed. Second, if you love historical fiction you will enjoy the details that this author captures of the Victorian Era. There was also a surprise cameo of a historical figure that absolutely made the story! Third, if you like time travel this book is the one for you. Mallory is a homicide detective from Canada with modern knowledge and seeing how she uses that in 1800s Scotland, makes this a must read story.
For me this series has it all. The ending of the book makes me especially excited to see where the next book will go.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Want to read
August 19, 2025I'm so excited for this! I don't know how I'm going to wait until May 😭
December 8, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I have been so anxious for the next book in this series, that I have been checking evry couple months to see if it was available yet. It isn't even out yet, I just was able to get an advanced copy on NetGalley. Unfortunately, now I am back to where I was before. Having to wait and wait and wait for a new book. Which it seems ridiculous of me to be impatient when most everyone else is still anxiously awaiting the release date. Still.
Read this in one day and wish I would have taken longer to read it because now I have to wait a year for the next book :(
Entire series so far has been clean, no smut. Extremely slow burn. I know there are people who love slow burns, and those who absolutely hate them.
As you can tell, this book was amazing. The series gets better with every book and can't recommend it enough. In fact, I am constantly telling people about this series and sending out goodreads recommendations to people to let them know about this series.
I have been so anxious for the next book in this series, that I have been checking evry couple months to see if it was available yet. It isn't even out yet, I just was able to get an advanced copy on NetGalley. Unfortunately, now I am back to where I was before. Having to wait and wait and wait for a new book. Which it seems ridiculous of me to be impatient when most everyone else is still anxiously awaiting the release date. Still.
Read this in one day and wish I would have taken longer to read it because now I have to wait a year for the next book :(
Entire series so far has been clean, no smut. Extremely slow burn. I know there are people who love slow burns, and those who absolutely hate them.
As you can tell, this book was amazing. The series gets better with every book and can't recommend it enough. In fact, I am constantly telling people about this series and sending out goodreads recommendations to people to let them know about this series.
October 29, 2025
I want to say a massive thank you to St. Martin's Press-especially Kat White, for the ARC of An Ordinary Sort of Evil.
Kelley Armstrong has been a favourite author of mine for years and to have the privilege to ARC read some of her work is a dream come true. She is always an instant buy/read author for me.
I find this series just keeps getting better with each book/ novella that is written. This book is the fifth instalment in the Rip Through Time series that follows Canadian detective Mallory Atkinson who finds herself transported back to 1879 in Scotland. She finds herself in the body of a 20 year old housemaid who is employed by Dr. Gray (one of the more progressive families of this time). Throughout the novels we've seen how she's adapted to life in Scotland in the 1800's and dealing with her change in status.
This story begins with Dr. Duncan Gray and Mallory being called to Lady Adler’s estate late in the night. To which when they arrive they are presented with a message from a ghost during a séance. Nellie who is a housekeeper has appeared- specifically asking for Dr. Duncan Gray to solve her murder. I love reading about Duncan and Mallory work together to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nellie.
The fact that Queen Victoria is as enthralled with Duncan and Mallory's stories as the rest of Scotland was absolutely perfect. She also validated the fact of what Duncan's position should be and how he should not just be working in the family business.
I cannot express enough how well Kelley Armstrong has managed to blend modern day tone with Victorian times all while not causing Mallory to be lost as a character. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes next, especially with what is revealed at the end of the story.
I'm not going to say much on the aspect of Duncan and Mallory as I want people to experience that aspect of the story themselves and I hope that they cheer and have as much glee as I did while reading that part.
Kelley Armstrong has been a favourite author of mine for years and to have the privilege to ARC read some of her work is a dream come true. She is always an instant buy/read author for me.
I find this series just keeps getting better with each book/ novella that is written. This book is the fifth instalment in the Rip Through Time series that follows Canadian detective Mallory Atkinson who finds herself transported back to 1879 in Scotland. She finds herself in the body of a 20 year old housemaid who is employed by Dr. Gray (one of the more progressive families of this time). Throughout the novels we've seen how she's adapted to life in Scotland in the 1800's and dealing with her change in status.
This story begins with Dr. Duncan Gray and Mallory being called to Lady Adler’s estate late in the night. To which when they arrive they are presented with a message from a ghost during a séance. Nellie who is a housekeeper has appeared- specifically asking for Dr. Duncan Gray to solve her murder. I love reading about Duncan and Mallory work together to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nellie.
The fact that Queen Victoria is as enthralled with Duncan and Mallory's stories as the rest of Scotland was absolutely perfect. She also validated the fact of what Duncan's position should be and how he should not just be working in the family business.
I cannot express enough how well Kelley Armstrong has managed to blend modern day tone with Victorian times all while not causing Mallory to be lost as a character. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes next, especially with what is revealed at the end of the story.
I'm not going to say much on the aspect of Duncan and Mallory as I want people to experience that aspect of the story themselves and I hope that they cheer and have as much glee as I did while reading that part.
October 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read the advanced reader copy of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Ordinary Sort of Evil by Kelley Armstrong
This book absolutely delivered — tension, twists, and finally, FINALLY the emotional payoff I’ve been waiting for. Mallory and Gray have danced around their feelings long enough, and watching them finally open up to each other was everything. I may have cheered out loud. No regrets.
Armstrong’s pacing is razor-sharp, and the blend of mystery with character-driven depth makes this installment one of my favorites in the series. The emotional stakes feel earned, and the resolution left me desperate for the next book.
I’ve already introduced my coworker to this series, and I know she’s going to love this one. If you’ve been following Mallory and Gray’s journey, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Spoiler alert: I’m still grinning.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Ordinary Sort of Evil by Kelley Armstrong
This book absolutely delivered — tension, twists, and finally, FINALLY the emotional payoff I’ve been waiting for. Mallory and Gray have danced around their feelings long enough, and watching them finally open up to each other was everything. I may have cheered out loud. No regrets.
Armstrong’s pacing is razor-sharp, and the blend of mystery with character-driven depth makes this installment one of my favorites in the series. The emotional stakes feel earned, and the resolution left me desperate for the next book.
I’ve already introduced my coworker to this series, and I know she’s going to love this one. If you’ve been following Mallory and Gray’s journey, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
Spoiler alert: I’m still grinning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
I'm always impatiently looking forward to new books in this series, and this latest installment felt like an absolute reward. An Ordinary Sort of Evil delivers exactly what I’ve come to expect from Kelley Armstrong: a tightly crafted mystery, compelling characters, and that signature blend of tension and heart.
The central mystery is engaging from the start, with Duncan and Mallory being called to a séance—an awkward setup for these two science‑loving investigators. The pacing is especially strong in this installment, with clues and revelations unfolding at just the right moments. The story also takes us through a few new Edinburgh locations—Leith, Holyrood, Sciennes, and the slopes of Arthur’s Seat—and Armstrong threads two real historical figures into the narrative with a light, confident touch that this historical‑fiction‑lover thoroughly enjoyed.
And then there’s Mallory and Duncan. The slow burn that has been simmering for so long finally sparks here, and it’s handled so well, with such great banter, that I found myself grinning more than once. Their dynamic remains one of the series’ strongest elements, and this book gives fans exactly what we’ve been waiting for. By the time I reached the final chapters, I was already wishing for the next book.
This may be my favourite of the series—thoughtful, twisty, and deeply satisfying. Fans will not be disappointed.
This was an ARC review for NetGalley.
The central mystery is engaging from the start, with Duncan and Mallory being called to a séance—an awkward setup for these two science‑loving investigators. The pacing is especially strong in this installment, with clues and revelations unfolding at just the right moments. The story also takes us through a few new Edinburgh locations—Leith, Holyrood, Sciennes, and the slopes of Arthur’s Seat—and Armstrong threads two real historical figures into the narrative with a light, confident touch that this historical‑fiction‑lover thoroughly enjoyed.
And then there’s Mallory and Duncan. The slow burn that has been simmering for so long finally sparks here, and it’s handled so well, with such great banter, that I found myself grinning more than once. Their dynamic remains one of the series’ strongest elements, and this book gives fans exactly what we’ve been waiting for. By the time I reached the final chapters, I was already wishing for the next book.
This may be my favourite of the series—thoughtful, twisty, and deeply satisfying. Fans will not be disappointed.
This was an ARC review for NetGalley.
October 27, 2025
This is a series that seems to just keep getting better. We are 5 books in, and it has been quite the ride.
We have followed FMC Mallory Mitchell, a 30 something present day homicide detective (now former) who somehow found herself in the body of a 20 year old housemaid in Victorian Scotland the year 1879. Yep, 1879.
She was forced to quickly realize, adapt and deal with the fact that women's rights and privileges are quite different in 19th Century Victorian Scotland. Luckily, she found herself in the home of a fairly progressive family - at least for that time period. It has been a fun journey as the relationships that she has developed with her new family (who are also her employers) have progressed from employers who thought she was "odd" to friends who now know the truth of her situation. And even more importantly - who BELIEVE her story that she is actually from the future.
She is now acting as an "assistant" to Dr. Duncan Gray who is himself a bit of an outlier for the time period. He is an undertaker by trade but now acting as a "Consulting Detective" along with his best friend Detective Hugh McCreadie. Mallory does the actual detecting while Duncan handles the science and medical side of things - things like autopsies. It is hilarious to see how the men of that era have the absolute belief that there is no way that a woman could be intelligent enough or have the knowledge necessary to solve crimes.
One of the very unique things about this series - and what takes it to a higher level - is the way that Duncan is dealing with the presence of Mallory. He is learning that not only is she extremely intelligent, but she is teaching him a different way to think about many of his lifelong beliefs. The more we get to know him, the more we understand that he WANTS to be a better man. He is learning that just because something has always been a certain way does not mean that it is right, or that it should stay that way. We see so much character growth in him, and he is truly one of my favorite characters.
There is also a HUGE development in another aspect of their relationship and I, for one, could not have been happier. It's been a long time coming and I spent a huge portion of the book with a smile on my face. Yes, yes, yes!
As usual, the actual "case" that the duo is working on for this book kept my attention as things began to unfold. It started with a seance, and things heated up with the discovery of a body. We see more political shenanigans taking place as Mallory and Duncan and even Hugh become more popular through the publication of the stories of the Undertaker Sleuth. We even got an unexpected visit with royalty. Things are definitely heating up.
I flew through this book and was so disappointed when it came to an end.
Book 6 cannot come quick enough :)
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on May 19, 2026.
We have followed FMC Mallory Mitchell, a 30 something present day homicide detective (now former) who somehow found herself in the body of a 20 year old housemaid in Victorian Scotland the year 1879. Yep, 1879.
She was forced to quickly realize, adapt and deal with the fact that women's rights and privileges are quite different in 19th Century Victorian Scotland. Luckily, she found herself in the home of a fairly progressive family - at least for that time period. It has been a fun journey as the relationships that she has developed with her new family (who are also her employers) have progressed from employers who thought she was "odd" to friends who now know the truth of her situation. And even more importantly - who BELIEVE her story that she is actually from the future.
She is now acting as an "assistant" to Dr. Duncan Gray who is himself a bit of an outlier for the time period. He is an undertaker by trade but now acting as a "Consulting Detective" along with his best friend Detective Hugh McCreadie. Mallory does the actual detecting while Duncan handles the science and medical side of things - things like autopsies. It is hilarious to see how the men of that era have the absolute belief that there is no way that a woman could be intelligent enough or have the knowledge necessary to solve crimes.
One of the very unique things about this series - and what takes it to a higher level - is the way that Duncan is dealing with the presence of Mallory. He is learning that not only is she extremely intelligent, but she is teaching him a different way to think about many of his lifelong beliefs. The more we get to know him, the more we understand that he WANTS to be a better man. He is learning that just because something has always been a certain way does not mean that it is right, or that it should stay that way. We see so much character growth in him, and he is truly one of my favorite characters.
There is also a HUGE development in another aspect of their relationship and I, for one, could not have been happier. It's been a long time coming and I spent a huge portion of the book with a smile on my face. Yes, yes, yes!
As usual, the actual "case" that the duo is working on for this book kept my attention as things began to unfold. It started with a seance, and things heated up with the discovery of a body. We see more political shenanigans taking place as Mallory and Duncan and even Hugh become more popular through the publication of the stories of the Undertaker Sleuth. We even got an unexpected visit with royalty. Things are definitely heating up.
I flew through this book and was so disappointed when it came to an end.
Book 6 cannot come quick enough :)
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on May 19, 2026.
October 18, 2025
Absolutely 10 out of 10. I'm obsessed. This book had been scratching my head and kicking my feet with glee all in the same chapter. The mystery was so good, and the payoff with Gray and Mallory was *chefs kiss*. I have been waiting for this for so long!
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
I admit it—if Kelley Armstrong writes a new book, I’m going to be one of the first in line to read it. An Ordinary Sort of Evil is the newest installment in her time-traveling mystery series, A Rip Through Time, following present-day Canadian detective Mallory Atkinson. After surviving an attempted murder, Mallory finds herself transported 150 years into the past—to Scotland—where she wakes up in the body of a 20-year-old housemaid.
In the earlier books, Mallory has proven invaluable in helping Dr. Duncan Gray solve murders. She’s shared her secret with Duncan (on whom she has a not-so-secret crush), his sister Isla and her beau Detective Hugh McCreadie, and the ever irascible housekeeper, Mrs. Wallace.
This story begins with a late-night summons to Lady Adler’s estate, where Dr. Gray and Mallory are presented with a ghostly message from a séance. The spirit of a murdered housemaid, Nellie, has appeared—asking specifically for Duncan Gray to solve her murder. What follows is a clever, atmospheric mystery filled with engaging characters, sharp wit, murder, and even a royal admirer.
As always, Armstrong delivers a fast-paced, richly detailed story with all the charm and grit of Victorian Scotland. The growing tension between Mallory and Duncan adds emotional depth, and the mystery kept me turning pages late into the night.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I eagerly await the next installment!
In the earlier books, Mallory has proven invaluable in helping Dr. Duncan Gray solve murders. She’s shared her secret with Duncan (on whom she has a not-so-secret crush), his sister Isla and her beau Detective Hugh McCreadie, and the ever irascible housekeeper, Mrs. Wallace.
This story begins with a late-night summons to Lady Adler’s estate, where Dr. Gray and Mallory are presented with a ghostly message from a séance. The spirit of a murdered housemaid, Nellie, has appeared—asking specifically for Duncan Gray to solve her murder. What follows is a clever, atmospheric mystery filled with engaging characters, sharp wit, murder, and even a royal admirer.
As always, Armstrong delivers a fast-paced, richly detailed story with all the charm and grit of Victorian Scotland. The growing tension between Mallory and Duncan adds emotional depth, and the mystery kept me turning pages late into the night.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I eagerly await the next installment!
October 15, 2025
“That’s one of the truly fascinating things about witnessing history. Seeing how much of our world is tethered to the past.”
For me this quote perfectly explains why I love stories about people falling through time. This series is one of my favorites. Armstrong does a wonderful job blending a modern day tone with Victorian times. Plus, there’s non problematic, healthy relationships.
This book hits the ground running with a mysterious late night caller. And spiritualists! The mystery is very well done and engaging. You could easily read this without reading the previous books. One of my favorite things is stumbling on a new book that is part of a series with an author who has an impressive catalogue.
For me this quote perfectly explains why I love stories about people falling through time. This series is one of my favorites. Armstrong does a wonderful job blending a modern day tone with Victorian times. Plus, there’s non problematic, healthy relationships.
This book hits the ground running with a mysterious late night caller. And spiritualists! The mystery is very well done and engaging. You could easily read this without reading the previous books. One of my favorite things is stumbling on a new book that is part of a series with an author who has an impressive catalogue.
December 4, 2025
This series keeps getting better with each book! The mystery held me in suspense, with red herrings everywhere. And long time fans will notice some personal developments among the cast of characters. Thanks to Minotaur for the ARC.
November 12, 2025
My thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have so many Kelley Armstrong books.
I've collected them for years. I still remember the series that made me want to read everything from Kelley Armstrong. I was randomly searching through books from my city's digital library when I found a book called Omens. It seemed interesting enough so I borrowed it. I was done with it by that evening, after which I promptly tried to find the rest of the series and consumed it in its entirety by the end of the week.
After that, I randomly saw A Stitch in Time for sale at Subterranean Press and I got a copy, then got the rest of that series when it became available. I started collecting the Otherworld series, searching used bookstores and websites to find every novel and novella that had been published. Then I heard the news of an upcoming series from Armstrong, a book called A Rip Through Time. The title sounded similar to A Stitch in Time, so I thought it was a spinoff and promptly pre-ordered a copy. Easy enough mistake to make but I'm glad that it happened because I LOVE this series so much. Every book is better than the last, and this book, An Ordinary Sort of Evil, is everything I've been waiting to see in this series for the last several years. I can't wait for this book to be released because all the fans of this series is going to be so excited. I spent quite some time sitting with a goofy smile on my face and hearts in my eyes during passages of this book, followed closely with shocked eyes and mouth agape because Armstrong threw in a few unexpected tidbits that caught me by surprise. I want to read this whole series again, I want to read the NEXT book already because there has to be more coming, right? I'm so grateful that the novella is out next month, even though it will set between books #4 and #5, as long as I get to spend more time in this world. THAT is how much I love these books.
An Ordinary Sort of Evil is about Mallory Mitchell, a modern-day homicide detective who has traveled 150 years back in time and now inhabits the body of a housemaid. Mallory has managed to make a good life for herself in the past, filled with people she can trust. She works for Dr. Duncan Gray, an undertaker who has an interest in what is becoming the start of forensic science, and Detective Hugh McCreadie, Dr. Gray's best friend and a well-respected officer of the law. Together they solve the murder cases that McCreadie brings to Gray for help to solve them. They know Mallory's background and have her expertise to help them, trusting her because of the friendship they have developed since the events of book 1. One night, Duncan and Mallory are summoned to the house of one of Duncan's patrons. When they arrive, they are told that a seance had taken place and that the ghost of a missing maid appeared and requested Dr. Gray by name to investigate her death. Mallory and Gray aren't sure if a crime took place but they decide to investigate in the hopes of finding the young woman alive. As they work, they are drawn into a case that has many twists and dangers that they have to stay ahead of because the case is more complex than it first appeared to be.
When I first started reading book 1, I was afraid of one thing. I was worried that the lead, a homicide detective from modern times, would walk around in the past without working to change the way she is. I thought the character would blaze around the town, demanding answers, acting the way a modern woman would despite the fact that she was in the past which would have different customs and expectations. It makes me so grumpy when I read books in which a lead is put in a situation they know nothing about and instead of being cautious and careful, they stomp around like nothing is different. So when Mallory arrived in the past, I cheered when she continued in her role as a maid, trying to fit in while working to understand where she had ended up and how she could get back home. Her reasoning was that in the event that she ended up back in her own time and body, she would want to be sure that the young woman whose place she took could slip back into her past without finding that Mallory had destroyed her life. And I LOVED that.
Mallory is one of the greatest, most interesting female main characters I've ever seen and I adore reading about her. I search every year since the first book was released to see if there will be a new book about Mallory and so far, these books don't disappoint. I love the way Mallory's mind works, how she sees the world she's in, making comparisons to the present, pointing out history that has not taken place yet, enriching the world of the story for the reader. I love the banter she has with her friends, the way they trust and believe in her, the way they know that she is intelligent and a detective in her own right and how that helps them with their cases. I love Dr. Duncan Gray, the way he holds back when he speaks but has a weakness for pastries. I love the way he believes in Mallory, the confidence he has in her abilities, the way he protects his sisters and works in a job that he inherited, being an undertaker, even though he hates it. Gray is on one hand the classic example of a Victorian and on the other an open-minded man who is not afraid of what Mallory is, fiercely independent and exceedingly intelligent. They are a match made in book heaven and their connection is what has kept me coming back to read these books, 5 novels and soon to be 3 novellas by my count so far.
I love Isla, Gray's sister, and Hugh, the detective best friend. They are the perfect companions to the two leads of this series, and together, this quartet of characters are so much fun to read about as they work on their cases together. Eccentric in the best ways and a found family that includes so many other interesting characters. After the last book, I was thinking to myself that it had been a while since we'd seen the rest of the Gray household so I was happy that so many favorites had moments in this book. Alice, the young maid with a questionable past, made an appearance with her new wildcat kitten rescued in the last adventure. Miss Wallace, the housekeeper, was around to keep Mallory on her toes. Simon, the groomsman, was the quiet support in the background, available for the many tasks and assistance that his employers needed. And we can't forget about Jack, the latest addition to the house who now works as a maid, who is also a self-described journalist who works with Isla to write out chronicles about Mallory and Duncan's adventures, which are apparently gaining popularity among a large variety of readers. Every character is enjoyable in their own way and to see them all again was such a pleasure after the last book had the main quartet out in the country for a wedding.
The main mystery of this book was an intriguing twist. I thought the idea of trying to solve a murder that no one knows for sure took place was the perfect new plot for Mallory and Gray to tackle. The idea of ghosts and spiritualism was something that gained a lot of popularity in the Victorian era, especially with Queen Victoria's interest in it, so it was definitely a draw to see how Mallory and Gray work on a case that has so many reveals that come about because of it. Also, the cameos that Armstrong placed in this book left me gobsmacked. I mean, the first big reveal was fun and I thought wow, that was unexpected but that final reveal just threw me for a loop, it was so unexpected and yet it made me giddy with laughter and FINE, okay universe, I get it, I'm going back to try reading some particular works of literature again. I swear, I say one time in a review that I don't particularly like something and then one of my new favorite books does something like THIS and okay, fine, I'll read them again. I can't be more specific than that without giving it away and that reveal is just utter perfection. Ugh, I'm still not over it.
Finally, the title of this book. I have not really thought to reflect on the titles of these books, they're usually sufficient in the sense that they perfectly encapsulate the plot of the novel and that's all there is to it. But this title, that phrase, just, I don't know if I can put it into words. When it hit in the story, I felt my stomach drop or maybe my heart turned over, just the impact that it made, a bittersweet melancholy that made me wistful and yet heartsick at the way it was used. It elevated this book just that much more compared to the rest of the series and for that, I want to shout off the rooftops about how utterly brilliant this installment was, it is just that great. I just finished talking to my Dad about this book because I bought these for him and he's catching up on the story and he LOVES these books too and until more people in our family read these, he's the only one I can talk to about how much I adored this book and have him understand because he feels the same way about these characters. I didn't spoil it though. I'm not that cruel. Still, the sentiment remains, readers will absolutely love this installment, I'm confident about that fact. I hope this series has many more books to come. Please, I beg of you, let this series continue for years to come, I love this world and its people so much.
Rating on my Scale: 10 STARS!!! Read this series and then come and read this book and revel in the reveals and the twists and the developments because this series is perfect for mystery lovers. I love these books and I will be reading these again and again for years. Please read these books so Kelley Armstrong can continue writing for this world and we readers can continue to have the opportunity of watching Mallory and Gray solve mysteries in Victorian Scotland. Then they can read everything else by Armstrong and we readers can continue to get great books from her for as long as she is able to write and we are able to read. A win-win for everyone if you ask me.
I have so many Kelley Armstrong books.
I've collected them for years. I still remember the series that made me want to read everything from Kelley Armstrong. I was randomly searching through books from my city's digital library when I found a book called Omens. It seemed interesting enough so I borrowed it. I was done with it by that evening, after which I promptly tried to find the rest of the series and consumed it in its entirety by the end of the week.
After that, I randomly saw A Stitch in Time for sale at Subterranean Press and I got a copy, then got the rest of that series when it became available. I started collecting the Otherworld series, searching used bookstores and websites to find every novel and novella that had been published. Then I heard the news of an upcoming series from Armstrong, a book called A Rip Through Time. The title sounded similar to A Stitch in Time, so I thought it was a spinoff and promptly pre-ordered a copy. Easy enough mistake to make but I'm glad that it happened because I LOVE this series so much. Every book is better than the last, and this book, An Ordinary Sort of Evil, is everything I've been waiting to see in this series for the last several years. I can't wait for this book to be released because all the fans of this series is going to be so excited. I spent quite some time sitting with a goofy smile on my face and hearts in my eyes during passages of this book, followed closely with shocked eyes and mouth agape because Armstrong threw in a few unexpected tidbits that caught me by surprise. I want to read this whole series again, I want to read the NEXT book already because there has to be more coming, right? I'm so grateful that the novella is out next month, even though it will set between books #4 and #5, as long as I get to spend more time in this world. THAT is how much I love these books.
An Ordinary Sort of Evil is about Mallory Mitchell, a modern-day homicide detective who has traveled 150 years back in time and now inhabits the body of a housemaid. Mallory has managed to make a good life for herself in the past, filled with people she can trust. She works for Dr. Duncan Gray, an undertaker who has an interest in what is becoming the start of forensic science, and Detective Hugh McCreadie, Dr. Gray's best friend and a well-respected officer of the law. Together they solve the murder cases that McCreadie brings to Gray for help to solve them. They know Mallory's background and have her expertise to help them, trusting her because of the friendship they have developed since the events of book 1. One night, Duncan and Mallory are summoned to the house of one of Duncan's patrons. When they arrive, they are told that a seance had taken place and that the ghost of a missing maid appeared and requested Dr. Gray by name to investigate her death. Mallory and Gray aren't sure if a crime took place but they decide to investigate in the hopes of finding the young woman alive. As they work, they are drawn into a case that has many twists and dangers that they have to stay ahead of because the case is more complex than it first appeared to be.
When I first started reading book 1, I was afraid of one thing. I was worried that the lead, a homicide detective from modern times, would walk around in the past without working to change the way she is. I thought the character would blaze around the town, demanding answers, acting the way a modern woman would despite the fact that she was in the past which would have different customs and expectations. It makes me so grumpy when I read books in which a lead is put in a situation they know nothing about and instead of being cautious and careful, they stomp around like nothing is different. So when Mallory arrived in the past, I cheered when she continued in her role as a maid, trying to fit in while working to understand where she had ended up and how she could get back home. Her reasoning was that in the event that she ended up back in her own time and body, she would want to be sure that the young woman whose place she took could slip back into her past without finding that Mallory had destroyed her life. And I LOVED that.
Mallory is one of the greatest, most interesting female main characters I've ever seen and I adore reading about her. I search every year since the first book was released to see if there will be a new book about Mallory and so far, these books don't disappoint. I love the way Mallory's mind works, how she sees the world she's in, making comparisons to the present, pointing out history that has not taken place yet, enriching the world of the story for the reader. I love the banter she has with her friends, the way they trust and believe in her, the way they know that she is intelligent and a detective in her own right and how that helps them with their cases. I love Dr. Duncan Gray, the way he holds back when he speaks but has a weakness for pastries. I love the way he believes in Mallory, the confidence he has in her abilities, the way he protects his sisters and works in a job that he inherited, being an undertaker, even though he hates it. Gray is on one hand the classic example of a Victorian and on the other an open-minded man who is not afraid of what Mallory is, fiercely independent and exceedingly intelligent. They are a match made in book heaven and their connection is what has kept me coming back to read these books, 5 novels and soon to be 3 novellas by my count so far.
I love Isla, Gray's sister, and Hugh, the detective best friend. They are the perfect companions to the two leads of this series, and together, this quartet of characters are so much fun to read about as they work on their cases together. Eccentric in the best ways and a found family that includes so many other interesting characters. After the last book, I was thinking to myself that it had been a while since we'd seen the rest of the Gray household so I was happy that so many favorites had moments in this book. Alice, the young maid with a questionable past, made an appearance with her new wildcat kitten rescued in the last adventure. Miss Wallace, the housekeeper, was around to keep Mallory on her toes. Simon, the groomsman, was the quiet support in the background, available for the many tasks and assistance that his employers needed. And we can't forget about Jack, the latest addition to the house who now works as a maid, who is also a self-described journalist who works with Isla to write out chronicles about Mallory and Duncan's adventures, which are apparently gaining popularity among a large variety of readers. Every character is enjoyable in their own way and to see them all again was such a pleasure after the last book had the main quartet out in the country for a wedding.
The main mystery of this book was an intriguing twist. I thought the idea of trying to solve a murder that no one knows for sure took place was the perfect new plot for Mallory and Gray to tackle. The idea of ghosts and spiritualism was something that gained a lot of popularity in the Victorian era, especially with Queen Victoria's interest in it, so it was definitely a draw to see how Mallory and Gray work on a case that has so many reveals that come about because of it. Also, the cameos that Armstrong placed in this book left me gobsmacked. I mean, the first big reveal was fun and I thought wow, that was unexpected but that final reveal just threw me for a loop, it was so unexpected and yet it made me giddy with laughter and FINE, okay universe, I get it, I'm going back to try reading some particular works of literature again. I swear, I say one time in a review that I don't particularly like something and then one of my new favorite books does something like THIS and okay, fine, I'll read them again. I can't be more specific than that without giving it away and that reveal is just utter perfection. Ugh, I'm still not over it.
Finally, the title of this book. I have not really thought to reflect on the titles of these books, they're usually sufficient in the sense that they perfectly encapsulate the plot of the novel and that's all there is to it. But this title, that phrase, just, I don't know if I can put it into words. When it hit in the story, I felt my stomach drop or maybe my heart turned over, just the impact that it made, a bittersweet melancholy that made me wistful and yet heartsick at the way it was used. It elevated this book just that much more compared to the rest of the series and for that, I want to shout off the rooftops about how utterly brilliant this installment was, it is just that great. I just finished talking to my Dad about this book because I bought these for him and he's catching up on the story and he LOVES these books too and until more people in our family read these, he's the only one I can talk to about how much I adored this book and have him understand because he feels the same way about these characters. I didn't spoil it though. I'm not that cruel. Still, the sentiment remains, readers will absolutely love this installment, I'm confident about that fact. I hope this series has many more books to come. Please, I beg of you, let this series continue for years to come, I love this world and its people so much.
Rating on my Scale: 10 STARS!!! Read this series and then come and read this book and revel in the reveals and the twists and the developments because this series is perfect for mystery lovers. I love these books and I will be reading these again and again for years. Please read these books so Kelley Armstrong can continue writing for this world and we readers can continue to have the opportunity of watching Mallory and Gray solve mysteries in Victorian Scotland. Then they can read everything else by Armstrong and we readers can continue to get great books from her for as long as she is able to write and we are able to read. A win-win for everyone if you ask me.
November 22, 2025
This is a series that seems to just keep getting better. We are 5 books in, and it has been quite the ride.
We have followed FMC Mallory Mitchell, a 30 something present day homicide detective (now former) who somehow found herself in the body of a 20 year old housemaid in Victorian Scotland the year 1879. Yep, 1879.
She was forced to quickly realize, adapt and deal with the fact that women's rights and privileges are quite different in 19th Century Victorian Scotland. Luckily, she found herself in the home of a fairly progressive family - at least for that time period. It has been a fun journey as the relationships that she has developed with her new family (who are also her employers) have progressed from employers who thought she was "odd" to friends who now know the truth of her situation. And even more importantly - who BELIEVE her story that she is actually from the future.
She is now acting as an "assistant" to Dr. Duncan Gray who is himself a bit of an outlier for the time period. He is an undertaker by trade but now acting as a "Consulting Detective" along with his best friend Detective Hugh McCreadie. Mallory does the actual detecting while Duncan handles the science and medical side of things - things like autopsies. It is hilarious to see how the men of that era have the absolute belief that there is no way that a woman could be intelligent enough or have the knowledge necessary to solve crimes.
One of the very unique things about this series - and what takes it to a higher level - is the way that Duncan is dealing with the presence of Mallory. He is learning that not only is she extremely intelligent, but she is teaching him a different way to think about many of his lifelong beliefs. The more we get to know him, the more we understand that he WANTS to be a better man. He is learning that just because something has always been a certain way does not mean that it is right, or that it should stay that way. We see so much character growth in him, and he is truly one of my favorite characters.
There is also a HUGE development in another aspect of their relationship and I, for one, could not have been happier. It's been a long time coming and I spent a huge portion of the book with a smile on my face. Yes, yes, yes!
As usual, the actual "case" that the duo is working on for this book kept my attention as things began to unfold. It started with a seance, and things heated up with the discovery of a body. We see more political shenanigans taking place as Mallory and Duncan and even Hugh become more popular through the publication of the stories of the Undertaker Sleuth. We even got an unexpected visit with royalty. Things are definitely heating up.
I flew through this book and was so disappointed when it came to an end.
Book 6 cannot come quick enough :)
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on May 19, 2026
We have followed FMC Mallory Mitchell, a 30 something present day homicide detective (now former) who somehow found herself in the body of a 20 year old housemaid in Victorian Scotland the year 1879. Yep, 1879.
She was forced to quickly realize, adapt and deal with the fact that women's rights and privileges are quite different in 19th Century Victorian Scotland. Luckily, she found herself in the home of a fairly progressive family - at least for that time period. It has been a fun journey as the relationships that she has developed with her new family (who are also her employers) have progressed from employers who thought she was "odd" to friends who now know the truth of her situation. And even more importantly - who BELIEVE her story that she is actually from the future.
She is now acting as an "assistant" to Dr. Duncan Gray who is himself a bit of an outlier for the time period. He is an undertaker by trade but now acting as a "Consulting Detective" along with his best friend Detective Hugh McCreadie. Mallory does the actual detecting while Duncan handles the science and medical side of things - things like autopsies. It is hilarious to see how the men of that era have the absolute belief that there is no way that a woman could be intelligent enough or have the knowledge necessary to solve crimes.
One of the very unique things about this series - and what takes it to a higher level - is the way that Duncan is dealing with the presence of Mallory. He is learning that not only is she extremely intelligent, but she is teaching him a different way to think about many of his lifelong beliefs. The more we get to know him, the more we understand that he WANTS to be a better man. He is learning that just because something has always been a certain way does not mean that it is right, or that it should stay that way. We see so much character growth in him, and he is truly one of my favorite characters.
There is also a HUGE development in another aspect of their relationship and I, for one, could not have been happier. It's been a long time coming and I spent a huge portion of the book with a smile on my face. Yes, yes, yes!
As usual, the actual "case" that the duo is working on for this book kept my attention as things began to unfold. It started with a seance, and things heated up with the discovery of a body. We see more political shenanigans taking place as Mallory and Duncan and even Hugh become more popular through the publication of the stories of the Undertaker Sleuth. We even got an unexpected visit with royalty. Things are definitely heating up.
I flew through this book and was so disappointed when it came to an end.
Book 6 cannot come quick enough :)
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on May 19, 2026
October 20, 2025
The next thrilling addition to the Rip Through Time series.
Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Mitchell has traveled back to Victorian London and grown accustomed to daily life there as a housemaid. She's built a new life for herself as an assistant to forensic science pioneer Dr. Duncan Grey, and Detective Hugh McCreadie, and considers them to be true friends.
When they receive an unusually late-night call from a well-known client of Dr. Grey's undertaking business...they assume there's been a death in the family... but things take a turn for the stranger when they show up to the midst of a seance... with the spirit of the lady's maid demanding to have Dr. Grey investigate her murder...
Though both are skeptical, they agree to look into the matter... and the mystery only deepens...
When I noticed the subtle references to something a little darker, and a little more on the paranormal side, my heart quickened, and I could feel my anticipation rising just a little bit more at the thought of reading this book. And... my thoughts?
Wow.... just... wow. Blending time travel into Victorian London, and also a slight exploration into the spooky, into the paranormal and the ways that sometimes the spirits who surround us are sometimes mocked or faked for the entertainment of the community, or perhaps to ease the loved ones of those who passed on, An Ordinary Sort of Evil was everything I wanted and so much more... it was dark, it was twisty... and to be honest, it was everything that I could've wanted in a mystery/thriller... maybe even more.
Everything from the characters to the emotions... this is a spectacularly wild ride that will keep you at the edge of your seat till the very end.
With the spookier tones that are weaved into An Ordinary Sort of Evil, this was the perfect read for the month of October, and I am eager for more...
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
I want to, again, extend some special thanks to Kat White at St. Martin's Press for the invite to read this novel from the desk of Kelley Armstrong. It is always a true delight to be able to read a mystery, and I have begun to fall in love more and more with the idea of being able to put on a detective hat and try and figure out who did it... and more and more in love with Ms. Kelley Armstrong's works.
Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Mitchell has traveled back to Victorian London and grown accustomed to daily life there as a housemaid. She's built a new life for herself as an assistant to forensic science pioneer Dr. Duncan Grey, and Detective Hugh McCreadie, and considers them to be true friends.
When they receive an unusually late-night call from a well-known client of Dr. Grey's undertaking business...they assume there's been a death in the family... but things take a turn for the stranger when they show up to the midst of a seance... with the spirit of the lady's maid demanding to have Dr. Grey investigate her murder...
Though both are skeptical, they agree to look into the matter... and the mystery only deepens...
When I noticed the subtle references to something a little darker, and a little more on the paranormal side, my heart quickened, and I could feel my anticipation rising just a little bit more at the thought of reading this book. And... my thoughts?
Wow.... just... wow. Blending time travel into Victorian London, and also a slight exploration into the spooky, into the paranormal and the ways that sometimes the spirits who surround us are sometimes mocked or faked for the entertainment of the community, or perhaps to ease the loved ones of those who passed on, An Ordinary Sort of Evil was everything I wanted and so much more... it was dark, it was twisty... and to be honest, it was everything that I could've wanted in a mystery/thriller... maybe even more.
Everything from the characters to the emotions... this is a spectacularly wild ride that will keep you at the edge of your seat till the very end.
With the spookier tones that are weaved into An Ordinary Sort of Evil, this was the perfect read for the month of October, and I am eager for more...
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
I want to, again, extend some special thanks to Kat White at St. Martin's Press for the invite to read this novel from the desk of Kelley Armstrong. It is always a true delight to be able to read a mystery, and I have begun to fall in love more and more with the idea of being able to put on a detective hat and try and figure out who did it... and more and more in love with Ms. Kelley Armstrong's works.
November 9, 2025
This is the fifth book of one of my favorite series. Mallory Mitchell is a woman from the modern world who somehow ended up 150 years in the past in Scotland - Victorian Scotland. In her former life, Mallory was a police detective in her 30's. Now, she is in the body of a much younger woman who was a housemaid who worked for Dr. Gray. She has three friends who know her secret - her employer Dr. Duncan Gray, his sister Isla, and Detective Hugh McCreadie.
Mallory and Gray are called one night to Lady Alder's house. She is Dr. Gray's patroness and he has to be careful not to alienate her so when she asks for him, he goes. They are expecting to find that someone needs Dr. Gray's medical care but to their surprise, discover that Lady Alder and her guests were conducting a seance - and the ghost (a missing young maid in the household) had requested Dr. Gray. Gray, of course, does not believe in ghosts. Mallory and Gray begin investigating and soon discovered that there was more to it than one missing maid. The title is apt - it is indeed an ordinary sort of evil - jealousy and envy leading to death.
I've never been quite sure that there was an actual romance brewing between Mallory and Gray, and neither was Mallory. I was thrilled to see these two finally acknowledge their feelings for each other.
The very last page of the book was just amazing, and I'm still smiling over it. I received an e-arc from the publisher St. Martin's Press, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
Mallory and Gray are called one night to Lady Alder's house. She is Dr. Gray's patroness and he has to be careful not to alienate her so when she asks for him, he goes. They are expecting to find that someone needs Dr. Gray's medical care but to their surprise, discover that Lady Alder and her guests were conducting a seance - and the ghost (a missing young maid in the household) had requested Dr. Gray. Gray, of course, does not believe in ghosts. Mallory and Gray begin investigating and soon discovered that there was more to it than one missing maid. The title is apt - it is indeed an ordinary sort of evil - jealousy and envy leading to death.
I've never been quite sure that there was an actual romance brewing between Mallory and Gray, and neither was Mallory. I was thrilled to see these two finally acknowledge their feelings for each other.
The very last page of the book was just amazing, and I'm still smiling over it. I received an e-arc from the publisher St. Martin's Press, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
December 10, 2025
I love this series, I usually describe it as a crossover between Outlander and Cormoran Strike. An Ordinary Sort of Evil might be my favorite book so far, which says a lot because I really loved the last one too.
The case kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end, I could not put it down and I did not anticipate the ending at all. My bet was on Freddie. Poor Nelly deserved better, her story was heartbreaking. Art was a sweetheart and are you kidding me with him being Arthur Conan Doyle? Loved the clever reference.
On the main characters front, I was so happy to finally see progress in Mallory and Duncan’s relationship. I’ve loved the slow-burn development across the series, but I was starting to worry we’d have to wait yet another book before anything actually happened. When the picnic came along and I realized it was finally happening, I was genuinely screaming. I couldn’t stop smiling. That moment felt completely earned after all the buildup, and it was one of my favorite parts of the book. I can’t wait to continue reading the story with them as partners (professionally and romantically!).
I did miss having McCreadie more involved in the case, even though his absence made sense within the storyline. His banter with Mallory and Duncan was definitely missed as it adds such a fun dynamic to the investigations. I’m really hoping to see more of him and Isla in the next book.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the free advanced copy of this book. The thoughts in this review are my own.
The case kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end, I could not put it down and I did not anticipate the ending at all. My bet was on Freddie. Poor Nelly deserved better, her story was heartbreaking. Art was a sweetheart and are you kidding me with him being Arthur Conan Doyle? Loved the clever reference.
On the main characters front, I was so happy to finally see progress in Mallory and Duncan’s relationship. I’ve loved the slow-burn development across the series, but I was starting to worry we’d have to wait yet another book before anything actually happened. When the picnic came along and I realized it was finally happening, I was genuinely screaming. I couldn’t stop smiling. That moment felt completely earned after all the buildup, and it was one of my favorite parts of the book. I can’t wait to continue reading the story with them as partners (professionally and romantically!).
I did miss having McCreadie more involved in the case, even though his absence made sense within the storyline. His banter with Mallory and Duncan was definitely missed as it adds such a fun dynamic to the investigations. I’m really hoping to see more of him and Isla in the next book.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the free advanced copy of this book. The thoughts in this review are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
An Ordinary Sort of Evil is the newest book in the A Rip Through Time series and it is phenomenal! This is by far the best book of the series. The characters are rich and engaging the storytelling is so vivid it makes you feel as if you’re walking the streets right alongside Mallory and Duncan. I absolutely loved the way this fun and endearing love story has started to fall into place. I don’t want to give spoilers but folks we have take off these two finally get to the same page. Which is good. I was worried they would be old and gray (see what I did there hahaha) before they ever figured it out. But everything happens in these books ever so perfectly in its own time. I definitely prefer a slow burn with a building true relationship and we definitely have had that in spades! So chef’s kiss on this one! Also this was most definitely the best mystery yet! I love how the nuances and layers keep building and enriching this world. Mallory is definitely in the right place at the right time and the whole seance thing with ghosts was spot on. I just love the twist and the irony of grappling with believing in ghostly habitations and if they can be real or not while Mallory is literally a time traveler and everyone fully accepts that fact. It had me chuckling out loud. I love it and obviously definitely highly recommend it! If you like murder mystery with a dash of Victorian time travel give this series a read. I believe you will love it as much as I do!!!
November 29, 2025
5⭐️, no notes.
Just brilliant! (and one of my faves in the series for sure🥹)
First: finally! Progress. 🫠🥰 IYKYK. Thank you Ms Armstrong (and also thank you to your editor we are all in her debt haha 🫶).
Second: what a masterful plot! I'm not reading much crime or thriller books lately or maybe I'd be better at picking up clues lol, but this story had my brain spinning, I just couldn't figure out the angle until very late. So many twists and turns and characters and theories.... You had us holding our breath and wondering (hi, mastermind talent. 🫡).
I can't say anything about the case, but the way it was solved, the lesson there and the way the title came into play was bittersweet. 🥹 So many themes and nuances were hiding in there!
And third, I love that we got more of a "found family" sense in the last two instalments, particularly in this one. It's great seeing Mallory finally carving her space in this new (old?) world and them all working as a team (and adding members to it) but also becoming close friends, walls down, being themselves and teasing each other. It's been a long time coming... And I still want more.
Can't wait for their next adventure! Especially with all the changes in everyone's lives, I feel like this book is a turning point for the series, much like book 3 was. Looking forward to the next chapter!
ARC graciously provided by St Martin Press (if you got my notes crying and begging, thank you ILY)
Just brilliant! (and one of my faves in the series for sure🥹)
First: finally! Progress. 🫠🥰 IYKYK. Thank you Ms Armstrong (and also thank you to your editor we are all in her debt haha 🫶).
Second: what a masterful plot! I'm not reading much crime or thriller books lately or maybe I'd be better at picking up clues lol, but this story had my brain spinning, I just couldn't figure out the angle until very late. So many twists and turns and characters and theories.... You had us holding our breath and wondering (hi, mastermind talent. 🫡).
I can't say anything about the case, but the way it was solved, the lesson there and the way the title came into play was bittersweet. 🥹 So many themes and nuances were hiding in there!
And third, I love that we got more of a "found family" sense in the last two instalments, particularly in this one. It's great seeing Mallory finally carving her space in this new (old?) world and them all working as a team (and adding members to it) but also becoming close friends, walls down, being themselves and teasing each other. It's been a long time coming... And I still want more.
Can't wait for their next adventure! Especially with all the changes in everyone's lives, I feel like this book is a turning point for the series, much like book 3 was. Looking forward to the next chapter!
ARC graciously provided by St Martin Press (if you got my notes crying and begging, thank you ILY)
November 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "An Ordinary Sort Of Evil", the latest book in Kelley Armstrong's time-travelling mystery series A Rip Through Time.
Mallory Mitchell, transplanted police detective in modern=day Canada, now former housemaid become assistant to Dr. Duncan Gray (actually he's more like her assistant) is faced with another puzzling case: did Ellie, a maid to Lady Adler - a patron of Gray's - die by her own hand or was it murder?
Called out to Lady Adler's home at night, Mallory and Duncan arrive at the tail end of a seance. But apparently, one of Lady Adler's maid's ghost showed up and asked for Duncan, wanting him to solve her murder. But is she actually dead? She had gone missing, but there had been no report of a body showing up.
So, Mallory and Duncan, with the able assistance of actual police detective Hugh McCreadie find themselves not only investigating the disappearance but also the medium and the world of spirituality which is prevalent in Victorian Scotland.
And when a body does turn up, in the most suspicious circumstances and similar to a previous death that had been ruled a suicide - the game is afoot.
I thoroughly enjoy this series, and highly recommend it.
Mallory Mitchell, transplanted police detective in modern=day Canada, now former housemaid become assistant to Dr. Duncan Gray (actually he's more like her assistant) is faced with another puzzling case: did Ellie, a maid to Lady Adler - a patron of Gray's - die by her own hand or was it murder?
Called out to Lady Adler's home at night, Mallory and Duncan arrive at the tail end of a seance. But apparently, one of Lady Adler's maid's ghost showed up and asked for Duncan, wanting him to solve her murder. But is she actually dead? She had gone missing, but there had been no report of a body showing up.
So, Mallory and Duncan, with the able assistance of actual police detective Hugh McCreadie find themselves not only investigating the disappearance but also the medium and the world of spirituality which is prevalent in Victorian Scotland.
And when a body does turn up, in the most suspicious circumstances and similar to a previous death that had been ruled a suicide - the game is afoot.
I thoroughly enjoy this series, and highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This series is a time-travel mystery following modern-day homicide detective Mallory Mitchell, who is trapped in the body of a housemaid in Victorian Scotland. I don't know what I will do if it ends!!! In An Ordinary Sort of Evil, Mallory and Gray are urgently summoned to the home of Lady Adler, a patron of Gray's undertaking business. But, when they arrive, instead of a death, they find a séance taking place.
During the séance, a ghost claiming to be Lady Adler's former maid, Nellie, demands that Dr. Gray investigate her murder. Although skeptical of the paranormal claims and unsure if a crime has even occurred, Gray and Mallory agree to look into the matter. From there on, the story is a fascinating and sometimes dangerous ride, on every page! There are even some chapters that are great fun.
I really don't want to write more than that because I would hate to spoil any of the surprises for anyone. I'll just write "READ THIS BOOK!"
HUGE thanks to #MinotaurBooks for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. An Ordinary Sort of Evil has an expected publication date of May 19, 2026.
#KelleyArmstrong #Mystery #Series #TimeTravel #Romance
During the séance, a ghost claiming to be Lady Adler's former maid, Nellie, demands that Dr. Gray investigate her murder. Although skeptical of the paranormal claims and unsure if a crime has even occurred, Gray and Mallory agree to look into the matter. From there on, the story is a fascinating and sometimes dangerous ride, on every page! There are even some chapters that are great fun.
I really don't want to write more than that because I would hate to spoil any of the surprises for anyone. I'll just write "READ THIS BOOK!"
HUGE thanks to #MinotaurBooks for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. An Ordinary Sort of Evil has an expected publication date of May 19, 2026.
#KelleyArmstrong #Mystery #Series #TimeTravel #Romance
October 22, 2025
I am so happy when another “Rip Through Time” novel appears. Kelley Armstrong does a wonderful job helping modern-day Mallory Atkinson live a pretty nice life in 1870s Edinburgh.
As you can tell from the title, this is a time-travel series– but with a twist. Through no effort or desire on her part, Mallory was somehow transported from 2019 Vancouver to Edinburgh. Another twist: she lands in the body of a maid employed at the Gray home.
As a police detective in her former life, Mallory fits in well with Dr. Gray, once she’s able to convince them she’s not the maid. Gray is an early forensic scientist who assists the police in murder cases. Since Mallory knows a lot about forensics that isn’t yet known in 19th-century Scotland, she gets to share her knowledge with him. He’s a receptive learner plus there is great chemistry between the two.
Each book has been so well-written. The characters are appealing and the plots feature lots of excitement. Do start with the first book, “A Rip Through Time.”
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
As you can tell from the title, this is a time-travel series– but with a twist. Through no effort or desire on her part, Mallory was somehow transported from 2019 Vancouver to Edinburgh. Another twist: she lands in the body of a maid employed at the Gray home.
As a police detective in her former life, Mallory fits in well with Dr. Gray, once she’s able to convince them she’s not the maid. Gray is an early forensic scientist who assists the police in murder cases. Since Mallory knows a lot about forensics that isn’t yet known in 19th-century Scotland, she gets to share her knowledge with him. He’s a receptive learner plus there is great chemistry between the two.
Each book has been so well-written. The characters are appealing and the plots feature lots of excitement. Do start with the first book, “A Rip Through Time.”
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.
October 30, 2025
An Ordinary Sort of Evil is the fifth book in Kelley Armstrong's A Rip Through Time series and it is another winner. If you have not read the previous books, this can function as a standalone but is better if you know the entire back story. It makes a spoiler that takes place later in the book that much more delicious.
Mallory Atkinson is the main character in this time travel romantasy. A 21st century Canadian police detective, Mallory is swept back in time to inhabit the body of a 19th century Scottish maid working for a gentleman who should have gotten his medical degree but owns an undertaking business instead. Over the course of the four previous books, Mallory and Duncan Grey have become a crime solving team along with secondary characters his sister Isla and her now fiance, Inspector McCreadie. Other house servants round out the supporting cast of characters. This particular installment focuses on psychic mediums and seances and of course, a murder to be solved. Duncan is an extreme skeptic and has a hard time taking anyone involved seriously until a body is discovered. Politics and egos threaten to derail the investigation, but Duncan has a very surprising benefactor intervene that allows the investigation to continue.
This is another romp that marries 21st century investigative techniques with 19th century restraints and continues the narrative of a group of characters that are both entertaining and believable.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mallory Atkinson is the main character in this time travel romantasy. A 21st century Canadian police detective, Mallory is swept back in time to inhabit the body of a 19th century Scottish maid working for a gentleman who should have gotten his medical degree but owns an undertaking business instead. Over the course of the four previous books, Mallory and Duncan Grey have become a crime solving team along with secondary characters his sister Isla and her now fiance, Inspector McCreadie. Other house servants round out the supporting cast of characters. This particular installment focuses on psychic mediums and seances and of course, a murder to be solved. Duncan is an extreme skeptic and has a hard time taking anyone involved seriously until a body is discovered. Politics and egos threaten to derail the investigation, but Duncan has a very surprising benefactor intervene that allows the investigation to continue.
This is another romp that marries 21st century investigative techniques with 19th century restraints and continues the narrative of a group of characters that are both entertaining and believable.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2025
Kelley Armstrong is an auto-read author for me. She has successfully written across many genres that I have enjoyed thoroughly.
This series has to be my favourite by her. Each book just gets better and better than the one before. Mallory Mitchell, a Canadian police detective who gets transported through time to the late 1800's in Scotland, into a young Victorian 20 yr old housemaid. Almost a year now in this time. She and Duncan find themselves in yet another murder mystery, this time summoned by a “ghost". These two characters compliment each other so well with each also learning more from each other. The build up that grew stronger with each book finally gets some satisfaction and earned a huge smile that I kept for the last part of the story.
Each book is so well written and fitting for the time it is written in. Each character is written perfectly for the role they play. I can hardly wait to read more from this series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press-especially Kat White, for the ARC of An Ordinary Sort of Evil.
This series has to be my favourite by her. Each book just gets better and better than the one before. Mallory Mitchell, a Canadian police detective who gets transported through time to the late 1800's in Scotland, into a young Victorian 20 yr old housemaid. Almost a year now in this time. She and Duncan find themselves in yet another murder mystery, this time summoned by a “ghost". These two characters compliment each other so well with each also learning more from each other. The build up that grew stronger with each book finally gets some satisfaction and earned a huge smile that I kept for the last part of the story.
Each book is so well written and fitting for the time it is written in. Each character is written perfectly for the role they play. I can hardly wait to read more from this series!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press-especially Kat White, for the ARC of An Ordinary Sort of Evil.
October 31, 2025
Kelley Armstrong is an immediate read author for me, and so I’m very grateful to have been able to receive an arc for the latest book in her Rip Through Time series.
This book continues to follow our main character, Mallory, from modern day Canada who is stuck back in 1800s Victorian England, helping solve crimes, and gently influencing the progression of policing, detective work, and science. The author does a great job of weaving in Mallory’s modern knowledge and mannerisms, while allowing the story to shine in the era it takes place. She sets the scenes well, the story telling feels true to the time, and the characters are likeable and interesting.
These certainly aren’t heavy mysteries, but they are fun and interesting, and are generally well plotted out. I am a big fan of the slow progression of Mallory and Duncan, and I am glad for the character developments in this one.
Overall, 4 solid stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review!
This book continues to follow our main character, Mallory, from modern day Canada who is stuck back in 1800s Victorian England, helping solve crimes, and gently influencing the progression of policing, detective work, and science. The author does a great job of weaving in Mallory’s modern knowledge and mannerisms, while allowing the story to shine in the era it takes place. She sets the scenes well, the story telling feels true to the time, and the characters are likeable and interesting.
These certainly aren’t heavy mysteries, but they are fun and interesting, and are generally well plotted out. I am a big fan of the slow progression of Mallory and Duncan, and I am glad for the character developments in this one.
Overall, 4 solid stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review!
November 27, 2025
I have enjoyed every book in this mystery series set in Victorian Edinburgh, and this one is my favorite to date. Maintaining time travel as the central conceit for the series in less talented hands could become a distraction or the proverbial bridge too far, but it works here because the plot is still driven by fantastic characters who continue to grow throughout. The mystery in this entry centers on a seance and a missing maid. The plot keeps twisting as new developments add layers to the case, and the reader can follow along as Mallory and Duncan piece it all together. Our main characters have some significant personal developments that series readers will appreciate. I am already anxiously awaiting the next entry. The author includes a helpful summary of the series to date, but I would highly recommend reading them all. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy of An Ordinary Sort of Evil.
This series is an absolute favorite for me and being able to read it early was a joy!!!
This 5th installment follows Mallory and Dr Gray as they continue and grow professionally and personally together. Their case in this book involves the Spiritualism movement. This series does such a great job in educating on aspects of 1870 Scotland that I truly enjoy and I loved learning about how the spiritualism movement is coming into fashion during this time period.
The slow burn relationship between Dr Gray and Mallory is moving forward but still slowly. As a reader of this series I was relieved that they finally had conversations in this book that will move it forward, and enjoy that it will continue to be a slow progression since it makes sense for these characters.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series and truly hope it continues for a long time.
This series is an absolute favorite for me and being able to read it early was a joy!!!
This 5th installment follows Mallory and Dr Gray as they continue and grow professionally and personally together. Their case in this book involves the Spiritualism movement. This series does such a great job in educating on aspects of 1870 Scotland that I truly enjoy and I loved learning about how the spiritualism movement is coming into fashion during this time period.
The slow burn relationship between Dr Gray and Mallory is moving forward but still slowly. As a reader of this series I was relieved that they finally had conversations in this book that will move it forward, and enjoy that it will continue to be a slow progression since it makes sense for these characters.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series and truly hope it continues for a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
I can’t say how much I love these stories! The mystery is always intriguing and I rarely figure out the twist. But the romance has me kicking my feet and grinning like a fool the whole time! Kelley Armstrong has become one of my favorite authors, and she writes many types of stories so well. Her writing is clean and entertaining, and even though I’m reading a murder mystery, I kinda feel like I’m getting a warm hug. The A Rip Through Time novels and novellas are warm, cozy, and exciting all at the same time. They are my favorite of her series I’ve read so far, but that is most likely because they were how I was introduced to her stories. I’m thankful she keeps writing and I will keep reading every single thing she puts out!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful opportunity to read this most recent installment of one of my favorite series!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful opportunity to read this most recent installment of one of my favorite series!
December 15, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC. This is one of my favorite series and I was thrilled to get to read it early.
Kelley Armstrong has done such a great job bringing the setting of Victorian England to life and developing these characters.
This was another great adventure for Mallory, Gray, McCreadie, and Isla. There wasn't a ton of Jack in this one but I thoroughly enjoyed the appearance made by a certain royal.
I am looking forward to seeing more in this series!
Kelley Armstrong has done such a great job bringing the setting of Victorian England to life and developing these characters.
This was another great adventure for Mallory, Gray, McCreadie, and Isla. There wasn't a ton of Jack in this one but I thoroughly enjoyed the appearance made by a certain royal.
I am looking forward to seeing more in this series!
November 14, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
I was hoping this book would be good, but it just wasn't. I have enjoyed this series in the past, although the author's writing style has increasingly bothered me as the series progressed. Perhaps it is just me and a personal dislike of her narration style, but I do not enjoy being talked at instead of feeling like I am part of the story--as I read it was like someone was reciting a speech instead of witnessing events unfold and becoming part of the action. After about 2/3 of the way through, I just started skimming. There were too many "red herrings," strange tangents, and out of place and slightly condescending "explanations" of what life was like in Victorian Scotland. I read this book just because I became invested in Mallory and Gray's relationship, but even that could not save this book. I think I am done with this series, and will wish our two MC happiness in the future (past?).
I was hoping this book would be good, but it just wasn't. I have enjoyed this series in the past, although the author's writing style has increasingly bothered me as the series progressed. Perhaps it is just me and a personal dislike of her narration style, but I do not enjoy being talked at instead of feeling like I am part of the story--as I read it was like someone was reciting a speech instead of witnessing events unfold and becoming part of the action. After about 2/3 of the way through, I just started skimming. There were too many "red herrings," strange tangents, and out of place and slightly condescending "explanations" of what life was like in Victorian Scotland. I read this book just because I became invested in Mallory and Gray's relationship, but even that could not save this book. I think I am done with this series, and will wish our two MC happiness in the future (past?).
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