What do you think?
Ruby Vaughn #3
The Devil in Oxford
Set after the Great War, 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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2025
About the author
Jess Armstrong
6 books518 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 213 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.
September 16, 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!
June 9, 2026
(3.5 stars, rounded up)
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read The Devil in Oxford, book three in the Ruby Vaughn mystery series. I was a bit late to it, but I’m glad I managed to read it before book four is published this fall!
I really enjoyed the first two books in this historical mystery series, and while I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t as gripping as the first two were. We are still in England in 1922 and this time, Ruby and Owen are in Oxford, so that Owen can attend the annual meeting of his antiquarian society. When they attend an exhibition of Egyptian artifacts amassed by a disgraced scholar, they find he’s been murdered. At the behest of an old friend who worked with the man, Ruby gets involved, once again, in investigating a murder. Ruan, the pellar (healer/witch) from Cornwall, also shows up again in this book and he and Ruby are trying to figure out their feelings for each other - but that is not the main thrust of the book, the murder investigation is.
Since it’s 1922 in England, we also see how the Great War (World War I) is still reverberating - with the general public and certainly with Ruby, who was a nurse during the war and experienced some very difficult things.
This story is less “gothic” than the first two books. Other than a subplot surrounding a mysterious, centuries-old book that has gone missing, it’s more of a straightforward mystery, involving a bunch of academicians and collectors. I enjoyed the wintry atmosphere of Oxford, but the story itself was a bit convoluted and the solution wasn’t particularly satisfying.
As always, some of the side characters were terrific, such as the housekeeper, Mrs. Penrose and Ruby’s cat! Owen wasn’t in this story a whole lot. There’s an ongoing subplot involving a woman who says she’s Ruby’s mother (who was supposed to have died during the sinking of the Lusitania), but that is still not resolved. It seems it will continue into the next book.
While this definitely could be read as a standalone, readers will enjoy it more if they’ve read at least the first book.
Since I was so late to this, I borrowed the audiobook from my library and listened to a fair amount of it. Emma Love does her usual excellent job with all the characters and varying accents.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read The Devil in Oxford, book three in the Ruby Vaughn mystery series. I was a bit late to it, but I’m glad I managed to read it before book four is published this fall!
I really enjoyed the first two books in this historical mystery series, and while I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t as gripping as the first two were. We are still in England in 1922 and this time, Ruby and Owen are in Oxford, so that Owen can attend the annual meeting of his antiquarian society. When they attend an exhibition of Egyptian artifacts amassed by a disgraced scholar, they find he’s been murdered. At the behest of an old friend who worked with the man, Ruby gets involved, once again, in investigating a murder. Ruan, the pellar (healer/witch) from Cornwall, also shows up again in this book and he and Ruby are trying to figure out their feelings for each other - but that is not the main thrust of the book, the murder investigation is.
Since it’s 1922 in England, we also see how the Great War (World War I) is still reverberating - with the general public and certainly with Ruby, who was a nurse during the war and experienced some very difficult things.
This story is less “gothic” than the first two books. Other than a subplot surrounding a mysterious, centuries-old book that has gone missing, it’s more of a straightforward mystery, involving a bunch of academicians and collectors. I enjoyed the wintry atmosphere of Oxford, but the story itself was a bit convoluted and the solution wasn’t particularly satisfying.
As always, some of the side characters were terrific, such as the housekeeper, Mrs. Penrose and Ruby’s cat! Owen wasn’t in this story a whole lot. There’s an ongoing subplot involving a woman who says she’s Ruby’s mother (who was supposed to have died during the sinking of the Lusitania), but that is still not resolved. It seems it will continue into the next book.
While this definitely could be read as a standalone, readers will enjoy it more if they’ve read at least the first book.
Since I was so late to this, I borrowed the audiobook from my library and listened to a fair amount of it. Emma Love does her usual excellent job with all the characters and varying accents.
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!
December 27, 2025
Despite being atmospherically just as interesting as the last two instalments of the Ruby Vaughn series, I do unfortunately think that The Devil in Oxford is my least favourite in the series. Partly, I think this is because The Secret of the Three Fates was hard to follow up from, and partly because this book drags its heels an unbelievable amount for the payoff we receive.
First, Ruby and Ruan’s relationship. At the end of the Three Fates, Ruan confesses his love and is rebuked by a fearful Ruby, who knows that she has feelings for him too but doesn’t trust her own judgement about love. This makes perfect sense for a character like Ruby, who is foolhardy with her life but extremely guarded with her heart.
In the Devil in Oxford, we circle the same point for more than 200 pages: Ruby regrets that rejecting Ruan has diminished her access to him both as a love interest and as a friend, and so she repeatedly tests the constraints of his decision to back off until finally they both give up. I don’t think this is wrong or that Ruby isn’t the type of character who would do this, but as a reader I grew tired of this dynamic really quickly. If I had a nickel for every time Ruby wondered why she was throwing herself at Ruan and if he would push her away, I’m telling you, I’d have at least a dollar.
Meanwhile, the plot also drags. It’s neither here nor there that I guessed the perpetrator pretty early on, because that doesn’t explain the how or the why, but the actual detecting in this novel was exhausting and mostly came down to Ruby being hounded (ha-ha) and assaulted at every turn. She does make some headway, but the moment she does finally catch a break in the case, she is both literally and figuratively dragged to the conclusion that she absolutely did not come to herself. It’s sort of like getting partway through a puzzle only to have someone else fit in the last twelve pieces. Maybe realistic, but not very satisfying.
I also thought the final reveal was sort of lame. The motivation being that a powerful man simply wanted more power because…. reasons? Because he felt it owed to him? Because he was a collector? Bad people do bad things for bad reasons all the time, but there really wasn’t a lot to chew on here from a story perspective.
Still, Armstrong remains extremely strong when it comes to setting and atmosphere. The chilly streets of Oxford and the academic halls and the libraries and storeroom of Egyptian artifacts… all wonderful to read about. I particularly loved the scene where Ruby first breaks into Harker’s museum, the writing in this section is so vivid. She also weaves in some historical details about the state of England following the war and the unrest from soldiers who survived hell only to return home into poverty that I thought were beautifully handled and really added to the richness of the world. Ruby herself is of course affected by her own experiences in the war, but so is everyone else around her, and these additions bring so much context and depth to these stories.
It is simply too far into this successful and award-winning series for the line editing to still be this bad, though, Minotaur please I am on my hands and knees I am begging please hire more editors please
First, Ruby and Ruan’s relationship. At the end of the Three Fates, Ruan confesses his love and is rebuked by a fearful Ruby, who knows that she has feelings for him too but doesn’t trust her own judgement about love. This makes perfect sense for a character like Ruby, who is foolhardy with her life but extremely guarded with her heart.
In the Devil in Oxford, we circle the same point for more than 200 pages: Ruby regrets that rejecting Ruan has diminished her access to him both as a love interest and as a friend, and so she repeatedly tests the constraints of his decision to back off until finally they both give up. I don’t think this is wrong or that Ruby isn’t the type of character who would do this, but as a reader I grew tired of this dynamic really quickly. If I had a nickel for every time Ruby wondered why she was throwing herself at Ruan and if he would push her away, I’m telling you, I’d have at least a dollar.
Meanwhile, the plot also drags. It’s neither here nor there that I guessed the perpetrator pretty early on, because that doesn’t explain the how or the why, but the actual detecting in this novel was exhausting and mostly came down to Ruby being hounded (ha-ha) and assaulted at every turn. She does make some headway, but the moment she does finally catch a break in the case, she is both literally and figuratively dragged to the conclusion that she absolutely did not come to herself. It’s sort of like getting partway through a puzzle only to have someone else fit in the last twelve pieces. Maybe realistic, but not very satisfying.
I also thought the final reveal was sort of lame. The motivation being that a powerful man simply wanted more power because…. reasons? Because he felt it owed to him? Because he was a collector? Bad people do bad things for bad reasons all the time, but there really wasn’t a lot to chew on here from a story perspective.
Still, Armstrong remains extremely strong when it comes to setting and atmosphere. The chilly streets of Oxford and the academic halls and the libraries and storeroom of Egyptian artifacts… all wonderful to read about. I particularly loved the scene where Ruby first breaks into Harker’s museum, the writing in this section is so vivid. She also weaves in some historical details about the state of England following the war and the unrest from soldiers who survived hell only to return home into poverty that I thought were beautifully handled and really added to the richness of the world. Ruby herself is of course affected by her own experiences in the war, but so is everyone else around her, and these additions bring so much context and depth to these stories.
It is simply too far into this successful and award-winning series for the line editing to still be this bad, though, Minotaur please I am on my hands and knees I am begging please hire more editors please
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
November 26, 2025
Ruby Vaughn is looking forward to some peace and quiet after the last two sets of murder investigations she and Mr. Owen have been a part of. Mr. Owen has different plans. He secures two tickets for an upcoming exhibition of artifacts gathered by the disgraced scholar Julius Harker.
Instead of a viewing of unusual items, Julius Harker's body is found in the collection, and his business partner is arrested. And, the very person that Ruby needed space from to deal with her feelings arrives: Ruan Kivell, Cornish Pellar, and her fellow investigator for their last two escapades.
Ruby is not interested in investigating anything, but when a friend begs her for help, Ruby reluctantly agrees, and she and Ruan, who is always willing to help Ruby, begin to find a mess of jealousies, secrets, and intense competition amongst antiquities collectors. All this while Ruby slowly examines her intense reluctance to consider what keeps pulling her and Ruan back together.
This was a solid story, with great character moments for Ruby. Because of her past, Ruby has been struggling to commit to a relationship with Ruan, despite all their feelings for one another. There were times I wanted to yell that he's been an absolute rock for her during their dealings. Luckily, she makes progress in this aspect of her life.
She does also solve the mystery, with Ruan's help, exposing some significant nastiness amongst the scholars and collectors of archaeological treasures.
I enjoyed this entry a lot, and loved that Mrs. Penrose was always there for a dose of reality, and care, while Fiachna was, well, Fiachna, but also introduced two little surprises into the household.
I am wondering what is up next for Ruby, and Ruan, and the delightful Mr. Owen.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for my review.
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.
November 5, 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.
November 2, 2025
This book was one of those times when I wondered how I had not read this author before. I jumped in at book three in the series, and worked well as a standalone, but I realized that I have been missing out on a great series! I loved the dark academia vibes of this blend of historical mystery, fantasy, and romance elements. And of course, I loved Ruby Vaughn!
American heiress Ruby Vaughn and her employer, Mr. Owen, visit Oxford in December 1923 for a society meeting of a group dedicated to the study, collection, and preservation of antiquities. The evening takes a dark detour as disgraced scholar, Julius Harker, is found dead in an Egyptian funeral box at his museum exhibition. Ruby becomes involved in the mystery because she is asked by an old friend to look into the death.
Ruby is a strong FMC, and I enjoyed getting to know her. Compelling and flawed, she is highly intelligent, fearless, and a bit impulsive, as many of the best amateur sleuths are! She also has some form of perception or intuition that borders on the supernatural, which was fun. I will be going back to read the other books in the series to learn more. Her will-they/won't they love interest, Ruan, is also an interesting character. He is mysterious and deeply connected to folk magic. The two share a psychic connection. They also trade barbs, making for some witty banter. I was as invested in them as I was in the mystery.
The mystery was well-plotted and intriguing, with enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep me on my toes. I also enjoyed its academic and historical aspects, and thought that the Oxford setting provided a great dark academia atmosphere. Such a fun read!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the gifted book.
*4.5 rounded up
American heiress Ruby Vaughn and her employer, Mr. Owen, visit Oxford in December 1923 for a society meeting of a group dedicated to the study, collection, and preservation of antiquities. The evening takes a dark detour as disgraced scholar, Julius Harker, is found dead in an Egyptian funeral box at his museum exhibition. Ruby becomes involved in the mystery because she is asked by an old friend to look into the death.
Ruby is a strong FMC, and I enjoyed getting to know her. Compelling and flawed, she is highly intelligent, fearless, and a bit impulsive, as many of the best amateur sleuths are! She also has some form of perception or intuition that borders on the supernatural, which was fun. I will be going back to read the other books in the series to learn more. Her will-they/won't they love interest, Ruan, is also an interesting character. He is mysterious and deeply connected to folk magic. The two share a psychic connection. They also trade barbs, making for some witty banter. I was as invested in them as I was in the mystery.
The mystery was well-plotted and intriguing, with enough twists, turns, and suspects to keep me on my toes. I also enjoyed its academic and historical aspects, and thought that the Oxford setting provided a great dark academia atmosphere. Such a fun read!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the gifted book.
*4.5 rounded up
October 3, 2025
September 2026: Still the best of the series so far. On to the ARC of book 4!
October 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!
October 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!
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.
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!
August 14, 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 17, 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 25, 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 22, 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.
January 1, 2026
The third in a light mystery series set in England after WWI. Scandalized American heiress Ruby Vaughn, who now lives and works with an elderly antiquarian bookseller in Essex. She meets and connects with a Cornish pellar (witch/healer/holy man in Cornwall). Their adventures lead them to danger, history, romance and a little otherworldy-ness. This one was set in Oxford and made me want to see that ancient city. I hope there is another Ruby and Ruan story in the future.
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.
May 24, 2026
This is the third book in a series, of which I've not been aware, & the first one I've read. Interesting UK historical post WW I fiction, with a hint of romance & a touch of alternate reality/ realms. I'm not sure whether to go back to the beginnings or to read the 4th book in the series.
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February 12, 2026I’ve enjoyed every installment in this series, and this book is no exception. The loosely defined magic system makes for some trippy detective work. Is the big black dog an omen of death? Is the silent man with a scared face an apparition? Are you going mad, or are you closer to solving the murder?
June 4, 2026
It was okay, but not strong enough to keep me hooked. I don’t think I’ll be moving onto the rest of the series.
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