An Ordinary Sort of Evil

A Rip Through Time #5

by Kelley Armstrong

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

Genres: Mystery, Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Fiction, Romance

320 pages, ebook

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

Kelley 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.

Reviews

[Monica Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tara(trying to catch up after long medical hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Kelley Armstrong’s latest installment in the A Rip in Time series, we find ourselves once again in the captivating world of Dr. Duncan Gray and Miss Mallory Mitchell/Atkinson, our beloved Victorian characters. This time, they embark on a new investigation that revolves around the mysterious circumstances of a wealthy patron’s maid, who may be either dead or simply missing. The investigation is set in motion when the maid’s spirit seemingly calls upon Dr. Gray during a séance, compelling him to look into her fate.

As the plot unfolds, the stakes heighten when the maid’s body is discovered, turning what initially felt like a lighthearted endeavor into a serious moral quandary, especially given the reluctance of the police to intervene. The tension is further magnified by the societal restrictions of their time, making it challenging for Mallory and Duncan to maintain their partnership while navigating the complexities of 19th-century propriety.

An Ordinary Sort of Evil stands out for its intricate yet less somber mystery compared to the previous book. With a plethora of suspects and motivations, readers will find themselves on a rollercoaster of guesses and theories throughout the narrative. The exploration of 19th-century spiritualism adds an intriguing layer to the story, prompting reflections on the coexistence of time travel and the supernatural, all while incorporating real historical figures that enrich the setting.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this installment lies in the evolution of the relationship between Mallory and Duncan; the ending teases multiple avenues for exploration in future books, leaving fans eager to see how their journey unfolds.

While I enjoyed reading this book instead of listening to it, I couldn't help but miss Kate Handford's exceptional narration highlighting her impressive vocal range and skill. Hanford’s ability to skillfully switch between various character voices, including Mallory's distinct "Canadian" voice and Catriona’s Victorian accent, while effectively capturing other characters' Scottish brogue.

Once again, Armstrong’s brilliance shines through. Her knack for weaving together atmosphere, character development, and intricate plots keeps readers engaged, while her ability to sprinkle in clever hints ensures we remain guessing about the mystery's resolution. These novels embody the essence of gothic mystery, yet Armstrong never forgets to satisfy those who crave character depth, romance, humor, and emotional nuance.

For newcomers curious about the series’ appeal, the answer lies in Armstrong's talent for crafting vivid atmospheres and relatable, multifaceted characters who evoke enthusiasm and empathy. Mallory Mitchell stands out as a sharp-witted, captivating protagonist, embodying feminist ideals that resonate deeply. Armstrong’s meticulous research into Victorian Edinburgh, coupled with her carefully chosen language and the thoughtful integration of Mallory's modern phrases, showcases her skill in grounding the narrative.

In short, the characters, the setting, the atmosphere, and the plot are all elements that make No Ordinary Evil a delightful read, promising another engaging adventure for fans. Be sure to mark your calendars, as publication day is set for May 18, 2026.

A special thanks to Kat White Marketing assistant at St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing the widget for the ARC of An Ordinary Sort of Evil by author Kelley Armstrong. In exchange for an honest review. I was not obligated to provide a review. All opinions are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all: a look at spiritualism in the Victorian era, Queen Victoria, a nod to the body snatchers of an earlier era, and more wonderful relationship development between Mallory and Duncan.

A medium claims the ghost of a dead maid demands Duncan Gray and his assistant investigate her death. They’re summoned to the seance where this happens and it seems like the staff, which includes two other young maids, might be involved. The support team for the medium, her husband and brother, are also suspects.

One of my favorite segments is when Duncan grabs Mallory’s hand while they are investigating at night and Mallory has an emotional reaction. She realizes that in her year of being in Victorian Scotland, she hasn’t been touched. Holding hands without gloves on it her first skin-to-skin contact with another person in a year.

We the amazing revelation that Queen Victoria is reading about Mallory and Duncan in Jack’s serials.

This books marks the end of a phase of the series and promises an exciting continuation in the coming books.I have a feeling this book will be considered a favorite in the series by fans of Kelley Armstrong.

[Flo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the ARC/giveaway copy of this book through Goodreads!

I have really enjoyed the return to this series. As always, it was a fun romp through Victorian London...this time with more kissing. While the mystery in this novel was certainly interesting, this book definitely focused on building up and developing the growing relationship between Mallory and Grey. Unfortunately, that meant that there was less screentime for the other ship in this series (Isla and McCreadie), though they did feature here and there. I just really like the four of them together as a found family group more than I like the individual ships, but I guess I don't tend towards focusing on romance in general when I read.

However, I was thrilled that now that the group is back in their home from the Scottish highlands, some of the other side characters that we have fallen in love with got a chance to shine once again. In particular, there was a bit more focus on Jack, who I am definitely want to learn more about. With this sort of ensemble story (even when there's a main pairing), I always love it when the whole gang is working together, which I feel like the author does so well in this series. She's really made me love every single member of this family.

The mystery itself was fine, like I said, but nothing that particularly stood out to me. The murder and subsequent discoveries weren't as dark as the previous installment, and I tend to like my mysteries darker lol. I did really enjoy the Victorian worldbuilding that this author has been doing since the first book, but she's always been good at building an intriguing setting and atmosphere that transports readers into Mallory's world and experiences. This book really focuses on the development of mysticism in the 19th century and the beginning of psychics and everything.

Overall, this is a great addition to the Rip in Time Series and if you like time travel, mystery novels, interesting and fun characters, and Scotland, I would encourage you to check out the series as a whole!

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See my Rip Through Time series reviews:

A Rip Through Time (#1) | here
The Poisoner's Ring (#2) | here
Cocktails & Chloroform (#2.5) | here
Disturbing the Dead (#3) | here
Schemes & Scandals (#3.5) | here
Death at a Highland Wedding (#4) | here
Kirkyards & Kindness (#4.5) | here
An Ordinary Sort of Evil (#5) | here

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Laura✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am trying very hard to keep my composure, but internally I am absolutely screaming.

Five books and three novellas later, we’re once again in the loving embrace of our favourite Victorian book boyfriend, Dr. Duncan Gray, and the magnificently modern Miss Mallory Mitchell/Atkinson. Returning to these two feels like slipping back into a world that’s equal parts gothic mystery, sharp wit, and emotional comfort.

I’ll admit I was a touch disappointed to see this installment was a bit shorter, but it more than makes up for it in content. Mystery, tension, character moments - it’s all here!

If you’re looking for spoilers, you won’t find any from me. What I can say is that fans will be delighted to pick up right after Kirkyards & Kindness and roughly a month after Death at a Highland Wedding.

I read this one instead of listening to it, and I genuinely missed the dulcet tones of Kate Handford. I know I’m reviewing the book, but that woman deserves a raise. She is phenomenal.

At this point, I don’t know what I can say that I haven’t shamelessly gushed before?? Armstrong is a genius?! She has an uncanny ability to focus on what matters (plot, mystery) while still dropping those delicious little breadcrumbs that keep the long‑game plot simmering. These books remain firmly rooted in gothic mystery, yet she never fails to satisfy the fans who are here for the characters, the romance, the humour, and the emotional beats.

If you’re new to the series and wondering why people are so gaga over it, here’s the secret: Armstrong is an excellent character writer. She’s genuinely funny and charming, and she builds feminist characters who are impossible not to love. You love them, you look up to them, you want to be them, and somehow you are them. And on top of that, she writes tightly plotted mysteries. Think deeply researched Victorian Edinburgh, carefully chosen language, and those purposeful pauses whenever Mallory slips into modern phrasing. It’s such a clever grounding technique that reminds us she’s still not fully assimilated.

If you’ve ever read Lisa Gardner, Armstrong’s pacing has a similar energy: quick, snappy, and often laugh‑out‑loud funny.

The characters, the setting, the atmosphere, the plot, it’s all impossible not to love, and No Ordinary Evil is no exception.

Mark your calendars: publication day is May 18, 2026.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and every publisher who trusted me with Kelley Armstrong's work! I receive this amazing ARC in exchange for my entirely honest ravings.

[Dede · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the fifth in a series of time travel. I have enjoyed this series. I normally don’t really care for time travel, but I have this series. These have been well written. I would recommend this book.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Meaghan | atypical.tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of An Ordinary Sort of Evil in return for a review from Netgalley.

Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite Canadian authors. I have read so many of her series including Rockton, Haven’s Rock, Otherworld, and many of her standalone novels.

The Rip Through Time series is one of my favorites and I was pleased to be given the opportunity to read and review the latest one, which is number 5. I was excited to see how the relationship might develop between Mallory and Duncan. I was not disappointed. These two characters are fantastic. The witty banter, the methodical detective work and the budding romance all make this a great read. The mystery itself was great with plenty of twists to keep you guessing.

I can’t wait until the next one.

[Stephanie W (cartfullofbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the installment I've been waiting for!

The mystery in this book was interesting. I enjoyed learning more about Victorian spiritualism and its origins. Even though that is not something I am involved in I do like Victorian history so this was just another aspect of that. I love how this mystery led Mallory and Grey all over town as well. Sometimes they were in town with the more well-off and other times they were tromping around more of the countryside with more down-to-earth folk.

I also loved where Mallory and Grey left things at the end. I enjoy any scenes where they are together, just talking the two of them as it is then that readers get to know more of Grey. I like his character so I feel like we will start to get to know him even more from here on out.

I really enjoy this series and can't wait for the next book (or I guess novella, since that's how it's been in the past)!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 rounded up

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alice (Alice's Book Vault) · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Evie Oliva · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Shannon Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Possibly the book in the series that every reader who has kept up with this series has waited for... but no spoilers, you'll have to read it it.

Dr. Gray and Mallory are at it again when they are contacted late at night to solve a murder, from the deceased herself. A seance leads Gray and Mallory to prove the girl is, in fact, not murdered.

With all the twists and turns that Kelley Armstrong could throw in, they get to meet the Queen! With all of this going on we still get to dive deeper into the personal lives of Gray, Isla, McCreadie, and Mallory and hope the ending leads us to book 6!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Madison Rusnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!


Now that that's out of the way...
What an amazing read! I had NO IDEA who did it. I was shocked at every twist and turn. I simply love Kelley's writing and the world she has created here. I love how she's weaved fact in with fiction. I love the setting of Scotland. I love the nods to modern day Canada. Absolutely obsessed with this series. It always takes me away, and yet feels like home.

Now, for all my Mallory x Duncan girlies, let me tell you... you're not ready for the slow burn in this book. All I'm going to say is that I cried, take that how you will.

Thank you so much Kelley, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this brilliant book early!

[Deea (Andreea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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)

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rip Through Team mystery series continues to be my favorite mystery series. I adore Mallory and Duncan and I love how their personal friendship works so well with their work relationship. It's hard to review this particular volume because so much happens and I don't want to spoil anything. But that being said, it's my favorite personal relationship story, but not my favorite mystery. I enjoyed the seance and the mystery of mediums. It's one of my favorite plot types when it comes to Victorian or WWI mysteries, but this one felt like it went a bit off the rails in the middle and it didn't feel like it was a totally cohesive story. I didn't fully buy the explanation for whodunit and the ordinary sort of evil seemed like it was just the author trying to throw some ham-fisted point to the reader. I don't need to be spoonfed the message and that's irritating in any author's writing. I think this is a weaker entry in the mystery series, but I get Armstrong had only so many words to work with and the personal development overshadowed the mystery more so than in other entries in the series.

I'll still continue to read this series. This was just not as good as others.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a year since Mallory Atkinson had become Mallory Mitchell, falling back one-fifty years in time…
Working as an assistant to Dr. Duncan Grey, an undertaker, in Victorian Scottland, 1870, Mallory has learned to tone down her 21st century gestures and language. However, it’s the dismissive attitude toward women and their place in this time period that still rankles somewhat. As a police officer in the 21st century, her training has proven that she is better equipped at questioning suspects, analyzing the crime scenes and ferreting out the cause of death, than even the most knowledgeable physician or forensic scientist of the day. Which is why she is Duncan Grey’s assistant. Together with Police Detective Hugh McCreadie and Isla Grey, a brilliant chemist, they have solved several murders that might not have been solved correctly. Jack, Duncan’s house maid/journalist, has been chronicling their murder cases and printing them as serials for the public. For this reason, Duncan and Mallery have become very well-known and quite popular.
And is now the reason for being called out late in the evening by Lady Adler to find out who murdered a young woman in her service. The problem is that the knowledge of her death was brought to face during a séance and so far, no one has found the body. Duncan Grey does not believe in ghosts and the idea of séances and a ghost asking for him, makes him uncomfortable.
The intrepid group of four have just finished a case and have several other problems at the moment. Hugh McCreadie and Isla Grey have finally admitted to their feelings for each other and are engaged to be married. Duncan and Mallory are delighted about the upcoming wedding however, it is causing concern for them since when Isla marries, she will be leaving her brother’s home. This means Mallory can no longer respectfully live in the same house as an unmarried gentleman nor can she continue to work with him as his assistant. And then there is Lady Adler’s insistence that Nellie’s ghost asked Dr. Duncan Grey to find her murderer. Duncan, Mallory and Hugh will have to tread carefully as they search for evidence of a crime, search for a body, find a motive for her death and then locate a suspect, since Dr. Grey is not part of the police force and therefore has very little standing when working a case. Adding to the mix is the fact that for some time Mallory has known that she loves Duncan Grey, enough to live the rest of her life in the past. While Duncan, as a Victorian gentleman, has been a bit backward in making his own feelings of love for Mallory known to her. But everything is about to change as they chase down Nellie’s body, what happened to her, why and who had taken her life.
There is a full cast of characters that are a delight, a few are a bit of a pain in arse, from servants to titled gentry, a royal fan of Dr. Grey’s adventure tales and some police officials that need circumventing in order to find a murderer. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series because each episode covers a murder case but also follows to story of Mallory’s journey back in time and those who have become an important part of her life as she has theirs. The stories are rich in history. While I love that the characters take on the persona of the period while it is Mallory who in the one having to adjust at first, then slowly those who know she is from the future ( Duncan, Hugh and Isla) rally round to help her fit in but also accept her for who she is and are ready to learn from her. In other words, they learn to unbend and accept new ideas. There is always mystery, slow burning romance, an intriguing who done it, and in this case a murderer who was more unstable than evil. If you enjoy a good mystery, some romance, history as it was, mostly, memorable characters, a bit of humor, historical trivia, a bit of license with real characters of the time and simply a very good read, I highly recommend this fifth episode of the “Rip Though Time Series.” Kelly Armstrong has offered a short introduction at the beginning of the story about how it all began with Mallory. However, I would suggest checking out, at least the first book,” A Rip Through Time”, available in print, digital and audio.

I was given an advanced reader copy for my opinion of this title.

[Lucy Dosch (EBookObsessed) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story brings a little more depth to the characters and all of their relationships.

This series features a modern day homicide detective who goes back 150 years to Victorian Scotland only to find herself in the body of a 19-year-old maid working in the household of Dr. Duncan Gray, a doctor at the beginning of forensic science. Mallory, now working as an assistant to Dr. Gray, and along his long-time friend, Detective Hugh McCreadie, helps in the investigation of murders.

In this recent investigation, Dr. Gray is called late at night to the house of one of Duncan's patrons. Lady Adler is holding a séance, the most recent entertainment of the Victorian nobility, and the attending "ghost" has requested Dr. Duncan Gray by name to  investigate their murder. Duncan is a firm non-believer in ghosts but he can't afford to offend someone like Lady Adler so he and Mallory are forced to investigate a murder of a young woman who no one is even certain is actually dead.  When her body is actually found, the real question becomes if this psychic medium the real deal or did they have something to do with the girl's death?

During the course of this series, Duncan and Mallory's investigations started being chronicled as entertainment for the masses. They have become very popular, especially among women, so stopping these outlandish publications was almost impossible but now they have hired their own novelist who at least doesn't write Mallory as an empty-headed, piece of fluff.  One fan they never expected was Queen Victoria herself who now expects her own personal updates on their investigations.   Mallory did not have Queen Victoria-true crime fan on her Bingo card.

I really love the characters that Kelley Armstrong has given us: not just Duncan and Mallory, but Duncan's sister, Isla, and his friend, Det. McCreadie.  Of course, the best part is having Mallory, our modern day detective trying to negotiate life in Victorian Scotland. I heard someone say that we enjoy stories more that we can see ourselves in. I usually don't put myself into the story, but in this case I feel that this is a great representation of what I would feel if I suddenly woke up in the past.  It isn't just reading a story written 150 years ago where how the characters behave seems odd to our modern sensibilities. But it is seeing a modern day person trying to negotiate the stricter lifestyle that women were subjected to in the past and still trying to do the job she was trained for but now only using primitive forensic science.  It is also why Mallory doesn't understand why Duncan, a mixed-race, bastard son, isn't getting the respect he deserves for his knowledge and skill as a doctor and scientist by a society who is still judging him on those things out of his control.

A plus for the fans of the series, Duncan and Mallory had a huge misunderstanding in the prior novel about their relationship which has made things very awkward between them. In this story, being intelligent adults, they eventually have a conversation about what happened and have worked things smooth. Ahhh, much better.  The happenings of this story, including finding their unexpected fan, will bring some interesting changes to the series. I am still waiting to see what happens if and when Duncan's mother arrives back in town. She is a very forward-thinking Victorian woman, she encouraged her own daughters to become scientists but how will she respond to Mallory (who she knows as a former thief and housemaid) becoming so close to her son?

I do prefer the audiobook version of this series as the narrator makes a point to change her accent from Mallory (the modern woman) to Catriona (the 18-year-old Scottish housemaid) but when offered a digital ARC I couldn't resist grabbing a copy.

I am excited to find out what happens next for Dr. Duncan Gray and Mallory Mitchell.

Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I can never wait to get my hands on a new Kelley Armstrong read, and this book was no exception. To be placed back into the world of time travel and mystery was even more of a pleasure. This story while following similar trends as the first one takes a completely different spink that left me as a reader completely shocked and mesmerized. We are returned yet again to 1880s Scotland where our main character, Mallory, is still confined to the body of a young housemaid, however now she is also the partner and friend of Dr. Grey instead of just his hired help. When Mallory and Dr. Grey are summoned one night unexpectedly to a home they are shocked to find nothing out of the ordinary except a flustered woman. Much to their surprise the woman then requested their help in finding the killer of her maid who is now missing, because the ghost has requested them personally, thanks to the help of a local Medium, Madam Paix. Unsure that this is even a problem fitting for their expertise Mallory and Dr. Grey decide that they must get to the bottom of what is going on, supernatural or not, if nothing but to help the fate of the poor young maid. This plot like the rest in the series was completely on its own leaning on just a few elements to connect the stories as a series and I loved that about it. The fact that we stay in the same realm however get a very different problems always keeps me on my toes as a reader. It also gives the reader a fresh view on everything with completely different characters all the while staying true to its roots and sprinkling just enough in to keep it linked as a cohesive series. I really enjoyed the characters and the relation between Mallory and Dr Grey is always one that makes the story amazing for me. The way that he is so old fashion and she is a twentieth century woman should make the two like oil and water however he tries his best to not be ruffled by her antics and their friendship grows stronger. Its nice to see her helping him learn things and vice versa. This book was everything I was expecting and a million times better. The differences between the characters were flawless and the strong and independent woman were everything I have come to expect from a Kelley Armstrong novel. Fantastic read as an avid fan I devoured this book quickly and loved every minute of it however I know that new fans alike will fall in love with this series just as I did and will soon develop an unhealth obsession with other works by this author. I cannot wait to get my hands on this novel and other novels in this series in the future as I hope that Kelley Armstrong isn’t done with this series any time soon. 5/5 for sure and if I could rate it higher I would.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Margie Bunting · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Ordinary Sort of Evil is the fifth of Kelley Armstrong's fantastic A Rip Through Time novels. In this series, Mallory is a thirtyish Canadian homicide detective who finds herself waking up--after being attacked in an alley in Edinburgh--in the body of a much younger housemaid in Victorian Scotland. Her employer, Dr. Duncan Grey, is a disgraced physician who works as an undertaker in the family business amd whose talent for forensics makes him a useful resource for the local Scottish police.

It is almost impossible to talk about this book without spoilers for readers new to the series, but here's what you need to know. Cleverly portrayed by this seasoned author, Mallory struggles to break out of her housemaid persona and help Duncan by applying her expertise in law enforcement and current-day technology without giving away her real identity. Little by little, she becomes a valued part of the household, which also includes Duncan's chemist sister Isla. At the same time, Victorian customs must be accommodated, and there are many who don't think Duncan, who is adopted and biracial, and Mallory, whose language and demeanor are definitely not that of a housemaid, should be helping Detective McCreadie solve crimes, not to mention being seen together in public. Of course, there is always the question of whether Mallory will be able to return to her life in Canada, or even want to do so. And whether her relationship with Duncan will turn out to be more than a professional one.

This book begins with a seance where the ghost of an aristocratic couple's maid who has recently disappeared professes she has been murdered and wants Grey to find out who killed her. It's a tale involving the medium and her family, a local schoolteacher whose teaching of a particular poem may have led some of his students to tragic ends, and even Queen Victoria herself, in one highly entertaining scene. The characters are beautifully portrayed and developed throughout the series, and they are easy to root for. The mysteries are intriguing and suspenseful. I recommend starting with book #1, A Rip Through Time, if you haven't already done so, and I'm hoping there will be many more books in my favorite time travel series.

My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of the book.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. My review is based on that copy. The published work may differ from what I read.

I have been a Kelley Armstrong fan for more than twenty years. I’ve read nearly every book she’s published (which is saying something, given the size of her catalogue!). This particular series has been a fun and entertaining read for me and I was thrilled to get to read the ARC. Since this is book five in the series it’s challenging to talk about without spoilers, but I will do my best.

Armstrong’s protagonists are always memorable. Mallory is a good one, and getting to follow along with her journey has been worth the time investment. The premise of her story is unique, and while there are some problematic elements Armstrong has done a handy job circumventing them while acknowledging them. The first person perspective could be a challenge if Mallory wasn’t written so well, but she’s smart and funny and insightful, and has her own set of hangups giving her trouble. The other characters in this series are some of my favorites: Isla, McCreadie, Jack, but especially Grey. Grey is wonderful. He’s such an interesting, intelligent, hyper focused man. The added dimension of his being mixed race in Victorian Edinburgh gives his story a layer that I appreciate, and the very, very slow build of his and Mallory’s relationship has been lovely.

The book (like the rest of the series) is fast paced and tense, and layered with smart humor. The central mystery is engaging and interesting, and I love the bits of history we get buried in between all of the intrigue. Armstrong writes a good mystery. There are details, evidence, red herrings, and interesting characters galore in the process of the plot. The exploration of early forensic science and detective work is fascinating, especially through the lens of a modern person (provided by Mallory). And underneath all of that is the slowly expanding and changing relationship of Grey and Mallory, and reading it made me so happy.

It’s not perfect. There are some anachronisms, unrelated to Mallory, that I found annoying. Some overly convenient moments, some rushed emotional beats, and two too many famous historical figure cameos. But I was so sucked in that I stayed up late and read this book in one sitting. I loved the ups and downs, the twists and turns, and the way everything ended up playing out.