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Kendra Donovan #4
Betrayal in Time
February 1816: A race through the icy, twisting cobblestone streets of London ends inside an abandoned church—and a horrific discovery. Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly is called to investigate the grisly murder of Sir Giles Holbrooke, who was left naked and garroted, with his tongue cut out. Yet as perplexing as that crime is, it becomes even stranger when symbols that resemble crosses mysteriously begin to appear across the dead man’s flesh during autopsy. Is it a message from the killer?
Sam turns to the one person in the kingdom who he believes can answer that question and solve the bizarre murder—the Duke of Aldridge’s odd but brilliant ward, Kendra Donovan.
While Kendra has been trying to adapt to her new life in the early nineteenth century, she is eager to use her skills as a twenty-first century FBI agent again. And she will need all her investigative prowess, because Sir Giles was not an average citizen. He was one of England’s most clever spymasters, whose life had been filled with intrigue and subterfuge.
Kendra’s return to the gritty streets and glittering ballrooms of London takes her down increasingly dangerous paths. When more bodies are discovered, murdered in the same apparently ritualistic manner as Sir Giles, the American begins to realize that they are dealing with a killer with an agenda, whose mind has been twisted by rage and bitterness so that the price of a perceived betrayal is death.
Sam turns to the one person in the kingdom who he believes can answer that question and solve the bizarre murder—the Duke of Aldridge’s odd but brilliant ward, Kendra Donovan.
While Kendra has been trying to adapt to her new life in the early nineteenth century, she is eager to use her skills as a twenty-first century FBI agent again. And she will need all her investigative prowess, because Sir Giles was not an average citizen. He was one of England’s most clever spymasters, whose life had been filled with intrigue and subterfuge.
Kendra’s return to the gritty streets and glittering ballrooms of London takes her down increasingly dangerous paths. When more bodies are discovered, murdered in the same apparently ritualistic manner as Sir Giles, the American begins to realize that they are dealing with a killer with an agenda, whose mind has been twisted by rage and bitterness so that the price of a perceived betrayal is death.
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First published July 2, 2019
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About the author
Julie McElwain
10 books1,364 followersJulie McElwain began her journalistic career at California Apparel News, a weekly Los Angeles based trade newspaper. She has freelanced for numerous publications from professional photographers magazines to those following the fashion industry. Currently, Julie is West Coast Editor for Soaps In Depth, a national soap opera magazine covering the No. 1 daytime drama, The Young and the Restless. Julie lives in Long Beach, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
April 27, 2021
Love, love this series. This one had my heart pounding. Julie McElwain draws you right in every time. I love Kendra. I love how she struggles with the rules of the 19th century. If you follow the series you will know that Kendra is an FBI agent from the 21st century and was transported by time back to the 19th century.
This is a great murder mystery, that had me guessing from beginning to end.
Can’t wait to read the next book.
This is a great murder mystery, that had me guessing from beginning to end.
Can’t wait to read the next book.
October 25, 2020
4.5 stars.
I’ll write the full review after I finished book #5, the last in the series for now.
❤️
I’ll write the full review after I finished book #5, the last in the series for now.
❤️
July 30, 2019
Loved it! This series is so much fun to read. This is probably my favorite so far. The Who-Done-it in this storyline was very well done and had me continually changing my mind. I highly recommend this series & I can not wait for more adventures with Kendra & the crew.
March 8, 2023
4.5 stars
July 8, 2019
Dear editors, and also authors: a crucifix has a corpus (body), and a cross does not. Yes, crucifix sounds more religious, but they’re not interchangeable. If it can be confused with a t, it’s not a crucifix.
Sincerely, Catholics
Kendra is driving me a little crazy with her refusal to go along with the standards of the day. Sure, investigate crime. But take your maid, instead of being a constant embarrassment to your protector.
Sincerely, Catholics
Kendra is driving me a little crazy with her refusal to go along with the standards of the day. Sure, investigate crime. But take your maid, instead of being a constant embarrassment to your protector.
July 24, 2019
Early nineteenth-century class lines were crossed when FBI Agent Kendra Donovan was drawn into a murder that reached deep into the world of spies and espionage. This was the fourth story in a time travel/historical mystery series and the first one I gave five stars.
Kendra was a modern-day, gutsy government investigator when she was transported back in time to Regency-era England. A Murder in Time covered her introduction into this discriminating period. I thought it was an interesting look at the downstairs of an Upstairs, Downstairs dukedom.
The introduction of secondary characters and solving the mystery in the first 3 stories was very good and the reason I gave each narrative four stars. I hesitated on a fifth because of Kendra’s abrasive and at times, unrealistic, behavior. Yes, she was a product of the 21st century, but her language -rather than being cautious- was very much contemporary speech and unlikely to be spoken and accepted by the others.
In Betrayal in Time, I thought Ms. McElwain situated all her characters in their groove. I accepted Kendra will always have issues with sexist mores but her personality blossomed and grew on me. His Grace was an absolute dear and Alec was scrumptious. I appreciated the scarred Rebecca coming into her own and the introduction of a possible love interest, Muldoon. Bow Street runner Sam Kelly was always welcome company. Dr. Ethan Munroe made his presence known again and I enjoyed seeing more of Barts. I am glad the author brought back Snake and, yes, I even liked listening to Kendra banter with the underworld crime lord, Bear. And better yet, watching her explain her actions to the men who loved her.
~~~~~
This is a dark mystery series; it easily bends the reader’s outlook. If you don’t mind a complicated and shadowed side of history and can accept Kendra, then I think you will like the ‘In Time’ stories. Be sure and read them in order. The development of the secondary characters provides the necessary strengths. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to recommend the books. As for now, I wish I had the fifth to read.
Kendra was a modern-day, gutsy government investigator when she was transported back in time to Regency-era England. A Murder in Time covered her introduction into this discriminating period. I thought it was an interesting look at the downstairs of an Upstairs, Downstairs dukedom.
The introduction of secondary characters and solving the mystery in the first 3 stories was very good and the reason I gave each narrative four stars. I hesitated on a fifth because of Kendra’s abrasive and at times, unrealistic, behavior. Yes, she was a product of the 21st century, but her language -rather than being cautious- was very much contemporary speech and unlikely to be spoken and accepted by the others.
In Betrayal in Time, I thought Ms. McElwain situated all her characters in their groove. I accepted Kendra will always have issues with sexist mores but her personality blossomed and grew on me. His Grace was an absolute dear and Alec was scrumptious. I appreciated the scarred Rebecca coming into her own and the introduction of a possible love interest, Muldoon. Bow Street runner Sam Kelly was always welcome company. Dr. Ethan Munroe made his presence known again and I enjoyed seeing more of Barts. I am glad the author brought back Snake and, yes, I even liked listening to Kendra banter with the underworld crime lord, Bear. And better yet, watching her explain her actions to the men who loved her.
~~~~~
This is a dark mystery series; it easily bends the reader’s outlook. If you don’t mind a complicated and shadowed side of history and can accept Kendra, then I think you will like the ‘In Time’ stories. Be sure and read them in order. The development of the secondary characters provides the necessary strengths. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to recommend the books. As for now, I wish I had the fifth to read.
November 14, 2021
3.5 stars — one of those rare decisions where I round up for half-star ratings.
I find this to be a thoroughly enjoyable series — it has time travel (of the non-active variety, so actually it has a time traveler), a mystery to solve, and characters with whom I enjoy spending my time. While the mysteries are a little sensational and pretty easy to figure out, the series sports novels where I simply enjoy reading as these characters work everything out themselves.
Kendra is a fantastic character — she's well-rounded, likable, and flawed. Kendra Donovan is a trained FBI agent from the 21st century who has accidentally traveled through time and landed herself in the first quarter of the 19th century. Feeling lost and lacking purpose, she begins solving crimes — crimes that seem to find her. The way in which she does this and the way in which the Bow Street Runners slowly start accepting her help (they request it here) is handled in a relaxed, organic way. Kendra's clash with the times also feels natural — as does her slow, reluctant adaption to the early 1800's. This is the only bit that feels a touch like a speed bump for me — Kendra's constant resistance to conforming to her new surroundings. However, I recognize that this is something I want as a reader, and an actual human having to adapt to a completely new way of life from altered circumstances that are out of her control does seem like something she'd be slow to accept. I only wish she discuss this more openly with the two people in her life who truly know who she is rather than rehashing it in her mind.
Nevertheless, Kendra is incredibly practical, methodical, and intelligent. The last of which is a quality possessed by everyone who assists in these cases, and is definitely something I have come to appreciate. From the Bow Street Runner, the Duke who acts as her guardian, the Duke's nephew Alec (also Kendra's love interest), down to Molly, Kendra's maid, everyone is of varying degrees of intelligent — adding their own perspective that assists in the case. No bungling buffoons here — it is so refreshing and far more like a modern detective story than one typically set in the 19th century. Coupled with the easy and lightly-peppered anachronisms from Kendra, this series has a lot going for it.
While this book's ending was a touch too easy to surmise beforehand and I wish McElwain would stop including quite so many points of view, I really enjoyed the majority of the book, and am looking forward to moving onto the next.
I find this to be a thoroughly enjoyable series — it has time travel (of the non-active variety, so actually it has a time traveler), a mystery to solve, and characters with whom I enjoy spending my time. While the mysteries are a little sensational and pretty easy to figure out, the series sports novels where I simply enjoy reading as these characters work everything out themselves.
Kendra is a fantastic character — she's well-rounded, likable, and flawed. Kendra Donovan is a trained FBI agent from the 21st century who has accidentally traveled through time and landed herself in the first quarter of the 19th century. Feeling lost and lacking purpose, she begins solving crimes — crimes that seem to find her. The way in which she does this and the way in which the Bow Street Runners slowly start accepting her help (they request it here) is handled in a relaxed, organic way. Kendra's clash with the times also feels natural — as does her slow, reluctant adaption to the early 1800's. This is the only bit that feels a touch like a speed bump for me — Kendra's constant resistance to conforming to her new surroundings. However, I recognize that this is something I want as a reader, and an actual human having to adapt to a completely new way of life from altered circumstances that are out of her control does seem like something she'd be slow to accept. I only wish she discuss this more openly with the two people in her life who truly know who she is rather than rehashing it in her mind.
Nevertheless, Kendra is incredibly practical, methodical, and intelligent. The last of which is a quality possessed by everyone who assists in these cases, and is definitely something I have come to appreciate. From the Bow Street Runner, the Duke who acts as her guardian, the Duke's nephew Alec (also Kendra's love interest), down to Molly, Kendra's maid, everyone is of varying degrees of intelligent — adding their own perspective that assists in the case. No bungling buffoons here — it is so refreshing and far more like a modern detective story than one typically set in the 19th century. Coupled with the easy and lightly-peppered anachronisms from Kendra, this series has a lot going for it.
While this book's ending was a touch too easy to surmise beforehand and I wish McElwain would stop including quite so many points of view, I really enjoyed the majority of the book, and am looking forward to moving onto the next.
July 20, 2019
Once again Julie McElwain writes a dynamite book! Julie McElwain’s Betrayal in Time (Kendra Donovan, #4) draws the reader into the book once the reader opens the book and begins on the first page! Kendra Donovan, a ward of the Duke of Aldridge in 1816, is actually a 21st c. FBI profiler who landed in the 19th c while working a case. Kendra has a hard time with all the rules that must be followed by the 19th c.Beau Monde of which she is a member being a ‘ward of a duke’, but the Duke, his nephew, The Marquis of Sutcliffe, and Mr. Kelly, a Bow Street Runner, (21st c.= cop) all understand Kendra’s need to solve murders. Needless to say, Kendra is a definite oddity for the era in which she is now belongs. In this book, #4, a horrific murder is discovered, and the victim is well-known and a friend of the Prince Regent. Of course, Kendra has to be involved, but at the same time, she is attending events of The London Season. What a conundrum! The characters are beautifully written. The research the author has done enables 1816 London to bounce off the page for the reader!
A great and fast paced read! Highly recommended!! 5 stars I did not want this book to end!
A great and fast paced read! Highly recommended!! 5 stars I did not want this book to end!
December 22, 2020
Ah, this is how revenge is dealt with in a book!
Yes, I know, here it is not a laughing matter, but it was really good!
I love Kendra, Alec, Rebecca and Sam, but still my favorit is the duke!
Yes, I know, here it is not a laughing matter, but it was really good!
I love Kendra, Alec, Rebecca and Sam, but still my favorit is the duke!
August 22, 2019
With this fourth book in the series, I feel we have settled into what feels like a long-term series.
I love this series overall and I enjoy getting the best of both worlds with an FBI thriller while getting old-school policing and old world setting and surrounding characters. The murder mystery, a dead body left in an abandoned church with symbols painted on, is gritty and dark with enough twists to keep me guessing. At Bow Street Runner, Sam Kelly's call for help, Kendra is brought in along with the Duke, Alec, and Rebecca assisting her. There is also a newcomer, Irish newspaperman, who gets a rise out of the unflappable Lady Rebecca, while he helps with the investigation.
I will say that I get hung up on the same issues each time I listen in. My biggest issue is that for a trained agent, Kendra can pull some stupid moves and this book was no exception. She's so busy trying to prove her equality that she rushes alone into dangerous spots waving her one-shot pistol around like that will protector in a tavern full of thieves. In the last few books, people don't doubt her ability, but it only makes common sense not to go alone or that some situations really are not appropriate for her to bull nose her way into and she could give the Duke and Alec some credit for brains, too.
She still has her hang-ups about settling into life in the past and getting into a deeper commitment with Alec, but I can kind of see that those things might take longer especially since Kendra has some real issues because of her past.
This latest murder paced out slowly as more than one mystery is revealed and has to be sorted. I had my suspicion about the truth and I was partly right.
Lucy Rayner is the ongoing narrator for the series. I love her British accent and the way she voices all the characters even mens' voices well. She nails class differences and age, even tone of the scene. I still feel that occasionally her Kendra voices gets a whine to it and does sound like a young girl at times, but I'm adjusting and feel that she's a skilled narrator.
All in all, the series is still holding strong and promises some more riveting installments. Those who want a little something different in their time travel by blending it with romantic suspense should give this series a go.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- find book with 5-star review, Who Slays the Wicked by CS Harris, and read one of the GR recs. 4 pts
I love this series overall and I enjoy getting the best of both worlds with an FBI thriller while getting old-school policing and old world setting and surrounding characters. The murder mystery, a dead body left in an abandoned church with symbols painted on, is gritty and dark with enough twists to keep me guessing. At Bow Street Runner, Sam Kelly's call for help, Kendra is brought in along with the Duke, Alec, and Rebecca assisting her. There is also a newcomer, Irish newspaperman, who gets a rise out of the unflappable Lady Rebecca, while he helps with the investigation.
I will say that I get hung up on the same issues each time I listen in. My biggest issue is that for a trained agent, Kendra can pull some stupid moves and this book was no exception. She's so busy trying to prove her equality that she rushes alone into dangerous spots waving her one-shot pistol around like that will protector in a tavern full of thieves. In the last few books, people don't doubt her ability, but it only makes common sense not to go alone or that some situations really are not appropriate for her to bull nose her way into and she could give the Duke and Alec some credit for brains, too.
She still has her hang-ups about settling into life in the past and getting into a deeper commitment with Alec, but I can kind of see that those things might take longer especially since Kendra has some real issues because of her past.
This latest murder paced out slowly as more than one mystery is revealed and has to be sorted. I had my suspicion about the truth and I was partly right.
Lucy Rayner is the ongoing narrator for the series. I love her British accent and the way she voices all the characters even mens' voices well. She nails class differences and age, even tone of the scene. I still feel that occasionally her Kendra voices gets a whine to it and does sound like a young girl at times, but I'm adjusting and feel that she's a skilled narrator.
All in all, the series is still holding strong and promises some more riveting installments. Those who want a little something different in their time travel by blending it with romantic suspense should give this series a go.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- find book with 5-star review, Who Slays the Wicked by CS Harris, and read one of the GR recs. 4 pts
June 13, 2019
**FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM JULIIE MCELWAIN AND NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW.**
In the fourth installment of the Kendra Donovan series, Kendra is called upon to investigate the murder of a postmaster, the first in a series of killings by a truly deranged murderer. A watchman chases a thief through the icy cobblestone streets of 1816 London, leading them to an abandoned church and a grisly discovery. The body of Sir Giles Holbrooke is found hidden in the church, naked and garroted, and with his tongue cut out. Bowstreet runner, Sam Kelly, is called in to investigate and during the autopsy, the case becomes even stranger with the discovery that invisible ink was used to leave symbols that look like crosses all over the body. Sam turns to the one person that can help him. Kendra has been trying to adapt to life in 1816 but jumps at the chance to use her FBI skills. This investigation will definitely take all of her expertise because Sir Giles was far from your average nobleman.
All of Kendra's adventures in London have captivated me, and this one was no exception. In fact, this may be my favorite in the series, so far. I love all of the characters that she's met, the Duke, Alex, and Rebecca, in particular. I think she's doing a great job adjusting to her very unique, difficult situation. That said, I think Kendra should think more about how her actions will affect the people with care about her. I get that in her time, she was independent and didn't really have anyone. But, when she just jumps into situations it not only risks her life and reputation, but also Alex and the Duke. I'm also holding out hope that she'll marry Alex. Part of me hopes that Rebecca gets sent to the future. It just seems that with some adaptation, she would do well. I honestly can't wait for book five of this amazing series. Julie MCELWAIN obviously does a ton of research into the time period and manages to paint the scene so well that you feel like you've actually there.
In the fourth installment of the Kendra Donovan series, Kendra is called upon to investigate the murder of a postmaster, the first in a series of killings by a truly deranged murderer. A watchman chases a thief through the icy cobblestone streets of 1816 London, leading them to an abandoned church and a grisly discovery. The body of Sir Giles Holbrooke is found hidden in the church, naked and garroted, and with his tongue cut out. Bowstreet runner, Sam Kelly, is called in to investigate and during the autopsy, the case becomes even stranger with the discovery that invisible ink was used to leave symbols that look like crosses all over the body. Sam turns to the one person that can help him. Kendra has been trying to adapt to life in 1816 but jumps at the chance to use her FBI skills. This investigation will definitely take all of her expertise because Sir Giles was far from your average nobleman.
All of Kendra's adventures in London have captivated me, and this one was no exception. In fact, this may be my favorite in the series, so far. I love all of the characters that she's met, the Duke, Alex, and Rebecca, in particular. I think she's doing a great job adjusting to her very unique, difficult situation. That said, I think Kendra should think more about how her actions will affect the people with care about her. I get that in her time, she was independent and didn't really have anyone. But, when she just jumps into situations it not only risks her life and reputation, but also Alex and the Duke. I'm also holding out hope that she'll marry Alex. Part of me hopes that Rebecca gets sent to the future. It just seems that with some adaptation, she would do well. I honestly can't wait for book five of this amazing series. Julie MCELWAIN obviously does a ton of research into the time period and manages to paint the scene so well that you feel like you've actually there.
December 2, 2019
This series is really growing on me. The British intelligence community is reeling from the death of one of their own and it appears there is a serial killer on the loose. Why is the killer cutting out tongues and leaving a cross-like symbol on the victims? I found this fourth installment to be more compelling than the 3rd -- perhaps due to my original expectations that this would be a trilogy? Now I see Kendra putting down roots and wonder if she will ever return to the present? That possibility still exists, but what about her new love Alec? How will she leave behind the Duke, Rebecca, her dear maid Molly? Looking forward to more 19th century adventures for Kendra!
July 6, 2019
This may have been my favorite book of the series so far! I love seeing Kendra allow herself to continue to adapt to her new surroundings more as her story continues - I'm torn on whether or not I actually want to see her return to the present day.
The mystery in 'Betrayal in Time' was an engaging one, and it kept me guessing until the end. There were a few points to the mystery that I did figure out as the story went, but if you ask me, that's good writing. Julie McElwain had a clear goal with the mystery here and the plot points followed that goal and supported the ending. When the final twist came about, it didn't feel like it came out of nowhere - Ms. McElwain didn't introduce any convoluted elements just for the sake of tripping up the reader, and I appreciated that a lot.
I know the overall theme of the series is for Kendra to investigate murders, but I'd like to see some mysteries come about that don't actually involve murders. Maybe an extra creepy escape room type of situation, or a masquerade mystery. I'm not sure, and I'll leave that to the author! I'll just continue to read along in the journey.
I was glad to have Rebecca back! Hope to see more of her in future installments, she's a fun character and I hope that Kendra eventually opens up to her. Muldoon was a fun new character, wouldn't mind seeing more of him. And I'm always looking for more Alec and more Duke. It was fun to read more about Alec's past as a spy in the war - I hope we get more of his background.
Also, I know romance is not the central point of the story, but I do have to say, I appreciate the fact that as Kendra and Alec's relationship continues to build, it is portrayed as a healthy relationship. Alec is obviously old fashioned, yet he's open-minded. He's protective but recognizes that he can't stop Kendra from being Kendra, and he doesn't even want to. Kendra may give him a heart attack eventually, but he is getting to know her and he accepts her. In the first book I thought their relationship kind of appeared out of nowhere, but that was the initial attraction, and the foundation for a strong relationship has followed.
Bring on book 5!
SPOILERS/THEORIES BELOW
While reading the third book I started really thinking that there is something linking Kendra to this time period, that her going back in time to this specific time period wasn't at all random. The fact that her mother is a quantum physicist feels very pointed to me, as is the fact that the Duke, a man of science/philosophy, lost his daughter when she was still a child. I think Eleanor is the duke's missing daughter, and she fell through a wormhole, and she's been studying her whole life to see if she could go back. Maybe it's farfetched/too science fiction, but that's my current theory.
The mystery in 'Betrayal in Time' was an engaging one, and it kept me guessing until the end. There were a few points to the mystery that I did figure out as the story went, but if you ask me, that's good writing. Julie McElwain had a clear goal with the mystery here and the plot points followed that goal and supported the ending. When the final twist came about, it didn't feel like it came out of nowhere - Ms. McElwain didn't introduce any convoluted elements just for the sake of tripping up the reader, and I appreciated that a lot.
I know the overall theme of the series is for Kendra to investigate murders, but I'd like to see some mysteries come about that don't actually involve murders. Maybe an extra creepy escape room type of situation, or a masquerade mystery. I'm not sure, and I'll leave that to the author! I'll just continue to read along in the journey.
I was glad to have Rebecca back! Hope to see more of her in future installments, she's a fun character and I hope that Kendra eventually opens up to her. Muldoon was a fun new character, wouldn't mind seeing more of him. And I'm always looking for more Alec and more Duke. It was fun to read more about Alec's past as a spy in the war - I hope we get more of his background.
Also, I know romance is not the central point of the story, but I do have to say, I appreciate the fact that as Kendra and Alec's relationship continues to build, it is portrayed as a healthy relationship. Alec is obviously old fashioned, yet he's open-minded. He's protective but recognizes that he can't stop Kendra from being Kendra, and he doesn't even want to. Kendra may give him a heart attack eventually, but he is getting to know her and he accepts her. In the first book I thought their relationship kind of appeared out of nowhere, but that was the initial attraction, and the foundation for a strong relationship has followed.
Bring on book 5!
SPOILERS/THEORIES BELOW
While reading the third book I started really thinking that there is something linking Kendra to this time period, that her going back in time to this specific time period wasn't at all random. The fact that her mother is a quantum physicist feels very pointed to me, as is the fact that the Duke, a man of science/philosophy, lost his daughter when she was still a child. I think Eleanor is the duke's missing daughter, and she fell through a wormhole, and she's been studying her whole life to see if she could go back. Maybe it's farfetched/too science fiction, but that's my current theory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2019
I really dislike Kendra. I wasn’t overly fond of her from the first book, but felt like she deserved some time to adjust. And the mysteries were okay, so I kept reading. But by now and with the benefit of her training and supposedly huge intellect, she should have figured out how to get along a little better than she has. The author should decide whether to dedicate Kendra to getting back to the future where she belongs or to quit whining and being so insufferably rude to absolutely everyone and accept where she is. Her place in the 19th century isn’t the worst, for sure; surely she could find some way to help people without being a total jerk and putting everyone around her and herself in danger. Either way, I think I’m done with this series.
May 8, 2025
I have enjoyed watching the respect that the men have for Kendra bloom, particularly in this book. I appreciate that the doctor and Bow Street runner in particular acknowledge her abilities, even though they don't know her past.
July 25, 2019
The body of a man is discovered in an abandoned Catholic church in London, naked, with his tongue cut out and strange symbols inscribed all over his body in invisible ink. Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly and anatomist Dr Munroe are baffled, but know exactly who can help them get to the bottom of it all. Kendra Donovan, the Duke of Aldridge and Alec, the Marquis of Sutcliffe return to London to investigate what's going on and soon get caught up in matters of state, including spycraft, fallout from the Napoleonic Wars and bitter recriminations between families.
I've mentioned before that this series is very formulaic, and this one is no exception. All the elements that we've come to expect are there: the modern FBI profiler struggling against the role of women in 19th century England, surprise and disbelief among the people of the time regarding Kendra's role, glacial romantic subplot and an interesting, but not very hard to work out, murder mystery. And even Kendra working it out just in time, rushing in to confront the killer and then being rescued by Alec. I could do without that last one, but it's in nearly every book.
The central relationship in these is actually between the Duke of Aldridge and Kendra. Albert sees Kendra as a sort-of second chance daughter, and her extensive knowledge of the future keeps him fascinated as well. And his guardianship allows Kendra the freedom that she needs to continue to use the skills that she feels define her. There are some very nice character beats in this entry in the series that further develop their bond.
The series continues to entertain, but I do wish that the author would move along the underlying narrative a bit quicker.
I've mentioned before that this series is very formulaic, and this one is no exception. All the elements that we've come to expect are there: the modern FBI profiler struggling against the role of women in 19th century England, surprise and disbelief among the people of the time regarding Kendra's role, glacial romantic subplot and an interesting, but not very hard to work out, murder mystery. And even Kendra working it out just in time, rushing in to confront the killer and then being rescued by Alec. I could do without that last one, but it's in nearly every book.
The central relationship in these is actually between the Duke of Aldridge and Kendra. Albert sees Kendra as a sort-of second chance daughter, and her extensive knowledge of the future keeps him fascinated as well. And his guardianship allows Kendra the freedom that she needs to continue to use the skills that she feels define her. There are some very nice character beats in this entry in the series that further develop their bond.
The series continues to entertain, but I do wish that the author would move along the underlying narrative a bit quicker.
March 29, 2019
Julie, you have done it again! You have skillfully sucked me into another great murder mystery that had me guess the WHOLE TIME. The writing flowed freely and I was able to finish it in a SNAP! I really appreciate the Kendra Donovan series because of the combination of the regency era mixed with time travel and crime. I think that Betrayal in Time was the perfect edition to the series, setting the the scene with high pace action and shock right away. This is a book that I would highly recommend!
May 13, 2020
The 4th installment in the In Time series. I am in love with this series! I love the characters and I care about them I love the time period and the author describes it perfectly. Really makes me feel I'm IN the story.
The murder case kept me guessing, trying to figure out who did it.
I look forward to the next one....
This series is on auto-buy for me!
The murder case kept me guessing, trying to figure out who did it.
I look forward to the next one....
This series is on auto-buy for me!
May 24, 2020
I am seriously loving Kendra with her single minded pursuit of justice. It is very admirable. I am really bad at guessing whodunit. I thought I know who the unsub is at 50percent but then something changes. Keeps my mind busy. But I have to wait a few months for the next one to come out. Can't wait!
July 18, 2019
It ended too soon. I have to wait a whole year for more Kendra and alec
October 6, 2021
I love this series!
March 14, 2022
3.75
Dead Men Tell No Tales...
So, this book starts out when Bow Street Runner- Kelly- sends word to the Duke and (more likely) Kendra that he might need their help in London due to a recent murder that has some...very peculiar markings on the victim's body.
Not only that but the dead man was a part of high society- and working in the British Government with ties to being a seasoned spymaster. So needless to say there were so many suspects in this one, and at the time I'll say it made my head spin trying to ferret out who the killer was.
We've got former family friends with a vendetta, a son with grievances and a grudge, the victim's possible network of spies and missions, and a possible Irish revolutionist network all having designs on this guy.
With the team all working together to find this high profile victims killer- Kendra also has to deal with grown attention from the Ton, some unlikely gentleman callers, as well as more interest and scrutiny into her past due to her 'unusual' interest in investigating murders as both a ward to the Duke and *le gasp* a woman.
Dead Men Tell No Tales...
So, this book starts out when Bow Street Runner- Kelly- sends word to the Duke and (more likely) Kendra that he might need their help in London due to a recent murder that has some...very peculiar markings on the victim's body.
Not only that but the dead man was a part of high society- and working in the British Government with ties to being a seasoned spymaster. So needless to say there were so many suspects in this one, and at the time I'll say it made my head spin trying to ferret out who the killer was.
We've got former family friends with a vendetta, a son with grievances and a grudge, the victim's possible network of spies and missions, and a possible Irish revolutionist network all having designs on this guy.
With the team all working together to find this high profile victims killer- Kendra also has to deal with grown attention from the Ton, some unlikely gentleman callers, as well as more interest and scrutiny into her past due to her 'unusual' interest in investigating murders as both a ward to the Duke and *le gasp* a woman.
September 7, 2022
I like the series but still can not think why the cover has a woman dressed in clothes from the second half of the 1800s but the story is in the Regency era. ??????? Can someone please explain because even in the story the gowns are not from the correct era
July 18, 2019
Julie McElwain se supera con cada entrega de Kendra, me tiene fascinada y totalmente enamorada esta saga. Me encantan los libros de misterio y asesinatos, y su puesta en escena es lo mejor.
Deseando que publique un quinto libro.
Deseando que publique un quinto libro.
April 4, 2021
3.5 stars
September 18, 2019
This one wasn’t my favorite of the series. But it was a interesting read. Kendra’s character keeps developing and I’m liking her a lot. My usual favorites The Duke and Alec always made me happy when they appeared.
January 30, 2022
THEY FINALLY FIXED THE EDITING. This series always keeps me coming back. I love everything about the way these books are written and I am thrilled that there wasn’t a spelling nor grammatical error every few pages. This book delivered the signature plot twist as far as who committed the murder so I’m pleased as punch with that. :)
April 24, 2022
I was yelling at the book at the end of who did it! And I was still surprised. Great to get back into this series and wonder what will happen next especially as far as her being more comfortable back in time.
" Miss Donovan is a bold piece of baggage. An American... If she is an example of womanhood in that dreadfully backward country, the men ought to gird their loins."
" Miss Donovan is a bold piece of baggage. An American... If she is an example of womanhood in that dreadfully backward country, the men ought to gird their loins."
July 27, 2019
Can’t wait for the next one!
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