Eight stars
After recently discovering the work of Kelley Armstrong, I found myself exploring another of her series to see if it could hold my attention. I did so with the debut novel in this time travelling thriller series. This is a great story that spans two time periods, with a mystery that binds them together. A strong series debut that has me hooked and wanting to learn more!
On May 20, 2019, Mallory Atkinson finds herself in Edinburgh to spend time with her dying grandmother. A homicide detective by profession, Mallory is used to having heightened senses, which is key when she take a jog one evening. Hearing the cries of a woman, Mallory rushes to her aid in a back alley. She’s soon attacked and knocked unconscious by a man she recognizes, but does not know.
In the same Edinburgh alley on May 20, 1869, housemaid Catriona Mitchell is enjoying some of her time away from the manor-house. She’s pulled into an alleyway, where passers-by soon find her strangled and left for dead.. The parallels may be lost on these women for now, but it will soon become very important.
After she wakes up in Catriona’a body in the spring of 1869, Mallory must shake off her shock and deal with what’s before her. She is now a Victorian housemaid with no idea how to get back to her time and ailing grandmother. Mallory will have to find a way to keep the truth from surfacing, as she seeks a way back to 2019. As Mallory tries to take on Catriona’s life, Mallory discovers her boss, Dr. Gray, is not only a funeral director, but dabbles in medical examination and has close ties to the police. His recent case is one that has piqued Mallory’a attention, which she tries to relate without stepping out of her Victorian expectations.
Working with Dr. Gray, Mallory begins to learn more about the man who attacked Catriona, someone who sounds a great deal like the man she saw before passing out in 2019. He is not only guilty of the assault, but may be a serial killer before the term becomes commonplace. Using her homocide skills and investigative techniques, Mallory shows her worth and complements Dr. Grey in his efforts, while sharing her secret with a few who encourage her not to stop sleuthing. When she draws a parallel that the killer may, too, have leapt back in time, the case takes on an even more sinister angle for Mallory. Stuck in 1869, Mallory will have to work the case, as she tries to find a way back to her present life. Kelley Armstrong lays the groundwork for the second novel on the series.
I quickly found myself completely enthralled with Kelley Armstrong’s other series, and could not get enough. This series has a completely different feel, but is just as addictive for those who love a multi-era mystery. A strong narrative base helps propel the story forward, adding depth and intrigue at just the right moments. Armstrong knows how to develop the story so that there is a seamless progression, which has me eager to see how things will continue with the next novel. Great characters who encapsulate the era and provide a flavour to add to the story leaves me wanting more and eager to see how things might develop for the core group.
Plot points are key to the story’s success, particularly in an era outside the protagonist’s comfort zone. Armstrong decliners, not only with a crime worthy of Jack the Ripper, but the parallels of a cop (Mallory) and killer who travelled from 2019 back to 1869. This double mystery will surely fuel the larger story for the novels to come and I am eager to see how things progress. Armstrong has piqued my curiosity and I am eager to push forward to see how the pieces will come together.
Kudos, Madam Armstrong, for a great debut!