Review of Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time, #4)
Kelley Armstrong has always had a knack for weaving the intricate fabric of suspense with tantalizing elements of the supernatural. As I read the premise of Death at a Highland Wedding, I couldn’t help but get excited. A contemporary detective magically slipping back into the late nineteenth-century Scottish Highlands to solve a crime? Sign me up! The promise of time travel combined with the cultural richness of Scotland drew me into a world I couldn’t wait to explore.
Overview and Themes
In this fourth installment of the Rip Through Time series, readers are treated to a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and the humorous fish-out-of-water dynamics that I adore. Our protagonist finds herself navigating the complexities of a society far removed from her modern sensibilities, and it’s the chemistry between her contemporary mindset and the archaic norms that spices up the narrative. Armstrong does a commendable job of immersing us in this world, especially with the setting details, from the size and composition of Highland dwellings to the cultural quirks of the characters that populate them.
One of my favorite quotes from the book, “The law is a uniform entity,” serves as a sharp reminder of the friction between past and present. There’s a delightful wit in how characters engage with one another, particularly when such charming humor arises from misunderstandings rooted in different eras. The dialogue sparkles, and the interactions often feel refreshingly genuine—especially moments when the detective’s modern methods clash almost comically with historical practices.
Writing Style and Pacing
Armstrong’s style is conversational and accessible, making the story feel fluid, even when it occasionally sidesteps into extraneous details. I appreciated the author’s choice to include a detailed introduction, which swiftly caught me up on prior events without feeling cumbersome—something I wish more series authors would do! However, the pacing does falter at times. The book took a bit to gain momentum, with subplots occasionally spiraling into distractions that convoluted the central mystery. Yet once the plot began to unfold, I found myself eagerly turning pages.
Highlights for me included the genuine moments of character development. As our detective grapples with the peculiarities of her surroundings, scenes that showcase her ethical dilemmas—like those involving evidence handling—add layers to her character. Plus, the representation of ableism when other characters reflect on her struggles resonates deeply, showcasing Armstrong’s commitment to thoughtful representation.
Conclusion
Overall, while Death at a Highland Wedding may have its bumps along the way, it remains an engaging read for fans of time-travel mysteries and romantic escapades set against a historical backdrop. I would recommend this book to those who find joy in tales of accidental time travel, light-hearted mysteries, and history with a sprinkling of romance. If Maybe Once, Maybe Twice or The Book Spy found their way into your hearts, this one may resonate too.
I finished this journey feeling entertained and curious about the intricacies of the past. For anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story filled with both humor and intrigue, Armstrong’s latest offering is worth a read. Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing an accessible digital ARC of Death at a Highland Wedding. All opinions are solely my own; I can’t wait to see what time-travel capers await in the next installment!
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