THE POISONER'S RING(a rip through time, #2) by Kelley Armstrong

 

My thoughts

I read A RIP THROUGH TIME which is the first in this series and enjoyed it very much. 

This one continues with Mallory still stuck in Catriona's body back in 1869. She still lives with Dr Gray and his sister Isla.  

Catriona goes with Gray to somewhat investigate what could be a poisoner's ring. Men have died under mysterious circumstances. Possibly murder by poisonous means. Detective McCreadie is also along with these two trying to find information about who could possibly be giving the wives poison. It's possible these wives are murdering their husbands and one is Gray's own sister Annis. Annis is the oldest sister. Her husband died in what appears to be unusual means. 

There are several deaths believed to be from poisoning but what is it really? Who would be supplying women with this and why. Though there are many reasons why in most of the cases. Some of these men may have met the fate they deserve for the nefarious things they have done we can't just jump to conclusions and start hanging the wives. Isla is a chemist and works hard to prove what really killed the men. What killed her sister's husband. If the wives didn't do it then who did? Or was it really even poison? Even back in this era the science they use is pretty good. Mallory is invaluable in her help to both Gray and Isla. Not only does she do housework, she helps solve the nefarious cases of murder.

As this author takes us on another journey to Edinburgh in 1869 you get to know more about the Gray family and Mallory/Catriona. You meet the oldest sibling Annis and get another side of how women lived in this era. Some married for money. Other's for love. Some for a forbidden love where money may have helped. The clothes women were expected to wear in this time were a bit crazy if you think about it. How things are now anyway. All the many layers. What was their purpose? I have no idea truly but did find that fascinating in this story. Just trying to imagine a woman having to run. Or be in any kind of a hurry. Even the lowly maids had to wear the corsets and layers of clothing during their daily chores. I love how the author captured these things in this story. She makes you feel like you are right there in 1869 Edinburgh. In the middle of a Poisoner's Ring. 

I look forward to the next book in this series and have no doubt there will be another as you do have to allow Mallory find her way back home. At least I hope so.

Thank you #NetGalley, #KellyArmstrong, #StMartinsPress for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.

Four stars and I recommend it. It's quite good.

Synopsis

A modern-day homicide detective is working as an undertaker's assistant in Victorian Scotland when a serial poisoner attacks the men of Edinburgh and leaves their widows under suspicion.

Edinburgh, 1869: Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows… the latest of which is Gray’s oldest sister.

Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead.