The Poisoner’s Ring

Posted May 22, 2023 by Carole in Reviews / 12 Comments

I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Poisoner’s RingThe Poisoner's Ring by Kelley Armstrong
Narrator: Kate Handford
Series: A Rip Through Time #2
Published by Macmillan Audio, Minotaur Books on May 23, 2023
Genres: FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Historical
Length: 14 hours 51 minutes
Pages: 368
Format: ARC, Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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five-stars

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: Modern-day homicide detective 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.

New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong is known for her exquisite world building, and this latest series is no exception. The Poisoner's Ring brings the intricacies of Victorian Scotland alive as Mallory again searches for a 19th-century killer as well as a way home.

I loved this book! Once I started reading this book, I found it impossible to put it down. I liked this installment even more than the first book in the series. The mystery kept me guessing until very close to the end. I think that the way that the time travel aspect of the story is handled is rather unique and incredibly well done. This story entertained me from beginning to end.

I like how Mallory handles the situation that she has found herself in and doesn’t try to change her environment to accommodate her. Mallory, Gray, and the other key characters are intelligent and easy to like. I wanted to see things go well for them as they worked to solve the case. Mallory’s knowledge of the future is the key to solving this crime and I love the fact that Gray trusts her knowledge, although it seems like she should be the one in charge if only that time in history would allow it.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Kate Handford did an excellent job bringing this story to life. I found her voice to be incredibly pleasant and enjoyed the voices that she used for the various characters. I thought that she added just the right amount of excitement to her reading and I found myself wanting to listen to the book for hours at a time. I am certain that her narration added to my enjoyment of this wonderful story.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others. This is the second book in the A Rip in Time series which I would recommend reading in order. This well-written book was filled with fantastic characters, a mystery that kept me guessing, and a vivid setting. I cannot wait to read more of this entertaining series.

I received a review copy of this book from Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio.

12 responses to “The Poisoner’s Ring

  1. OOh nice! I can’t wait to read this one as well! I passed this time on reading it as an ARC. Reading schedule has been crazy lately and I’m trying to get my review pile down and get back to my TBR! Glad this one was a winner! I can’t wait to get back to this world!

  2. I enjoyed book one and I forgot to watch for book two’s release. Thanks for reminding me and glad you loved it, Carole!

  3. This sounds so good! But I still need to read the first one…hopefully sooner than later, so I can then get to this one.

  4. I love the title and cover of this one and the premise sounds so good! I really need to try this author and pick up the first in this series.

  5. Sounds compelling! I’ve made a note to read it in order though, at least that way I’ll be able to enjoy it fully 😉