I continue to enjoy Armstrong's Rip Through Time series. I am usually a tad leery of the novellas that crop up in a book series as I find some authors struggle to provide a great, cohesive story into such a small package. Usually attention to detail, plot or character development is impacted, given a lacklustre experience. Not to worry here! Armstrong gives readers a wonderful story, full of action details and plot arc that feels in keeping with the full length novels in the series.

Overall, another delightful mystery adventure romp in Victorian Scotland! ( )

Cocktails & Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong is SciFi Fantasy and Time Travel. Who could resist the title Cocktails and Chloroform, it’s automatically a must read. New exciting adventures and misadventures continue in this time traveling detective’s story. There’s never a dull moment solving crimes and mysteries. Don’t miss this book or the entire series. I received a complimentary copy of this book.Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars ( )

Trafficking and explosions!

Once again we tumble into the Victorian world of Edinburgh with time trapped, Canadian detective Mallory Atkinson.
Previously Mallory had woken to find herself in the body of Catroina Mitchell, a housemaid for a progressive doctor, Duncan Gray and his sister, a chemist, Isla. We meet her this time accompanying Isla and Alice to buy high proof alcohol to make Molotov Cocktails. An educational experience for Alice!
Catroina was not trusted by her fellow maidservant Alice. Alice remembers the self serving piece of work Catroina was (before Mallory inhabited her body)
Except this time Catroina/Mallory follows Alice to a Abernathy Hall, a dance hall where her sister Mae is being trafficked by their brother Felix.
Mallory tries to rescue Mae and ends up in literally the same boat. What!
It all ends well but not before Mallory succumbs to chloroform, Dr. Gray is kidnapped and certain cocktails are exploded.
A novella building on Mallory’s situation thus far, occasionally amusing and often terrifying.

A Subterranean Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher. ( )

This was such a well-done novella! I am convinced that Kelley Armstrong can do no wrong. This may have been a quick read, but it was a layered and compelling tale. I have enjoyed the two previous installments in this series so I was excited to be getting a new story featuring this group of characters. I had a really hard time putting this entertaining novella down once I started reading.

Mallory, who is living in Cat’s body, is worried about the young housemaid, Alice. She follows her one night only to find herself in the middle of something much more sinister and of course, Mallory feels compelled to put herself right in the middle of everything. The descriptions in this story were incredibly well done so I almost felt like I was there with this group of characters. There was plenty of excitement to go around and it was great to see Mallory, Alice, and Dr. Gray come out on top.

I would highly recommend this story to others. While this story could probably stand on its own, I would recommend reading the series in order if possible to understand the characters’ history. I had a wonderful time reading this story and cannot wait to read more of this talented author’s work.

I received a review copy of this book from Subterranean Press. ( )

Series Info/Source: This is a novella set after the second book in the A Rip Through Time series. I got an ebook of this from NetGalley to review.

Thoughts: I didn't realize this was part of the A Rip Through Time series when I requested it for review. I read the first book in that series but not the second. This novella is supposed to take place after the second book. Even though I never read the second book, I remember the characters from the first book and the story so far has been fast-paced and fun to read. I ended up really enjoying this.

The story follows Mallory, a modern detective, who has found herself sent back to the past and trapped in the body of a Victorian maid working in the household of a mortuary scientist. When the other maid, Alice, goes out on a mysterious nighttime jaunt, Mallory follows her, concerned for Alice's safety. At first Alice's trip seems fairly innocent, but once Mallory figures out what is really going on she is plunged into a dangerous mystery.

This was a fun and entertaining read. You could probably read this as a stand alone, but you would be better off reading at least the first book in that series so that you have the background of the main character. I never felt lost but I had read the first book in this series already.

This is fast paced with intriguing characters and an engaging mystery. I was completed engaged the whole time and found the book hard to put down. I really enjoyed the unique characters here, the Victorian setting, and the well done mystery. Mallory's insights into Victorian culture as a modern detective are highly entertaining as well.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this and would recommend it if you have read at least the first book in this series. Although this story has time travel aspects to it it is more focused on a mystery surrounding disappearing girls. I wasn't a huge fan of the first book in this series, so I never read the second. However, this novella has me reconsidering that...I kind of want to go back and read the second book in the series now! I would recommend to those who enjoy historical mysteries and fun, quirky characters. ( )