Book Review: Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time, #4) by Kelley Armstrong
As soon as I heard the premise of Death at a Highland Wedding, I was hooked. A contemporary detective thrust into the late nineteenth-century Scottish Highlands to solve a crime? Yes, please! Kelley Armstrong has a knack for blending genres, and this time, she offers readers a delightful mix of mystery, time travel, and romance—what’s not to love?
From the outset, I was grateful for the author’s thoughtful introduction, which expertly recaps the events of previous books in the series. It served as a perfect entry point for someone like me, who was diving in mid-series. I wish more authors would follow suit! It not only eased my transition into the narrative but also underscored Armstrong’s ability to engage readers, regardless of where they start.
The story follows our modern-day detective, whose humorous and often chaotic adjustments to life in the Highlands drive much of the book’s charm. I particularly adored the fish-out-of-water trope, where her contemporary approaches to crime-solving clash hilariously with the historical context she’s flung into. For instance, when Gray and his colleagues tease her about her reactions to handling evidence—it speaks volumes about the challenges faced by a woman trying to assert herself in a world where the norms are far removed from her own.
Armstrong’s writing shines in the details of her setting. I found myself mesmerized by her vivid descriptions of the Highlands, capturing everything from the size and composition of dwellings to the atmosphere of a Highland wedding itself. "I am disturbingly fond of Macbeth, as my father always said," a line that stuck with me, showcases the book’s dark humor and lends a touch of personality to her characters.
However, not everything was seamless. The pacing felt uneven at times, especially at the beginning, and I often found myself wading through submerged subplots that detracted from the central mystery. Elements of the plot felt retreaded, which sometimes muddled the narrative flow. With tighter organization, this book could have been a quicker read, but once the mystery began to unfold, I was thoroughly entertained.
The resolution is satisfying, even if it took time to get there. Armstrong deftly ties up loose ends in the ending chapter, bringing clarity to the intricate web of the storyline. Despite some of my quibbles, I walked away feeling the intrigue and excitement that only a well-crafted mystery can elicit.
To those who revel in accidental time travel, historical mysteries, and charming, albeit humorous, romance, I would recommend Death at a Highland Wedding. If you’ve enjoyed similar titles like Maybe Once, Maybe Twice or The Book Spy, you’ll find Armstrong’s newest adventure compelling.
Ultimately, this book serves as a delightful escape into a whimsical world that grapples with the layers of time, all while making room for humor, romance, and the thrill of discovery. For me, it was a captivating journey worth taking, even if it occasionally stumbled along the way.
Rating: 🗻🗻🗻.5 / 5
Thank you, Kelley Armstrong, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
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