Book Review: Death at a Highland Wedding (A Rip Through Time, #4) by Kelley Armstrong
When I first discovered Death at a Highland Wedding, I could hardly contain my excitement. The idea of a contemporary detective slipping back to the late nineteenth century Highlands of Scotland to solve a crime? That’s a wild concept that plays right into my love for time travel stories. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dive into the complexities of a mystery wrapped in historical romance? Kelley Armstrong has a knack for blending various genres, and as a newcomer to this series, I was eager to see how she would unfold this imaginative tale.
Starting with the plot, Armstrong skillfully drops readers into a whirlwind of time travel, mystery, and humor. Our protagonist finds herself navigating the often bewildering—to her—customs and societal norms of the Highlands. This fish-out-of-water experience is rich with wit. I particularly enjoyed her struggle to reconcile contemporary forensic science with the practices of a period that seems almost impossibly primitive in comparison. This dynamic sets the stage for hilarious and sometimes poignant moments, especially as she grapples with characters whose sensibilities differ drastically from her own.
One of the book’s standout features is Armstrong’s thoughtful introduction for new readers. As someone who often feels like I’ve jumped into a deep end of an ongoing series, I genuinely appreciated this primer. It not only built a bridge for me but also showcased her understanding of what readers might need to feel anchored in the existing circumstances of the plot. Kudos to her for making it reader-friendly!
The character interactions are delightful and often humorous, such as when Isla, a local character, questions the detective’s understanding of police work: “But does Constable Ross know that?” Throughout, Armstrong clearly demonstrates an awareness of ableism, particularly in a scene where the protagonist’s struggle to adapt to the local investigation methods is pointed out. This nuanced representation struck a chord with me, making the story feel more inclusive.
However, I must admit the pacing started to lag initially, with the narrative feeling bogged down by side plots and extraneous details. While I understand the need for world-building, I found my focus waning in places. Once the main mystery began to unfold, though, my interest piqued again, and the book picked up momentum. One memorable quote that encapsulates this charm is, “Except that never happens because, being a romance . . . ? It all works out in the end.” This delightful reflection serves as a great reminder of the genre’s inherent optimism.
As the mystery drew to a close, I was left satisfied, though I still felt the conclusion had a few murky spots that could have benefited from sharper editing. Still, the intricate intertwining of contemporary forensic practices with historical elements created a delightful mashup that I found particularly fascinating.
In conclusion, Death at a Highland Wedding is perfect for anyone who enjoys accidental time travel, cozy mysteries, and, of course, a sprinkling of romance. I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of this genre and to those who appreciate richly drawn characters and settings. Kelley Armstrong offers an entertaining experience that left me navigating my own thoughts about time and place long after I closed the book.
Rating: 🗻🗻🗻.5 / 5 mountains in Scotland. If you’re seeking a cozy escape filled with intrigue, laughter, and a splash of historical charm, this book is definitely worth checking out! Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for providing an accessible digital ARC. All thoughts here are my own. Happy reading!
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