Cocktails & Chloroform by Kelley Armstrong
A Rip Through Time series, book 2.5. Historical mystery novella, paranormal time shift. Best read in series order.
Detective Mallory Atkinson, in a bizarre twist of fate, has traveled back to the Victorian timeframe, and into the household of Dr Duncan Gray. For practical purposes, she acts as a housemaid since that’s whose life she’s taken over. Mallory’s detective nature helps resolve a potential kidnapping where her modern day knowledge of the Molotov cocktail may come in more handy than expected.

Intriguing mystery for the sadly age-old trafficking situation where Mallory acts true to her nature with modern day problem solving. Entertaining and a wonderful short story adding to the series, giving more depth and background to household servant Alice. Delightful inclusion of Mallory’s sometimes awkward physical expectations twisted with her historical and cumbersome reality of dress, corsets and more. ( )

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. ( )