Cocktails & Chloroform (A Rip Through Time, #2.5)

A gripping novella in the “A Rip Through Time” series. I first became acquainted with Detective Mallory Atkinson in the first book in the series, A Rip Through Time. She is a modern-day detective who after being attacked, wakes up in the body of Catriona Mitchell, a housemaid in 1869 working for undertaker, Dr. Gray. She doesn’t know how to get back home so makes the best of it while using her Detective skills.

In Cocktails & Chloroform, Mallory follows Alice, a parlormaid, through the streets to a dance hall…..

Mallory Atkinson is a great character who has handled waking up in another woman’s body at another time, much better than I would have. Learning to adapt, dress and speak as one would in the Victorian time in which she finds herself. She is a strong woman who is used to speaking her mind and sharing her thoughts. This is not the norm for women in 1869. She does a great job at ingratiating herself into Dr. Gray’s home, assuming the duties of a housemaid, while helping solve crimes and making friends. To those who see her, she is Catriona Mitchell, and some are suspicious of the changes they see in Catriona. In addition to Mallory, readers will also see the characters in the other books making appearances in this book as well.

This is a gripping tale which is also a fast read. At 132 pages, it can be read in one sitting. This could be read as a stand-alone book but I highly suggest reading A Rip Through Time and The Poisoner’s Ring first. If you don’t want to read both books, at least read A Rip Through Time. I thought the book was fantastic and it provides more backstory and details of what happened to Mallory and introduces the supporting characters as well.

As with the other books, there are some tense situations. This book set in the past is also atmospheric and well written. Mallory will need to use the skills she learned in the modern day in this book. I also appreciate how the author shows Mallory’s frustration being in the past while coping with how women are “supposed” to behave and how they are treated during that time. Women were often at the mercy of men, having to do what they say, not having their own voice, not being able to advocate for themselves, or being able or taught to fight back or for themselves.

A gripping addition to the series.

#CocktailsChloroform #NetGalley #KelleyArmstrong #SubteerraneanPress

Thank you to Subterranean Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.