Detective Mallory Atkinson and Dr. Duncan Gray struggle to see justice done in a jurisdiction where their friend, Detective Hugh McCreadie, has no authority in Death at a Highland Wedding, a twisty and character-driven mystery by Kelley Armstrong (Disturbing the Dead; The Boy Who Cried Bear).
Mallory, originally from the 21st century, where she was a homicide detective, has settled into her decision to stay in 19th-century Scotland in the body of a housemaid. She and Duncan have obtained small fame as the stars of fictionalized versions of their crime-solving exploits--enough to attract notice among those they meet on their way with Hugh to attend his sister's wedding. Complicated history between the families has the potential to make the occasion awkward. A wildcat corpse found in a trap but not killed by it raises the investigators' suspicions. Before long, a guest is murdered and local law enforcement seizes upon a suspect of convenience. Mallory, Duncan, and Hugh must deliver the real killer to exonerate the accused.
With the fourth novel in her Rip Through Time series, Armstrong has delivered a mystery that will keep readers on their toes (with several plausible red herrings along the way) and populated it with endearing characters. Regular readers of the series may want to shake Mallory and Duncan a bit for their utter obliviousness regarding the other's affections, but in a good, can't-wait-for-the-next-installment way. The supporting cast is also well fleshed out, with the groom-to-be in particular proving far more interesting than his cranky first impression suggests. Historical mystery fans will cheer. --Kristen Allen-Vogel, information services librarian at Dayton Metro Library