When Kendra Donovan’s plan to return to the 21st century fails, leaving her stranded in 1815, the Duke of Aldridge believes he knows the reason—she must save his nephew, who has been accused of brutally murdering his ex-mistress.Former FBI agent Kendra Donovan’s attempts to return to the twenty-first century have failed, leaving her stuck at Aldridge Castle in 1815. And her problems have just … 1815. And her problems have just begun: in London, the Duke of Aldridge’s nephew Alec—Kendra’s confidante and lover—has come under suspicion for murdering his former mistress, Lady Dover, who was found viciously stabbed with a stiletto, her face carved up in a bizarre and brutal way.
Lady Dover had plenty of secrets, and her past wasn’t quite what she’d made it out to be. Nor is it entirely in the past—which becomes frighteningly clear when a crime lord emerges from London’s seamy underbelly to threaten Alec. Joining forces with Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly, Kendra must navigate the treacherous nineteenth century while she picks through the strands of Lady Dover’s life.
As the noose tightens around Alec’s neck, Kendra will do anything to save him, including following every twist and turn through London’s glittering ballrooms, where deception is the norm—and any attempt to uncover the truth will get someone killed.more
McElwain writes a brilliant tale – the characters are a delightful mix of eccentricity and relatable humanity; the setting is gorgeously painted; the plot and mysteries are well-woven and engaging. I’m a sucker for time-travel, so she had me from the get-go. Add to that a very strong, compelling heroine and a supporting cast that resonates with familiarity yet never feels stereotyped or stale, and you have the beginning of something grand. This second book sees our fearless heroine once again drawn into a murder that she is uniquely positioned to help solve. The ongoing challenges she faces as she tries to force her modern, American, sensibilities and crime-solving techniques into Regency England are very well handled. Her frustration is palpable, and her restraint more than admirable – even if she, herself, might feel it is not as well managed as she (or those around her) would like… The love interest plot line is delicately managed and doesn’t distract – or detract – from the mystery or the history, which is nice. Too often, authors seem to try to blend too many genres; McElwain manages to make this a time traveling historical fiction police procedural with a romantic under-core – without over- or under-playing any of those elements. No small feat, that. It helps that her writing style is so engaging and her stories so eminently readable – these are books you jump into with both feet, and ones you hate to see end…
My review copy was graciously provided via NetGalley.
Isn’t it nice to discover that the second novel in a series is even better than the first one?! Loved this!!! And that cover….I could stare at it all day!
This is such a fun series. I appreciate how Donovan doesn’t gloss over challenges of living in the early nineteenth century.
Fantastic book 2. I love the continuing story of Kendra and how she is adapting to her new life. The premise of this book is interesting to begin with and then the murder mystery just makes it that much better. I can’t get enough Kendra and the love story that is beginning (I hope) between Kendra and Alec! Another great story in the series!
Cross between tv’s Criminal Minds and Outlander. Unique take on time travel and mystery.
A Twist in Time has our FBI Investigator turned time traveler on the hunt after another murderer. This time she travels to London because the Duke of Aldridge’s nephew, Alec is a suspect in the murder of his ex-mistress Lady Dover. Kendra, the Duke, Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly and her lover, Alec have two weeks until the House of Lords decides to try Alec. More importantly, his reputation is on the line and in 1815, reputations are more deadly than the stiletto used in this murder.
This series is so much fun because we are watching a prodigy investigator use her mental skills to catch a killer instead of technology. Socially inept at best, Kendra has to (somewhat) play by society’s rules. Her roll as the ward of the Duke of Aldridge will only get her so far. Her best means of finding out the facts seem to be pissing people off enough to make mistakes. The fact that Alec and she are new lovers adds a little personal tension that makes the scintillating details of his past affair, well, fun!
The Kendra Donovan series has quickly become one of my favorites. I do love a great historical mystery and a time travel mystery scores this author some bonus points in my eyes! If you haven’t tried out the first novel, A Murder in Time, and you enjoy this genre, please give it a try. You won’t regret the time spent, I promise!
I loved this book. The characters are wonderful. Julie draws you in with them. I couldn’t put down this book and when I was done i couldn’t wait to get the next book. I would ask everyone to read this book and fall in love with the way Julie writes these character’s.
It was ok; i prefer cs harris st cyr novels, in comparison.
Just blowed my mind. Really entertaining!
I like to read time travel books
Good read!
A good sequel to the first.
A Twist in Time reacquaints you with characters from A Murder in Time. Once again FBI profiler Kendra Donovan, who was sent back in time through a possible wormhole portal is tasked with investigating another murder. The victim this time is the past mistress of the Duke of Aldridge’s nephew and heir Alec. Murder in Time left off with Kendra attempting to return to her century after telling Alec she did not wish to remain and marry him. The story slugged quite a few times and would have been better if they edited at least 100 or more pages. I really enjoyed the first book but this one missed the mark.