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Kendra Donovan #2
A Twist in Time
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 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.
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.
452 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2017
418 people are currently reading
4972 people want to read
About the author
Julie McElwain
6 books1,355 followersJulie McElwain began her journalistic career at California Apparel News, a weekly Los Angeles based trade newspaper. She has freelanced for numerous publications from professional photographers magazines to those following the fashion industry. Currently, Julie is West Coast Editor for Soaps In Depth, a national soap opera magazine covering the No. 1 daytime drama, The Young and the Restless. Julie lives in Long Beach, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 724 reviews
August 19, 2018
Kendra Donovan, an FBI agent, finds herself stuck in 1815's England after a freak encounter with a worm hole and is unsuccessful in trying to get herself back to the present. The Duke of Aldridge thinks that she should for the time being become his charge, it would be unseemly for a women to go around unattached as Kendra has been. Meanwhile the Duke's nephew Alec is accused of murdering his mistress Lady Dover, and the Duke thinks that Kendra may be able to help. Kendra had successfully solved another crime for the Duke and so he takes her along with him to help gather evidence to exonerate Alec. The whole time Kendra struggles with the knowledge that she may be stuck in this time period permenatelly which is only complicated when she begins to have feelings for Alec.
Another instance where I mistakenly didn't realize that a book was part of a series so I haven't read the first one unfortunately. I also tend not to read the summaries for books so I didn't get what was going on here for a while, especially because we don't get to Kendra right away. That said the writing was actually really good and I did really like Kendra. The problem for me was more about the pacing and suspending disbelief. The story felt like it dragged on but that may be because I wasn't really invested in Kendra until towards the end and so the other details outside the murder felt unnecessary. I do think it's something that other people may enjoy a lot more than I did, I also tend not to be a fan of the Victorian era and like Kendra found everyone's way of seeing and treating women to be annoying as fuck. I can't say about historical accuracy either because it felt accurate enough to me but I'm not a historian so I'm not one to pick up on the inaccuracies until they're glaring.
Another instance where I mistakenly didn't realize that a book was part of a series so I haven't read the first one unfortunately. I also tend not to read the summaries for books so I didn't get what was going on here for a while, especially because we don't get to Kendra right away. That said the writing was actually really good and I did really like Kendra. The problem for me was more about the pacing and suspending disbelief. The story felt like it dragged on but that may be because I wasn't really invested in Kendra until towards the end and so the other details outside the murder felt unnecessary. I do think it's something that other people may enjoy a lot more than I did, I also tend not to be a fan of the Victorian era and like Kendra found everyone's way of seeing and treating women to be annoying as fuck. I can't say about historical accuracy either because it felt accurate enough to me but I'm not a historian so I'm not one to pick up on the inaccuracies until they're glaring.
March 19, 2017
I enjoyed this second in the Kendra Donovan series. The language was still a bit unbelievable, but the mystery really made this a minor issue. I'm a sucker for time traveling to a past era... it's interesting seeing the striking gender differences during this time period. Womens rights have come a long way. I really look forward to seeing what adventures await Kendra in the future. 4 stars
March 31, 2017
Kendra Donovan is a modern day FBI agent trapped in Georgian England. She's not sure how she was transported back 200y in history so doesn't know if she'll ever get back to her own time. In the meantime she is using her FBI profiling and investigating skills to track down a murderer in Georgian society.
This unusual combination of genres works surprisingly well with Kendra blaming her lack of society manners on being an ignorant American. In this second book in the series, Kendra has been taken in by a Duke who she helped solve a murder in the previous novel. His family is doing their best to make her behave like a lady with mixed results as she struggles to cope with the sexism and attitudes to women in the early 19th century. What results is a fun romp through the houses and lives of the aristocracy as Kendra tries to apply modern policing to discover the identity of the murderer.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Pegasus for a copy of the book to read and review.
This unusual combination of genres works surprisingly well with Kendra blaming her lack of society manners on being an ignorant American. In this second book in the series, Kendra has been taken in by a Duke who she helped solve a murder in the previous novel. His family is doing their best to make her behave like a lady with mixed results as she struggles to cope with the sexism and attitudes to women in the early 19th century. What results is a fun romp through the houses and lives of the aristocracy as Kendra tries to apply modern policing to discover the identity of the murderer.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Pegasus for a copy of the book to read and review.
June 26, 2020
3 Stars - This book started out strong at 4 solid stars, but dipped into 2 star territory midway through till the end.
The first few chapters are excellent. There's something just so incredibly satisfying about seeing all our favourite characters reunite to solve a new mystery...
It begins one month after the violent murders from the previous book - which I absolutely love. I'm not a big fan of massive time jumps and it was great knowing barely any time has passed between the two books.
The main characters are all just as likable and Kendra continues her work as a crime investigator working within the constraints of her current times. We're basically getting a murder mystery interwoven with interesting tidbits about the strange customs of the 1800s. It's pretty clear the author did research on 19th century customs and she gets kudos for this.
Plus I love how it focuses a little on class dynamics/lives of the servants in a similar vein to Downton Abbey.
I easily breezed through the first third of this book. Things were going well, the gang was back together and there's an intriguing new murder to solve...
So far so good right?
Well yes, and no.
While the book starts off perfectly, things start to really drag midway & right to the end of this book. And when I say drag, I really mean drag!
Nearly the entity of this book is comprised of Kendra just interviewing people -> discussing the interview with her squad -> interviewing more people.
I was fine with a couple of interviews near the start, but after the 4th or 5th it began to get extremely repetitive.
By the time we hit interview #92879 I was just
Surely there were more exciting things that could be done with the squad? Don't get me wrong, I still like all the main characters here. They just didn't get to do anything remotely interesting in this book whatsoever.
Some kind of heist/quest/more mysterious time travel phenomena was really needed to spice things up here. But really, all we got were iNteRVieWs.
Not only that, but we are inundated with a deluge of irrelevant side characters in this book. We get to meet the husband-of-the-daughter, the lady's maid, Alec's-random-gambling-friend, Alec's-random-government-friend, the-other-husband-of-the-other-daughter, the other lady's maid, the other-other lady's maid....it goes on and on and on and on.
Now I have nothing against numerous multi-characters in a book. In fact, many of the best books out there have hundreds of characters *coughs* Six of Crows *coughs* . But here we just meet each character once or twice and never see them ever again. It just gets incredibly tedious after a while.
Except maybe Alec's-random-gambling-club-owner-friend:
Wouldn't mind seeing more of him in the next books ;) *wink wink*
But by and large, the huge cast was really unnecessary and underutilised here.
Another thing that was really maddening was the sexual tension between Alec and Kendra is nonexistant in this book.
It breaks my heart to say this but their chemistry was nearly invisible. I still love Alec and Kendra together, but we barely saw any spark between the two here.
The author didn't do herself any favors by separating Kendra from Alec for large portions of this book. I wanted to see them cracking cases together with slight sexual tension here and there but we got none of that. Instead, Kendra teams up with Alec's father - which is sweet but bland.
Alec and Kendra barely had any time alone together dammit. I'm not happy about this. The moments when they eventually did have alone time it just felt rushed due to the lack of build up.
Am I still going to read the next book?
Probably, yes.
I still love the characters and there's a lot more potential in this concept and this series. But this book was pretty underwhelming and doesn't hold a candle to the first.
_________________________
PS: If it's been a while since you've read the first book, don't worry too much about familiarising yourself with the characters. This book gives a good mini recap of book one right from the start and it's easy getting into the story from the get go.
My Review of Book 1: A Murder in Time here
_________________________
Past Thoughts From 2016's Me:
Just finished A Murder in Time and I need this now!
WHY 2017?? Why do you torture me so?
A Murder in Time was perfect and I NEED MORE
I will be waiting.
The first few chapters are excellent. There's something just so incredibly satisfying about seeing all our favourite characters reunite to solve a new mystery...
It begins one month after the violent murders from the previous book - which I absolutely love. I'm not a big fan of massive time jumps and it was great knowing barely any time has passed between the two books.
The main characters are all just as likable and Kendra continues her work as a crime investigator working within the constraints of her current times. We're basically getting a murder mystery interwoven with interesting tidbits about the strange customs of the 1800s. It's pretty clear the author did research on 19th century customs and she gets kudos for this.
Plus I love how it focuses a little on class dynamics/lives of the servants in a similar vein to Downton Abbey.
I easily breezed through the first third of this book. Things were going well, the gang was back together and there's an intriguing new murder to solve...
So far so good right?
Well yes, and no.
While the book starts off perfectly, things start to really drag midway & right to the end of this book. And when I say drag, I really mean drag!
Nearly the entity of this book is comprised of Kendra just interviewing people -> discussing the interview with her squad -> interviewing more people.
I was fine with a couple of interviews near the start, but after the 4th or 5th it began to get extremely repetitive.
By the time we hit interview #92879 I was just
Surely there were more exciting things that could be done with the squad? Don't get me wrong, I still like all the main characters here. They just didn't get to do anything remotely interesting in this book whatsoever.
Some kind of heist/quest/more mysterious time travel phenomena was really needed to spice things up here. But really, all we got were iNteRVieWs.
Not only that, but we are inundated with a deluge of irrelevant side characters in this book. We get to meet the husband-of-the-daughter, the lady's maid, Alec's-random-gambling-friend, Alec's-random-government-friend, the-other-husband-of-the-other-daughter, the other lady's maid, the other-other lady's maid....it goes on and on and on and on.
Now I have nothing against numerous multi-characters in a book. In fact, many of the best books out there have hundreds of characters *coughs* Six of Crows *coughs* . But here we just meet each character once or twice and never see them ever again. It just gets incredibly tedious after a while.
Except maybe Alec's-random-gambling-club-owner-friend:
Wouldn't mind seeing more of him in the next books ;) *wink wink*
But by and large, the huge cast was really unnecessary and underutilised here.
Another thing that was really maddening was the sexual tension between Alec and Kendra is nonexistant in this book.
It breaks my heart to say this but their chemistry was nearly invisible. I still love Alec and Kendra together, but we barely saw any spark between the two here.
The author didn't do herself any favors by separating Kendra from Alec for large portions of this book. I wanted to see them cracking cases together with slight sexual tension here and there but we got none of that. Instead, Kendra teams up with Alec's father - which is sweet but bland.
Alec and Kendra barely had any time alone together dammit. I'm not happy about this. The moments when they eventually did have alone time it just felt rushed due to the lack of build up.
Am I still going to read the next book?
Probably, yes.
I still love the characters and there's a lot more potential in this concept and this series. But this book was pretty underwhelming and doesn't hold a candle to the first.
_________________________
PS: If it's been a while since you've read the first book, don't worry too much about familiarising yourself with the characters. This book gives a good mini recap of book one right from the start and it's easy getting into the story from the get go.
My Review of Book 1: A Murder in Time here
_________________________
Past Thoughts From 2016's Me:
Just finished A Murder in Time and I need this now!
WHY 2017?? Why do you torture me so?
A Murder in Time was perfect and I NEED MORE
I will be waiting.
March 2, 2018
Kendra Donovan is still stuck in Regency times. Seems like her job there is not finished. Now she has to save Alec from being charged with Lady Dover's murder. Actually, according to the mores of the time, it is doubtful Alec will be charged by the House of Lords, but someone in Lady Dover's past is determined to see justice done.
I do have some problems with this book, minor though they may be. Kendra still has the miracle growing hair. Whatever she is on, I want some. Plus she could have used the same meticulous research concerning the FBI as she does on the other parts of the book. Finally, I know this is a Regency, but I don't think even Georgette Heyer's books are as chaste.
Now for the good. This is how I like to learn history! Through the people. Their dress, their homes, their street life, their etiquette, their transportation problems. Other than what I mentioned above, I can't find the hint of one wrong note. I was especially intrigued by some of the hygiene or lack of hygiene info. but that's just me.
McElwain does a great job with her characters. I want to be adopted by the Duke and I want Rebecca as my friend. As for Alec.... It was nice to see the band back together again.
I love the plot, and I can just imagine how the particular brutality of the crime would really mess with that rarefied world that Kendra has entered.
As rarefied as it might be, Kendra still struggles against the strictures of that time. But she is
beginning to understand some of the problems she encounters in Regency times aren't miraculously solved in her enlightened time. She might have a heck of a lot more opportunities, resources, and freedom, but she still had to fight for everything she wanted. Maybe Recency times are starting to look better to Kendra. She is finding all of the love there that she did without in her time, parental, friendship, and romantic.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope #3 is on the hozizon.
Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to read this review in exchange of an honest review. (less)
I do have some problems with this book, minor though they may be. Kendra still has the miracle growing hair. Whatever she is on, I want some. Plus she could have used the same meticulous research concerning the FBI as she does on the other parts of the book. Finally, I know this is a Regency, but I don't think even Georgette Heyer's books are as chaste.
Now for the good. This is how I like to learn history! Through the people. Their dress, their homes, their street life, their etiquette, their transportation problems. Other than what I mentioned above, I can't find the hint of one wrong note. I was especially intrigued by some of the hygiene or lack of hygiene info. but that's just me.
McElwain does a great job with her characters. I want to be adopted by the Duke and I want Rebecca as my friend. As for Alec.... It was nice to see the band back together again.
I love the plot, and I can just imagine how the particular brutality of the crime would really mess with that rarefied world that Kendra has entered.
As rarefied as it might be, Kendra still struggles against the strictures of that time. But she is
beginning to understand some of the problems she encounters in Regency times aren't miraculously solved in her enlightened time. She might have a heck of a lot more opportunities, resources, and freedom, but she still had to fight for everything she wanted. Maybe Recency times are starting to look better to Kendra. She is finding all of the love there that she did without in her time, parental, friendship, and romantic.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope #3 is on the hozizon.
Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to read this review in exchange of an honest review. (less)
Want to read
July 15, 2016Gah! 2017!?!? SERIOUSLY HAVE TO WAIT THAT LONG!?!?!?
March 3, 2023
4.5 stars
December 25, 2017
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, and I was curious to see how this one would turn out. For those that have not read the first book will I just explain that in the first book FBI agent Kendra Donovan traveled back in time to 1815 and ended up at the Aldridge Castle where she ended up catching a serial killer. And, now she seems to be stuck there. After solving a murder in the first book, was Kendra sure that she had done what she was meant to do and could go home again. But, unfortunately, it seems that she is either meant to do something more or perhaps she will never get back to present time. Thankfully, she doesn't have to just sit and wait for something to happen because, Alec, the Duke of Aldridge's nephew, becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Now she must help him by figure out who killed the woman that was once Alex's mistress.
The first book was a blast with Kendra trying to blend it, but at the same time wanting to catch a murderer. Now, in this book is the cat out of the bag and Alex and the Duke both know that she is from the future. And, as much as I enjoyed this story, especially, when Kendra forgets and says or do something a woman from the 21-century would say or do, was this book just not as good as the first one. I liked the book, I liked how Kendra both tried to adjust to the time, but at the same time can't really seem to do so. However, the first book was much more interesting when it came to both Kendras's adjustment to the 19-century as well as her trying to solve the serial killer case. This case, well, it just didn't thrill me as much, a lot of suspects that needed to be questioned over and over and I felt that the story never really got as suspenseful as the first book. It's a good book, and I love how the Duke always tries to pry some information from Kendra about the future.
I want to thank Pegasus Books for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
The first book was a blast with Kendra trying to blend it, but at the same time wanting to catch a murderer. Now, in this book is the cat out of the bag and Alex and the Duke both know that she is from the future. And, as much as I enjoyed this story, especially, when Kendra forgets and says or do something a woman from the 21-century would say or do, was this book just not as good as the first one. I liked the book, I liked how Kendra both tried to adjust to the time, but at the same time can't really seem to do so. However, the first book was much more interesting when it came to both Kendras's adjustment to the 19-century as well as her trying to solve the serial killer case. This case, well, it just didn't thrill me as much, a lot of suspects that needed to be questioned over and over and I felt that the story never really got as suspenseful as the first book. It's a good book, and I love how the Duke always tries to pry some information from Kendra about the future.
I want to thank Pegasus Books for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
February 7, 2018
2/7/18 $1.99 for Kindle.
No Time Travel or Sci Fi elements in this one (unfortunately). Now that Kendra was transported from present day into Regency England in Book 1, this one is a pretty straightforward murder mystery. Enjoyable though.
No Time Travel or Sci Fi elements in this one (unfortunately). Now that Kendra was transported from present day into Regency England in Book 1, this one is a pretty straightforward murder mystery. Enjoyable though.
April 22, 2018
In the series' second novel, FBI profiler Kendra Donovan continues to find herself marooned in a English manor early in the 19th century unable to return to her time. In the inaugural work, Kendra was trying to catch a serial killer. In this novel, Lady Cordelia Dover has been savagely murdered. Since she was a past mistress of Alexander Morgan, Marquis of Sutcliffe, now enamored with Kendra, the finger of guilt is pointing toward him. Lady Cordelia Dover had a checkered past with a giant crime boss named "Bear" who seeks his own justice. Parliament will be convened shortly to determine Alex's fate. Kendra has only two weeks to find Lady Dover's murderer. This won't be easy since her forensic investigation is being hampered by the social mores regarding the aristocracy and role of women in England's Regency period.
I read the first novel in the series and listen to an audiobook for the second. Although the narrator was skilled in the various British accents, I found the haughty aristocratic accents initially difficult to hear or to consider Alex as someone attractive to Kendra. The series still has its attraction for me and I plan to read the third novel when released in July 2018.
I read the first novel in the series and listen to an audiobook for the second. Although the narrator was skilled in the various British accents, I found the haughty aristocratic accents initially difficult to hear or to consider Alex as someone attractive to Kendra. The series still has its attraction for me and I plan to read the third novel when released in July 2018.
December 15, 2020
Another excellent story in this series!
At the end of the previous book Kendra has revealed to Alec and to the duke who she is and where's she from. And the duke, in order to protect her, has made her his ward.
Obviously Kendra is not hapy to be dependant on somebody (because of her backgound), and she's struggling but she knows that it's necessary and grudgingly accepts it.
They're brought to London beacause Alec has been accused of murder. Kendra must find the killer or Alec will suffer dire consequences!
Kendra's unusual behaviour and sleuthing would be very dangerous for her if not for the duke's protection and his covering her. I aodre the duke! He's such a great character with his curiosity about the future and his trying to discover it with apparently innocent questions he makes to Kendra! It is exactly what I would have done! :)
Alec is another story. He's totally in love with Kendra, but he's having troubles undrestanding why she's refusing him, even if she's sexually involved with him! He's baffled and he doesn't get it! But he's unable to refuse her advances nor to let her go.
Also Kendra is torn. She's falling love with Alec, but is afraid to commit because she's hoping (against hope) that she'll return to her time. Even if in that time she's alone without friends not lovers or parents...
The mystery part is also very good. And Kendra's way to finding the killer is ingenious and clever! She goes against everybody's preconceptions and even puts herself in danger with some very foolinsh acts because she's still unable to accept the ways of that period.
But I didn't hold it against her because she's impulsive and she will learn that not everything works here as in her time in a hard way.
I love this mix of genres here! It's very well balanced! And the writing style is fluid and engaging!
At the end of the previous book Kendra has revealed to Alec and to the duke who she is and where's she from. And the duke, in order to protect her, has made her his ward.
Obviously Kendra is not hapy to be dependant on somebody (because of her backgound), and she's struggling but she knows that it's necessary and grudgingly accepts it.
They're brought to London beacause Alec has been accused of murder. Kendra must find the killer or Alec will suffer dire consequences!
Kendra's unusual behaviour and sleuthing would be very dangerous for her if not for the duke's protection and his covering her. I aodre the duke! He's such a great character with his curiosity about the future and his trying to discover it with apparently innocent questions he makes to Kendra! It is exactly what I would have done! :)
Alec is another story. He's totally in love with Kendra, but he's having troubles undrestanding why she's refusing him, even if she's sexually involved with him! He's baffled and he doesn't get it! But he's unable to refuse her advances nor to let her go.
Also Kendra is torn. She's falling love with Alec, but is afraid to commit because she's hoping (against hope) that she'll return to her time. Even if in that time she's alone without friends not lovers or parents...
The mystery part is also very good. And Kendra's way to finding the killer is ingenious and clever! She goes against everybody's preconceptions and even puts herself in danger with some very foolinsh acts because she's still unable to accept the ways of that period.
But I didn't hold it against her because she's impulsive and she will learn that not everything works here as in her time in a hard way.
I love this mix of genres here! It's very well balanced! And the writing style is fluid and engaging!
May 13, 2020
I really enjoy this series! I love all the characters: Kendra, Alec, the Duke, Rebecca and now Snake and Bear (who I hope to see again). The murder mystery is well done and there are numerous suspects that keep you guessing on which one ACTUALLY did it!
This is becoming my new favorite series. I can't wait for book 3!
This is becoming my new favorite series. I can't wait for book 3!
December 10, 2017
A young female American FBI investigator stuck in Regency England and using her skills to solve crimes.
Kendra has failed to return to her own time after the events of the previous season so she is still staying with the Duke of Aldridge who is aware of her origins. The Duke's household has returned to London, just in time for the Duke's nephew and heir Alec to be accused of the horrific murder of his ex-lover. Kendra and the Duke along with a whole cast of returning faces from the previous book get deeply involved in the investigation which takes interesting turns through Regency life.
This is a much better written book than the first one, but doesn't really deviate from the formula that was established there. Kendra does something smart but outrageous to Regency morality, everyone is outraged but appreciates the results. Repeat. The romance between Kendra and Alex continues as well, but never really gets center stage.
Kendra has failed to return to her own time after the events of the previous season so she is still staying with the Duke of Aldridge who is aware of her origins. The Duke's household has returned to London, just in time for the Duke's nephew and heir Alec to be accused of the horrific murder of his ex-lover. Kendra and the Duke along with a whole cast of returning faces from the previous book get deeply involved in the investigation which takes interesting turns through Regency life.
This is a much better written book than the first one, but doesn't really deviate from the formula that was established there. Kendra does something smart but outrageous to Regency morality, everyone is outraged but appreciates the results. Repeat. The romance between Kendra and Alex continues as well, but never really gets center stage.
May 19, 2017
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! ❤️❤️❤️
June 4, 2017
Every bit as good as the first! Review to come.
September 1, 2017
DNF @ 53%
This is book 2 of a series. I read book 1 and it was just okay. So when I started reading this book I was hoping for more. Instead what I got was the exact same set-up and story. The only difference is our lead lady is already in the past and doesn't travel there.
I suppose this is why I don't read a lot of murder mystery as the murder cases themselves rarely keep my attention. It's the people and the happenings around them that does.
For the second time this year a time traveling book has annoyed me by how little the main character seems to want to go home. It's mentioned in passing once or twice about her thinking about going home (and she makes one 'attempt' near the beginning of the book); but overall it just feels like she's not too concerned about it.
This really bugs me. if Gabaldon got anything right with Outlander it's that at least Claire had a major desire to go home for a long time!
Overall if you love the whodunnit part and don't mind a Victorian setting you might like this. Otherwise I'd pass, skip and jump to something else.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
This is book 2 of a series. I read book 1 and it was just okay. So when I started reading this book I was hoping for more. Instead what I got was the exact same set-up and story. The only difference is our lead lady is already in the past and doesn't travel there.
I suppose this is why I don't read a lot of murder mystery as the murder cases themselves rarely keep my attention. It's the people and the happenings around them that does.
For the second time this year a time traveling book has annoyed me by how little the main character seems to want to go home. It's mentioned in passing once or twice about her thinking about going home (and she makes one 'attempt' near the beginning of the book); but overall it just feels like she's not too concerned about it.
This really bugs me. if Gabaldon got anything right with Outlander it's that at least Claire had a major desire to go home for a long time!
Overall if you love the whodunnit part and don't mind a Victorian setting you might like this. Otherwise I'd pass, skip and jump to something else.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
April 14, 2017
I sincerely need the next book now. I love this series.
December 11, 2017
Although the first instalment had been flawed, I still very much enjoyed it and couldn’t help myself diving into this sequel. As it happens, there is a visible improvement, both in the writing and general feel of the book.
Kendra is still stuck in 1815, her first attempt at returning to the 21st century having failed, and being no nearer to any solution. Meanwhile, the Duke decides to solidify her social position by making her his ward, and soon another case presents itself. Alec is the main suspect for the brutal murder of his former mistress and the team, including Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly, join ‘forces’ once more to solve the case.
Our main character still behaves in outrageous manners and clashes often with this Regency world, which is entertaining but only to a certain extent. Thankfully, the author also adds other elements that are very interesting. Her portrayal of this society, its differences and similarities to our time in terms of social mores, as well as architecturally, are compelling. It definitely felt like McElwain immersed herself in a lot of historical research, which paid nicely in my opinion. The romantic element is very slight, nearly non-existent, the focus being firmly on the murder case, which was an easy one but well handled. I particularly liked the representation of the victim, who shined in her determination and ruthlessness, enhancing the feel of this world.
Definitely want to read the next one :O)
Kendra is still stuck in 1815, her first attempt at returning to the 21st century having failed, and being no nearer to any solution. Meanwhile, the Duke decides to solidify her social position by making her his ward, and soon another case presents itself. Alec is the main suspect for the brutal murder of his former mistress and the team, including Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly, join ‘forces’ once more to solve the case.
Our main character still behaves in outrageous manners and clashes often with this Regency world, which is entertaining but only to a certain extent. Thankfully, the author also adds other elements that are very interesting. Her portrayal of this society, its differences and similarities to our time in terms of social mores, as well as architecturally, are compelling. It definitely felt like McElwain immersed herself in a lot of historical research, which paid nicely in my opinion. The romantic element is very slight, nearly non-existent, the focus being firmly on the murder case, which was an easy one but well handled. I particularly liked the representation of the victim, who shined in her determination and ruthlessness, enhancing the feel of this world.
Definitely want to read the next one :O)
January 15, 2020
Let me say this first, I LOVE this series cover!
It’s beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
Now the quick review, I really like this series.
This author wrote in her website that she is a fan of In Death Series.
And it shows, I would say Kendra is a younger and much impulsive version of Eve!
She is a criminal profiler, not a cop, so in terms of investigation, certainly wasn’t on Eve’s level but she is an intelligent woman and it was fun to see her frustration about women position in 19th century! Lol.
Pity though Alec, nowhere near Roarke’s 🙄😂
But he probably will change with this series continue.
I also understand why there’s need for The Duke to be in it.
He like Summerset, with power and adore Kendra openly and took Kendra under his protection.
In a way, he able to make Kendra move little bit freely, and Alec wouldn’t be able to do that.
Other supporting characters are interesting too and the mystery is good.
So yup, definitely will keep reading this series.
❤️
It’s beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
Now the quick review, I really like this series.
This author wrote in her website that she is a fan of In Death Series.
And it shows, I would say Kendra is a younger and much impulsive version of Eve!
She is a criminal profiler, not a cop, so in terms of investigation, certainly wasn’t on Eve’s level but she is an intelligent woman and it was fun to see her frustration about women position in 19th century! Lol.
Pity though Alec, nowhere near Roarke’s 🙄😂
But he probably will change with this series continue.
I also understand why there’s need for The Duke to be in it.
He like Summerset, with power and adore Kendra openly and took Kendra under his protection.
In a way, he able to make Kendra move little bit freely, and Alec wouldn’t be able to do that.
Other supporting characters are interesting too and the mystery is good.
So yup, definitely will keep reading this series.
❤️
June 20, 2017
For those that are new to the series, Kendra Donovan a twenty-first century FBI profiler finds herself stuck in 1815 London when she enters a secret passage in Aldridge Castle. Attempts to return thus far have failed but let's just say life in the 1800s is proving to be anything but boring.
Kendra's position once again improves as the Duke of Aldridge takes steps to protect her. The Duke and his nephew Alec are aware of Kendra's secret, so when Alec falls under suspicion for the murder of Lady Dover, his former Mistress, the Duke and Kendra rush off to London to investigate.
It was delightful seeing Kendra once again deal with the standards of the eighteenth century, particularly for women and boy does she create a wave of dropped jaws throughout London. Our kickass agent even manages to drop the F-bomb on more than one occasion. Undercover agent she is not!
The case was a rather exciting one that brought them into the crosshairs of a street gang. It even had them attending balls and entering the homes of the upper echelon of society. These poor folks were so unaccustomed to being questions, let alone by a woman. Of course, the Duke is there to ease the way. Kendra had to adjust to a ladies maid, escort, and eighteenth-century women's apparel!
Twists, turns and near death experiences created some darker moments for the case. I loved the interactions with Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly and a few street children. Kendra continues to astound her new friends and allies as she manhandles thugs, saves lives and pieces clues together. McElwain had me holding my breath during some intense scenes even as I laughed aloud at the reactions from those witnessing Kendra in action.
The romance between Kendra and Alex continues to develop, but Kendra still has her heart set on returning to her time. I am quite anxious to see how their relationship will unfold given what occurs in A TWIST IN TIME. I like Alex, but he is quite subdued the exact opposite of Kendra.
Lucy Rayner continues to narrate this series, and if you remember I struggled with her male voices in A MURDER IN TIME, but whether I grew used to it, or they improved it wasn't as bad this go round. I loved her voices for some of the new characters and admired her ability to go back and forth between high society and the lower class.
Audio provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Kendra's position once again improves as the Duke of Aldridge takes steps to protect her. The Duke and his nephew Alec are aware of Kendra's secret, so when Alec falls under suspicion for the murder of Lady Dover, his former Mistress, the Duke and Kendra rush off to London to investigate.
It was delightful seeing Kendra once again deal with the standards of the eighteenth century, particularly for women and boy does she create a wave of dropped jaws throughout London. Our kickass agent even manages to drop the F-bomb on more than one occasion. Undercover agent she is not!
The case was a rather exciting one that brought them into the crosshairs of a street gang. It even had them attending balls and entering the homes of the upper echelon of society. These poor folks were so unaccustomed to being questions, let alone by a woman. Of course, the Duke is there to ease the way. Kendra had to adjust to a ladies maid, escort, and eighteenth-century women's apparel!
Twists, turns and near death experiences created some darker moments for the case. I loved the interactions with Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly and a few street children. Kendra continues to astound her new friends and allies as she manhandles thugs, saves lives and pieces clues together. McElwain had me holding my breath during some intense scenes even as I laughed aloud at the reactions from those witnessing Kendra in action.
The romance between Kendra and Alex continues to develop, but Kendra still has her heart set on returning to her time. I am quite anxious to see how their relationship will unfold given what occurs in A TWIST IN TIME. I like Alex, but he is quite subdued the exact opposite of Kendra.
Lucy Rayner continues to narrate this series, and if you remember I struggled with her male voices in A MURDER IN TIME, but whether I grew used to it, or they improved it wasn't as bad this go round. I loved her voices for some of the new characters and admired her ability to go back and forth between high society and the lower class.
Audio provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
January 24, 2019
Kendra Donovan is a FBI agent who inexplicably ends up in 19th century London. In this instalment, she still can’t find her way back to her timeline and instead needs to try and live in this strange time - and solve a murder.
Kendra is still incredibly irritating and her inability to conform to 19th century customs drives me crazy. I think I forgot how annoying I found her in book 1 before I started this 😂.
If you can get past her and forget about how she could have time travelled this is not a bad murder mystery.
The audio narration continues to be rather irritating also... perhaps I would have enjoyed more if reading the physical book.
Kendra is still incredibly irritating and her inability to conform to 19th century customs drives me crazy. I think I forgot how annoying I found her in book 1 before I started this 😂.
If you can get past her and forget about how she could have time travelled this is not a bad murder mystery.
The audio narration continues to be rather irritating also... perhaps I would have enjoyed more if reading the physical book.
October 8, 2021
4.5 stars - Time Travel/Historical Mystery/Thriller
January 28, 2021
The second book in the "Kendra Donovan" series was amazing! I just couldn't put it down...
All the characters has grown on me and the plot and mystery is very intriguing.
A heinous crime, many suspects of the aristocracy and Alec is the probable one. Kendra has to conduct her investigation in a limited time- line, fighting along with the era's prejudices against women and Lady Attwood's attempts to make a lady out of her.
I love how the author compares out time with the 19th century and how Kendra seems to be missing the little things that make our life easier... How she tries to take advantage of her knowllegde without revealing too much of our technology progress...
I still can't stand the way the narrator makes Alec sound like a pompous peacock but I try not to let that get to me.
On to the next...
All the characters has grown on me and the plot and mystery is very intriguing.
A heinous crime, many suspects of the aristocracy and Alec is the probable one. Kendra has to conduct her investigation in a limited time- line, fighting along with the era's prejudices against women and Lady Attwood's attempts to make a lady out of her.
I love how the author compares out time with the 19th century and how Kendra seems to be missing the little things that make our life easier... How she tries to take advantage of her knowllegde without revealing too much of our technology progress...
I still can't stand the way the narrator makes Alec sound like a pompous peacock but I try not to let that get to me.
On to the next...
July 28, 2018
Like a fish out of water, Kendra Donovan continues to struggle with the challenges of life in the early nineteenth century. There is a murder to solve to clear Alec's name and she is right in the thick of it. Meanwhile she has been declared the ward of the Duke of Aldridge and has to live up to her station. The murderer was well cloaked within the plot twists and red herrings. An entertaining mystery. Looking forward to the third installment to see if Miss Donovan goes back to her own place and time.
July 24, 2021
Loving this series so much.
June 8, 2017
Sadly, this series seems to have lost its magic already. I liked Kendra even less than I did the first time around. I found her to be abrasive and whiny. It felt like bad language was thrown in every other page just to showcase the fact that Kendra was not from the 1800's.
Things I thought were entertaining in A Murder in Time came across as stale in A Twist in Time. They've already done the whole Kendra doesn't fit in thing and needs to act like a lady, as well as having Kendra throw tantrums when proper ladies try to spiffy her up.
I'll continue with the series if there is another, but I won't expect much.
Things I thought were entertaining in A Murder in Time came across as stale in A Twist in Time. They've already done the whole Kendra doesn't fit in thing and needs to act like a lady, as well as having Kendra throw tantrums when proper ladies try to spiffy her up.
I'll continue with the series if there is another, but I won't expect much.
February 20, 2017
I was hopeful there would be a little more about Kendra's time travel and I wish there had been a little less about how women have to live in this era. All in all, an enjoyable read.
April 26, 2023
5/5 Stars
Former FBI Kendra Donovan is stuck in the year 1815 and her attempts to travel back home to the 21st century have failed, leaving her to depend on her friend, The Duke of Aldridge. Though, soon it seems that returning back to the 21st century is the least of Kendra’s problems as the Duke’s nephew- and also Kendra’s lover and confident- Alec, the Marquis of Sutcliffe is suspected of the murder of his former mistress. Joining forces with the Bow Street Runner, Sam Kelley, yet again, it seems that the team used to solve the murder at the castle is back together to solve the mystery of Lady Dover’s murder. Though, it would seem that not only does Lady Dover have her own secrets, but much of London also does.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, where to start? I feel like I find myself saying this a lot. Though,it is nothing but praise for author Julie McElwain. Let me start by saying that I am completely and utterly obsessed with this book series. I mean, I just finished the second book, and I’m already wondering when the sixth one comes out. That’s saying a lot, because I don’t think I’ve loved a book series as much as this one in a long time. Not only is the writing excellent, the book is a combination of a few of my favourite things. Time travel, Regency period drama, mysteries, and a kick ass protagonist.
Stuck in 1815, Kendra is sick of being treated like a frail woman who is unable to do anything. Even more, she despises the politeness and rules of society and propriety. She finds that she does not belong. Though, there is some character growth as eventually, Kendra stops thinking of herself as a “freak” and slowly starts to adapt to the 19th century.
Joining forces with The Duke of Aldridge, Bow Street Runner Sam Kelley, the Marquis of Sutcliffe- Alec, and eventually, her new found friend Rebecca, the group sets out the solve the mystery of the murder of Alec’s former mistress, Lady Cordelia Dover. Being stabbed with a stilleto more than forty times and having her face partly sawed of in a gruesome manner, former FBI agent, Kendra and her new found team, work together to solve the murder, revealing quite a few secrets along the way. Everything in London isn’t as it seems, especially through the busy season.
Like I said, I thoroughly enjoy this series, as I type this, I’m practically vibrating to read the third book- Caught in Time. I noticed that Author, McElwain didn’t use the word ‘Mayhap’ as much in this book, as that was one of my only complaints in A Murder in Time. The book twist together a great mystery in 19th century London during the season and portrays Kendra using what 21st century investigation skills she is able to use to solve crime.
What can I say besides Chef’s Kiss?
August 12, 2017
This is the second book in the series for time traveler, Kendra Donovan and the Duke, and his nephew Alec. A Darcy type character, who has warmed up. , to a still cool Kendra. This book is much tighter , and the characters were good, plus a enjoyable story line Her language is still way out of line for a brilliant profiler, in Jane Austen day. That part just doesn't ring true. I'm not sure if the author wants us to believe she is so tough, and all job mentality, but constant foul language does not promote that idea. Since she has been there six months and the book reminds you she was in college by 14, you just have to wonder why she can't edit out some of the F bombs. Not needed. Detracts from a good story. Parts are still funny as she drops slang, or has to get out of verbal mistakes concerning her other life in the future Murders were enticing, and she presented lots of suspects She gave us a good ending, but you know another book will follow. It is not a cliff hanger. This book deals a lot with Alec , and the Duke, and is in London. rather than the countryside. She still feels like a fish out of water, since it is 1815. I give this one 4.5 stars. Tone down the language. We have the point. She is a modern day murder cop, so adjust. She actually has friends,and people who care, so get with the time period, and stop all the angst over changes she may be causing in the future. She tracks serial murders, but let some of her brilliant ability show. She is 26., and needs to show it. Most time books that become a series, the traveler falls in love, and stays. I'm engaged, but I don't want her yanked back to the future, to continue her cold, and controlled life.
December 27, 2016
Better than the first. Kendra starts to fit into 19th century life slightly better, and the murderer's identity didn't seem quite so farfetched. Such a fun blend of 2 of my favorite genres! Full review coming soon for Shelf Awareness.
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