A Murder in Time (Kendra Donovan Mystery)

by Julie McElwain

[kimbacaffeinate]

We meet FBI agent Kendra Donovan in the hospital. She is in a coma as we learn about the undercover case that left her wounded and her teammates dead. Once recovered, Kendra is intent on revenge and goes rogue. She travels to England to seek out the killer. While in the Aldrich Castle, she finds herself in peril. In her efforts to escape she slips into a hidden stairwell and soon finds herself in the same castle but in the year 1815.

McElewin quickly pulls us into the tale, as Kendra Donovan comes to term with her surroundings and soon finds herself working as a lady's maid. She is determined to find her way back, but a murder soon pulls her into this world when she realizes they are dealing with a serial killer.

I loved the attention to details, although for me I found a few discrepancies in descriptions and quite a bit of head hopping. However, these were minor. Kendra, of course, stands out from her mannerism to speech garnishing the attention of the Duke of Aldridge and his nephew Alex. When the body of a young woman is found in the fountain, the agent in her cannot help but become involved. A Lady of the ton who is outspoken on the rights of women elevates Kendra's position to companion and she soon finds herself actively working the case. Secondary characters like Rose, Rebecca, and Molly added depth and interest.

The murder-mysteries and Kendra's inclusion in the investigation were wonderful and engaging. While she stumbled a few times with her knowledge, Kendra tried to use her skills, steer the investigation and catch the killer all why avoiding Bedlam. I loved how open minded the Duke and eventually, Alex was with Kendra's knowledge. Kendra even managed to impress the Bow Street Runner. This was a clever mystery with a cast of suspects and multiple murders. All of it, kept me listening as Kendra tried to apply her 21st-century knowledge and skills. It was fun seeing her back peddle or use her knowledge of history to explain terminology when the group questioned things she said or did. She was quite the eccentric.

There was a romantic thread, but it was never in the forefront as Kendra hoped to return to her time. There was a turning point and we see the potential for their relationship to become more. Either way, I was not invested in this thread. The tale is truly a time-traveling murder mystery case and we will have to wait and see if more develops.

The tale was narrated by Lucy Rayner and she did a decent job despite my dislike of her male voices. I thought she captured Kendra well.

The 1815 murder mystery wrapped up nicely with a satisfying conclusion but things don't go as planned for Kendra. We do get an update on happens in the 21st century and if left me anxious. I cannot wait to listen to A TWIST IN TIME. Even though I am not thrilled with Rayner's male voice, I will continue to listen as she is the voice of Kendra.

Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer