Review: The Poisoner’s Ring

Ｔｉｔｌｅ： The Poisoner’s Ring

Ａｕｔｈｏｒ： Kelley Armstrong

Ｓｅｒｉｅｓ： Book 2

Ｒａｔｉｎｇ： ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

＊Ｎｏｔｅ：You can find the review for Book 1 here. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Edinburgh, 1869: Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows… the latest of which is Gray’s oldest sister.

Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead.

This was a thrilling sequel to the series. I found myself glued to every page. It introduced us to Annis, Duncan’s eldest sister. She’s not exactly a ray of sunshine but I think considering Isla and Duncan are so fond of Mallory it shakes things up a bit to have someone a little less agreeable.

What I loved most about this book was how Mallory was able to see through Annis and see her for who she really was. Even when her own brother and sister couldn’t see that she was scared and trying to protect them in her own way, Mallory could. And I loved her for being able to help them see it too.

The plot, however, did feel more dragged out and confusing this time around because there were so many connected cases and details to keep track of. It was still enjoyable and I loved how everything came together in the end. I also really enjoyed the twist at the end and the big reveal. It also showed us a bit more of that growing connection between Mallory and Duncan. I’m not sure it will ever grow into a full-blown romance for so many reasons, but I enjoy the little moments with Mallory and Duncan.

Overall, a great sequel that you should definitely pick up. If you haven’t started the series but love historical fiction and/or mystery thrillers, I highly recommend it!