A Murder in Time Book Summary - A Murder in Time Book explained in key points

A Murder in Time summary

Brief summary

A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain is a gripping thriller that combines time travel and murder mystery. When FBI agent Kendra Donovan finds herself in 19th century England, she must use her modern skills to solve a brutal crime.

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    A Murder in Time
    Summary of key ideas

    Investigating the Murder

    In A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain, Kendra Donovan, a young and talented FBI agent, finds herself thrown back in time to 1815 England. She wakes up in the body of a lady's maid, and despite her confusion, she quickly adapts to her new role. When a young girl is found dead on the estate, Kendra's investigative instincts kick in, and she begins her quest to solve the murder.

    With her modern knowledge, Kendra starts to piece together the evidence, but she soon realizes that she's not the only one with secrets. She uncovers a web of intrigue and deceit within the castle walls, and even the powerful Duke of Aldridge, the estate owner, is not beyond suspicion. As Kendra delves deeper into the case, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

    A Race Against Time

    As Kendra investigates the murder, she struggles to keep her true identity a secret. She befriends the Duke's nephew, Alec, who is an amateur sleuth himself, and together they navigate the treacherous social waters of the Regency era. Kendra also faces the challenge of working without the modern forensic tools she's used to, relying instead on her intuition and observational skills.

    Time is not on Kendra's side. The murderer is still at large, and with each passing day, she risks exposure. Her situation becomes even more perilous when she discovers that the killer may be targeting her next. With the clock ticking, Kendra redoubles her efforts, determined to bring the murderer to justice and find a way back to her own time.

    The Unmasking of the Killer

    As Kendra gets closer to the truth, she faces a series of dangerous confrontations. She narrowly escapes an attempt on her life and realizes that the killer is someone she had least expected. With the help of Alec and her own resourcefulness, she manages to turn the tables on the murderer, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

    In the end, Kendra's quick thinking and modern investigative techniques help her unmask the killer and bring the truth to light. However, just as she's about to return to her own time, she faces a difficult choice. Despite the challenges and dangers she faced in 1815, Kendra has developed strong bonds with the people of that era, especially Alec.

    A Choice of Two Worlds

    Ultimately, Kendra decides to stay in the past, choosing love and a new life over the familiarity of her own time. She continues her detective work, using her unique abilities to solve crimes and make a difference in the 19th century. The book ends with Kendra embracing her new reality, looking forward to the adventures and challenges that lie ahead.

    In conclusion, A Murder in Time is a thrilling blend of historical fiction and mystery, featuring a strong and resourceful heroine. Kendra Donovan's time-traveling adventures are far from over, and readers are left eager to see where her next case will take her.

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    What is A Murder in Time about?

    A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain is a gripping blend of historical fiction and mystery. When modern-day FBI agent Kendra Donovan is catapulted back in time to 1815, she finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation at an English country estate. With her knowledge of forensic science and a determination to solve the case, Kendra must navigate the unfamiliar customs and dangers of the past to catch a killer before it's too late.

    A Murder in Time Review

    A Murder in Time (2016) follows FBI profiler Kendra Donovan, who is thrown back in time to 1815 where she must solve a murder mystery. Here's why this book is worth your time:
    • Its unique blend of genres - historical fiction and crime thriller - offers a refreshing and captivating narrative experience.
    • With a modern-day protagonist navigating Regency era England, the book delivers an intriguing clash of cultures and investigative methods.
    • The story's compelling mystery and unexpected twists ensure that boredom is never an option, keeping readers hooked till the very end.

    Who should read A Murder in Time?

    • Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a twist of mystery and time travel

    • Those who appreciate strong, independent female protagonists

    • People who are intrigued by the idea of solving a murder in a different time period

    About the Author

    Julie McElwain is an American author known for her historical fiction and mystery novels. With a background in journalism, McElwain brings her storytelling skills to her books, creating captivating narratives that transport readers to different time periods. In addition to the Kendra Donovan series, which includes "A Murder in Time," she has also written other works such as "Betrayal in Time" and "Caught in Time." McElwain's ability to blend historical detail with thrilling plots has earned her a dedicated following among fans of the genre.

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    A Murder in Time FAQs 

    What is the main message of A Murder in Time?

    The main message of A Murder in Time is unraveling mysteries across time zones.

    How long does it take to read A Murder in Time?

    Reading A Murder in Time takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.

    Is A Murder in Time a good book? Is it worth reading?

    A Murder in Time offers a thrilling blend of history and suspense, making it a compelling read.

    Who is the author of A Murder in Time?

    Julie McElwain is the author of A Murder in Time.

    What to read after A Murder in Time?

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