The Killing Time (Ali Dawson book 2) by Elly Griffiths

“Sometimes the membrane between this world and the next is very thin.”

DI Ali Dawson heads the Cold Case Unit, affectionally known to some as the Frozen People. Her team’s approach is unconventional – they time travel to the distant past to solve the crimes. After one of their colleagues, Jones, was trapped in 1851 in the first book, Frozen People, the team has been instructed by their superior to remain firmly in the here-and-now.

When Ali’s beloved cat Terry goes missing, she decides to go back in time just long enough to lock the cat-flap and stop him escaping. Of course, this backfires and she finds herself back in Victorian London and is reunited with not only Terry, but Jones too.

While she tries to find a way to return to her own time, she discovers that a suspect from a twenty-first century case also appears to be living in Victorian London. Is he a murderer? Can she, and Terry, find their way home? And what about the mysterious and very attractive Cain Templeton? Does Ali really want to fall in love in 1851?

So, a fair deal of suspension of disbelief is required to enjoy this series. I am not averse to a touch of magic, so I don’t have any issue with this twist to the tale. Ali is a particularly appealing protagonist – intelligent, thrice married, independent, but not afraid to look again for love. The support cast are equally engaging and well drawn. The ending is surprising and satisfying, and leaves the door open for more books in the series.

Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Gaby Meares
Murder on a Monday Reading Group