The Devil in Oxford by Jess Armstrong

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Ruby Vaughn #3

Release Date: November 4, 2025

As a first-time reader diving into Jess Armstrong’s award-winning Ruby Vaughn series via The Devil in Oxford, I was immediately struck by the intriguing premise—a historical murder mystery set amid the scholarly halls of 1920s Oxford, with a dash of the occult. Armstrong’s ability to weave together elements of gothic suspense, romance, and academic intrigue makes for a richly textured read, and the atmospheric setting of Oxford is certainly a highlight. From twisting alleys to evocative libraries, the city feels alive with secrets and shadows, and the cast of side characters (including the ever-present feline companion) adds plenty of charm and color.

However, as much as I appreciated the layered plot and the darkly alluring world, I found myself struggling with the first-person, single POV narrative. Ruby Vaughn is undeniably compelling—resourceful, funny, and stubbornly independent—but her voice sometimes felt overwhelming, and I wished for more distance or perspective from other characters. At times, the writing style made it difficult for me to emotionally connect with Ruby or fully appreciate the complexities of her relationships, especially with the enigmatic Ruan Kivell. Some of the dialogue quirks, like Mrs. Penrose’s repeated use of “my lover,” also pulled me out of the story rather than deepening the Cornish atmosphere.

As someone who missed the first two books, I occasionally felt adrift among the references to earlier events and Ruby’s mysterious past, though the author does provide enough context for new readers to catch up by the end. The murder itself is gruesome and sensational, and while the investigation is peppered with clues and red herrings, the resolution didn’t quite satisfy me—especially since the killer’s connection to the main cast echoed patterns from previous installments. I would have liked to see more focus on Ruby’s supernatural gifts and the series’ otherworldly elements, which seem to have taken a back seat to cozier vibes in this book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *