I'm a big sci-fi / time travel fan and The Time Tourists checked all the boxes for me.

Nelson literally did her home work.

When I actually learn things from a sci-fi book, I know the author did actual, substantial research.
In this case, that research involves everything from architecture and history to physics and photography. Nelson's research helps propel the narrative rather than delivering technical information lectures within the framework of the story.

I even picked up a few new vocabulary words. The research and background work is comparable with more established sci-fi authors such as Kim Stanley Robinson, only not ponderous as Robinson's can sometimes be.

The female protagonist is well-developed and relatable. I found myself really hating the bad guy, especially since the author builds some good background as to why the bad guy is bad.

Some secondary characters sort of get lost along the way. Some of the twists and turns may be a little predicable, but who cares? That's the case with plenty of other fun-to-read books in lots of genres.

This is a compelling read, a page turner, fit for a beach read or long winter evenings.

Overall, this a laudable effort from a first-time novelist.
I will definitely read the sequel - The Yesterday Girl.