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The Chronicles of St Mary's #7
Lies, Damned Lies, and History
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Science Fiction (2016)At St Mary's Institute of Historical Research, the historians don't just study the past, they revisit it. Behind the strait-laced façade of a conventional academic institution, the secret of time travel has been discovered and is being used for ground-breaking and daring historical research. The series takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through from the destruction of Pompeii to the trenches of the First World War; from the Great Fire of London to the burning of the library at Alexandria; from Bronze Age Troy to the time of the dinosaurs... Meanwhile, within at St Mary's itself, there are power struggles, romances and intrigues worthy of a book in themselves.
320 pages, ebook
First published May 19, 2016
About the author
Jodi Taylor
76 books4,984 followersJodi Taylor is the internationally bestselling author of the Chronicles of St Mary's series, the story of a bunch of disaster prone individuals who investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Do NOT call it time travel! She is also the author of the Time Police series - a St Mary's spinoff and gateway into the world of an all-powerful, international organisation who are NOTHING like St Mary's. Except, when they are.
Alongside these, Jodi is known for her gripping supernatural thrillers featuring Elizabeth Cage together with the enchanting Frogmorton Farm series - a fairy story for adults.
Born in Bristol and now living in Gloucester (facts both cities vigorously deny), she spent many years with her head somewhere else, much to the dismay of family, teachers and employers, before finally deciding to put all that daydreaming to good use and write a novel. Over twenty books later, she still has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up.
Alongside these, Jodi is known for her gripping supernatural thrillers featuring Elizabeth Cage together with the enchanting Frogmorton Farm series - a fairy story for adults.
Born in Bristol and now living in Gloucester (facts both cities vigorously deny), she spent many years with her head somewhere else, much to the dismay of family, teachers and employers, before finally deciding to put all that daydreaming to good use and write a novel. Over twenty books later, she still has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 672 reviews
August 15, 2016
What? A total guilty pleasure that doesn't have much to do with romance, vampires, or werewolves? One that reads so easy and so effortlessly and so addictively you might want to classify this as a class A substance?
And OMG we're ALL able to abuse this shit?
Yeah, we are. Just for the price of a book or a whole damn series. Including short stories. We can GET OUR FIX.
What's even better? Oh yeah, it's SF, time travel, and SO MUCH HISTORY for all us history buffs. :) Total history-porn.
Oh, and of course we've still got our favorite characters just jumping blindly into the past where they're able to get into so much damn trouble just because history isn't safe. I mean, is *any* time safe? Of course not... but we have to sigh and reconcile ourselves to the fact that Historians are idiots.
Seriously. Idiots.
Fortunately, it's hard to stay angry at them, even when they jump into several English wars, get into serious trouble with Arthur, become a pawn in Dr. Bairstow's games, even having Max think her last jump before maternity leave would be an easy Stonehenge reveal, but no. Of course, no. Any fan of this series is going to be sitting on the edge of his or her seat and wondering what dire and/or absolutely horrible event is going to happen next, and while I might be a pussycat in real life and wish to tell you what horrors await you in order to steel yourself to the tragedy... well, I won't. I'm mean on occasion. Or often. Who knows?
But this is where the tears start falling... or do they? This author is really, really mean. :)
And AWESOME. This is some great storytelling with really dry humor and great history and great characters and really mean and fast plots. :) Why aren't more people reading this? It's totally entertaining as hell. :)
And OMG we're ALL able to abuse this shit?
Yeah, we are. Just for the price of a book or a whole damn series. Including short stories. We can GET OUR FIX.
What's even better? Oh yeah, it's SF, time travel, and SO MUCH HISTORY for all us history buffs. :) Total history-porn.
Oh, and of course we've still got our favorite characters just jumping blindly into the past where they're able to get into so much damn trouble just because history isn't safe. I mean, is *any* time safe? Of course not... but we have to sigh and reconcile ourselves to the fact that Historians are idiots.
Seriously. Idiots.
Fortunately, it's hard to stay angry at them, even when they jump into several English wars, get into serious trouble with Arthur, become a pawn in Dr. Bairstow's games, even having Max think her last jump before maternity leave would be an easy Stonehenge reveal, but no. Of course, no. Any fan of this series is going to be sitting on the edge of his or her seat and wondering what dire and/or absolutely horrible event is going to happen next, and while I might be a pussycat in real life and wish to tell you what horrors await you in order to steel yourself to the tragedy... well, I won't. I'm mean on occasion. Or often. Who knows?
But this is where the tears start falling... or do they? This author is really, really mean. :)
And AWESOME. This is some great storytelling with really dry humor and great history and great characters and really mean and fast plots. :) Why aren't more people reading this? It's totally entertaining as hell. :)
July 25, 2022
*** 4.44 ***
This series is pure delight! After all the horrors of the first several books, the new timeline restart has really made a big difference, especially when it comes to Max and Leon's relationship. More precisely, it has improved dramatically! Max is pretty much the same old wild and crazy hilarious Historian, but Leon has been transformed into the best husband ever! He has developed the miraculous ability to be able to separate his personal and professional personas, and I think this is what will save them as a couple, because as a coworker Max is a wildcard who takes reckless actions and half-baked decisions putting her life in danger at all times, and Leon is a saint not having strangled her with frustration and for her own safety hundred times over.... And instead of keeping her pumped up with narcotics and keeping her in a cage, while at home and off the clock this wonderful man finds ways to be there for her crazy ass and do anything to make her feel better and safe. I want a husband like Leon, please!
In this book a young Historian gets emotional and Max and Peterson, being the good and loyal pals that they are, support him in a very bad and illegal plan, which puts not only their jobs in jeopardy, but the whole operation of St. Mary's Institute comes under fire, scrutiny, and is threatened with being shut down... How the heck are they going to get out of this mess? On top of that, they have couple of intense jumps in 6th century Britain, some very sad details from the coronation of King George - my heart broke for Princess Caroline, and even a soaking during a crossing in the thirteen century of King John... And Max is pregnant throughout, just making everyone uncomfortable with the idea that they might have to assist with delivery at any time...
Nothing ever goes right in St. Mary's and if it wasn't for bad luck they would have no luck at all... I find myself rooting for those screw-ups more and more, thinking of them as friends, experiencing all the ups and downs with them, even shedding some tears among the laughter. There are the ever present bad guys who seem to exist just so they can make our gang's lives miserable. But we also have some new teammates who seem to be made for life in the weird lane where St. Mary's resides permanently. Thank goodness for Dr. B, always plotting like a chess champion, keeping things if not regular, at least still rolling...
I really hope I can encourage more people to read this series, because it is a very enjoyable and well written Time-travel Alternative History treat for the historically inclined. And the characters are very very likable! You guys have to check it out! 😉😋😎!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come! 😁
This series is pure delight! After all the horrors of the first several books, the new timeline restart has really made a big difference, especially when it comes to Max and Leon's relationship. More precisely, it has improved dramatically! Max is pretty much the same old wild and crazy hilarious Historian, but Leon has been transformed into the best husband ever! He has developed the miraculous ability to be able to separate his personal and professional personas, and I think this is what will save them as a couple, because as a coworker Max is a wildcard who takes reckless actions and half-baked decisions putting her life in danger at all times, and Leon is a saint not having strangled her with frustration and for her own safety hundred times over.... And instead of keeping her pumped up with narcotics and keeping her in a cage, while at home and off the clock this wonderful man finds ways to be there for her crazy ass and do anything to make her feel better and safe. I want a husband like Leon, please!
In this book a young Historian gets emotional and Max and Peterson, being the good and loyal pals that they are, support him in a very bad and illegal plan, which puts not only their jobs in jeopardy, but the whole operation of St. Mary's Institute comes under fire, scrutiny, and is threatened with being shut down... How the heck are they going to get out of this mess? On top of that, they have couple of intense jumps in 6th century Britain, some very sad details from the coronation of King George - my heart broke for Princess Caroline, and even a soaking during a crossing in the thirteen century of King John... And Max is pregnant throughout, just making everyone uncomfortable with the idea that they might have to assist with delivery at any time...
Nothing ever goes right in St. Mary's and if it wasn't for bad luck they would have no luck at all... I find myself rooting for those screw-ups more and more, thinking of them as friends, experiencing all the ups and downs with them, even shedding some tears among the laughter. There are the ever present bad guys who seem to exist just so they can make our gang's lives miserable. But we also have some new teammates who seem to be made for life in the weird lane where St. Mary's resides permanently. Thank goodness for Dr. B, always plotting like a chess champion, keeping things if not regular, at least still rolling...
I really hope I can encourage more people to read this series, because it is a very enjoyable and well written Time-travel Alternative History treat for the historically inclined. And the characters are very very likable! You guys have to check it out! 😉😋😎!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come! 😁
September 30, 2017
This rollercoaster event was proudly presented to you by Oscar the ringworm and carnivorous goats. :D
Interestingly enough this book and the events therein reminded me strongly of book #1. What I mean is that there was quite a number of events leading the reader this way and that, throwing us around (not just through time) and making it impossible to breathe or foresee where this was going.
In the beginning there is a pregnant Max who is on "light duty". I must say I was as put out as she was by this because we missed out on the battle in the Teutoburg Forest where a Roman legion was smashed to bits and pieces. It's one of my favourite moments in history so I would have been delighted to read the author's vivid take on it instead of going to witness the embarrassing last moments of Caroline von Brunswick!
After that, we get to see none other than Arthur Pendragon (those chapters were again wonderful, even though there is very little historical information), we have a plan going horribly wrong although everything went exactly right, then disaster hits St. Mary's and all the things that made it cozy and wonderful in the past are gone, leaving a dreary place that made me want to scream! But, naturally, our favourite bunch of time travellers has a "plan" at some point (but boy was it tough to get there) and a few people actually learn a lesson. Unfortunately, others don't. *sigh*
Oh, and another jump leads back to the origin of Stonehenge and it was dreamy and very impressive.
It really was a rollercoaster ride what with the different things happening, everything being somehow connected, the ups and downs in personal relationships (I was ready to murder certain people), new situations arising from the aforementioned disaster, ...
The worst part, emotionally, was when Ronan showed up. Seriously, I will never ever waste my time again trying to feel pity or sympathy for a bad guy. After what happened in this book, the way he will die (which we know from one of the previous books - timey wimey stuff is complicated sometimes) seems too easy and not in any way gruesome enough. It made me rage, it made me dispair, it made me mentally kick myself for ever feeling for this *peep*! I wish he could get killed more than once!
Since this books was mostly about Max herself as well as her family life and the foundation for her and Leon's future, this was less about the history bits although they were included. The descriptions of ancient times were vivid as ever and there were a lot of funny moments to lighten the mood, but it was obvious that the main focus was on the relationship between the various characters. From always-deviously-planning Dr. Bairstow, to the new historians from the last book, to Prof. Rapson and Dr. Dowson (who saved me emotionally during the dreary phase), to Leon who almost appeared to be as bad as the one from timeline 1 for a while, to ... actually, all of them had their moment in the light in this one and it was fantastic.
Just like Not to mention what must have been necessary for ! But the best surprise of all was given to us by none other than Mr. Markham! Boy, I really like him and he had a few very distinct scenes in this one showing his other/deeper side so I am now sitting here, grinning like an idiot, remembering the very last thing he says in this book.
Therefore, although I'm sad it's now over until book #8 is published next year (yes, I know, there is one more short story to go and another one to be released around Christmas but still), it was very satisfying. Excruciating, maddening but also hilarious and endearing - just like St. Mary's always is. And there are still a lot of mysteries to explore (not to mention all the other historical moments we haven't seen yet) so I really hope the author will give us many more books in this series. And I dearly hope that the impeccable Zara Ramm will keep narrating them!
P.S.: I hope that
Interestingly enough this book and the events therein reminded me strongly of book #1. What I mean is that there was quite a number of events leading the reader this way and that, throwing us around (not just through time) and making it impossible to breathe or foresee where this was going.
In the beginning there is a pregnant Max who is on "light duty". I must say I was as put out as she was by this because we missed out on the battle in the Teutoburg Forest where a Roman legion was smashed to bits and pieces. It's one of my favourite moments in history so I would have been delighted to read the author's vivid take on it instead of going to witness the embarrassing last moments of Caroline von Brunswick!
After that, we get to see none other than Arthur Pendragon (those chapters were again wonderful, even though there is very little historical information), we have a plan going horribly wrong although everything went exactly right, then disaster hits St. Mary's and all the things that made it cozy and wonderful in the past are gone, leaving a dreary place that made me want to scream! But, naturally, our favourite bunch of time travellers has a "plan" at some point (but boy was it tough to get there) and a few people actually learn a lesson. Unfortunately, others don't. *sigh*
Oh, and another jump leads back to the origin of Stonehenge and it was dreamy and very impressive.
It really was a rollercoaster ride what with the different things happening, everything being somehow connected, the ups and downs in personal relationships (I was ready to murder certain people), new situations arising from the aforementioned disaster, ...
The worst part, emotionally, was when Ronan showed up. Seriously, I will never ever waste my time again trying to feel pity or sympathy for a bad guy. After what happened in this book, the way he will die (which we know from one of the previous books - timey wimey stuff is complicated sometimes) seems too easy and not in any way gruesome enough. It made me rage, it made me dispair, it made me mentally kick myself for ever feeling for this *peep*! I wish he could get killed more than once!
Since this books was mostly about Max herself as well as her family life and the foundation for her and Leon's future, this was less about the history bits although they were included. The descriptions of ancient times were vivid as ever and there were a lot of funny moments to lighten the mood, but it was obvious that the main focus was on the relationship between the various characters. From always-deviously-planning Dr. Bairstow, to the new historians from the last book, to Prof. Rapson and Dr. Dowson (who saved me emotionally during the dreary phase), to Leon who almost appeared to be as bad as the one from timeline 1 for a while, to ... actually, all of them had their moment in the light in this one and it was fantastic.
Just like Not to mention what must have been necessary for ! But the best surprise of all was given to us by none other than Mr. Markham! Boy, I really like him and he had a few very distinct scenes in this one showing his other/deeper side so I am now sitting here, grinning like an idiot, remembering the very last thing he says in this book.
Therefore, although I'm sad it's now over until book #8 is published next year (yes, I know, there is one more short story to go and another one to be released around Christmas but still), it was very satisfying. Excruciating, maddening but also hilarious and endearing - just like St. Mary's always is. And there are still a lot of mysteries to explore (not to mention all the other historical moments we haven't seen yet) so I really hope the author will give us many more books in this series. And I dearly hope that the impeccable Zara Ramm will keep narrating them!
P.S.: I hope that
April 9, 2017
Rating: 4* of five
Oh happy, happy sigh. Series book reading is a special corner of the larger literary marketplace. A serial series-book reader craves the comfort level of familiar faces but requires that story still take place, therefore tribulation and torment and so on be inflicted on our pals.
It's a little like being married, or as I recall that exceedingly unnatural institution anyway: Fun is had in the schadenfreude of the moment of maximum chaos, confusion, and disorder, before a new but very similar order emerges to give the world a spurious appearance of continuity.
I've had pitchers of this Kool-Aid and I'm coming back for more.
Oh happy, happy sigh. Series book reading is a special corner of the larger literary marketplace. A serial series-book reader craves the comfort level of familiar faces but requires that story still take place, therefore tribulation and torment and so on be inflicted on our pals.
It's a little like being married, or as I recall that exceedingly unnatural institution anyway: Fun is had in the schadenfreude of the moment of maximum chaos, confusion, and disorder, before a new but very similar order emerges to give the world a spurious appearance of continuity.
I've had pitchers of this Kool-Aid and I'm coming back for more.
March 2, 2018
What to say.?! By this point in the series you must enjoy the mad shenanigans, quick- wit repartee, the way everything seems better after a cuppa and just plain FUN that these books are. I did!
June 18, 2019
#7 of her crazy series with the St. Mary's crew. . . .I love these. If you are looking for sense and seriousness, you may experience allergic reactions. If you want laughs, time jumps through history and relationship, momentary shots of adrenaline with equally quick resolutions, you will like this. It is a series with books / shorts between actual numbers (3.5, 2.75, etc) and you make need to get creative to find them, but it is worth the effort to read in order.
That said -anything more will result in a spoiler. Read on, McDuff!
That said -anything more will result in a spoiler. Read on, McDuff!
March 4, 2018
Buddy Read with the Honorary Historians of BB&B.
The way this started made me chew my nails for about half the book. And then just as I was taking a breath and despairing of what my manicurist is going to say next time I have an appointment things somehow managed to get worse. By this time I should have known better as to let my guard down.
If you've gotten to this point of the series, you're already familiar with the rather formulaic way the plot develops - jump, disaster in the past, disaster in the present caused either by what the historians did during the jump or in the past as in the recent past (no pods involved), suffering the consequences and then another jump to fix things. The consequences were almost too much for St Mary's to deal with. I felt so desolate at times and just when I thought things can't deteriorate more Max and Peterson showed that they do have some redeeming qualities, professionally speaking. So just when I thought "hey things turned out pretty well" i realized we're only halfway through the book. Imagine my trepidation waiting for the next disaster to hit. Waiting and waiting and when I was thinking that maybe this time we'll just get to enjoy some of St Mary's down time with no major troubles Clive Ronan showed up and sent my heart rate rocketing again. I won't say much but
The ending was very sweet and with that last little nugget by Markham I'm quite intrigued by what the next instalment will present us.
The way this started made me chew my nails for about half the book. And then just as I was taking a breath and despairing of what my manicurist is going to say next time I have an appointment things somehow managed to get worse. By this time I should have known better as to let my guard down.
If you've gotten to this point of the series, you're already familiar with the rather formulaic way the plot develops - jump, disaster in the past, disaster in the present caused either by what the historians did during the jump or in the past as in the recent past (no pods involved), suffering the consequences and then another jump to fix things. The consequences were almost too much for St Mary's to deal with. I felt so desolate at times and just when I thought things can't deteriorate more Max and Peterson showed that they do have some redeeming qualities, professionally speaking. So just when I thought "hey things turned out pretty well" i realized we're only halfway through the book. Imagine my trepidation waiting for the next disaster to hit. Waiting and waiting and when I was thinking that maybe this time we'll just get to enjoy some of St Mary's down time with no major troubles Clive Ronan showed up and sent my heart rate rocketing again. I won't say much but
The ending was very sweet and with that last little nugget by Markham I'm quite intrigued by what the next instalment will present us.
March 12, 2018
This series has really grown on me which is sorta amazing since at book 3 I was totally ready to give up on the entire thing. Not only have the plot lines gotten significantly better but the author has figured out how to cause drama in the story without making the love interest characters have some detrimental communication driven catastrophe befall them.
The best part of this story for me has always been the moments in time that the characters go back to and seeing a historic event in a new light. The most significant thus far is the trip back to the time of Arthur and his knights. For one I never realized the Author, Excalibur and the Nights of the Round table was based on a real figure from history (this is one of those times I feel like a stupid American in my utter lack of historical knowledge past the American Revolution). Seeing a possible way that he could travel in and save the day for various communities was great and I was possibly the funniest solution to fighting in a battle that the St. Mary’s men have ever come up with.
This series still suffers from some really choppy sequencing sometimes and I’m a linear thinker so at times it is difficult for me to figure out the flow of the story when sometimes we are present day and other times we are in the past, the past past and the freaking super far past.
Max and Leon really are getting this whole marriage thing down and bravo to Leon for supporting a pregnant Max and accepting her traipsing through time with their unborn son. You know her really wants to lock her up in a room at St Mary’s and make sure she is safe and sound forever. But it seems that he has found a way to deal with Max his marriage and St. Mary’s. I think they will be okay.
Wow to some of the stuff that happened in this book though. I mean the stuff with Roland near the end was really heart stopping and I almost cheated and looked at the blurb for the next book just to get a clue as to how much trouble Max and babe were really in.
Really it has been some fantastic moments in time and I’m loving the direction the series has taken.
The best part of this story for me has always been the moments in time that the characters go back to and seeing a historic event in a new light. The most significant thus far is the trip back to the time of Arthur and his knights. For one I never realized the Author, Excalibur and the Nights of the Round table was based on a real figure from history (this is one of those times I feel like a stupid American in my utter lack of historical knowledge past the American Revolution). Seeing a possible way that he could travel in and save the day for various communities was great and I was possibly the funniest solution to fighting in a battle that the St. Mary’s men have ever come up with.
This series still suffers from some really choppy sequencing sometimes and I’m a linear thinker so at times it is difficult for me to figure out the flow of the story when sometimes we are present day and other times we are in the past, the past past and the freaking super far past.
Max and Leon really are getting this whole marriage thing down and bravo to Leon for supporting a pregnant Max and accepting her traipsing through time with their unborn son. You know her really wants to lock her up in a room at St Mary’s and make sure she is safe and sound forever. But it seems that he has found a way to deal with Max his marriage and St. Mary’s. I think they will be okay.
‘As Chief Technical Officer I am angrier than I can possibly say. That you could do such a thing beggars belief.’
I unfolded my arms and prepared to disembowel him.
He continued. ‘As your husband, I am mildly exasperated at your inability to stay out of trouble. At this particular moment, I am this unit’s CTO. Later tonight I will be your husband. All right?’
Wow to some of the stuff that happened in this book though. I mean the stuff with Roland near the end was really heart stopping and I almost cheated and looked at the blurb for the next book just to get a clue as to how much trouble Max and babe were really in.
Really it has been some fantastic moments in time and I’m loving the direction the series has taken.
October 15, 2017
Can't wait for the next one!
February 9, 2021
A hint of supernatural is tossed in as Max and crew try to rectify a mistake with Arthur's sword, yes, THAT Arthur, and again in a very, very, very early Stonehenge.
And no discussion of Stonehenge can not include a Spinal Tap reference.
“I do not, for one, think that the problem was that the band was down. I think that the problem may have been that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf.”
And no discussion of Stonehenge can not include a Spinal Tap reference.
“I do not, for one, think that the problem was that the band was down. I think that the problem may have been that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed by a dwarf.”
February 11, 2017
King Arthur, stealing swords, a whole load of bad luck, and time travel. What more could you wish for in a jolly good book? This series continues to enchant and charm me and this book was just so much fun. I found myself really getting into the story twists and there were many fabulous character moments which made me smile and even outright laugh (which doesn't happen that often tbh!)
Once more we're following Max, but this time she and her team have just gone too far and the adventure that starts out so well quickly becomes a nightmare that means they may all lose their jobs. max and her team are Historians, they travel through time documenting and recording history to find out the truth behind the legends.
What I adore about these is the pure light-hearted fun the characters have and the fact that even in the worst of situations there is ALWAYS time for a cup of tea. These books delight me and make me smile, and for me that is the sign of a very good read. 4*s :) Highly recommend the whole series to-date and I am eagerly anticipating the next book to be released!!!
Once more we're following Max, but this time she and her team have just gone too far and the adventure that starts out so well quickly becomes a nightmare that means they may all lose their jobs. max and her team are Historians, they travel through time documenting and recording history to find out the truth behind the legends.
What I adore about these is the pure light-hearted fun the characters have and the fact that even in the worst of situations there is ALWAYS time for a cup of tea. These books delight me and make me smile, and for me that is the sign of a very good read. 4*s :) Highly recommend the whole series to-date and I am eagerly anticipating the next book to be released!!!
December 20, 2018
This is probably the wittiest book in the series since the first couple installments. I'm getting over the plot holes at this point, because let's be honest, there's not a bit of fiction on time travel without plot holes.
The history in this book actually taught me a few things I didn't know, and I also felt some suspense in the plot. She's obviously witty and clever, and I found myself chuckling fairly often.
It's hard to review a book in a series like this, because I feel like I'm saying the same things over and over. I sincerely doubt if you've made it this far, that you won't enjoy this book.
Also, thanks to Maja for this wonderful Christmas present!
The history in this book actually taught me a few things I didn't know, and I also felt some suspense in the plot. She's obviously witty and clever, and I found myself chuckling fairly often.
It's hard to review a book in a series like this, because I feel like I'm saying the same things over and over. I sincerely doubt if you've made it this far, that you won't enjoy this book.
Also, thanks to Maja for this wonderful Christmas present!
February 20, 2017
This will be an entire review from books 1-7, excluding the Novellas.
Overview:
This was an enjoyable series and I highly recommend if for people that like historical fiction. While the series was interesting and refreshing, it had some faults that made me rate it a three stars out of five stars. I do have more "negative" things to say about the book, but that shouldn't deter anyone from reading them.
Good:
Jodi Taylor did a splendid job capturing the past. Each book had completely different jumps with my favorites being Stonehenge, Saudi Arabia, and the Cretaceous period. I appreciate the liberties she didn't take. Many of these locations has myths and legends surrounding them (in particular Troy) and she didn't run wild with them. She presented logical explanations for why certain things happened. She did a good job including some more recent events (i.e the 1800's) that aren't as well known.
The characters were fun. The friendship between Max, Petersen, and Markham was great. Each character had their own aspects and brought different things to the series. I didn't really have a favorite character, but I thought Rosie Lee and Miss North were the most interesting. I did like the inclusion of the Kleio and wished she had more appearances and went by something other than Mrs. Partridge.
The romance of the books were okay. Surprisingly, A Trail Through Time was my favorite and the one that concentrated on the romance the most. However, this was due more to them jumping up and down the timeline rather than the relationship.
The villains of the book was unique as well. There were two main antagonist and there is a hint of a third. I particularly liked the concept of the time police. People that are suppose to be protecting the past, yet don't really care about it. I hope that with Captain Ellis, this will change.
Needs Improvement:
I was bothered quite a bit by the intense focus on European history. There were ~5 jumps per book. Over 7 books this would be ~35 jumps that we saw(one again this is excluding the novellas). Out of 35 jumps we went to Egypt 3 times, Saudi Arabia once, and Mauritius once. Subtracting the two cretaceous jumps that leaves us with 5/33 jumps in other locations besides Europe. Three of which were in the same country. If I were Thirsk and a historian at St. Mary's I would want to visit more unknown locations. Go the Mayas. Visit the Incas. Even more annoying was how often the jumps were to a location in Britain, France, Italy, and Greece (well technically Asia Minor, but it was a Greek city).
The characters didn't develop. Over how many years (which is another pet peeve) they didn't develop. Max is still making reckless decisions. She isn't bothering to communicate with her partner. She treats her friends the same, making the same jokes. It took 6 books and how many novellas for her to marry Leon. I disliked how often we just spent time with Petersen and Markham. Leon is rarely seen (except for A Travel Through Time) and it took me several books to figure out who Prentiss and Clerk were.
Each book was unique and some of them did a great job mixing it up ( A Trail Through Time and What Could Possibly Go Wrong?), but it became repetitive. I would say over 60% of the time the jumps went horribly wrong somehow. Whether it was deaths or hijacking. The same jokes were made all through out the series. I swear every 6 pages Max was saying something like "well we are St. Marys and we do love our tea" or something like that.
One last comment (added on 12/20/2016): What on earth did Thirsk do with the information St. Mary's gave them? How would they publish it? How would they credit it? "And our time travelling historians that nobody knows about gathered this information". I don't think I'd really work.
What I hope happens in future books:
*establishment of Saint Mary's
* A timeline. What year is it? How old is Max? The first book took place over 5 years. How many years as it been since then?
*More info about Leon
* More Kalinda Black
Overview:
This was an enjoyable series and I highly recommend if for people that like historical fiction. While the series was interesting and refreshing, it had some faults that made me rate it a three stars out of five stars. I do have more "negative" things to say about the book, but that shouldn't deter anyone from reading them.
Good:
Jodi Taylor did a splendid job capturing the past. Each book had completely different jumps with my favorites being Stonehenge, Saudi Arabia, and the Cretaceous period. I appreciate the liberties she didn't take. Many of these locations has myths and legends surrounding them (in particular Troy) and she didn't run wild with them. She presented logical explanations for why certain things happened. She did a good job including some more recent events (i.e the 1800's) that aren't as well known.
The characters were fun. The friendship between Max, Petersen, and Markham was great. Each character had their own aspects and brought different things to the series. I didn't really have a favorite character, but I thought Rosie Lee and Miss North were the most interesting. I did like the inclusion of the Kleio and wished she had more appearances and went by something other than Mrs. Partridge.
The romance of the books were okay. Surprisingly, A Trail Through Time was my favorite and the one that concentrated on the romance the most. However, this was due more to them jumping up and down the timeline rather than the relationship.
The villains of the book was unique as well. There were two main antagonist and there is a hint of a third. I particularly liked the concept of the time police. People that are suppose to be protecting the past, yet don't really care about it. I hope that with Captain Ellis, this will change.
Needs Improvement:
I was bothered quite a bit by the intense focus on European history. There were ~5 jumps per book. Over 7 books this would be ~35 jumps that we saw(one again this is excluding the novellas). Out of 35 jumps we went to Egypt 3 times, Saudi Arabia once, and Mauritius once. Subtracting the two cretaceous jumps that leaves us with 5/33 jumps in other locations besides Europe. Three of which were in the same country. If I were Thirsk and a historian at St. Mary's I would want to visit more unknown locations. Go the Mayas. Visit the Incas. Even more annoying was how often the jumps were to a location in Britain, France, Italy, and Greece (well technically Asia Minor, but it was a Greek city).
The characters didn't develop. Over how many years (which is another pet peeve) they didn't develop. Max is still making reckless decisions. She isn't bothering to communicate with her partner. She treats her friends the same, making the same jokes. It took 6 books and how many novellas for her to marry Leon. I disliked how often we just spent time with Petersen and Markham. Leon is rarely seen (except for A Travel Through Time) and it took me several books to figure out who Prentiss and Clerk were.
Each book was unique and some of them did a great job mixing it up ( A Trail Through Time and What Could Possibly Go Wrong?), but it became repetitive. I would say over 60% of the time the jumps went horribly wrong somehow. Whether it was deaths or hijacking. The same jokes were made all through out the series. I swear every 6 pages Max was saying something like "well we are St. Marys and we do love our tea" or something like that.
One last comment (added on 12/20/2016): What on earth did Thirsk do with the information St. Mary's gave them? How would they publish it? How would they credit it? "And our time travelling historians that nobody knows about gathered this information". I don't think I'd really work.
What I hope happens in future books:
*establishment of Saint Mary's
* A timeline. What year is it? How old is Max? The first book took place over 5 years. How many years as it been since then?
*More info about Leon
* More Kalinda Black
February 1, 2021
I adore this series and I love the audiobooks - Zara Ramm IS Max, as far as I'm concerned. Jodi Taylor is such a witty writer. This book is my favourite of the series so far. There are moments of real tension and dread amidst the humour. Loved it. On to the next...
September 20, 2024
Rarely does a book have me crying with laughter but in this series each book has achieved it several times. I have new ambitions to become a St.Marys historian
February 28, 2021
Another fantastic book from the series, what a ride this one was!
August 18, 2016
Another great instalment in the Chronicles, or should I say Tribulations, of St Mary’s.
This time we get a quick look at Arthur and even visit Stonehenge. As entertaining as these historical visits are, it is really the characters that time and again win you over, and their interactions with each other. That and Taylor’s writing skill. Yes, she entertains you with humour and thrilling scenes, throwing you relentlessly from one thing to another, lulling you, but then every so often she shows her true evil colours, sneaking in some truly terrible events that will make your heart beat faster, put your hands over your face (sporting a sheer look of horror), and scream 'noooooooooooo!’. And once you've recovered, after a little while, you'll be hooked and counting how long until your next fix! Resistance is futile :O)
This time we get a quick look at Arthur and even visit Stonehenge. As entertaining as these historical visits are, it is really the characters that time and again win you over, and their interactions with each other. That and Taylor’s writing skill. Yes, she entertains you with humour and thrilling scenes, throwing you relentlessly from one thing to another, lulling you, but then every so often she shows her true evil colours, sneaking in some truly terrible events that will make your heart beat faster, put your hands over your face (sporting a sheer look of horror), and scream 'noooooooooooo!’. And once you've recovered, after a little while, you'll be hooked and counting how long until your next fix! Resistance is futile :O)
August 17, 2016
Another good 'un, with moments scary and hysterically funny. Taylor really knows how to build suspense in both types of situation. I'll admit that I had my fingers crossed at one point that she wasn't going to go for a dark resolution....should have known better.
Quotable quote:
Pathetically hopeful, she said, 'Am I a historian?' 'Well, you're in a pod. You're wearing 13th century clothing stained with someone else's blood. You stink of beer and horse shit. Your hair is coming down. You've split your lip and your nose is bleeding. I'd say you've nailed it.'
Quotable quote:
Pathetically hopeful, she said, 'Am I a historian?' 'Well, you're in a pod. You're wearing 13th century clothing stained with someone else's blood. You stink of beer and horse shit. Your hair is coming down. You've split your lip and your nose is bleeding. I'd say you've nailed it.'
May 17, 2018
My favourite in the entire series
September 21, 2022
I used to love Jodi Taylor. I loved Max. (I also love Zara Ramm.) (It's especially fun to hear her say "Caer Guorthigern".) But the premise of this installment in the Chronicles of St. Mary's is … not what it could be.
When Max's team brings back the location of an extraordinary artifact, the information is passed on to Thirsk, St. Mary's funding partner, who promptly and happily recovers it and locks it up for future study. And almost immediately terrible things begin happening to the area from which the artifact was taken, and a member of Max's team is certain that the run of bad luck is entirely due to the removal of that artifact. So they decide to put it back.
Technically, to steal it and put it back.
Aaaaaand of course things go pear–shaped. "I tied up my hair and surveyed my team: Marcus, Evans, Lingos, and me. What could possibly go wrong?"
And here's the thing. A couple of times in the planning phase someone says "couldn't we just ask them to put it back?" And as everyone in the book said "no" I was saying "but –" – because … couldn't they? Granted, having the artifact in storage is awesome – but I could completely see the whole "asking" thing working. If spun right it could have been a media bonanza.
But that's not the route the story took, and you know? As long as I get to hang out with Marcus and Evans and Lingos, Max and Leon and all the rest of the St. Mary's team; as long as the pods still smell of cabbage and now and then the world goes white, all is well. All is better than well – all is grand.
I could also do a "well, actually" about the tight scheduling around the crown jewel rescue to avoid being in the same time twice - couldn't they have just jumped to the next day at St-Mary's-of-then? But ... whatever. Let's face it - if I love an author they can get away with bloody near anything. I used to love Jodi Taylor. Therefore, whatever.
Welcome, Matthew Edward Farrell. Every child should have a bear to watch over them. You might need six or seven. (I make teddy bears, Max - *makes "call me" sign*)
Quotes that will probably work their way into my everyday speech, whether it makes sense or not:
…I was well down the road to self–recrimination and despondency and slightly miffed that no one was coming with me.
"You should employ more girls."
"We used to, but they made the boys cry."
And best of all: "Is it like terrapins?" – Markham
Actually, the best line was the last one, which I won't spoil here.
When Max's team brings back the location of an extraordinary artifact, the information is passed on to Thirsk, St. Mary's funding partner, who promptly and happily recovers it and locks it up for future study. And almost immediately terrible things begin happening to the area from which the artifact was taken, and a member of Max's team is certain that the run of bad luck is entirely due to the removal of that artifact. So they decide to put it back.
Technically, to steal it and put it back.
Aaaaaand of course things go pear–shaped. "I tied up my hair and surveyed my team: Marcus, Evans, Lingos, and me. What could possibly go wrong?"
And here's the thing. A couple of times in the planning phase someone says "couldn't we just ask them to put it back?" And as everyone in the book said "no" I was saying "but –" – because … couldn't they? Granted, having the artifact in storage is awesome – but I could completely see the whole "asking" thing working. If spun right it could have been a media bonanza.
But that's not the route the story took, and you know? As long as I get to hang out with Marcus and Evans and Lingos, Max and Leon and all the rest of the St. Mary's team; as long as the pods still smell of cabbage and now and then the world goes white, all is well. All is better than well – all is grand.
I could also do a "well, actually" about the tight scheduling around the crown jewel rescue to avoid being in the same time twice - couldn't they have just jumped to the next day at St-Mary's-of-then? But ... whatever. Let's face it - if I love an author they can get away with bloody near anything. I used to love Jodi Taylor. Therefore, whatever.
Welcome, Matthew Edward Farrell. Every child should have a bear to watch over them. You might need six or seven. (I make teddy bears, Max - *makes "call me" sign*)
Quotes that will probably work their way into my everyday speech, whether it makes sense or not:
…I was well down the road to self–recrimination and despondency and slightly miffed that no one was coming with me.
"You should employ more girls."
"We used to, but they made the boys cry."
And best of all: "Is it like terrapins?" – Markham
Actually, the best line was the last one, which I won't spoil here.
August 17, 2020
If you’ve been following my booklogs you’ll realise that I’ve read all seven of the St Mary’s books in the space of just over a week, plus the five available short stories. To say I’ve enjoyed them would be an understatement. The mayhem caused by the time-travelling historians of St Mary’s, disaster magnets all, have been immensely amusing—just plain fun..
To begin with Max and her partners in crime (literally this time) Peterson and Markham are in deep trouble, having done the wrong thing for the right reasons – or maybe it was the right thing… but no one else sees it that way, It all starts when they accidentally get caught up in a battle involving (King) Arthur and spot an opportunity. Things go sour. They try to set it right and end up almost under house arrest. Regardless of her burgeoning pregnancy Max tries to make amends with another wild scheme. It would have worked out well without Max’s arch-enemy Ronan stepping in. There’s a real race against time at the end.
Whether there will be more to come after this book remains to be seen, but Ms Taylor has left some nice loose ends, although she pretty much sets Max down at the beginning of a new phase in her life. There are still plenty of opportunities for more, however. Oh, and there’s a nice little twist right at the end that made me smile. I highly recommend the whole series – but read them in order.
Audiobook 17/08/2020
I really enjoyed revisiting this story again. I basically covers the period of Max's pregnancy. Supposedly on light duties she still seems to get into a lot of trouble. Alternately light and dark, this is one that's difficult to put down. And there's a perfect reveal right at the end. Zara Ramm is the perfect reader for this series of stories
To begin with Max and her partners in crime (literally this time) Peterson and Markham are in deep trouble, having done the wrong thing for the right reasons – or maybe it was the right thing… but no one else sees it that way, It all starts when they accidentally get caught up in a battle involving (King) Arthur and spot an opportunity. Things go sour. They try to set it right and end up almost under house arrest. Regardless of her burgeoning pregnancy Max tries to make amends with another wild scheme. It would have worked out well without Max’s arch-enemy Ronan stepping in. There’s a real race against time at the end.
Whether there will be more to come after this book remains to be seen, but Ms Taylor has left some nice loose ends, although she pretty much sets Max down at the beginning of a new phase in her life. There are still plenty of opportunities for more, however. Oh, and there’s a nice little twist right at the end that made me smile. I highly recommend the whole series – but read them in order.
Audiobook 17/08/2020
I really enjoyed revisiting this story again. I basically covers the period of Max's pregnancy. Supposedly on light duties she still seems to get into a lot of trouble. Alternately light and dark, this is one that's difficult to put down. And there's a perfect reveal right at the end. Zara Ramm is the perfect reader for this series of stories
September 10, 2024
More awesome adventures for the St. Mary's gang.
July 21, 2016
Fun antics per usual at St. Mary's. A good series as a palate cleanser between books with intense action or intricately plotted books. Taylor has a gift for funny reparte between characters.
August 11, 2023
Yet another volume in this always delightful series.
It’s chock full of the usual trademark humor, thrills and spills, twists and turns, comedy and tragedy.
In this volume our narrator and main character, Madeleine Maxwell aka Max aka Dr. Maxwell is the Chief Operations Officer at St Mary’s, is married, pregnant, and “In even more trouble than usual” (and she’s nearly always in trouble).
In fact, her actions get in her deep disgrace and cause her to become a pariah at St Mary’s, where “a bunch of disaster-prone historians….investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Do NOT call it time travel!”
You never know what’s careening around the bend in this series about the escapades of madcap, tea drinking historians and the various calamities they face.
Zara Ramm is generally a good audio narrator, but even by the standards of an error prone business (audio narration) she makes an awful lot of mistakes: reading “efforts” instead of “effects”, “even” instead of “ever”, “serve those” instead of “serve”, “teddy bear” instead of “teddy”, “urine” instead of “urinate”, etc. Alas, I wish audio narrators would read the text accurately, but as the old cliche goes “if wishes could be horses, then beggars would be kings”. So I guess this is unlikely to change. Possibly most readers don’t even notice.
It’s chock full of the usual trademark humor, thrills and spills, twists and turns, comedy and tragedy.
In this volume our narrator and main character, Madeleine Maxwell aka Max aka Dr. Maxwell is the Chief Operations Officer at St Mary’s, is married, pregnant, and “In even more trouble than usual” (and she’s nearly always in trouble).
In fact, her actions get in her deep disgrace and cause her to become a pariah at St Mary’s, where “a bunch of disaster-prone historians….investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Do NOT call it time travel!”
You never know what’s careening around the bend in this series about the escapades of madcap, tea drinking historians and the various calamities they face.
Zara Ramm is generally a good audio narrator, but even by the standards of an error prone business (audio narration) she makes an awful lot of mistakes: reading “efforts” instead of “effects”, “even” instead of “ever”, “serve those” instead of “serve”, “teddy bear” instead of “teddy”, “urine” instead of “urinate”, etc. Alas, I wish audio narrators would read the text accurately, but as the old cliche goes “if wishes could be horses, then beggars would be kings”. So I guess this is unlikely to change. Possibly most readers don’t even notice.
December 18, 2016
"The history of decline and commercialisation"
Here we go, I will probably offend many Jodi Taylor fans with what I will write, but it must be said, book five was a stretch of plot and humor book seven is just regurgitated pulp, she has nothing new to say, the adventures in the past are repetitive at best and the humor is puerile, not giving the characters any chance to grow or develop. In a crime story at least you get a new crime, here we go into the past it all turns into a mess, we return to make a mess again then fix the mess and a small development in Max’s relationship, end of the book.
Jodi Taylor is a very good writer stuck in a contract, she needs to expand on a period or find a plot that is less constrictive by the need to run around and act stupid, Max by now should be more interesting with some depth of character not just the “ I am a historian” line to explain all her shortcomings; nerdiness is cute for one or two books, more than that is just laziness. Her period descriptions are excellent and interesting but they never last or go into any complication that is purely violent or juvenile.
I bought this book on sale and I would not recommend paying full price, you are getting a commercial product to satisfy demand but not the soul.
Here we go, I will probably offend many Jodi Taylor fans with what I will write, but it must be said, book five was a stretch of plot and humor book seven is just regurgitated pulp, she has nothing new to say, the adventures in the past are repetitive at best and the humor is puerile, not giving the characters any chance to grow or develop. In a crime story at least you get a new crime, here we go into the past it all turns into a mess, we return to make a mess again then fix the mess and a small development in Max’s relationship, end of the book.
Jodi Taylor is a very good writer stuck in a contract, she needs to expand on a period or find a plot that is less constrictive by the need to run around and act stupid, Max by now should be more interesting with some depth of character not just the “ I am a historian” line to explain all her shortcomings; nerdiness is cute for one or two books, more than that is just laziness. Her period descriptions are excellent and interesting but they never last or go into any complication that is purely violent or juvenile.
I bought this book on sale and I would not recommend paying full price, you are getting a commercial product to satisfy demand but not the soul.
September 4, 2016
Another excellent instalment in the series. A lot of twist and turns in the book - taking us to many historical events. OK, the start of the book was a little shaky - but how we got there was good.
The ending is a roller coster - and there is a certain someone i want to see very bad things happen to.
The downside is i now have to wait like everyone else for the next book in the series. Good news for Jodi Taylor is that i will be pre-ordering it in Kindle and Audible.
If you want a light, fun, interesting series to read - then look no further.
The ending is a roller coster - and there is a certain someone i want to see very bad things happen to.
The downside is i now have to wait like everyone else for the next book in the series. Good news for Jodi Taylor is that i will be pre-ordering it in Kindle and Audible.
If you want a light, fun, interesting series to read - then look no further.
April 21, 2017
4/20/17
Finally caught up with my re-read before starting book 8. Unfortunately some people at the Facebook group (come join us) have been saying too much so I'm already worried about a few things. But I do look forward to it, then to "The Long and Short of it" in the summer.
I saw somewhere someone wondering if this is the last one?! (I know there's the short story) but I hope this isn't the last!! There's still questions and so much history to discover!! I need more!! This book was soooooooo good but sooooooo sad at times!! I LOVE THIS SERIES and I need 20 more books right now!!
So glad that I didn't get too worried about one random person wondering if it was the end. Book 8 is in the works. WOOOHOOO!
Finally caught up with my re-read before starting book 8. Unfortunately some people at the Facebook group (come join us) have been saying too much so I'm already worried about a few things. But I do look forward to it, then to "The Long and Short of it" in the summer.
I saw somewhere someone wondering if this is the last one?! (I know there's the short story) but I hope this isn't the last!! There's still questions and so much history to discover!! I need more!! This book was soooooooo good but sooooooo sad at times!! I LOVE THIS SERIES and I need 20 more books right now!!
So glad that I didn't get too worried about one random person wondering if it was the end. Book 8 is in the works. WOOOHOOO!
July 27, 2019
This seventh volume is the final one that I bought and although it continued the standard set by book 3 of being a bit better, I won't be bothering with any more. In this, despite having skipped books 4 - 6 inclusive (and I've discovered various short stories set in between books) I soon picked up the situation. Max and Leon version 2.0 are now married and Max is pregnant. A few more historians have joined the cast.
The opening sequence, as in a number of the other books, is just a vignette with no knock on effect to the rest of the story despite a bit of business which made it look as if there would be a payoff later .
Before long we get on to the main event where the team go to visit a hill fort in the time of the Saxon invasions and find themselves caught up with a Saxon onslaught and the arrival of Arthur, Dux Bellorum, known to later ages as King Arthur or the Once and Future King. As in the old TV series, Arthur of the Britons, here Arthur is a war chief who leads a troop of mobile highly trained cavalry who can quickly go to the aid of various beseiged British groups. The historians witness the handing over of a sword and later there are serious repercussions in the modern day, of a fantasy type nature - which is why I always class these books as fantasy and not science fiction. As a result of her actions and those of a small team of friends and colleagues, two people end up leaving St Mary's, Max is demoted to a fund raising post with the job due to end after her maternity leave (which would seem illegal to me) and two others are denied the roles for which they were previously being groomed. The university at Thirsk, their nominal controller, insists on moving in a rather unpleasant character and his assistant, and the man loses no time in messing up a mission through a combination of incompetence, panic and high-handedness leading Max to have to step in.
Later, Max leads an unofficial expedition to recover certain items, due to be lost in King John's "Wash incident" which can be dug up to fund St Mary's which is now in a precarious financial state as a direct result of her earlier actions - though I wasn't too sure if this constituted interference when it transpired that said objects were not really lost in the manner things have always been assumed.
I quite enjoyed the historical interludes - the fishwife for example and the at the end - and it was ineresting to see Max having to deal with disgrace. Plus an old enemy turned up once again, which I gather has probably happened in some of the intervening books too. The last section did at least provide the answer to who was referred to in the final line of book three, the last one I had read . It's also nice that the relationship between Max and Leon is much better, steadier and seemingly based on more of a real regard for each other than just having great sex with otherwise a big yawning gulf of understanding in between. There is obviously something being set up for the future with a cameo of a Leon from later on in the timeline, but I will pass and draw a line under the books. I don't feel there is anything sufficiently different between them to need to read any more. But this one does at least rate 3 stars.
The opening sequence, as in a number of the other books, is just a vignette with no knock on effect to the rest of the story despite a bit of business which made it look as if there would be a payoff later .
Before long we get on to the main event where the team go to visit a hill fort in the time of the Saxon invasions and find themselves caught up with a Saxon onslaught and the arrival of Arthur, Dux Bellorum, known to later ages as King Arthur or the Once and Future King. As in the old TV series, Arthur of the Britons, here Arthur is a war chief who leads a troop of mobile highly trained cavalry who can quickly go to the aid of various beseiged British groups. The historians witness the handing over of a sword and later there are serious repercussions in the modern day, of a fantasy type nature - which is why I always class these books as fantasy and not science fiction. As a result of her actions and those of a small team of friends and colleagues, two people end up leaving St Mary's, Max is demoted to a fund raising post with the job due to end after her maternity leave (which would seem illegal to me) and two others are denied the roles for which they were previously being groomed. The university at Thirsk, their nominal controller, insists on moving in a rather unpleasant character and his assistant, and the man loses no time in messing up a mission through a combination of incompetence, panic and high-handedness leading Max to have to step in.
Later, Max leads an unofficial expedition to recover certain items, due to be lost in King John's "Wash incident" which can be dug up to fund St Mary's which is now in a precarious financial state as a direct result of her earlier actions - though I wasn't too sure if this constituted interference when it transpired that said objects were not really lost in the manner things have always been assumed.
I quite enjoyed the historical interludes - the fishwife for example and the at the end - and it was ineresting to see Max having to deal with disgrace. Plus an old enemy turned up once again, which I gather has probably happened in some of the intervening books too. The last section did at least provide the answer to who was referred to in the final line of book three, the last one I had read . It's also nice that the relationship between Max and Leon is much better, steadier and seemingly based on more of a real regard for each other than just having great sex with otherwise a big yawning gulf of understanding in between. There is obviously something being set up for the future with a cameo of a Leon from later on in the timeline, but I will pass and draw a line under the books. I don't feel there is anything sufficiently different between them to need to read any more. But this one does at least rate 3 stars.
May 21, 2023
Warning, could be some spoilers ahead if you have not gotten this far in the series
Another adventure with the gang at St. Mary's. Not one of my favorites, but still a fun read
I really enjoy Max, the main character, and I have started to compare her to myself. She has a hard time with the rules (I hope you are chuckling Theresa) and reminds me of myself a lot of times.
'I've done some stupid things in my time. I've been reckless. I've broken a few rules. But never before have I ruined so many lives or left such a trail of destruction behind me.'
As Max would be the first to admit, she's never been one for rules. They tend to happen to other people. But this time she's gone too far and everyone is paying the price.
Grounded until the end of time, how can she ever put things right?
One of her best qualities: If she is your friend, than there is no question about her loyalty to you. I really enjoy the camaraderie amongst the entire crew and this series makes me smile a lot.
Max is in the last months of her pregnancy and the new husband Leon has become protective and a little angry that Max is squeezing out all she can get in these last weeks. A lot of the action in this book takes place in the current time, so I missed the constant time travel. However, Max did travel to one of my favorite time places: Medieval times in Great Britain.
A stopover at Stonehenge was an added bonus.
Will continue on with the series, simply for the smiles.
Another adventure with the gang at St. Mary's. Not one of my favorites, but still a fun read
I really enjoy Max, the main character, and I have started to compare her to myself. She has a hard time with the rules (I hope you are chuckling Theresa) and reminds me of myself a lot of times.
'I've done some stupid things in my time. I've been reckless. I've broken a few rules. But never before have I ruined so many lives or left such a trail of destruction behind me.'
As Max would be the first to admit, she's never been one for rules. They tend to happen to other people. But this time she's gone too far and everyone is paying the price.
Grounded until the end of time, how can she ever put things right?
One of her best qualities: If she is your friend, than there is no question about her loyalty to you. I really enjoy the camaraderie amongst the entire crew and this series makes me smile a lot.
Max is in the last months of her pregnancy and the new husband Leon has become protective and a little angry that Max is squeezing out all she can get in these last weeks. A lot of the action in this book takes place in the current time, so I missed the constant time travel. However, Max did travel to one of my favorite time places: Medieval times in Great Britain.
A stopover at Stonehenge was an added bonus.
Will continue on with the series, simply for the smiles.
September 20, 2020
"Lies, Damned Lies and History" is one of the most accomplished books in the Chronicles of St. Mary's. This is Jodi Taylor at her best: perfect comic timing that highlights rather than hides the stresses, anxieties and evil intents that life keeps throwing at us.
As ever, the humour is based on a kind of compassionate fatalism that brings to mind almost outdated words like "Pluck" and "Gumption" and "Intrepidness" or even "Sang Froid" (although the last one is suspiciously French and may tend to take itself too seriously).
At St. Mary's, being in an apparently hopeless situation where your duty requires you to risk your life for others is no excuse for a lack of moral fortitude, which is best demonstrated by doing the right thing AND delivering a witty, self-deprecating remark while you do it.
"Lies, Damned Lies And History" has a mystical flavour to it than I didt seen in its predecessors. True, we've always has mysterious interventions from the History in the plot but this time we get a sense of the power of Animus Loci: an intense emotional reaction, evoked in us by a place and time. We visit post-Roman Britain and get remarkable Dark Ages scenes with warriors and magic swords that give a very pagan view of the Arthurian legend. We take a truly chilling trip to Stone Henge in the far distant past. Both these trips move beyond the realm of the purely rational without seeming any less credible.
There's also a threatening sense of finality to the book. Perhaps it's just Max, trying to squeeze in more jumps through time before she finally stops being a pregnant historian and becomes something she finds much harder to imagine: the mother of an infant child. Perhaps it's just that this is the seventh book and things keep getting worse. Perhaps it's the sense of dread from the visit to Stone Henge but there is a skilfully maintained deep tension in this book, like a very low note that you feel rather than hear.
Max has a new enemy: an arrogant, devious, administrator who is an anathema to the spirit of St Mary's. This gives us a reason to cheer as Max, simply by being Max, brings about his downfall.
Yet the real enemy, the one that low note resonating in my gut had been warning me about, only emerges in the final chapters of the book.
This enemy is ruthless, imaginative and driven by an implacable hatred of Max and St. Mary's. The plot that unfolds is truly evil and very plausible. The more I thought about it the more repulsive it became. I won't give away the idea or the outcome here but it is certainly one of the darkest passages in the Chronicles of St. Mary's.
All I can say is that I was relieved to find Jodi Taylor is part way through writing tBook 8 in the series. I need to know that I can visit St.Mary's again. I need a place where humour and courage and loyalty form an alloy that is almost impossible to bend of break.
As ever, the humour is based on a kind of compassionate fatalism that brings to mind almost outdated words like "Pluck" and "Gumption" and "Intrepidness" or even "Sang Froid" (although the last one is suspiciously French and may tend to take itself too seriously).
At St. Mary's, being in an apparently hopeless situation where your duty requires you to risk your life for others is no excuse for a lack of moral fortitude, which is best demonstrated by doing the right thing AND delivering a witty, self-deprecating remark while you do it.
"Lies, Damned Lies And History" has a mystical flavour to it than I didt seen in its predecessors. True, we've always has mysterious interventions from the History in the plot but this time we get a sense of the power of Animus Loci: an intense emotional reaction, evoked in us by a place and time. We visit post-Roman Britain and get remarkable Dark Ages scenes with warriors and magic swords that give a very pagan view of the Arthurian legend. We take a truly chilling trip to Stone Henge in the far distant past. Both these trips move beyond the realm of the purely rational without seeming any less credible.
There's also a threatening sense of finality to the book. Perhaps it's just Max, trying to squeeze in more jumps through time before she finally stops being a pregnant historian and becomes something she finds much harder to imagine: the mother of an infant child. Perhaps it's just that this is the seventh book and things keep getting worse. Perhaps it's the sense of dread from the visit to Stone Henge but there is a skilfully maintained deep tension in this book, like a very low note that you feel rather than hear.
Max has a new enemy: an arrogant, devious, administrator who is an anathema to the spirit of St Mary's. This gives us a reason to cheer as Max, simply by being Max, brings about his downfall.
Yet the real enemy, the one that low note resonating in my gut had been warning me about, only emerges in the final chapters of the book.
This enemy is ruthless, imaginative and driven by an implacable hatred of Max and St. Mary's. The plot that unfolds is truly evil and very plausible. The more I thought about it the more repulsive it became. I won't give away the idea or the outcome here but it is certainly one of the darkest passages in the Chronicles of St. Mary's.
All I can say is that I was relieved to find Jodi Taylor is part way through writing tBook 8 in the series. I need to know that I can visit St.Mary's again. I need a place where humour and courage and loyalty form an alloy that is almost impossible to bend of break.
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