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The Chronicles of St Mary's #12
Another Time, Another Place
'It's time, Max.' And so, a whole new chapter opens up...
It's long been known that if a thing can go wrong, it will. With knobs on, usually. Disasters start to pile up. A new colleague with no respect for the past and a great deal to prove. Historians lost in time. And - worst of all - Rosie Lee on her very first jump. Then there's the small matter of Max's dishonourable discharge.
From Tudor England to the Tower of Babel - it's all going horribly wrong.
Jobless and homeless, Max receives an offer she can't refuse. Another time, another place. A refuge, perhaps.
She's got that wrong, too.
It's long been known that if a thing can go wrong, it will. With knobs on, usually. Disasters start to pile up. A new colleague with no respect for the past and a great deal to prove. Historians lost in time. And - worst of all - Rosie Lee on her very first jump. Then there's the small matter of Max's dishonourable discharge.
From Tudor England to the Tower of Babel - it's all going horribly wrong.
Jobless and homeless, Max receives an offer she can't refuse. Another time, another place. A refuge, perhaps.
She's got that wrong, too.
456 pages, ebook
First published April 15, 2021
About the author
Jodi Taylor
77 books4,991 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 377 reviews
May 2, 2021
Markham and Maxwell to the rescue!
Another St Mary's story, another time, another place. This installment sees Max loose a close friend to an untimely accident, resulting in some major changes at St Mary's. Money is at the forefront now, and the missions have become less about the history and more about the treasures that can be exploited. After a trip to Babylon goes disastrously wrong, Max must reassess her priorities. Dangerously alone, and overwhelmed, she may be forced to take on some 'freelance' work with a certain butler and Markham to make ends meet....
I can always rely on St Mary's to lift me out of a reading slump. Fast paced, brimming with historical facts and dangerous situations through time, I think of these characters as loveable rogues and an extension of my own family. They're a group of misfits, thrown together through a love of historical events and I've witnessed so many life changing moments with them that I have become deeply attached to them. This time we see a death, a birth and a wedding. All of which brought a year to my eye, and all seen through Max's sardonic gaze.
We also get the wonderful locations, richly described and meticulously researched, that I've become accustomed to in these stories. This time we get Elizabethan England, Babylon and Victorian London, each with a seedy undercurrent of murder, slaves and servants. Max and co. are never far from some kind of disaster, yet there's always a good dose of humour mixed in with the more dramatic scenes that Jodi Taylor manages to balance perfectly. I can't emphasize enough how much she's grown as a writer since the early books (which are still some of my favourites), where the plot was very chaotic and haphazard. This is a tightly held, perfectly paced book with all the right elements to keep you gripped as a reader. If anything, the 'current day' plot was slightly underdeveloped for me - but that ccliffhanger ending was enough to pull it back for me.
I need book #13 immediately. Honestly, I can't recommend this series enough to those who love history with a dash of science fiction. Magical stuff, and I'd expect nothing less.
Another St Mary's story, another time, another place. This installment sees Max loose a close friend to an untimely accident, resulting in some major changes at St Mary's. Money is at the forefront now, and the missions have become less about the history and more about the treasures that can be exploited. After a trip to Babylon goes disastrously wrong, Max must reassess her priorities. Dangerously alone, and overwhelmed, she may be forced to take on some 'freelance' work with a certain butler and Markham to make ends meet....
I can always rely on St Mary's to lift me out of a reading slump. Fast paced, brimming with historical facts and dangerous situations through time, I think of these characters as loveable rogues and an extension of my own family. They're a group of misfits, thrown together through a love of historical events and I've witnessed so many life changing moments with them that I have become deeply attached to them. This time we see a death, a birth and a wedding. All of which brought a year to my eye, and all seen through Max's sardonic gaze.
We also get the wonderful locations, richly described and meticulously researched, that I've become accustomed to in these stories. This time we get Elizabethan England, Babylon and Victorian London, each with a seedy undercurrent of murder, slaves and servants. Max and co. are never far from some kind of disaster, yet there's always a good dose of humour mixed in with the more dramatic scenes that Jodi Taylor manages to balance perfectly. I can't emphasize enough how much she's grown as a writer since the early books (which are still some of my favourites), where the plot was very chaotic and haphazard. This is a tightly held, perfectly paced book with all the right elements to keep you gripped as a reader. If anything, the 'current day' plot was slightly underdeveloped for me - but that ccliffhanger ending was enough to pull it back for me.
I need book #13 immediately. Honestly, I can't recommend this series enough to those who love history with a dash of science fiction. Magical stuff, and I'd expect nothing less.
December 27, 2021
St. Mary's is back, but in turmoil, and even more than usual. Max finds herself sacked (again), and her new job may be just what she needs. Markham has gone into the wind, fleeing shadowy government figures, and his replacement is not the sharpest pencil in the box. Clive Ronan is gone, but newer, maybe even deadlier, foes are waiting in the wings. More tumultuous changes occur, and it is uncertain if St. Mary's will survive.
As always, the characters are well developed and interesting. The story is engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. The history is well researched and I always learn something new. I always drop everything to read the latest Jodi Taylor book, and I am never disappointed.
This is book 12 in the Chronicles of St. Mary's series. It is important to read them in order. It is not a standalone. The St. Mary's crew is a madcap, crazy group of time-traveling historians (don't call it time travel) who "investigate historical events in contemporary time." Anyone who is just starting this series needs to begin with the first book, "Just One Damn Thing After Another." I envy you the experience of reading this series for the first time.
In addition to reading the Kindle edition, I also listened to the Audiobook, narrated by Zara Ramm. Zara does an outstanding job, as usual.
As always, the characters are well developed and interesting. The story is engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. The history is well researched and I always learn something new. I always drop everything to read the latest Jodi Taylor book, and I am never disappointed.
This is book 12 in the Chronicles of St. Mary's series. It is important to read them in order. It is not a standalone. The St. Mary's crew is a madcap, crazy group of time-traveling historians (don't call it time travel) who "investigate historical events in contemporary time." Anyone who is just starting this series needs to begin with the first book, "Just One Damn Thing After Another." I envy you the experience of reading this series for the first time.
In addition to reading the Kindle edition, I also listened to the Audiobook, narrated by Zara Ramm. Zara does an outstanding job, as usual.
May 6, 2021
Nooooooooo, why is it over already? I don’t want to waaaaaaait
April 28, 2021
Thank goodness that Jodi Taylor is not only a great writer but a fast one because I need the next St. Mary’s fiasco STAT!
A new regime has hit St. Mary’s and it’s apparent that not only does Max not take change well, but she, hmm, likes to defy authority.
Babylon is the biggest jump, and it doesn’t go well in very poignant ways.
So many other reviews highlight so I am leaving this simple.
I do want to add that I am more than a little concerned about Max’s issues with Peterson. I fear we aren’t over this issue despite Markham and now Pennyroyal’s warnings.
A new regime has hit St. Mary’s and it’s apparent that not only does Max not take change well, but she, hmm, likes to defy authority.
Babylon is the biggest jump, and it doesn’t go well in very poignant ways.
So many other reviews highlight so I am leaving this simple.
I do want to add that I am more than a little concerned about Max’s issues with Peterson. I fear we aren’t over this issue despite Markham and now Pennyroyal’s warnings.
July 8, 2021
Just when you think it's safe to step into a gaggle of historians getting ready to blunder their way through history, we're introduced to a lot that's even WORSE than our intrepid pissers in the timestream.
And don't even get me STARTED on that huge, overweight ass of an ending. I've got myself tearing my hair out wanting the next book with that kind of cliffhanger.
I'm telling you, IT'S NOT FAIR!
Pushing all that aside for just a hysterical second, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed romping through the timeline here, even if some rather atrocious things happen to the crew. And the injustice of it? I really enjoyed where it eventually took Max. Sprinkle in a bit more haberdashery and skullduggery and a hefty splash of the dark side, and I have to say that this one happens to be one of my favorites.
Let's not examine too closely whether or not I feel this way because I've already been invested in it... after all, I just don't care. Fun is fun and this definitely fits the bill. And btw, it's even better having read the time cop novels by her. :)
OMG I CAN'T WAIT!
And don't even get me STARTED on that huge, overweight ass of an ending. I've got myself tearing my hair out wanting the next book with that kind of cliffhanger.
I'm telling you, IT'S NOT FAIR!
Pushing all that aside for just a hysterical second, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed romping through the timeline here, even if some rather atrocious things happen to the crew. And the injustice of it? I really enjoyed where it eventually took Max. Sprinkle in a bit more haberdashery and skullduggery and a hefty splash of the dark side, and I have to say that this one happens to be one of my favorites.
Let's not examine too closely whether or not I feel this way because I've already been invested in it... after all, I just don't care. Fun is fun and this definitely fits the bill. And btw, it's even better having read the time cop novels by her. :)
OMG I CAN'T WAIT!
November 10, 2022
*** 4.88 ***
Absolutely brilliant!!!
"...“They did this at the bank I worked at. We all had to go on a course where bright, sparkly people with frightening smiles exhorted us to embrace change because those who can’t die out. I think they cited the dinosaurs.’ ‘So they weren’t killed by an asteroid at all, then?’ said Bashford, astonished. ‘Not according to the expensive people hired to tell us that our expertise, the working relationships we’d built up over the years, all our hard work was now utterly valueless – as would we be if we didn’t get with the new programme. According to them, it was their inability to adapt to this month’s new ideas and working practices that did for the dinosaurs and the asteroid had nothing to do with it. They were quite horrified at our lack of enthusiasm for massive redundancies while senior managers – reluctantly, of course – accepted promotions and pay rises with increased bonuses.”..."
Absolutely brilliant!!!
"...“They did this at the bank I worked at. We all had to go on a course where bright, sparkly people with frightening smiles exhorted us to embrace change because those who can’t die out. I think they cited the dinosaurs.’ ‘So they weren’t killed by an asteroid at all, then?’ said Bashford, astonished. ‘Not according to the expensive people hired to tell us that our expertise, the working relationships we’d built up over the years, all our hard work was now utterly valueless – as would we be if we didn’t get with the new programme. According to them, it was their inability to adapt to this month’s new ideas and working practices that did for the dinosaurs and the asteroid had nothing to do with it. They were quite horrified at our lack of enthusiasm for massive redundancies while senior managers – reluctantly, of course – accepted promotions and pay rises with increased bonuses.”..."
June 28, 2021
You’d think that this many books into a series I’d be thinking about when and how this series is going to wrap up. But there are so many great things going on and trips to the past and the future that remain so interesting, I really never want it to end. And then there is Max, she is a force to be reckoned with to say the least and cracks me up all the time.
There is a shift in leadership in this installment. Instead of Peterson becoming the head of St. Mary’s the powers that be send in an unknown quantity and he really wants to shake things up. He wants to make St. Mary’s more profitable for one and has some unusual ideas about it. There are also a lot more security people who don’t have a clue what they are doing and muck things up so bad.
Max is in full Max mode being a pain in the ass to the new establishment. Leon and Matthew are missing for most of the book with another set of teenagers they don’t really want the new establishment looking at too closely. That is sad because I do love Leon, Max and Matthew together.
It appears that as per usually everything might not be exactly what it seems and Max is in the middle of it all again. This book really set up the new conflict now that Ronan is gone for good. The book ended way too soon as I really wanted to see what happened next. Max will probably be the lynch pin for this next turmoil, but she did seem to be having a great time as a time bounty hunter and did a remarkably good job at it.
I always have a great time in this series and this book was no exception to that. I can’t wait to see what the Time Wars really bring to the table for the members of St. Mary’s.
“Trust me, adhering to everyone else’s rules is unrewarding, emotionally exhausting and not a lot of fun.”
There is a shift in leadership in this installment. Instead of Peterson becoming the head of St. Mary’s the powers that be send in an unknown quantity and he really wants to shake things up. He wants to make St. Mary’s more profitable for one and has some unusual ideas about it. There are also a lot more security people who don’t have a clue what they are doing and muck things up so bad.
Max is in full Max mode being a pain in the ass to the new establishment. Leon and Matthew are missing for most of the book with another set of teenagers they don’t really want the new establishment looking at too closely. That is sad because I do love Leon, Max and Matthew together.
It appears that as per usually everything might not be exactly what it seems and Max is in the middle of it all again. This book really set up the new conflict now that Ronan is gone for good. The book ended way too soon as I really wanted to see what happened next. Max will probably be the lynch pin for this next turmoil, but she did seem to be having a great time as a time bounty hunter and did a remarkably good job at it.
I always have a great time in this series and this book was no exception to that. I can’t wait to see what the Time Wars really bring to the table for the members of St. Mary’s.
April 27, 2021
Another fantastic addition to the series, this one with lots of twists and turns for the main characters and full to the brim with jumps-gone-wrong, new leadership clashes, mismanagement, tea and trouble. I love Max and her team of Historians, and this book is no different. I do think the drama of this one is strong as so much of the time there's clashes within St Mary's. Looking forward to the next after an ending with a cliffhanger like this!!! 4*s
July 10, 2021
Well, as it turns out, the app showed me the wrong bloody time remaining and I was already done last night (sort of, I lacked 15 minutes). Isn't that ironic since this is a book about time (travel)?!
Recent events have Dr. Bairstowe fearing for the worst and so he wants St. Mary's to prepare. However, he has hardly ushered his concerns, when the shit really does hit the fan. Markham is gone (paternity leave) and now there is not just a new Head of Security but the whole structure at St. Mary's is to be changed.
I wish I could say that our favorite disaster magnets won't go down without a fight but this is not that book (we already had a battle for St. Mary's after all).
Instead, we get bludnering buffoons causing people to be left behind (I was sooooo frustrated), time travel suddenly is for bringing home riches, every book needs to be balanced out exactly and ... Max gets fired. Again. *lol*
I shan't go too much into detail (never fear, St. Mary's might not be throwing grenades at the "enemy" but they still have a way to resist). What I can say is that we were in Tudor England as well as Babylon and that both jumps were highly interesting (albeit the latter one mostly for negative reasons). Many characters are absent (hiding from the new regime, actually), old acquaintences are reappearing, and the new people ... don't make any friends.
As I've come to expect from this author, she knows how to really make me engage with the story. I was therefore gnashing my teeth, tearing my hair out, yelling at the book or smacking my own forehead. There weren't too many hilarious moments in this one but considering the underlying subject that led us to a certain flash bang of an ending, that is only to be expected.
By now, I needn't mention the writing style as the author is always equally good. However, I was glad to see that I was really no longer caring about Max and her little "family". St. Mary's as a whole is important to me, as are the time jumps and learning about different periods and events therein. The drama, though, is no longer getting to me, thankfully. Which is not to say I'm not invested - I just don't care about Max anymore and I'm fine with it by now.
A little light on the history but also not. I wish I could talk about that ending ... DAMN! I really did NOT see that coming (yet).
Recent events have Dr. Bairstowe fearing for the worst and so he wants St. Mary's to prepare. However, he has hardly ushered his concerns, when the shit really does hit the fan. Markham is gone (paternity leave) and now there is not just a new Head of Security but the whole structure at St. Mary's is to be changed.
I wish I could say that our favorite disaster magnets won't go down without a fight but this is not that book (we already had a battle for St. Mary's after all).
Instead, we get bludnering buffoons causing people to be left behind (I was sooooo frustrated), time travel suddenly is for bringing home riches, every book needs to be balanced out exactly and ... Max gets fired. Again. *lol*
I shan't go too much into detail (never fear, St. Mary's might not be throwing grenades at the "enemy" but they still have a way to resist). What I can say is that we were in Tudor England as well as Babylon and that both jumps were highly interesting (albeit the latter one mostly for negative reasons). Many characters are absent (hiding from the new regime, actually), old acquaintences are reappearing, and the new people ... don't make any friends.
As I've come to expect from this author, she knows how to really make me engage with the story. I was therefore gnashing my teeth, tearing my hair out, yelling at the book or smacking my own forehead. There weren't too many hilarious moments in this one but considering the underlying subject that led us to a certain flash bang of an ending, that is only to be expected.
By now, I needn't mention the writing style as the author is always equally good. However, I was glad to see that I was really no longer caring about Max and her little "family". St. Mary's as a whole is important to me, as are the time jumps and learning about different periods and events therein. The drama, though, is no longer getting to me, thankfully. Which is not to say I'm not invested - I just don't care about Max anymore and I'm fine with it by now.
A little light on the history but also not. I wish I could talk about that ending ... DAMN! I really did NOT see that coming (yet).
April 10, 2021
Well to coin the favourite phrase of the book’s main protagonist “bloody, bollocking hell”. Dear Ms Taylor you have done it again with more twists and turns than a labyrinth. I spent a good part of the book being really angry with you..how could you put your readers through such distress. I started the book at 10 pm and didn’t put it down until 4 am. With about a third of the book left to complete. When I woke several thoughts occurred to me and I was reminded of the St Mary’s set up in the Time Police....I began to realise that you had cleverly led me, the reader, up and down a very cleverly plotted garden path that Mr Strong would have been proud to have laid. Mrs Peacock told Max in a much earlier book that she has an important role to play and I am now brining to think that these events are going to start to unfold....Jodi I salute you, your writing is, as usual, impeccable.
April 24, 2021
I think this is possibly the least good St Mary’s book I have read. I love St Mary’s so I won’t say it is bad but it felt like filler and actually as I got to the end, I came to the conclusion it is a bridging book to set the scene for new issues.
It was also evident right from the outset that certain persons weren’t dead and that others had gone away on purpose. Max isn’t stupid so I don’t know why she would have believed it. Her reaction to that death was just not on a par with other people she has cared for, which was a ‘dead’ giveaway.
Looking forward to the next book as we know what is coming!
It was also evident right from the outset that certain persons weren’t dead and that others had gone away on purpose. Max isn’t stupid so I don’t know why she would have believed it. Her reaction to that death was just not on a par with other people she has cared for, which was a ‘dead’ giveaway.
Looking forward to the next book as we know what is coming!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
Well, combat wombat, that was brilliant!
Often when a series gets to anything past around book four you start to worry it’s all been dragged out a bit too long and starting to go downhill. Not so with St. Mary’s! At book 12 it’s still going as strongly, heart wrenchingly, crying with laughtery and fascinatingly as ever.
The last few chapters of this with one of my favourite characters disguised in a blonde wig (without giving away any spoilers) was hilarious.
Now to try and patiently wait for book 13!
Often when a series gets to anything past around book four you start to worry it’s all been dragged out a bit too long and starting to go downhill. Not so with St. Mary’s! At book 12 it’s still going as strongly, heart wrenchingly, crying with laughtery and fascinatingly as ever.
The last few chapters of this with one of my favourite characters disguised in a blonde wig (without giving away any spoilers) was hilarious.
Now to try and patiently wait for book 13!
April 21, 2021
St Mary's Institute of Historical Research investigates historical events in contemporary time. (Don't ever call it time travel!) Having got arch enemy Ronan out of the way in the previous book, things should be looking up for St Mary's in general and Max, Leon and their son, Matthew, in particular, but Dr Bairstow is worried that the authorities are likely to interfere in the running of St Mary's. He sends Leon off on a jaunt to discover a new remote site, a secret bolt-hole to which all the staff can decamp (with the archive) at a moment's notice. So Leon, Matthew and the two teenage geniuses (Adrian and Mikey) who are currently sheltering from the Time Police, are not involved (much) in this book. And it looks as if we've lost Markham too (one of my very favourite characters). He's taken his family somewhere safe (away from Governmental Powers That Be) since he and Hunter now have a baby daughter. Why is that a problem? You'll have to read the big reveal about Markham in 'Plan for the Worst.' Ms Taylor is careful not to divulge Markham's origin in this book, though there are little Easter Eggs for those in the know. (Yes I do know Markham's origin story and no I'm not revealing it in this review.)
So the scene is set for something to happen. The first thing is Hyssop's arrival - designated as the new Head of Security in Markham's absence. She's got two huge faults: lack of experience in the kind of security time travelling historians need, and unshakeable faith that she can sweep in, change everything and do a better job than anyone else. Ignorance and overconfidence don't make a good combination.
And then there's Dr Bairstow, suddenly replaced, and gone forever. His replacement is Treadwell, a money-conscious pen-pusher who is quite OK to ignore St Mary's motto of 'We never leave our people behind.' That's a pity because Hyssop makes a terrible mistake in ancient Babylon and Clerk and Prentiss (historians) pay the price.
Max, as usual, has a terrible time banging up against authority in the shape of Treadwell, and incompetence in the shape of Hyssop. She's more or less on her own without Leon, Matthew and Markham, with only the utterly reliable Dr Peterson for backup, though there's little he can do against the new regime.
I spent a lot of this book being outraged for Max, but by the time I got to the end things had clicked into place. As usual the characters are well drawn, the pace good, and the plot twists twisty. There's a reveal at the end that shows that this book is a transition piece from the threat of Ronan - who overshadowed the first eleven books - to a looming threat which could be far worse.
So the scene is set for something to happen. The first thing is Hyssop's arrival - designated as the new Head of Security in Markham's absence. She's got two huge faults: lack of experience in the kind of security time travelling historians need, and unshakeable faith that she can sweep in, change everything and do a better job than anyone else. Ignorance and overconfidence don't make a good combination.
And then there's Dr Bairstow, suddenly replaced, and gone forever. His replacement is Treadwell, a money-conscious pen-pusher who is quite OK to ignore St Mary's motto of 'We never leave our people behind.' That's a pity because Hyssop makes a terrible mistake in ancient Babylon and Clerk and Prentiss (historians) pay the price.
Max, as usual, has a terrible time banging up against authority in the shape of Treadwell, and incompetence in the shape of Hyssop. She's more or less on her own without Leon, Matthew and Markham, with only the utterly reliable Dr Peterson for backup, though there's little he can do against the new regime.
I spent a lot of this book being outraged for Max, but by the time I got to the end things had clicked into place. As usual the characters are well drawn, the pace good, and the plot twists twisty. There's a reveal at the end that shows that this book is a transition piece from the threat of Ronan - who overshadowed the first eleven books - to a looming threat which could be far worse.
August 16, 2021
Honestly, this was about as much of a downer as the one where Matthew gets kidnapped and good people die. Guess you can tell this was written during a pandemic, because it's as bleak as we were all feeling this past year. Not enough Markham, I'm starting to resent how underutilized Leon is in recent installments (what's with the what-ifs with Max and Peterson?!?), I was so excited for the addition of Pennyroyal but he came in late and didn't make me laugh once, and I miss the youngsters. The Victorian baddies were really gross and raunchy, like really yucky. (Again with the bad language, too, yech.) Even the historical jumps were a bit underwhelming.
I miss the typical St Mary's hijinks, though Max's send off was touching. Basically if I didn't adore all the characters, this would be a two star book.
I miss the typical St Mary's hijinks, though Max's send off was touching. Basically if I didn't adore all the characters, this would be a two star book.
May 17, 2021
Even more brilliant than usual. This one was so cleverly plotted. I only guessed a bit of it correctly. Fabulous and I can't wait for the next volume.
July 1, 2022
Reading other reviews for this I appear to be going against the grain by not really enjoying it! A major event happens fairly near the start of the book that I just completely saw through so spent most of the book impatient for us to all catch up to that knowledge point (which then made so much of this book feel pointless). I also feel like certain characters are just being underused - Leon and Matthew are shipped off for most of the text, the bounty hunters weren't present for nearly enough story, and why on Earth are we still having "what if" moments for Max and Peterson?? Honestly, this felt like a filler book to bridge us from the way the last book closed one major plot arc to what is clearly our new plot line that we'll be following. Just felt quite bleak, which maybe reflects the fact that it was written during peak lockdown. I'm looking forward to where this next arc will take us, but this was a bit of a low point in the series for me!
April 30, 2021
I really do love this series, and not just because a part of me hopes there is a secret St Marys somewhere and they will one day hire me.
It's book 12 and St Marys is in turmoil. A new head of security, a new director, and max is once again fired. Unemployed and homeless she gets an offer she can't refuse (because what else is she going to do with herself?)
I love the characters, these books are like catching up with old friends. The dialogue is witty and I always learn something about history. I can't believe someone hasn't turned these books into a tv series yet, it would make such a good show. The only problem with this book is that it ended on such a cracking good note that I immediately wanted the next book and it hasn't been written yet.
It's book 12 and St Marys is in turmoil. A new head of security, a new director, and max is once again fired. Unemployed and homeless she gets an offer she can't refuse (because what else is she going to do with herself?)
I love the characters, these books are like catching up with old friends. The dialogue is witty and I always learn something about history. I can't believe someone hasn't turned these books into a tv series yet, it would make such a good show. The only problem with this book is that it ended on such a cracking good note that I immediately wanted the next book and it hasn't been written yet.
April 23, 2021
Here's the deal with these. I think I've finally figured it out.
They actually aren't very well written if you're trying to judge based on plausibility of plot and actions, characters acting for understandable reasons, or things making sense at all.
They're delightful books if what you mainly want is fun characters, imaginative whimsy, and witty repartee and don't mind the uneven pacing and nonsensical plots.
Depending on your mood, they're either enjoyable fluff or frustrating mazes, and there's just not much in between.
They actually aren't very well written if you're trying to judge based on plausibility of plot and actions, characters acting for understandable reasons, or things making sense at all.
They're delightful books if what you mainly want is fun characters, imaginative whimsy, and witty repartee and don't mind the uneven pacing and nonsensical plots.
Depending on your mood, they're either enjoyable fluff or frustrating mazes, and there's just not much in between.
July 3, 2023
Bloody brilliant! The Chronicles of St. Mary’s never disappoints! I don’t care that it’s the 12th book in the series. They just keep getting better! My biggest fear is that at some point, Jodi Taylor is going to end the series and then what am I going to do?!?!
June 21, 2021
[4.5 stars]
April 18, 2021
Well that was a roller coaster...
Max has a lot to go through in this book and it's one of the longer books. Jodi does not spare any of her characters any suffering and Max runs the gauntlet.
And yes I didn't get the Cunard joke...
Max has a lot to go through in this book and it's one of the longer books. Jodi does not spare any of her characters any suffering and Max runs the gauntlet.
And yes I didn't get the Cunard joke...
October 2, 2024
I love these books so much that I am very sad when they are over. This will definitely be a reread.
Just finished rereading. Can’t wait for the next one.
Just finished rereading. Can’t wait for the next one.
June 19, 2022
One of my favourites so far, this was great fun! I always enjoy my visits to St Mary's and I can't wait to return.
April 17, 2021
This one snuck up on me. I hadn't noted the release date in my calendar and when I came upon a notice that the book was out I grabbed it. Needless to say, I have been up all night listening (and I still haven't finished it).
One thing that continues to amaze me is the way Jodi is able to literally put me in the middle of whatever, wherever, whenever with such apparent ease that I feel like I've just joined in the latest expedition. Considering the track record of St. Mary's, however, that might not be a good idea.
I admit, thanks to reading a review on Audible and being a bit, shall we say, concerned about the potential outcome, I did fast forward to the last chapter and then immediately return to where I left off. As a rule, this is a Major No-No for me. It did not fill in all the blanks or provide all the explanations but it did provide a bit of ... relief before the next adventure.
O. M. G.!!!!!
Which, come to think about it, is pretty much the reaction of the reviewer who enticed me to do my fast forward. That, in a nutshell, should tell you a lot.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading back to continue the adventure and then start over for that all-important second round (of many) to make sure I caught all the little things that might have been missed. Or not.
Buckle up. It's a grand adventure!
One thing that continues to amaze me is the way Jodi is able to literally put me in the middle of whatever, wherever, whenever with such apparent ease that I feel like I've just joined in the latest expedition. Considering the track record of St. Mary's, however, that might not be a good idea.
I admit, thanks to reading a review on Audible and being a bit, shall we say, concerned about the potential outcome, I did fast forward to the last chapter and then immediately return to where I left off. As a rule, this is a Major No-No for me. It did not fill in all the blanks or provide all the explanations but it did provide a bit of ... relief before the next adventure.
O. M. G.!!!!!
Which, come to think about it, is pretty much the reaction of the reviewer who enticed me to do my fast forward. That, in a nutshell, should tell you a lot.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading back to continue the adventure and then start over for that all-important second round (of many) to make sure I caught all the little things that might have been missed. Or not.
Buckle up. It's a grand adventure!
April 28, 2021
I have a BookTube channel where I review books, give reading suggestions, and more! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/dragonarmybooks
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Another Time, Another Place is a return to form as St. Mary's sets out for business as usual until, in typical St. Mary's fashion, everything goes tits up. A new Head of Security? A new Director? Historians lost in time!? And good ol' Max dishonorably discharged? We're in for a treat as our beloved friends traipse through time. And this time, they're not just going to the past.
I still think that Jodi Taylor is one of the most underrated storytellers today. I have so much fun with each of her books. There's not been one, that I can recall, that I disliked. Her humor is always on point and although a lot of the series could be repetitious, she always knows how to bring in a freshness with each and every entry. In this book in particular, I felt that she really upped her sense of foreboding. I always knew that things were about to go from bad to worse and I was thrilled to see how it all played out. There were a lot of twists and turns in this one, but to be honest, I saw a lot of them coming long before they arrived. But in no way did that take away from my enjoyment of the novel!
As always, I am excited to continue reading The Chronicles of St. Mary's ESPECIALLY now! We've gone all the way up to 11 and a lot of disgusting things are hitting the proverbial fan. The last line in Another Time, Another Place might be my favorite so far in the series. I'm thrilled for what comes next!
And don't you think for one second that I didn't catch you being sneaky, Jodi! I didn't catch them all, but I did notice that you were including many (if not all) of the previous book titles in lines of dialogue in this book. They were really fun Easter Eggs to be on the lookout for!
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Another Time, Another Place is a return to form as St. Mary's sets out for business as usual until, in typical St. Mary's fashion, everything goes tits up. A new Head of Security? A new Director? Historians lost in time!? And good ol' Max dishonorably discharged? We're in for a treat as our beloved friends traipse through time. And this time, they're not just going to the past.
I still think that Jodi Taylor is one of the most underrated storytellers today. I have so much fun with each of her books. There's not been one, that I can recall, that I disliked. Her humor is always on point and although a lot of the series could be repetitious, she always knows how to bring in a freshness with each and every entry. In this book in particular, I felt that she really upped her sense of foreboding. I always knew that things were about to go from bad to worse and I was thrilled to see how it all played out. There were a lot of twists and turns in this one, but to be honest, I saw a lot of them coming long before they arrived. But in no way did that take away from my enjoyment of the novel!
As always, I am excited to continue reading The Chronicles of St. Mary's ESPECIALLY now! We've gone all the way up to 11 and a lot of disgusting things are hitting the proverbial fan. The last line in Another Time, Another Place might be my favorite so far in the series. I'm thrilled for what comes next!
And don't you think for one second that I didn't catch you being sneaky, Jodi! I didn't catch them all, but I did notice that you were including many (if not all) of the previous book titles in lines of dialogue in this book. They were really fun Easter Eggs to be on the lookout for!
April 16, 2021
This is 100% a return to form for Taylor and it is excellent. Obviously I love all of this series but some of the books are better than others. And with all the references etc. you really do need to have read all the books in the series.
I like that this installment focuses on Max and not Matthew or Leon but just Max and her relationships with Markham, Dr Bairstow and a few other faves that crop up. We get to see Babylon *in intimate detail*, something really sad happens, actually quite a few sad things. BUT it's still so good and the set-up for the next arc (the Time Wars) is done really well. I was worried about where the series would go after Clive Ronan was killed but Taylor now has even more material to play with!
I already can't wait!!!!
I like that this installment focuses on Max and not Matthew or Leon but just Max and her relationships with Markham, Dr Bairstow and a few other faves that crop up. We get to see Babylon *in intimate detail*, something really sad happens, actually quite a few sad things. BUT it's still so good and the set-up for the next arc (the Time Wars) is done really well. I was worried about where the series would go after Clive Ronan was killed but Taylor now has even more material to play with!
I already can't wait!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2021
Another visit to St Mary's, and this time things are going dreadfully wrong for our favourite Disaster Magnets.
I don't know how Jodi manages to come up with such fiendish plots and combine comedy with misery so we don't know whether to laugh or cry - best not read this one in public, for many reasons - but at least a few tears are happy ones.
Some of our usual suspects are absent, some may be lost, big changes are afoot, but Max carries on in her inimitable style even when her problems seem insurmountable.
It's going to feel like forever until we get the next instalment after that "What?..What?..WHAT?!" cliff-hanger!
I don't know how Jodi manages to come up with such fiendish plots and combine comedy with misery so we don't know whether to laugh or cry - best not read this one in public, for many reasons - but at least a few tears are happy ones.
Some of our usual suspects are absent, some may be lost, big changes are afoot, but Max carries on in her inimitable style even when her problems seem insurmountable.
It's going to feel like forever until we get the next instalment after that "What?..What?..WHAT?!" cliff-hanger!
December 26, 2021
Twelve books into this series and Taylor is still managing to reel me in, give all the OMG moments, and thrill with time travel and supremely interesting historical moments. Can't wait for Book 13!
April 11, 2021
Another great book by Jodi Taylor. She weaves such a great story that you get sucked in and never want it to end! There are some very sad moments in this book along with hilarious, touching and thought provoking moments. If you've never read any of Jodi Taylors work, don't start with this one, it's the 12th in a series! But do start reading her work, it's great.
June 23, 2021
Another great book in the series. I'm in love with this stuff. But what a cliffhanger at the end! Can't wait for the next part!
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