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The Chronicles of St Mary's #11
Plan for the Worst
The eleventh book in the bestselling Chronicles of St Mary's series.
I would have trusted this man with my life. Until a couple of days ago, anyway.
You know what they say - hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
Max is quite accustomed to everything going wrong. She's St Mary's, after all. Disaster is her default state. But with her family reunited and a jump to Bronze Age Crete in the works, life is getting back to normal. Well, normal for St Mary's.
And then, following one fateful night at the Tower of London, everything Max thought she knew comes crashing down around her.
Too late for plans. The worst has happened. And who can Max trust now?
I would have trusted this man with my life. Until a couple of days ago, anyway.
You know what they say - hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
Max is quite accustomed to everything going wrong. She's St Mary's, after all. Disaster is her default state. But with her family reunited and a jump to Bronze Age Crete in the works, life is getting back to normal. Well, normal for St Mary's.
And then, following one fateful night at the Tower of London, everything Max thought she knew comes crashing down around her.
Too late for plans. The worst has happened. And who can Max trust now?
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2020
779 people are currently reading
2606 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
87 books5,466 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 522 reviews
March 27, 2020
ARC received in exchange for an honest review 😁
The last 50 pages made this book for me.
Plan for the Worst, the 11th (!) book in the St Mary's series continues the adventures of Max and Co as they hurtle through time, recording impotent historical events. In this episode we see the return on Kalinda Black, Amazonian former historian and new representative from Thirsk University, with an agenda to get St Mary's to Crete to witness the height of the Minoan empire. Along the way we are sidetracked by a murder mystery into the future and a not so happy jaunt into 15th century England to witness the last day's of the princes in the tower.
As usual, its the characters that really stand out here. After 11 books I know these characters inside out and I love each and every one of them. In particular, these feels like Markham's story. With big changes afoot in his imminent future his character development over the course of these stories really come to the forefront here. He's the joker hiding a mysterious past, and the final payoff is both mind blowing and yet also strangely obvious on reflection. His plot is completed yet also leaves a lot of intrigue for the future.
Another aspect I love about these stories is Jodi's ability to immerse me in whatever historical setting she throws the reader into. Her love of history is incredibly apparent, with little titbits of knowledge and facts scattered throughout her text - just like an true historian storyteller. Her world building is excellent, with plenty of exciting scrapes and adventure to keep Max on her toes. The writing is always enjoyable and fun and never fails to make me feel emotional.
This isn't a perfect story by any means. At certain points I felt I had to suspense my logic in terms of the actions of certain characters, and the plot also falls pray to issues I found in the earlier books in the series in that certain plot points peter out without any real resolution (such as the trip into the future). At times the time lines and the extensive history of the interconnected characters can also get very confusing, and in all honesty I also found
That said I love my annual escape to St Mary's and I know that I'll never not enjoy my time with these characters. The ending truly took me by surprise and I'm super excited to see the repurcussions for our beloved St Mary's team in the next installment.
The last 50 pages made this book for me.
Plan for the Worst, the 11th (!) book in the St Mary's series continues the adventures of Max and Co as they hurtle through time, recording impotent historical events. In this episode we see the return on Kalinda Black, Amazonian former historian and new representative from Thirsk University, with an agenda to get St Mary's to Crete to witness the height of the Minoan empire. Along the way we are sidetracked by a murder mystery into the future and a not so happy jaunt into 15th century England to witness the last day's of the princes in the tower.
As usual, its the characters that really stand out here. After 11 books I know these characters inside out and I love each and every one of them. In particular, these feels like Markham's story. With big changes afoot in his imminent future his character development over the course of these stories really come to the forefront here. He's the joker hiding a mysterious past, and the final payoff is both mind blowing and yet also strangely obvious on reflection. His plot is completed yet also leaves a lot of intrigue for the future.
Another aspect I love about these stories is Jodi's ability to immerse me in whatever historical setting she throws the reader into. Her love of history is incredibly apparent, with little titbits of knowledge and facts scattered throughout her text - just like an true historian storyteller. Her world building is excellent, with plenty of exciting scrapes and adventure to keep Max on her toes. The writing is always enjoyable and fun and never fails to make me feel emotional.
This isn't a perfect story by any means. At certain points I felt I had to suspense my logic in terms of the actions of certain characters, and the plot also falls pray to issues I found in the earlier books in the series in that certain plot points peter out without any real resolution (such as the trip into the future). At times the time lines and the extensive history of the interconnected characters can also get very confusing, and in all honesty I also found
That said I love my annual escape to St Mary's and I know that I'll never not enjoy my time with these characters. The ending truly took me by surprise and I'm super excited to see the repurcussions for our beloved St Mary's team in the next installment.
October 18, 2020
Hands down...best of the lot
There are few books that, in the downhill slide portion of the ride that's been my life, I would consent to re-read at all. I finished this one, sort of, while in COVID fog. So I needed to re-read it, and also wanted to.
I wonder how you poor things who haven't read it yet can bear to slog through your pitiful, meager "lives." Don't start here, though, or History will be on you like a raptor on a rabbit. In order, there's a good thing, and soon.
There are few books that, in the downhill slide portion of the ride that's been my life, I would consent to re-read at all. I finished this one, sort of, while in COVID fog. So I needed to re-read it, and also wanted to.
I wonder how you poor things who haven't read it yet can bear to slog through your pitiful, meager "lives." Don't start here, though, or History will be on you like a raptor on a rabbit. In order, there's a good thing, and soon.
May 16, 2020
If you’re new to Jodi Taylor’s bumper ‘The Chronicles of St Mary’s’ series (like I am) I assume (like me) you’ll be totally confused when you first start to read the eleventh in the series, “Plan for the Worst”. With an abundance of unusual but very likeable characters and a unique and utterly mesmerising storyline, it took a while for me to work out exactly who was who and what was what but with a clever ‘dramatis thingummy’ of the cast at the start, you soon pick up where the story is going and where’s it’s been.
The series is based on a bunch of disaster-prone individuals who investigate major historical events in contemporary time. But do NOT call it time travel! Think DC Legends of Tomorrow, Doctor Who and you’ll be on the right track.
I loved how the author used real events in history in her story, I was entranced with the Princes in the Tower, London 1483 and the Minoan Eruption, Crete 1628BC. Loving history as much as I do, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to travel back in time and a job as a historian at St Mary’s would be my ideal vocation.
Every character is unique and original, displaying all four distinct humour styles and I thought Dr Maxwell (Max) with her general persona was just the perfect protagonist for a pretty much male dominated storyline. The dialogue was funny and tongue in cheek yet serious and intelligent and I was literally addicted to the pages as I raced through this book.
Teenagers and adults alike can enjoy this series (only very occasion swearing) but I do believe readers would benefit from reading at least one or two previous books before this one. I definitely want to read more on the calamitous St. Mary’s and I will certainly be seeking out the previous 10 in this fascinating series.
A solid 4 stars for my first foray into the Jodi’s wonderful world of (not) time travel!
The series is based on a bunch of disaster-prone individuals who investigate major historical events in contemporary time. But do NOT call it time travel! Think DC Legends of Tomorrow, Doctor Who and you’ll be on the right track.
I loved how the author used real events in history in her story, I was entranced with the Princes in the Tower, London 1483 and the Minoan Eruption, Crete 1628BC. Loving history as much as I do, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to travel back in time and a job as a historian at St Mary’s would be my ideal vocation.
Every character is unique and original, displaying all four distinct humour styles and I thought Dr Maxwell (Max) with her general persona was just the perfect protagonist for a pretty much male dominated storyline. The dialogue was funny and tongue in cheek yet serious and intelligent and I was literally addicted to the pages as I raced through this book.
Teenagers and adults alike can enjoy this series (only very occasion swearing) but I do believe readers would benefit from reading at least one or two previous books before this one. I definitely want to read more on the calamitous St. Mary’s and I will certainly be seeking out the previous 10 in this fascinating series.
A solid 4 stars for my first foray into the Jodi’s wonderful world of (not) time travel!
October 16, 2022
*** 4.65 ***
"...Authority always has its own agenda. Authority sells its schemes with the promise it will benefit everyone and what they mean is that it will benefit themselves and their friends. Bugger the little people. Our only function is to pay for everything – including their very expensive mistakes – and then quietly die as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Bastards, every one of them."..."
"..."He made me some cocoa. Apparently, it cures everything except in-growing toenails. No one knows why not."..."
"...‘So, still hovering indecisively at the top of the personality disorder chart, but failing to slither down the slippery slope of insanity, sir.’..."
Enough said!
One of the most entertaining, despite often frustration, series on Time Travel out there. I strongly recommend it!!!
"...Authority always has its own agenda. Authority sells its schemes with the promise it will benefit everyone and what they mean is that it will benefit themselves and their friends. Bugger the little people. Our only function is to pay for everything – including their very expensive mistakes – and then quietly die as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Bastards, every one of them."..."
"..."He made me some cocoa. Apparently, it cures everything except in-growing toenails. No one knows why not."..."
"...‘So, still hovering indecisively at the top of the personality disorder chart, but failing to slither down the slippery slope of insanity, sir.’..."
Enough said!
One of the most entertaining, despite often frustration, series on Time Travel out there. I strongly recommend it!!!
November 20, 2020
What a wild ride! ... by the end. :) At the beginning, it kinda felt like I was revisiting old plots from previous novels, but that's because they were... in a way. It was a perfect buildup for what eventually became...
SPOILER TERRITORY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS.
This isn't meant to scare you. If you've been following these hapless historians you must already know to expect the unexpected, especially when it's already happened. Yes, old foes show up again. Yes, Max is right to mistrust authority figures. And yes, you really, really need to defrost the chickens.
You had to be there.
And then we get the biggest spoiler in all the books. At long last... we get Markham's name. And oddly enough, it's wickedly good fun.
SPOILER TERRITORY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS.
This isn't meant to scare you. If you've been following these hapless historians you must already know to expect the unexpected, especially when it's already happened. Yes, old foes show up again. Yes, Max is right to mistrust authority figures. And yes, you really, really need to defrost the chickens.
You had to be there.
And then we get the biggest spoiler in all the books. At long last... we get Markham's name. And oddly enough, it's wickedly good fun.
June 18, 2021
Max and Company always put on a good show and I find myself thoroughly entertained throughout the entire book. This is a series I really look forward to the all the books in the series as we both move backward and forwards in time and get into all kinds of mischief along the way. No one knows how to tempt Murphy or aggravate their superiors better than Max.
Max always has her hands full. It seems like between her husband, son and the other members of St. Mary’s there is always someone to pull out of the fire. This time the time police have come after Leon for the murder of his former wife. Clive Ronan is still at large out there waiting to die at some moment and Max has a trip planned to watch a whole bunch of people die in an Earthquake/Fire/Tsunami disaster for the ages.
So much fun to be had hanging out with the history department, R&D, a pampered chicken and even the technical section. There were definitely some great twists in this one and closure to at least one plot line, or is there? Only time will tell.
‘So, still hovering indecisively at the top of the personality disorder chart, but failing to slither down the slippery slope of insanity, sir.’
Max always has her hands full. It seems like between her husband, son and the other members of St. Mary’s there is always someone to pull out of the fire. This time the time police have come after Leon for the murder of his former wife. Clive Ronan is still at large out there waiting to die at some moment and Max has a trip planned to watch a whole bunch of people die in an Earthquake/Fire/Tsunami disaster for the ages.
dreadful things do not cease to happen because we look away. Someone has to bear witness. Someone has to remember . .
So much fun to be had hanging out with the history department, R&D, a pampered chicken and even the technical section. There were definitely some great twists in this one and closure to at least one plot line, or is there? Only time will tell.
July 28, 2020
Daaaaang this one was good. So many unexpected twists. Some closure on some things. Some new mysteries. And a great reveal!!! I really adore this series so much.
I also have a theory about a newly introduced character that I can't wait to see if it plays out the way I think!!!
I also have a theory about a newly introduced character that I can't wait to see if it plays out the way I think!!!
November 20, 2020
Normally, I jumped at a chance to read the latest St. Mary's book. This year, it took me months to pick it up and I actually debated whether I wanted to keep on reading. In the end, I'm glad I did pick this up as it made me laugh and was overall very satisfying.
London, the night before the princes in the Tower of London were supposedly killed, was just warming us up. The main historical event witnessed in contemporary time was Knossos on Crete.
So I was right in my element.
And yet, London and the princes turned out to be majorly important. Spoilery so which is why I shan't say anything else. Apart from this: Dr. Bairstowe has an uncanny talent for doing things that makes my heart drop.
For those who have been following the series from the start, this has a lot of repetition. Or so it seems. I did expect it to have been done on purpose. And I am pleased to report that I was right. But again: no spoilers.
The writing was fast-paced and the characters endearingly quirky as usual, thus welcoming me home right from the beginning (always a nice feeling). Just like Zara Ramm's voice reading the audio version to me in the same wonderful fashion as she's done since book 1.
I'll read the two short stories that came after this volume and then give the spin-off a chance - we'll see how it compares.
I will say one thing that I appreciated very much in this volume: closure. Interpret this as you will but it was time (both for Markham and Clive). ;) We'll see how the story continues now (I'm actually a little suspicious because if you keep a series going for too long, you're eventually running out of steam and quality suffers - I hope this will not happen here).
P.S.: Whatever you do, first defrost the bloody chickens! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
London, the night before the princes in the Tower of London were supposedly killed, was just warming us up. The main historical event witnessed in contemporary time was Knossos on Crete.
So I was right in my element.
And yet, London and the princes turned out to be majorly important. Spoilery so which is why I shan't say anything else. Apart from this: Dr. Bairstowe has an uncanny talent for doing things that makes my heart drop.
For those who have been following the series from the start, this has a lot of repetition. Or so it seems. I did expect it to have been done on purpose. And I am pleased to report that I was right. But again: no spoilers.
The writing was fast-paced and the characters endearingly quirky as usual, thus welcoming me home right from the beginning (always a nice feeling). Just like Zara Ramm's voice reading the audio version to me in the same wonderful fashion as she's done since book 1.
I'll read the two short stories that came after this volume and then give the spin-off a chance - we'll see how it compares.
I will say one thing that I appreciated very much in this volume: closure. Interpret this as you will but it was time (both for Markham and Clive). ;) We'll see how the story continues now (I'm actually a little suspicious because if you keep a series going for too long, you're eventually running out of steam and quality suffers - I hope this will not happen here).
P.S.: Whatever you do, first defrost the bloody chickens! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
September 10, 2020
As always, I love this series. At this point it's difficult to give too much away, but I did like seeing the test and strain on relationships between Max and the other members of her team, and I also think there's a great moment of revelation here for her at the last few chapters.
This story follows the team to Greece and they see gladiators and bull jumping acts and all sorts of crazy action. It's always a jolly time with these characters and I have a feeling the possibilities are endless for continuing the tales of this world :) 4*s
This story follows the team to Greece and they see gladiators and bull jumping acts and all sorts of crazy action. It's always a jolly time with these characters and I have a feeling the possibilities are endless for continuing the tales of this world :) 4*s
March 4, 2021
Another 4 stars.
A couple of moments dragged, but overall great with a character betrayal and a very big and very exciting reveal.
Time periods and incidents explored.
15th century England, Tower of London:
A sightseeing jaunt to the period right before the princes in the Tower go missing under the guardianship of Richard III. Their disappearance is still considered one of the greater historical mysteries, and Richard’s innocence is still debated.
Other good books about Richard III are:
The Murders of Richard III A lighthearted contemporary mystery about a bunch of Richard III fanatics.
The Daughter of Time A more traditional British mystery.
1600 BCE Crete:
The crew goes back to Crete in the weeks before Thera erupted and destroyed the island and essentially destroyed Cretan culture. Bad timing.
A couple of moments dragged, but overall great with a character betrayal and a very big and very exciting reveal.
Time periods and incidents explored.
15th century England, Tower of London:
A sightseeing jaunt to the period right before the princes in the Tower go missing under the guardianship of Richard III. Their disappearance is still considered one of the greater historical mysteries, and Richard’s innocence is still debated.
Other good books about Richard III are:
The Murders of Richard III A lighthearted contemporary mystery about a bunch of Richard III fanatics.
The Daughter of Time A more traditional British mystery.
1600 BCE Crete:
The crew goes back to Crete in the weeks before Thera erupted and destroyed the island and essentially destroyed Cretan culture. Bad timing.
April 16, 2020
I’ve read all of Jodi Taylor’s wonderful St Mary’s Chronicles since the beginning. This is Book #11. I’m delighted whenever a new one comes out, but this one is my favorite thus far. It ties up some loose ends, answers some questions, and delivers a whopper of a surprise.
The St Mary’s series is about a rollicking group of time traveling (don’t call it time travel) historians, who “observe historical events in contemporary time.” The first book is called Just One Damn Thing After Another. You will not regret trying this series. You will laugh, cry, and learn about history.
The St Mary’s series is about a rollicking group of time traveling (don’t call it time travel) historians, who “observe historical events in contemporary time.” The first book is called Just One Damn Thing After Another. You will not regret trying this series. You will laugh, cry, and learn about history.
February 7, 2025
Oh my goodness!!!!! The best ever.
February 21, 2021
An exciting and pivotal instalment in this glorious series, featuring Vikings, the Princes in the tower, a volcanic eruption (twice) in Crete and the evil Clive Ronan, amongst others. Brilliant as ever.
July 11, 2020
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Those of you who have been following my reviews for a while know that I have always been looking forward to the next book in the St. Mary's series. Their time travel - ehm, investigation of major historical events in contemporary time - is always so much fun.
However, this book I was not so much feeling it. I started reading shortly after it was published and I had to push myself to get into the story and enjoy it (which was a strange sensation). I think what I was mainly missing was that the parts that I used to enjoy the most, the historical assignments and the prepping for those, is reduced to a minimum in these last few books. That's why I was very glad the Crete assignment was coming up, and that part I actually really enjoyed.
But, it is also about Ronan. Again. I have had some trouble trying to figure out how everything with his story line was connected and if it were possible at all. Also, there were characters who made some decisions that went right against their normal behaviors, all working towards a major shocking reveal (which I saw coming). I haven't really figured out what to think of it yet.
For me, this felt sort of like a closing chapter, with some of the most long-running mysteries finally solved, but I just found out another book is planned next year. Still curious to see where it is going...
Those of you who have been following my reviews for a while know that I have always been looking forward to the next book in the St. Mary's series. Their time travel - ehm, investigation of major historical events in contemporary time - is always so much fun.
However, this book I was not so much feeling it. I started reading shortly after it was published and I had to push myself to get into the story and enjoy it (which was a strange sensation). I think what I was mainly missing was that the parts that I used to enjoy the most, the historical assignments and the prepping for those, is reduced to a minimum in these last few books. That's why I was very glad the Crete assignment was coming up, and that part I actually really enjoyed.
But, it is also about Ronan. Again. I have had some trouble trying to figure out how everything with his story line was connected and if it were possible at all. Also, there were characters who made some decisions that went right against their normal behaviors, all working towards a major shocking reveal (which I saw coming). I haven't really figured out what to think of it yet.
For me, this felt sort of like a closing chapter, with some of the most long-running mysteries finally solved, but I just found out another book is planned next year. Still curious to see where it is going...
June 13, 2025
Lesson of the story, always defrost chickens first.
July 29, 2024
Plan for the Worst -4 stars
A lot of surprises in this one, and again a fun read.
A jump to the Tower of London leaves Max in a state of disbelief and her life takes a turn she did not see coming. Trying to carry on after the events there, a jump to Crete, a volcano and of course Ronan take up the rest of the book.
Taylor, after 11 books, can still make me smile. I love all the characters. I am addicted to traveling in time to great historic sites and each time learn something, all important to me.
This series appears to be reaching an end soon. I will miss it but do plan to start Taylor's new series that surrounds The Time Police.
A lot of surprises in this one, and again a fun read.
A jump to the Tower of London leaves Max in a state of disbelief and her life takes a turn she did not see coming. Trying to carry on after the events there, a jump to Crete, a volcano and of course Ronan take up the rest of the book.
Taylor, after 11 books, can still make me smile. I love all the characters. I am addicted to traveling in time to great historic sites and each time learn something, all important to me.
This series appears to be reaching an end soon. I will miss it but do plan to start Taylor's new series that surrounds The Time Police.
July 2, 2023
I worship the shavings of Jodi Taylor’s pencil.
May 13, 2025
LOVED this one! The rapid chicken-firing gun was a highlight of the series for me, and it was a great book all-round.
And OMG MARKHAM!
Which is all I'm saying, because spoilers, lol.
And OMG MARKHAM!
Which is all I'm saying, because spoilers, lol.
October 17, 2021
When Max, time traveling historian for St. Mary's Institute, states that a planned trip will be concise, safe, and well-executed, the excursion will be anything but that. This continues to be true for this book's sojourns into 15th century England and Minos's Crete. In this novel, Max will be betrayed twice by two most trusted and Max's future at St. Mary's will hang in a coin toss.
I am almost finished with this series with only one book left to read. I do plan to follow it up with the Time Police series. I have found this series an enjoyable light read after reading heavier works. Although it has its dramatic moments, these are often interlaced with humor. And what an entertaining way to learn history, which I have found to be accurate. It was beneficial, although coincidental, to have read this book of the series before beginning Ariadne by Jennifer Scott.
I am almost finished with this series with only one book left to read. I do plan to follow it up with the Time Police series. I have found this series an enjoyable light read after reading heavier works. Although it has its dramatic moments, these are often interlaced with humor. And what an entertaining way to learn history, which I have found to be accurate. It was beneficial, although coincidental, to have read this book of the series before beginning Ariadne by Jennifer Scott.
April 21, 2020
Always defrost your chickens
We’re onto book 11 now, and I’m wondering what route Jodi is planning to take. Are we nearing the end? Or is she planning to go down the route of Janet Evanovich? (26 books - at the time of writing - in the Stephanie Plum series.) Or, heaven forbid, down the JD Robb route (51 books - and counting - in the Eve Dallas series.) There’s only so many times Max can get herself - and her team - into considerable danger. Time and time again.
The thing that keeps this series fresh for me, is that Jodi doesn’t stick to going to well known points in time. We land in Crete and London July 1483 and hop between other places but they’re never well known points in history (at least, not for me) and I am glad of that. As it keeps the cast of characters on their toes, wondering where their Mistress is going to dream up, to send them next.
This book is one of the funniest I’ve read in the series. There’s quite a few times where I had to stop reading, because the tears were rolling down my cheeks, I couldn’t see the words on the page anymore. And then when I did pick up the book again, I would read the same lines and the whole process would start over again. By page 25 or so, I’d read quite a few lines out to my ever-suffering dad (who also reads the series), that he probably doesn’t need to read this book now. And page 86, I nearly fell off my seat.
Markham is still the scene stealer of the series, and although he’s largely underused for this book, we do see a lot of him towards the end, and at one point, my exact words were “what the f***”. This part is a serious mindf*** and you’ll either love the idea, or hate it/Markham completely.
The main issue I have with these books (and JD Robb/Janet Evanovich) is there’s no real concept of time passing. Max frequently mentions that she’s not as young as she used to be, and frequent time travelling adventures (with time still passing in whatever era she finds herself in), means I’ve never really had any real idea of what age she actually is at the beginning and what age she is now. You would assume years have passed, but at the same time, no one else seems to be aging/retiring and everything is just plodding along, as if a couple of weeks have passed since the previous instalment.
But how long can this series carry on for? Unless you’re reading each book back to back, there are a lot of salient points that you’ll not remember. I read the first few in the series back to back, but then I have had to wait for the rest to be released. A fresh re-read of the series may have set some points in my head for this particular entry into the series. I would highly recommend if you’re a big fan of this series, to re-read the series beforehand, just to refresh your memory.
Where can this series go from here? I wouldn’t say that this ends on a particular cliffhanger, not like some of the earlier instalments but you’re still left wondering. Until next year.
We’re onto book 11 now, and I’m wondering what route Jodi is planning to take. Are we nearing the end? Or is she planning to go down the route of Janet Evanovich? (26 books - at the time of writing - in the Stephanie Plum series.) Or, heaven forbid, down the JD Robb route (51 books - and counting - in the Eve Dallas series.) There’s only so many times Max can get herself - and her team - into considerable danger. Time and time again.
The thing that keeps this series fresh for me, is that Jodi doesn’t stick to going to well known points in time. We land in Crete and London July 1483 and hop between other places but they’re never well known points in history (at least, not for me) and I am glad of that. As it keeps the cast of characters on their toes, wondering where their Mistress is going to dream up, to send them next.
This book is one of the funniest I’ve read in the series. There’s quite a few times where I had to stop reading, because the tears were rolling down my cheeks, I couldn’t see the words on the page anymore. And then when I did pick up the book again, I would read the same lines and the whole process would start over again. By page 25 or so, I’d read quite a few lines out to my ever-suffering dad (who also reads the series), that he probably doesn’t need to read this book now. And page 86, I nearly fell off my seat.
Markham is still the scene stealer of the series, and although he’s largely underused for this book, we do see a lot of him towards the end, and at one point, my exact words were “what the f***”. This part is a serious mindf*** and you’ll either love the idea, or hate it/Markham completely.
The main issue I have with these books (and JD Robb/Janet Evanovich) is there’s no real concept of time passing. Max frequently mentions that she’s not as young as she used to be, and frequent time travelling adventures (with time still passing in whatever era she finds herself in), means I’ve never really had any real idea of what age she actually is at the beginning and what age she is now. You would assume years have passed, but at the same time, no one else seems to be aging/retiring and everything is just plodding along, as if a couple of weeks have passed since the previous instalment.
But how long can this series carry on for? Unless you’re reading each book back to back, there are a lot of salient points that you’ll not remember. I read the first few in the series back to back, but then I have had to wait for the rest to be released. A fresh re-read of the series may have set some points in my head for this particular entry into the series. I would highly recommend if you’re a big fan of this series, to re-read the series beforehand, just to refresh your memory.
Where can this series go from here? I wouldn’t say that this ends on a particular cliffhanger, not like some of the earlier instalments but you’re still left wondering. Until next year.
May 1, 2020
Mind blowing and fast paced, an extremely enjoyable instalment to this series which I never tire of! Did I mention mind blowing? I had a couple of Jaye Wells "I Can't Even" moments from her recent scale posted on twitter.
I don't recommend starting on this book though, this is book 11 and you would be very, very confused. And that's not to say reading book 1 won't confuse you but I definitely can say that the hilarity and madcap-ness starts right away.
I recommend this series to everyone I can, I love it that much!
I don't recommend starting on this book though, this is book 11 and you would be very, very confused. And that's not to say reading book 1 won't confuse you but I definitely can say that the hilarity and madcap-ness starts right away.
I recommend this series to everyone I can, I love it that much!
August 23, 2020
Ho-ly
SHIT.
Wow. I can't say anymore, just wow.
SHIT.
Wow. I can't say anymore, just wow.
October 19, 2025
Following the plan to trap arch villain Ronan, and the unexpected twist at the end of the previous book, Hope for the Best, Max, Leon and their son Matthew (recently returned from the care of the Time Police) are trying to get on with the rest of their lives at St Mary's. Max is once more in charge of the historians and trying to impress their funders at Thirsk University, so she's planning a spectacular trip to ancient Crete, just before the huge volcanic eruption which heralded the end of the Minoan civilisation. But before that, Leon is arrested for murder by the dreaded Time Police, and Max, Peterson and Markham have to become private investigators. Then Doctor Bairstow (the boss) takes Mrs Brown (a government representative) on a jaunt to see the Princes in the Tower, accompanied only by Max. Everything goes wrong (of course) and Max is almost drowned, when the person she trusts with her life fails her. The betrayal leaves her shaken. Then there's the Crete trip. It's all going well until the volcano kicks off early and Ronan reappears at just the wrong moment. There's a satisfactory ending, and I did wonder whether this might be the final book, but then I checked and #12 is available for advance order. After a lot of hints in previous books we finally find out more about Markham who is my second favourite character (after Max) and when the revelation comes, it's a doozy.
Audiobook 26/08/2020
I read the book on Kindle and then immediately listened to it on Audible immediarely after finishng the Kindle read. It's read by Zara Ramm, as usual and is thoroughly satisfying.
Audiobook: 18/10/2025
Audiobook narrated by Zara Ramm.
I re-read (re-listened to) this because in the recent read of ‘Out of Time’ I had a question about Markham and whether Max knows the details of his origins. I was fairly sure she did, but I needed to remind myself. And yes, she does. So now I need to re-read Out of Time again.
Audiobook 26/08/2020
I read the book on Kindle and then immediately listened to it on Audible immediarely after finishng the Kindle read. It's read by Zara Ramm, as usual and is thoroughly satisfying.
Audiobook: 18/10/2025
Audiobook narrated by Zara Ramm.
I re-read (re-listened to) this because in the recent read of ‘Out of Time’ I had a question about Markham and whether Max knows the details of his origins. I was fairly sure she did, but I needed to remind myself. And yes, she does. So now I need to re-read Out of Time again.
November 29, 2022
So many things happen in this one.
May I say I knew it? 😉
May I say I knew it? 😉
August 29, 2021
OH. MY. GOSH! Book 11 is easily the best of the lot? Who would have thought it!
.
It is not secret that I am absolutely enamored with this series. If you're unfamiliar with The Chronicles of St Marys, these are books about a group of disaster-prone historians who investigate major historical events in contemporary time (but please, don't call it time travel ;)). These books are quirky, action-packed, hysterical, and if you love history, right up your alley (I always learn a ton).
.
Book 11 was absolutely one adventure after another. From a Viking encounter, to visiting London in 1493 to discover what happened to the Princes in the Tower, to spending three months in Crete studying the Minoan Empire, it felt like 500 pages of pure action. We get plenty of time with our favorites, Max, Markham, and Peterson - and the twists and turns within the plot are FREAKIN EPIC! I literally said "WTF" several times, out-loud, during the read. (My kids weren't around, it's all good!) And in typical Jodi Taylor fashion, I also LOL'ed several times.
.
FOLKS, this series is so good. If you like history, quirky British humor (think Downton Abbey), time travel, and endearing characters, please pick this up.
.
It is not secret that I am absolutely enamored with this series. If you're unfamiliar with The Chronicles of St Marys, these are books about a group of disaster-prone historians who investigate major historical events in contemporary time (but please, don't call it time travel ;)). These books are quirky, action-packed, hysterical, and if you love history, right up your alley (I always learn a ton).
.
Book 11 was absolutely one adventure after another. From a Viking encounter, to visiting London in 1493 to discover what happened to the Princes in the Tower, to spending three months in Crete studying the Minoan Empire, it felt like 500 pages of pure action. We get plenty of time with our favorites, Max, Markham, and Peterson - and the twists and turns within the plot are FREAKIN EPIC! I literally said "WTF" several times, out-loud, during the read. (My kids weren't around, it's all good!) And in typical Jodi Taylor fashion, I also LOL'ed several times.
.
FOLKS, this series is so good. If you like history, quirky British humor (think Downton Abbey), time travel, and endearing characters, please pick this up.
April 17, 2020
wow wow wow what an addition to this series.
Do we reckon that this is the last in the series about Max and Leon? I feel like...we're kinda getting to the end.
This is definitely a rollercoaster of events and they're all lovingly, gorgeously written about. The normal bits are there with some extra thrown in and it was definitely worth the wait. I'm keen on the other series that Taylor's started as it's nice to have some fresher characters but still the same world. I feel like Max has grown so much and everyone at St Mary's feels like a friend from Markham to Bashford and even Rosie Lee :p
I kinda want more but also not?
Do we reckon that this is the last in the series about Max and Leon? I feel like...we're kinda getting to the end.
This is definitely a rollercoaster of events and they're all lovingly, gorgeously written about. The normal bits are there with some extra thrown in and it was definitely worth the wait. I'm keen on the other series that Taylor's started as it's nice to have some fresher characters but still the same world. I feel like Max has grown so much and everyone at St Mary's feels like a friend from Markham to Bashford and even Rosie Lee :p
I kinda want more but also not?
January 26, 2025
St. Mary’s doesn’t disappoint! Surprising twist at the end (in a good way). While this is fiction, there’s so much History in it, it makes you want to read the non fiction accounts of these historical events. Maybe someday!🤞
November 27, 2020
Jodi Taylor is a steam -roller of a writer! So many fun , and compelling ideas and twists! I just keep coming back for more of the St. Mary's crew. The characters have become so real to me, and this time it gets deep. Finally, some light is she'd on major characters.
March 27, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy. I first discovered the St Mary’s series and Jodi Taylor last month. Since the first chapter, which I listened to through audible, I have been hooked. Her writing is brilliant, funny and often poignant. I have cried and laughed in equal measure. With each book, and short story, I have been desperate to read the next. To hold myself over until I was able to read this, I have read her other novels which I also enjoyed. To say I was happy to get the chance to read this book early would be an understatement! I won’t give away the plot as you need to go into this without spoilers, but I will say I was very satisfied with what was revealed. During a time of great uncertainty in the world- clearly Jodi Taylor has her own time machine as she certainly predicted coronavirus in “Just One Damned Thing After Another”- this book has been a balm to me in my exile from the world. Can’t wait to read the next in the Time Police series in October.
August 16, 2024
[2024] Still wow, though I knew what was coming this time. I’m working through two information dense ARCs and this provided a welcome, lesson dense, side foray.
“No one intervened. This was the will of the gods. Gods like it when their people die for them.”
And people like it when their gods like people (who are not themselves) dying.
“I cursed fluently – because there’s no point in cursing any other way. ”
[2021] Wow. No spoilers.
Just wow.
“No one intervened. This was the will of the gods. Gods like it when their people die for them.”
And people like it when their gods like people (who are not themselves) dying.
“I cursed fluently – because there’s no point in cursing any other way. ”
[2021] Wow. No spoilers.
Just wow.
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