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Behind Yesterday
Thomas Watson, a 1998 history professor, mysteriously appears during the Battle of Britain. Churchill, losing the struggle, is pressured to surrender. Knowing the war’s outcome, can Thomas convince him to persevere and win the war without revealing his unique situation?
Upon his curious arrival in London, Thomas finds he is married to Margaret, a woman he doesn’t know but learns to love. Although unaware of his previous life, he’s fully aware of the historical events unfolding. In their quest to influence Churchill to persevere and save the free world, Thomas and Margaret race down a path of danger, espionage, love, and intrigue.
A cast of fascinating characters finds their lives intertwined, eventually converging at the unexpected and exciting conclusion to one of the most important events of the twentieth century.
You’ll love this story because you think you know the ending.
--But you don’t.--
REVISED 2nd EDITION April 12, 2023. Re-Edited by Kelli McMaster
Upon his curious arrival in London, Thomas finds he is married to Margaret, a woman he doesn’t know but learns to love. Although unaware of his previous life, he’s fully aware of the historical events unfolding. In their quest to influence Churchill to persevere and save the free world, Thomas and Margaret race down a path of danger, espionage, love, and intrigue.
A cast of fascinating characters finds their lives intertwined, eventually converging at the unexpected and exciting conclusion to one of the most important events of the twentieth century.
You’ll love this story because you think you know the ending.
--But you don’t.--
REVISED 2nd EDITION April 12, 2023. Re-Edited by Kelli McMaster
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2023
434 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 13, 2025
I have very mixed feelings about this novel. I decided to read it because time travel is one of my favorite genres. Even though the best time travel books cannot adequately explain the phenomenon of time travel (since it is scientifically impossible), they do explore the consequences of it. In this book, however, it makes no sense even as speculative fiction. I almost stopped reading after the first 50 boring pages, but the story became more exciting and built up to a satisfactory climax. Finally, it could have received three stars, and possibly even four, but the writing was frequently awkward and downright sloppy. There is a sequel which I doubt I will read unless other readers convince me that the time travel gets better and that the author got a good editor.
November 15, 2025
Honestly, I was hoping for much more of a sci-fi time travel element than I got with Behind Yesterday (A Thomas Watson Mystery #1) by Richard D. Taylor. I was hoping it would be at least decent as a historical fiction/ World War II story, but unfortunately it's much too long and it needs more editing because the writing is a awkward and at times tricky to follow what was going on. Plus, it was more boring that it should have been given everything that's going on.
May 7, 2025
A Few Jarring Words
I enjoyed this book but every so often a mistake jarred the flow of the narrative. In the 1940s train doors did not "woosh" open. English women refer to the bags they carry as " handbags", "purses" are used to store money, much like a man's wallet. I find it doubtful that a WAAC would boast she'd spent a two day leave and " not spent a single dime" perhaps "shilling" would have been more appropriate. I am also doubtful that a British MI5 operative would insist on being addressed with the title "agent". A security guard would not describe a person by quoting an approximation for his weight in pounds in Britain, especially in the 1940s and even today, the approximation would be given in stones. The author has also put American slang words into the mouths of British folk. A good English editor may well have fixed these jarring American mistakes. Thorough research of the factual background also requires thorough research of the language of the day.
I enjoyed this book but every so often a mistake jarred the flow of the narrative. In the 1940s train doors did not "woosh" open. English women refer to the bags they carry as " handbags", "purses" are used to store money, much like a man's wallet. I find it doubtful that a WAAC would boast she'd spent a two day leave and " not spent a single dime" perhaps "shilling" would have been more appropriate. I am also doubtful that a British MI5 operative would insist on being addressed with the title "agent". A security guard would not describe a person by quoting an approximation for his weight in pounds in Britain, especially in the 1940s and even today, the approximation would be given in stones. The author has also put American slang words into the mouths of British folk. A good English editor may well have fixed these jarring American mistakes. Thorough research of the factual background also requires thorough research of the language of the day.
March 8, 2025
Books that feature an element of time travel will almost always draw my attention. The same for accounts of World War II. So, when I saw an ad for Richard Taylor’s “Behind Yesterday,” an historical fiction novel set during World War II that encompasses time travel, I had to check it out.
And I’m glad I did.
As the story unfolds, Thomas Watson, a history professor, is on a cruise ship in the Caribbean on New Year’s Eve, 1989. He visits the men’s room and, after gazing into the mirror and experiencing a surreal moment of feeling there was an actual person on the other side of the mirror, turns and finds himself in a completely different bathroom.
In London.
In 1940.
He quickly learns that he is married to Margaret (which is interesting since he had just met a woman named Margaret on the cruise ship prior to visiting the men’s room), though he has no idea who she is. And while he is unaware of his previous life (back in 1989), he is completely aware of the historical events unfolding.
Britain is currently losing the battle with Germany, and soon Prime Minister Winston Churchill will have to make a monumental decision to either surrender or fight on. Armed with his knowledge of events to come, yet not knowing why he knows what he knows, Thomas knows he must do something.
Thus begins a fascinating and perilous journey to gain audience first with Alan Turing (real person), a mathematician and computer scientist whose contributions to the war effort may have saved Britain, and later with the Prime Minister himself. Thomas must share the information he has yet do so in a manner that doesn’t paint him as a raving lunatic who foresees the future. In this case, it’s a good thing he can’t remember his prior existence.
Oh, and of course, the Thomas Watson of this time period is being sought by the Russians for failing to deliver sensitive information he was assigned to procure. So, he’s also running for his life.
The narrative moves slowly, but the writing is engaging and descriptive – in particular Taylor’s description of ‘The Blitz’ that began on September 7. I’m sure, though, that a bit more brevity could have been employed throughout.
My only real disappointment was the ending, which I won’t spoil here. But suffice to say it raised more questions than answers provided. And while there is a sequel, “Target London,” which I will soon review as well, there doesn’t appear to be an opening for that smooth transition.
Still, I highly recommend “Behind Yesterday” and give it four out of five stars. Especially if you’re a history and time travel buff, you ought to check it out.
And check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) blog site.
And I’m glad I did.
As the story unfolds, Thomas Watson, a history professor, is on a cruise ship in the Caribbean on New Year’s Eve, 1989. He visits the men’s room and, after gazing into the mirror and experiencing a surreal moment of feeling there was an actual person on the other side of the mirror, turns and finds himself in a completely different bathroom.
In London.
In 1940.
He quickly learns that he is married to Margaret (which is interesting since he had just met a woman named Margaret on the cruise ship prior to visiting the men’s room), though he has no idea who she is. And while he is unaware of his previous life (back in 1989), he is completely aware of the historical events unfolding.
Britain is currently losing the battle with Germany, and soon Prime Minister Winston Churchill will have to make a monumental decision to either surrender or fight on. Armed with his knowledge of events to come, yet not knowing why he knows what he knows, Thomas knows he must do something.
Thus begins a fascinating and perilous journey to gain audience first with Alan Turing (real person), a mathematician and computer scientist whose contributions to the war effort may have saved Britain, and later with the Prime Minister himself. Thomas must share the information he has yet do so in a manner that doesn’t paint him as a raving lunatic who foresees the future. In this case, it’s a good thing he can’t remember his prior existence.
Oh, and of course, the Thomas Watson of this time period is being sought by the Russians for failing to deliver sensitive information he was assigned to procure. So, he’s also running for his life.
The narrative moves slowly, but the writing is engaging and descriptive – in particular Taylor’s description of ‘The Blitz’ that began on September 7. I’m sure, though, that a bit more brevity could have been employed throughout.
My only real disappointment was the ending, which I won’t spoil here. But suffice to say it raised more questions than answers provided. And while there is a sequel, “Target London,” which I will soon review as well, there doesn’t appear to be an opening for that smooth transition.
Still, I highly recommend “Behind Yesterday” and give it four out of five stars. Especially if you’re a history and time travel buff, you ought to check it out.
And check out all my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) blog site.
May 18, 2025
Well, here it is. Yet another time travel story. I've read a dozen or so of them, so I wasn't expecting anything new or overly exciting. I was pleasantly surprised by the story that unfolded before me.
There is no machine, a la H. G. Wells. There is no "rabbit hole" in the back room of a diner, a la Stephen King. It, and by "it" I mean Thomas Watson's jump back in time, just happens.
Thomas is very much a man of the present, which in this case is 1998. He is a history professor on a cruise, attending a cocktail party, when he excuses himself and walks into a bathroom. He walks out of that bathroom into a charming London bedroom. As if that isn't surprise enough for Professor Watson, his beautiful young wife, with whom he apparently shares the home and bedroom is there, waiting for him. As if that isn't overwhelming enough, they're in the middle of a 1940 London blackout, and about to be in the middle of German air raid.
What follows is a well crafted story that's as entertaining as it gets. Richard D. Taylor has created lots of interesting characters enmeshed in complex plot. The really good news for readers is that the story is easy to follow, and holds our interest. Taylor has placed his protagonist at the center of intersecting storylines that are as surprising to Watson as they are to us.
I won't give away all of the secrets that Taylor has created for Watson, as that'd take all the fun out of your read of the story. You'll just have to take my word for it that you'll enjoy it. To add weight to that claim, I've already added the follow-up to my library, and plan to start reading it, today.
There is no machine, a la H. G. Wells. There is no "rabbit hole" in the back room of a diner, a la Stephen King. It, and by "it" I mean Thomas Watson's jump back in time, just happens.
Thomas is very much a man of the present, which in this case is 1998. He is a history professor on a cruise, attending a cocktail party, when he excuses himself and walks into a bathroom. He walks out of that bathroom into a charming London bedroom. As if that isn't surprise enough for Professor Watson, his beautiful young wife, with whom he apparently shares the home and bedroom is there, waiting for him. As if that isn't overwhelming enough, they're in the middle of a 1940 London blackout, and about to be in the middle of German air raid.
What follows is a well crafted story that's as entertaining as it gets. Richard D. Taylor has created lots of interesting characters enmeshed in complex plot. The really good news for readers is that the story is easy to follow, and holds our interest. Taylor has placed his protagonist at the center of intersecting storylines that are as surprising to Watson as they are to us.
I won't give away all of the secrets that Taylor has created for Watson, as that'd take all the fun out of your read of the story. You'll just have to take my word for it that you'll enjoy it. To add weight to that claim, I've already added the follow-up to my library, and plan to start reading it, today.
December 6, 2024
A silly story but, as a fan of time travel in any medium, I fully enjoyed this book. The author brought enough historical fact into the action it was easy to suspend logic of time travel and close relationships with historically meaningful people and just enjoy the actions of the good guys vs the bad guys, not always knowing just who was good and who was bad. If it wasn’t December I’d say a great beach read. As it is, it’s a great read by the fire when it’s below freezing outside.
I liked it enough to buy the sequel which, I have no doubt, will bring me way more than 3.99 worth of pleasure.
I liked it enough to buy the sequel which, I have no doubt, will bring me way more than 3.99 worth of pleasure.
February 15, 2024
I started this book with much anticipation for a great read but have only got to chapter one and cannot go any further. The auto correct has changed some words altogether and the synopsis on the back of the book says that Thomas Watson is a 1998 history professor but the the book starts in 1989. He also refers to Churchill as Mr Prime Minister which is not right. The Prime Minister of the UK is always referred to as just Prime Minister, from that point I was not reading so much as proof reading and gave up.
August 27, 2023
the best romantic thriller I’ve ever read
What a fantastic trip Richard Taylor send us on.
It started a bit slow for me but after the first chapter I was hooked.
Thanks for a great adventure. Isn’t it fascinating to think about making sure the past stayed as it was.
And I loved Churchill and his magnificent speeches and how he thinks. I have a different opinion of him now.
What a fantastic trip Richard Taylor send us on.
It started a bit slow for me but after the first chapter I was hooked.
Thanks for a great adventure. Isn’t it fascinating to think about making sure the past stayed as it was.
And I loved Churchill and his magnificent speeches and how he thinks. I have a different opinion of him now.
February 27, 2024
Between 2.5 and 3 stars. Looked to be well researched. The story is interesting. Too many subplots going on. A really good editor could have greatly improved this book. I did read the re-edited version. I cringe to think what the first one was. Would probably like to read the second book in the series but won't be rushing out to buy it
February 21, 2025
What a load of rubbish! It could have been a great story if written by an Englishman. Instead we seem to have an author who has done no research. Countless factual & spelling errors! Plus did he really think that the main character could walk in & out of Bletchley Park the way he did? I gave up reading at that point!
November 15, 2023
Good story, needs better editing
I really did like the historical WWII story, and Winston Churchill is one of my heroes. But quite a few typos were distracting, so minus one star. Otherwise well worth the time.
I really did like the historical WWII story, and Winston Churchill is one of my heroes. But quite a few typos were distracting, so minus one star. Otherwise well worth the time.
June 2, 2024
Difficult to follow sometimes but a good story in the end. More history than mystery. Everyone wants a piece of the new Thomas: his wife, the Brits, and the Russians. Some strange alliances but that was Europe in WW2.
July 20, 2024
Exciting History
The pages of history marched across this story and the larger than life characters. The suspense not only of events directing England's battle but the suspense of events regarding Thomas and Margaret. Really enjoyed this book!
The pages of history marched across this story and the larger than life characters. The suspense not only of events directing England's battle but the suspense of events regarding Thomas and Margaret. Really enjoyed this book!
October 5, 2024
Great idea but badly edited
Time travel of the most exciting sort but marred by uncorrected spell checker mistakes also the characters were crudely drawn so it didn’t flow smoothly. A great shame because this book had a lot of promise.
Time travel of the most exciting sort but marred by uncorrected spell checker mistakes also the characters were crudely drawn so it didn’t flow smoothly. A great shame because this book had a lot of promise.
January 13, 2025
Pretty good story and the history was on and off again accurate, but it is fiction. The editing could have been better as the number of grammatical and misspelled words detracted from the story and, personally, made my head hurt. And what ever happened to Mrs. Somerville??
February 18, 2025
Entertaining, imaginative, and well-researched historical fiction. The time travel element is useful to the story though not explained in a satisfying way.
The book is a bit glitchy in spots, in need of more careful editing.
The book is a bit glitchy in spots, in need of more careful editing.
September 27, 2023
An intriguing story. Gives an insight into the second world war machine. Spy's left right and center here. A different look at time travel. A good read. Editing could have been better but didn't detract from my 5 stars.
December 15, 2023
farfetched
I thought the book was quite farfetched and not very believable. I kept reading and it a little better but much. Cannot recommend.
I thought the book was quite farfetched and not very believable. I kept reading and it a little better but much. Cannot recommend.
April 18, 2024
Behind Yesterday
Loved this book. History and time travel were a very good mix and a love story too. Interesting characters blended well.
Loved this book. History and time travel were a very good mix and a love story too. Interesting characters blended well.
May 13, 2024
Almost believable history or fiction?
I don't need 20 words to describe why I enjoyed reading this version of what my father's family experienced. One
I don't need 20 words to describe why I enjoyed reading this version of what my father's family experienced. One
June 9, 2024
I found this book to be an intriguing read ….. recommend it to all readers. Looking forward to reading the next in the series Nobu this author.
December 5, 2024
Excellent!
An amazing plot, great character development and the right amount of historical information. Really, a good read. And finally, excellent story development.
An amazing plot, great character development and the right amount of historical information. Really, a good read. And finally, excellent story development.
January 10, 2025
Excellent read. You felt like a participant in history.
February 6, 2025
Just okay, did not live up the online reviews.
February 25, 2025
behind Yesterday
Excellent book. Keeps on the edge of your seat through the whole book. I highly recommend reading it. I loved Thomas and Margaret’s story.
Excellent book. Keeps on the edge of your seat through the whole book. I highly recommend reading it. I loved Thomas and Margaret’s story.
July 4, 2025
Fascinating spin on the story of London, Churchill, Turing, and Russian spies during WW2.
September 14, 2025
WWII historical fiction - interesting concept!
February 28, 2026
Could have been great, Winston Churchill saved it, not sure it was worth the Effort to be honest.
January 28, 2026
Took me a long time to read this. I was lazy. It was a great story. Loved the research and imagination. Looking forward to part 2
March 19, 2024
Great story with a different perspective on time travel. To say much more would give away too much.
Since it is set on the cusp of Great Britain's involvement in World War 2, Thomas Watson, a history professor should have detailed information on what will happen and when but..... Then again why should anyone believe him.
As for the "romantic" aspect of the story, it's woven in very well but should require a certain "suspension of disbelief" on the part of the reader. As for his wife, not so much.
There really isn't much more I can say without saying too much. It is an intriguing story with its share of twists and turns and thoroughly enjoyable.
Since it is set on the cusp of Great Britain's involvement in World War 2, Thomas Watson, a history professor should have detailed information on what will happen and when but..... Then again why should anyone believe him.
As for the "romantic" aspect of the story, it's woven in very well but should require a certain "suspension of disbelief" on the part of the reader. As for his wife, not so much.
There really isn't much more I can say without saying too much. It is an intriguing story with its share of twists and turns and thoroughly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews