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The Chronicles of St Mary's #14.5
Christmas Pie
Merry Christmas from Jodi Taylor. It's time for St Mary's traditional Christmas jump - even though it's only September...
St Mary's has never lacked for enemies, but danger has never been closer to home. A state of war has broken out between St Mary's and the Women's Institute - the Raffia Mafia.
Markham, Max, Peterson and Miss Sykes must jump to Restoration London in search of real Christmas pie - the honour of St Mary's is at stake.
At least that how it all begins, but this is St Mary's after all...
St Mary's has never lacked for enemies, but danger has never been closer to home. A state of war has broken out between St Mary's and the Women's Institute - the Raffia Mafia.
Markham, Max, Peterson and Miss Sykes must jump to Restoration London in search of real Christmas pie - the honour of St Mary's is at stake.
At least that how it all begins, but this is St Mary's after all...
Audiobook
First published December 25, 2023
175 people are currently reading
788 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
84 books5,380 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 171 reviews
December 27, 2023
Who could have thought that Markham, Max and Petersen helping Mrs. Mack regaining St. Mary's honor in the great village back-off would lead to such shenanigans that involve the Time Police and even Lady Emilia and Pennyroyal.
...
Anyone knowing the disaster magnets at St. Mary's. *lol*
As ever, the author managed to sneak in some very interesting background information on some characters. Only a tease, of course, but still nice. Though I was even more pleased about the historical details on the London Stone.
Most importantly, however, the humour and heart was once again there. And that is more important even than creating a mince pie that doesn't taste like dog shampoo. ;P
...
Anyone knowing the disaster magnets at St. Mary's. *lol*
As ever, the author managed to sneak in some very interesting background information on some characters. Only a tease, of course, but still nice. Though I was even more pleased about the historical details on the London Stone.
Most importantly, however, the humour and heart was once again there. And that is more important even than creating a mince pie that doesn't taste like dog shampoo. ;P
December 27, 2023
IYKYK
Really not sure how to say anything other than it did exactly what I wanted it to do for me on a really craptastic Yule.
Really not sure how to say anything other than it did exactly what I wanted it to do for me on a really craptastic Yule.
December 27, 2023
It's one thing to say that a Jodi Taylor time-travel historian hijinx tale is a true holiday tradition, but you'd be wrong. It's a MARKHAM Jodi Taylor time-travel historian hijinx tale.
And it is, as we think, all about the pie. Fun stuff, as always!
And it is, as we think, all about the pie. Fun stuff, as always!
December 29, 2023
Fast and fun Christmas story for the members of St. Mary's off on a small jump to the historic London for some traditional meat pies. It should be easy, but as with everything dealing with St. Mary's chaos and shenanigan's ensue.
Told from Markham's perspective this is a quick and fun Christmas tale in true St. Mary's style. With a kidnapping, a fall off the chopping block, some confusion with the Time Police and Penny Royal just for good measure. I mean Max was on the trip so we should have known it wasn't going to be an easy jump.
All this in attempts to get an authentic Meat Pie for Ms. Mack so she could best the Women's Institute - the Raffia Mafia in the upcoming competition.
Fun, funny and full of a few little tid bits for those of you following the dramatics that is the St. Mary's crew.
Told from Markham's perspective this is a quick and fun Christmas tale in true St. Mary's style. With a kidnapping, a fall off the chopping block, some confusion with the Time Police and Penny Royal just for good measure. I mean Max was on the trip so we should have known it wasn't going to be an easy jump.
All this in attempts to get an authentic Meat Pie for Ms. Mack so she could best the Women's Institute - the Raffia Mafia in the upcoming competition.
Fun, funny and full of a few little tid bits for those of you following the dramatics that is the St. Mary's crew.
December 14, 2024
As usual, what starts out as an innocent-sounding trip to find an original mince pie recipe takes Max, Markham et al to the 1600s and the site of the London Stone where they're only supposed to be getting some original pies to trump the WI's efforts.
Of course this is St Mary's and before long they're dodging Time Police, baddies and there's even another encounter with two of my favourite characters - Smallhope and Pennyroyal.
Just sit back and enjoy the Christmas mayhem.
Of course this is St Mary's and before long they're dodging Time Police, baddies and there's even another encounter with two of my favourite characters - Smallhope and Pennyroyal.
Just sit back and enjoy the Christmas mayhem.
December 25, 2023
A yearly Christmas tradition, the annual St Mary's yule tide jump. And this year Markham is taking the reigns as Max and Co go on the hunt for some authentic Christmas pies to take down the formidable WI in restoration England. Except as always nothing ever goes to plan, and St Mary's end up kidnapped and manhandled by some rather shifty looking characters. And that's just the Time Police.
I always love it when Markham narrates a story. He's just got such an infectious personality that jumps from the page. And as always the St Mary's gang never fail to bring the entertainment. This felt like one of the earlier jumps, with everyone squabbling and running around trying to save everyone else. And the ending was just the cherry on top, with some great little character development.
If you're new to the series, don't start here. However fans of the series will definitely enjoy this installment.
I always love it when Markham narrates a story. He's just got such an infectious personality that jumps from the page. And as always the St Mary's gang never fail to bring the entertainment. This felt like one of the earlier jumps, with everyone squabbling and running around trying to save everyone else. And the ending was just the cherry on top, with some great little character development.
If you're new to the series, don't start here. However fans of the series will definitely enjoy this installment.
December 26, 2023
A 100 page short story that was actually released on Christmas Day 2023.
The usual suspects travel back to try and gather examples of the original 'Mince Pie', called in those days a Christmas Pie. Of course, things go pear shaped almost immediately.
Nice little tale but I didn't find it as good as I hoped. That may be just me as I haven't read far into the main series and may be missing some background/context.
The usual suspects travel back to try and gather examples of the original 'Mince Pie', called in those days a Christmas Pie. Of course, things go pear shaped almost immediately.
Nice little tale but I didn't find it as good as I hoped. That may be just me as I haven't read far into the main series and may be missing some background/context.
January 2, 2024
Another short story told from Markham's POV. ❤️❤️
ETA: had to wait until 9 a.m. CET to listen to the audiobook. Zara Ramm did a great job! I might just re-read the story for a third time today. (I know I'm ga-ga!)
ETA: had to wait until 9 a.m. CET to listen to the audiobook. Zara Ramm did a great job! I might just re-read the story for a third time today. (I know I'm ga-ga!)
December 24, 2024
A short story by Jodi Taylor has become as essential to Christmas as a mince pie! Another festive masterpiece with nice little snippets of information and backgrounds sifted throughout the tale which made for some brilliant Easter eggs (or should that be Christmas candy canes) to the series as a whole. I found myself ticking off all the St. Mary’s and Time Police book titles dropped in, I wasn’t sure she would get ‘Symphony of Echoes’ in but Jodi Taylor showed once again she can write anything and everything! Now to impatiently wait for the next instalment.
January 1, 2024
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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Have I told you how much I love The Chronicles of St Mary's?
My annual tradition is to listen to the new Christmas story from Jodi Taylor every year between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. It's a tradition that I always look forward to and this year was no different.
What was different was that this year's Christmas story was told by everyone's favorite Chief Security Officer, Markham. What begins as a simple jump to 1661 London to plunder an authentic and original mince pie for Ms. Mack becomes a right mess involving kidnapping, the Time Police, two familiar bounty hunters, and unfortunate (and entirely unintended) damage to the legendary London Stone.
This was one of my favorite Christmas short stories from Jodi Taylor. Reading it made me want to go back and start the series afresh...which I might just do in 2024.
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Have I told you how much I love The Chronicles of St Mary's?
My annual tradition is to listen to the new Christmas story from Jodi Taylor every year between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. It's a tradition that I always look forward to and this year was no different.
What was different was that this year's Christmas story was told by everyone's favorite Chief Security Officer, Markham. What begins as a simple jump to 1661 London to plunder an authentic and original mince pie for Ms. Mack becomes a right mess involving kidnapping, the Time Police, two familiar bounty hunters, and unfortunate (and entirely unintended) damage to the legendary London Stone.
This was one of my favorite Christmas short stories from Jodi Taylor. Reading it made me want to go back and start the series afresh...which I might just do in 2024.
December 27, 2023
Like all the St Mary’s Christmas stories, the amount of fun in this one is disproportionate to its length. Why can’t they just go on forever?
Narrated by the talented Mr Markham this time around, but chock full of most of our favorites from St Mary’s and elsewhere, all having a cracking good time in 17th century England. (But don’t call it time travel…)
As always, I can’t wait for the next (much longer) tale.
Narrated by the talented Mr Markham this time around, but chock full of most of our favorites from St Mary’s and elsewhere, all having a cracking good time in 17th century England. (But don’t call it time travel…)
As always, I can’t wait for the next (much longer) tale.
December 27, 2023
Another perfect St. Mary's Christmas story
I am a total Jodi Taylor fangirl, and look forward eagerly to all her books, but there's always something special about the Christmas tales. This may be my favorite yet because there is an extremely satisfying conclusion to an ongoing story as well as the obligatory happy ending to the book.
I am a total Jodi Taylor fangirl, and look forward eagerly to all her books, but there's always something special about the Christmas tales. This may be my favorite yet because there is an extremely satisfying conclusion to an ongoing story as well as the obligatory happy ending to the book.
December 27, 2023
Fabulous 😀❤️
January 2, 2024
Another fantastic visit to St Mary's!
December 27, 2023
Awww I'm glad Markham got a moment with his brother again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
Ah, St. Mary's. "Do I understand this initiative will involve you inflicting yourselves on some unlucky century already overburdened with a surplus of unfortunate events". Just one of the sentences that made me laugh out loud.
What took me by surprise was the end of the book & circling back to Markham's origin story. I shed a few happy tears for the House of Plantagenet. It was a satisfying end to a delightful book.
What took me by surprise was the end of the book & circling back to Markham's origin story. I shed a few happy tears for the House of Plantagenet. It was a satisfying end to a delightful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2023
2X Read on on Release Day. Loved it so much I listened again today.
1X What fun! Especially spotting all Titles of St Mary's Books. And it's from Markham POV! I got a little teary eyed at one part. Loved it so much. Also did I know that Nurse Hunter's name was Di?
1X What fun! Especially spotting all Titles of St Mary's Books. And it's from Markham POV! I got a little teary eyed at one part. Loved it so much. Also did I know that Nurse Hunter's name was Di?
October 7, 2025
St Mary’s is at war – with the local Women’s Institute, the Raffia Mafia. This year the Christmas jump isn’t illegal. It isn’t even at Christmas, but the honour of St Mary’s kitchen is at stake , so Max, Peterson, Markham and Sykes, have one job, to travel to Restoration London and buy a selection of authentic Christmas Pies so that Mrs Mack can reverse engineer them and beat the WI at the next Christmas Fair. Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as it might be – well, of course, this is St Mary’s after all and the tea-soaked disaster magnets have been let loose again. This time, instead of Max, Markham is the narrator. He has cogent insights into the Bashford v Sykes relationship, especially as Angus (Bashford’s chicken) makes is a lopsided threesome, and Sykes has another serious admirer.
This was almost the last book I read in December. Review here: https://jacey.dreamwidth.org/727953.html. I often buy/listen to Jodi Taylor audiobooks soon after reading the new publications on Kindle. This is narrated (beautifully) by Zara Ramm. Up until now, Zara Ramm has read all the St Mary’s audiobooks except for the single-release audiobook told by Markham (My Name is Markham narrated by Piers Wehner.) She narrates My Name is Markham in the audio short story anthology. She narrates this one, too, which is another told from Markham’s viewpoint rather than (as is usual) Max's. She does an excellent job of voicing Markham complete with his Bristolian accent. She gets it just right. There were things I picked out in the audio version that I didn't notice in the kindle one - including the obvious drinking game every time a St Mary's title is slipped seamlessly into the narrative. Highly recommended. (Though with the caveat that you should really start at #1, not #14.5.
This was almost the last book I read in December. Review here: https://jacey.dreamwidth.org/727953.html. I often buy/listen to Jodi Taylor audiobooks soon after reading the new publications on Kindle. This is narrated (beautifully) by Zara Ramm. Up until now, Zara Ramm has read all the St Mary’s audiobooks except for the single-release audiobook told by Markham (My Name is Markham narrated by Piers Wehner.) She narrates My Name is Markham in the audio short story anthology. She narrates this one, too, which is another told from Markham’s viewpoint rather than (as is usual) Max's. She does an excellent job of voicing Markham complete with his Bristolian accent. She gets it just right. There were things I picked out in the audio version that I didn't notice in the kindle one - including the obvious drinking game every time a St Mary's title is slipped seamlessly into the narrative. Highly recommended. (Though with the caveat that you should really start at #1, not #14.5.
December 10, 2024
Christmas Pie by Jodi Taylor is another novella within the Chronicles of St Mary's series. I personally only read the Christmas stories, so I miss a lot of the story between them, which is handled in the novels. I personally don't mind that one bit, I just enjoy a good Christmas fantasy story, and spoilers are no problem for me.
I liked the tone and voice of this, but the idea behind it wasn't as interesting to me as some previous years. Admittedly, at some point your run of the typical Christmas topics, so it will get harder to have ideas for more Christmas novellas.
It was still a lot of fun, and the banter was great, so I was very well entertained, even if finding the best original pie recipe was a bit underwhelming.
I liked the tone and voice of this, but the idea behind it wasn't as interesting to me as some previous years. Admittedly, at some point your run of the typical Christmas topics, so it will get harder to have ideas for more Christmas novellas.
It was still a lot of fun, and the banter was great, so I was very well entertained, even if finding the best original pie recipe was a bit underwhelming.
December 26, 2023
On Kobo
The annual unsanctioned Christmas excursion is advanced to September (and is almost an official outing... ) as the honour of the kitchen is at stake. A real traditional Christmas Pie is needed to ensure authenticity - and 1661, Restoration London is selected. It goes without saying that the trip doesn't exactly go as planned - and there are appearances by Ellis, North and the Time Police as well as Smallhope and Pennyroyal...
Most rewarding, however, is that finally I have confirmation of my suspicion as to who Markham is - and he gains some closure of his own.
Great stuff, as always!
The annual unsanctioned Christmas excursion is advanced to September (and is almost an official outing... ) as the honour of the kitchen is at stake. A real traditional Christmas Pie is needed to ensure authenticity - and 1661, Restoration London is selected. It goes without saying that the trip doesn't exactly go as planned - and there are appearances by Ellis, North and the Time Police as well as Smallhope and Pennyroyal...
Most rewarding, however, is that finally I have confirmation of my suspicion as to who Markham is - and he gains some closure of his own.
Great stuff, as always!
December 25, 2023
Jodi releases her usual Christmas story on Christmas Day.
To win a competition with rivals The Women's Institute - the Raffia Mafia - the historians of St Mary's travel back to Restoration England to get the original Christmas Pie. Max and her team get there to find themselves inadvertently involved in a sting operation with the Time Police, the possible theft of an ancient monument and a kidnapping.
A quick read of 100 pages or so, on the Kindle. Great fun for Christmas, read in about an hour or so. A 99p bargain, and a real feel-good story.
To win a competition with rivals The Women's Institute - the Raffia Mafia - the historians of St Mary's travel back to Restoration England to get the original Christmas Pie. Max and her team get there to find themselves inadvertently involved in a sting operation with the Time Police, the possible theft of an ancient monument and a kidnapping.
A quick read of 100 pages or so, on the Kindle. Great fun for Christmas, read in about an hour or so. A 99p bargain, and a real feel-good story.
January 4, 2024
I already felt blessed when I realized we got a Markham POV here. Then the story went the way it did and I had to stop to wipe the tears and snot away. Fuck’s sake, I am so happy!
Didn’t think anything in this world could mess me up harder than Christmas Present did, but here we are.
Didn’t think anything in this world could mess me up harder than Christmas Present did, but here we are.
December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas from Markham
Christmas pies and romantic squares and St. Mary's. Add in the time police and bounty hunters and...well, proof that there's a reason that these short stories have become my holiday tradition. Thanks, Jodi, and Merry Christmas!
Christmas pies and romantic squares and St. Mary's. Add in the time police and bounty hunters and...well, proof that there's a reason that these short stories have become my holiday tradition. Thanks, Jodi, and Merry Christmas!
December 25, 2023
Fun Christmas Romp with St. Mary's
Markham narrates the latest Christmas story in the St. Mary's chronicles which had me laughing hard.
The clever placements of previous titles was fun. (I don't think I found every one.)
And the shenanigans from St. Mary's and the Time Police.
All they wanted to do was buy a traditional Christmas Pie. But when St. Mary's is involved, hilarity ensues.
Loved this.
And loved the poignant ending. 💕
Markham narrates the latest Christmas story in the St. Mary's chronicles which had me laughing hard.
The clever placements of previous titles was fun. (I don't think I found every one.)
And the shenanigans from St. Mary's and the Time Police.
All they wanted to do was buy a traditional Christmas Pie. But when St. Mary's is involved, hilarity ensues.
Loved this.
And loved the poignant ending. 💕
December 2, 2024
Great little christmas story. I love that we get a bit more closure on the Markham situation as well. Well written, funny as ever and a treat in between larger novels.
March 11, 2025
Another fun little jaunt with the motley crew of St. Mary's.
December 27, 2023
Christmas Shenanigans St Mary’s style. Don’t read this unless you’ve read most of the main books as it will be confusing and contains a major spoiler.
January 30, 2024
I love the stories told by Markham and the ones that delve a little into his real past. This one does both. Another fun Christmas jump (in September) this time to help Mrs Mack outwith the evil WI in a Christmas Pie competition
December 25, 2023
Love these books
Actually giggled several times. Almost cried once. I would love to volunteer for beta reading. Great story, even if the ending...
Actually giggled several times. Almost cried once. I would love to volunteer for beta reading. Great story, even if the ending...
December 26, 2023
As always so great to back in this world. Fantastic characters with some serious scrapes. As well as the tying up of one particular storyline that raised a tear. Superb.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews