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The Time Police #6
Out of Time
The Time Police are accustomed to jumping to the past. This time, however, the past has come to them.
What connects a dead dinosaur with Romulus the founder of Rome, a shocking cover-up at TPHQ and a plot to murder the Princes in the Tower?
The Time Police are determined to find out, helped - and occasionally hindered - by a wayward member of St Mary's and a recently reunited Team 236. Each in their own unique way, obviously.
As if all that wasn't enough - something somewhere in the Timeline is wrong. Very, very wrong. What is the Time Map trying to tell them?
Can the Time Police find the answers before Time runs out?
BOOK 6 IN THE TIME POLICE SERIES
FOR FANS OF TERRY PRATCHETT, RICHARD OSMAN AND DOCTOR WHO
What connects a dead dinosaur with Romulus the founder of Rome, a shocking cover-up at TPHQ and a plot to murder the Princes in the Tower?
The Time Police are determined to find out, helped - and occasionally hindered - by a wayward member of St Mary's and a recently reunited Team 236. Each in their own unique way, obviously.
As if all that wasn't enough - something somewhere in the Timeline is wrong. Very, very wrong. What is the Time Map trying to tell them?
Can the Time Police find the answers before Time runs out?
BOOK 6 IN THE TIME POLICE SERIES
FOR FANS OF TERRY PRATCHETT, RICHARD OSMAN AND DOCTOR WHO
464 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2025
362 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
84 books5,417 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 185 reviews
October 24, 2025
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Another rip rollicking ride with Team Weird, and this time we get dinosaurs destroying Wales, a time slip and the missing Father of Rome. This felt like a classic St Mary's story (it was the dinosaurs, definitely) and I was so happy to see Max and some other familiar faces turn up to help Luke, Jane and Matthew. The added layers of mystery that seem to be building from previous installments is keeping me very intrigued (I don't think we've seen the last of that defunct pod) and I'm desperate to know what this special connection is that Matthew shares with the time map.... Oh, and Jane and Grint! And Luke!
As always there's lots of timey-wimey, historical science fiction fodder with interlinking timelines and past and present clashing (Max and Callen!) and I enjoyed every last second. This is my happy place, amongst these characters and hurtling through history with them. They'll forever hold a special place in my heart, and I'm forever grateful to Jodi for continuing to write their stories and letting me escape with them.
Another rip rollicking ride with Team Weird, and this time we get dinosaurs destroying Wales, a time slip and the missing Father of Rome. This felt like a classic St Mary's story (it was the dinosaurs, definitely) and I was so happy to see Max and some other familiar faces turn up to help Luke, Jane and Matthew. The added layers of mystery that seem to be building from previous installments is keeping me very intrigued (I don't think we've seen the last of that defunct pod) and I'm desperate to know what this special connection is that Matthew shares with the time map.... Oh, and Jane and Grint! And Luke!
As always there's lots of timey-wimey, historical science fiction fodder with interlinking timelines and past and present clashing (Max and Callen!) and I enjoyed every last second. This is my happy place, amongst these characters and hurtling through history with them. They'll forever hold a special place in my heart, and I'm forever grateful to Jodi for continuing to write their stories and letting me escape with them.
Want to read
May 21, 2025please let Jane end with Grint !!!! I'll go madd 😩
November 22, 2025
I'm late to reviewing this, but how incredible.
Jodi Taylor is an author that can do little wrong, and she is ON in the latest installment of the Time Police.
Laugh out loud fun when Grint is aided by a Welsh librarian in fighting off a horde of dinosaurs. So funny.
And what time and dating doesn't accomplish for Grint and Jane, elephant pheromones do.
Jodi Taylor is an author that can do little wrong, and she is ON in the latest installment of the Time Police.
Laugh out loud fun when Grint is aided by a Welsh librarian in fighting off a horde of dinosaurs. So funny.
And what time and dating doesn't accomplish for Grint and Jane, elephant pheromones do.
September 16, 2025
The Time Police are in action again, and this time there's a dinosaur. An alarmingly well-preserved one, in fact. This is merely one issue in what might seem to be a typical day for Team Weird and their colleagues, but as well as the usual shenanigans involved in the preservation of the timeline, there's the sobering discovery of some sad history much closer to home.
It's difficult to say much about the overall story without resorting to spoilers, but I will say that Max and to a lesser extent St Mary's play a decent-sized role in this one, whether the Time Police like it or not. I particularly enjoyed (as I always do with this series) the briefings between Commander Hay and Captain Farenden, which tend to bookend the overall story and also provide moments to calm down and take a breath while the multi-faceted plot gallops on. As ever, the fast-paced action is counterbalanced with character development. Unflinching depictions of unsavoury characters and historical events are counterbalanced by laugh-out-loud humour. And while some ongoing threads from previous instalments are resolved, some are merely developed and left hanging, and a few new and intriguing ones appear which might lead into future books in both this series and St Mary's. In summary, another fine addition to this series that's definitely going on my reread shelf.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
It's difficult to say much about the overall story without resorting to spoilers, but I will say that Max and to a lesser extent St Mary's play a decent-sized role in this one, whether the Time Police like it or not. I particularly enjoyed (as I always do with this series) the briefings between Commander Hay and Captain Farenden, which tend to bookend the overall story and also provide moments to calm down and take a breath while the multi-faceted plot gallops on. As ever, the fast-paced action is counterbalanced with character development. Unflinching depictions of unsavoury characters and historical events are counterbalanced by laugh-out-loud humour. And while some ongoing threads from previous instalments are resolved, some are merely developed and left hanging, and a few new and intriguing ones appear which might lead into future books in both this series and St Mary's. In summary, another fine addition to this series that's definitely going on my reread shelf.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
I mostly enjoyed it, and couldn’t wait to get home to read it, but it just felt unfinished. I’ve finished it feeling cross and unsettled. I love Jodi’s books and the characters, but this felt more like a first in the series rather than the 6th and final. It felt flappy and rushed. It’s a great first draft, it just needs going over a few more times to bring it together.
The whole Princes in the Tower thing made me cross as that’s a massive plot point in the CoSM series. I almost put it down in exasperation at that point, but kept going expecting it to make sense in the end. It didn’t really. What was the point of Matthew getting stuck in the map? That little event went absolutely no-where. The two things should have linked up. I was expecting a force of Time Police to be ready and waiting at the Tower. Was a chapter missed out where Callen and Matthew had a conversation or Callen was watching Matthew in the map? I’m going to have to re-read it again slowly to try and make it make sense. I’m now wondering if there’s a CoSM short story I’ve missed somewhere that explains Max’s amnesia/headaches.
The whole Princes in the Tower thing made me cross as that’s a massive plot point in the CoSM series. I almost put it down in exasperation at that point, but kept going expecting it to make sense in the end. It didn’t really. What was the point of Matthew getting stuck in the map? That little event went absolutely no-where. The two things should have linked up. I was expecting a force of Time Police to be ready and waiting at the Tower. Was a chapter missed out where Callen and Matthew had a conversation or Callen was watching Matthew in the map? I’m going to have to re-read it again slowly to try and make it make sense. I’m now wondering if there’s a CoSM short story I’ve missed somewhere that explains Max’s amnesia/headaches.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2025
that prologue alone deserves 5 stars 😱
October 14, 2025
The Varma & Maxwell and Grint & Librarian scenes made me lol.
But overall, I’m starting to feel a bit like I do with Marvel movies now. There’s almost too much lore. I need a good guide or Reddit feed or something to help me keep track of every timeline and character.
But overall, I’m starting to feel a bit like I do with Marvel movies now. There’s almost too much lore. I need a good guide or Reddit feed or something to help me keep track of every timeline and character.
October 5, 2025
I don't think I've ever rated a Jodi Taylor book in the St Mary's / Time Police worlds less than 5 stars and this one joins that club. I think these are my favourite book series and I absolutely love reading them. With Max making quite a big cameo in this one, I had twice the delight.
Team weird weren't the main focus of this story as many of the usually supporting players had more of a starring role.
Team weird weren't the main focus of this story as many of the usually supporting players had more of a starring role.
October 18, 2025
Wow. There is so much action packed into Out of Time that my head is still spinning. A re-read is definitely required. There is a dinosaur, an explosion, a mystery, and a lot of adventure. It's a thrilling read which constantly kept me guessing and wondering what was coming next. Some questions are answered from previous Time Police books, but others are introduced that will quite probably have ramifications across the rest of the Jodi-verse books. I enjoyed some Time Police characters being fleshed out and I absolutely loved seeing Max and Varma team up again. I'm still trying to get my head around the timey wimey 1483 issue and I'm really intrigued as to where this series is heading next. I found this much better than the previous Time Police novel, but still not enough Team Weird for me.
November 5, 2025
As with all Jodi Taylor books, I've enjoyed myself immensely with this book. It's witty, exciting, exhilarating and suspenseful all at once.
5 easy stars again.
5 easy stars again.
October 29, 2025
I love Jodi's Chronicles and Time Police series. In fact, just before reading this book, I went through and read everything in order from the beginning for about the 4th time. This book was interesting and mostly moved along well, but the problems I have are for series fans.
Now, spoilers. Markham is one of my fave characters from St. Mary's. So when Jane and Luke arrived to get Max, I was surprised when Hyssop was called Head of Security. I was thinking, did he leave again? No mention. Then all the princes in the tower thing came up and I started to wonder what interesting twist was coming? Maybe Markham remembered something from a few days before his river debacle, and they could foil the plan. But even when Max was 'thinking', she didn't really mention it. Cut to the end when she goes home and I'm just more confused. Did Jodi write this one? It made no sense. Never once did they have one of those 'two memory' moments like other time travel novels. This would mean history was changed. I just don't get it. Are we to believe she doesn't remember him? Or that he is the young prince??
And as I said, I just read both series again. Did I miss something or was the Callen is Treadwell revelation a complete shock to everyone else as well??
Lastly, once Ellis and North returned to TPHQ, you never heard from them again. Ellis actually revealed he loves her and not one scene of him visiting her in sick bay or her getting better or anything. They just weren't in the second half of the book?
And back to Callen... I thought he was in love with Hay. But now knowing he is Treadwell... he is the one who gave her to Prentiss and Clark to raise as a baby and bounced her through time. So I'm rethinking that. Could he be her father or something? Is this ever going to play out? I just don't know. I feel very confused after this one.
Now I'm reading this is the final Time Police book. How can that be? Does North survive? What happens to Callen? Is Luke's father a criminal? Do Jane and Grint stay together? What about the baby Marietta story? And Matthew and Mikey? If this was the last one, I'm even more disappointed.
Now, spoilers. Markham is one of my fave characters from St. Mary's. So when Jane and Luke arrived to get Max, I was surprised when Hyssop was called Head of Security. I was thinking, did he leave again? No mention. Then all the princes in the tower thing came up and I started to wonder what interesting twist was coming? Maybe Markham remembered something from a few days before his river debacle, and they could foil the plan. But even when Max was 'thinking', she didn't really mention it. Cut to the end when she goes home and I'm just more confused. Did Jodi write this one? It made no sense. Never once did they have one of those 'two memory' moments like other time travel novels. This would mean history was changed. I just don't get it. Are we to believe she doesn't remember him? Or that he is the young prince??
And as I said, I just read both series again. Did I miss something or was the Callen is Treadwell revelation a complete shock to everyone else as well??
Lastly, once Ellis and North returned to TPHQ, you never heard from them again. Ellis actually revealed he loves her and not one scene of him visiting her in sick bay or her getting better or anything. They just weren't in the second half of the book?
And back to Callen... I thought he was in love with Hay. But now knowing he is Treadwell... he is the one who gave her to Prentiss and Clark to raise as a baby and bounced her through time. So I'm rethinking that. Could he be her father or something? Is this ever going to play out? I just don't know. I feel very confused after this one.
Now I'm reading this is the final Time Police book. How can that be? Does North survive? What happens to Callen? Is Luke's father a criminal? Do Jane and Grint stay together? What about the baby Marietta story? And Matthew and Mikey? If this was the last one, I'm even more disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
Meh. Was alright. Think I'm pretty tired of Team 236. Should have loved it for the dinos. Just didn't. Rating up cuz I'll keep reading anyways, likely.
October 12, 2025
This volume starts with a visit to the time when Commander Hays was Lt. Hays. They were at war, and her time-traveling pod door opened when it shouldn't have--she was the lone survivor, with half her face melted. But there'd been another pod accident, too, when 13 Time Police officers had jumped back to headquarters just as an explosion occurred. Each was partially embedded in a section of the pod, and a wall bisected the pod, which had partially sunk into the floor. Albay went in and shot them all to death, the pod door was closed, and the entire area shut off, surrounded by new constructs hiding everything. Hays, trying vainly to die in Med Center, had been unaware. They'd all been unaware. Only Callen, who'd witnessed Albay's ruinous decision, remained; everyone else has since died. We'll get back to that.
Meanwhile in Wales, there's been a sudden appearance of a dinosaur. A raptor from the Cretaceous Period, about five feet tall. Wearing a collar. There follows an explosion killing the first investigators and destroying all the evidence. This book celebrates Wales!
Amidst a rousing good story and with her particular brand of rollicking good humor, Jodi Taylor also finds time for slight but pointed commentary on America's current dire predicament, as when the villain Henry Plimpton tells Max Farrell of St. Mary's, his current victim:
"...[W]e are alone in a remote environment over which I have complete control.’ He smiled at her visibly awaiting her commendation. ‘Like a king,’ said Max. ‘Or a president. Although they’re pretty much one and the same thing these days.’"
"...[R]aptors were not stupid. ‘Clever,’ said Luke to Jane, who nodded. Clever indeed. They should be careful not to underestimate these creatures. Dinosaurs ruled the earth for over a hundred and sixty-five million years – considerably longer than humans had managed to achieve – or probably would ever achieve, given the current political climate." That's it. Two mentions. But oh, how this reader appreciates it!
So. This one has it all: dinosaurs, explosions, blasts, the Boys in the Tower (1483), the kidnapping of King Romulus (715 B.C.), sex (mostly among dinos but oohlala, Grint and Jane!), genuine romance (Tucker and Varma, two nuts too tough to crack--he pees on his boots to make the leather softer), a castle built by Edward IV, The Time Map run amok but for a good cause, an astute and simply all-over awesome Welsh librarian, a 6-ton ankylosaurus named Ankaret, a delightful if fictional reason why helicopters are called "choppers," and Commander Marietta Hays herself, whom I love out of time, because of course. There's also a very moving ceremony called STOP THE CLOCK, which honors Time Police officers who've fallen in the course of duty. When Jodi goes solemn, tears may fall.
In her afterword, Taylor wrote: "To Phil – my go-to guy for everything dodgy and unpleasant. Everyone should have a Phil. And to Tim the military advisor, for all the brilliant info on helicopters and how to storm a building. I now feel equal to any situation requiring high explosives, helicopter navigation and decapitation. Any mistakes in techniques or procedures are all mine. And very special thanks to the amazing Helen Dawson, from whom I had a crash course in Welsh, and who invented the magic phrase ‘splashy sound behind your teeth’ when I asked how to pronounce Llyfrgell – and suggested Cluvrageth."
Another great romp, I'm only sad because now I have to wait a year or more for the next one!
Meanwhile in Wales, there's been a sudden appearance of a dinosaur. A raptor from the Cretaceous Period, about five feet tall. Wearing a collar. There follows an explosion killing the first investigators and destroying all the evidence. This book celebrates Wales!
Amidst a rousing good story and with her particular brand of rollicking good humor, Jodi Taylor also finds time for slight but pointed commentary on America's current dire predicament, as when the villain Henry Plimpton tells Max Farrell of St. Mary's, his current victim:
"...[W]e are alone in a remote environment over which I have complete control.’ He smiled at her visibly awaiting her commendation. ‘Like a king,’ said Max. ‘Or a president. Although they’re pretty much one and the same thing these days.’"
"...[R]aptors were not stupid. ‘Clever,’ said Luke to Jane, who nodded. Clever indeed. They should be careful not to underestimate these creatures. Dinosaurs ruled the earth for over a hundred and sixty-five million years – considerably longer than humans had managed to achieve – or probably would ever achieve, given the current political climate." That's it. Two mentions. But oh, how this reader appreciates it!
So. This one has it all: dinosaurs, explosions, blasts, the Boys in the Tower (1483), the kidnapping of King Romulus (715 B.C.), sex (mostly among dinos but oohlala, Grint and Jane!), genuine romance (Tucker and Varma, two nuts too tough to crack--he pees on his boots to make the leather softer), a castle built by Edward IV, The Time Map run amok but for a good cause, an astute and simply all-over awesome Welsh librarian, a 6-ton ankylosaurus named Ankaret, a delightful if fictional reason why helicopters are called "choppers," and Commander Marietta Hays herself, whom I love out of time, because of course. There's also a very moving ceremony called STOP THE CLOCK, which honors Time Police officers who've fallen in the course of duty. When Jodi goes solemn, tears may fall.
In her afterword, Taylor wrote: "To Phil – my go-to guy for everything dodgy and unpleasant. Everyone should have a Phil. And to Tim the military advisor, for all the brilliant info on helicopters and how to storm a building. I now feel equal to any situation requiring high explosives, helicopter navigation and decapitation. Any mistakes in techniques or procedures are all mine. And very special thanks to the amazing Helen Dawson, from whom I had a crash course in Welsh, and who invented the magic phrase ‘splashy sound behind your teeth’ when I asked how to pronounce Llyfrgell – and suggested Cluvrageth."
Another great romp, I'm only sad because now I have to wait a year or more for the next one!
December 1, 2025
Someday, I hope to have time to listen to audiobooks for hours without being interrupted by life. This was another crazy outing of the Time Police's staff, Team 236, and with Max from St. Mary's bringing up the rear. This time, not only are dinosaurs running amok (no spoiler), bad guys being super bad, and weird things happening to the time clock, but there is a tragic discovery at TPHQ that was very sad. Beware, folks, Jodi Taylor is hilarious, but she's also not afraid to mix it up.
As always (and forever, I hope), Zara Ramm is the epitome of narrators. Until next time!
As always (and forever, I hope), Zara Ramm is the epitome of narrators. Until next time!
October 29, 2025
The best TP story for quite a while. Full of action, laughs, and unexpected heart-warming moments.
October 24, 2025
things work out. and then some of them don't. I have now read all the St Mary's, TP and Smallhope etc books. except for the short stories.
October 22, 2025
Another amazing installment of the Time Police with a great crossover from St Mary's!
Absolutely loved it.
Absolutely loved it.
November 2, 2025
It feels apt that a yappy dog was a key character in this
October 16, 2025
I loved the Wales representation in this! Its not often we get it 😅the library joke was fantastic 🤣
Im still waiting and hoping for Luke and Jane! I like Grint but not in the context of his relationship with Jane im sorry it just doesn't work for me ☹️
Im looking forward to the next installment and there had better be a next installment!
Im still waiting and hoping for Luke and Jane! I like Grint but not in the context of his relationship with Jane im sorry it just doesn't work for me ☹️
Im looking forward to the next installment and there had better be a next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2025
3 stars
We're on the 6th book of the Time Police series and it's the usual mix of chaos. A dead dinosaur, Romulus, a cover-up at TPHQ, and a plot involving the Princes in the Tower (not to mention a certain redheaded historian) ...
For longtime readers, the world of the Time Police and St Mary’s still feels like coming home. It was especially satisfying to see Max back in a major role. But while I adore these characters and the universe they inhabit, this particular outing felt a bit off. The plot was somewhat disheveled, jumping between storylines that didn’t always mesh smoothly, and it leaned heavily on remembering details from earlier books. My memory was tested to its limits, and some revelations lost their punch as a result. Also, the whole part with the princes left me confused for reasons I can't elaborate on without spoilers... but...haven't we already been there?
My greatest complaint in general is that character development took a backseat to the action (and horny dinosaurs), leaving the book feeling more chaotic than cohesive. Still, even when it wobbles, Taylor’s wit and warmth shine through. Not my favorite entry, but a “bad” Jodi Taylor book is still a decent time. ;)
5.0 —One of the best I've ever read! It will be burned into my brain. If there were any flaws, I didn't care. I would recommend to everyone.
4.5 —I loved this! It was very memorable. There weren't many flaws. I would recommend to anyone.
4.0 —I really liked this. It probably will be memorable. There may have been some minor flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
3.5 —I mostly liked it. It might be memorable. There were some notable flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
▌3.0 —I somewhat liked it. It might be memorable. There were significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.5 —I was underwhelmed or unimpressed. It wasn't memorable. It had significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.0 —I was disappointed. It wasn't memorable or it was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had major flaws. I probably wouldn't recommend.
1.5 —I did not like this at all. It was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had so many flaws. I wouldn't recommend to anyone.
1.0 —I hated this. I wish I never wasted my time on it. I would actively dissuade people from reading this.
We're on the 6th book of the Time Police series and it's the usual mix of chaos. A dead dinosaur, Romulus, a cover-up at TPHQ, and a plot involving the Princes in the Tower (not to mention a certain redheaded historian) ...
For longtime readers, the world of the Time Police and St Mary’s still feels like coming home. It was especially satisfying to see Max back in a major role. But while I adore these characters and the universe they inhabit, this particular outing felt a bit off. The plot was somewhat disheveled, jumping between storylines that didn’t always mesh smoothly, and it leaned heavily on remembering details from earlier books. My memory was tested to its limits, and some revelations lost their punch as a result. Also, the whole part with the princes left me confused for reasons I can't elaborate on without spoilers... but...haven't we already been there?
My greatest complaint in general is that character development took a backseat to the action (and horny dinosaurs), leaving the book feeling more chaotic than cohesive. Still, even when it wobbles, Taylor’s wit and warmth shine through. Not my favorite entry, but a “bad” Jodi Taylor book is still a decent time. ;)
5.0 —One of the best I've ever read! It will be burned into my brain. If there were any flaws, I didn't care. I would recommend to everyone.
4.5 —I loved this! It was very memorable. There weren't many flaws. I would recommend to anyone.
4.0 —I really liked this. It probably will be memorable. There may have been some minor flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
3.5 —I mostly liked it. It might be memorable. There were some notable flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
▌3.0 —I somewhat liked it. It might be memorable. There were significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.5 —I was underwhelmed or unimpressed. It wasn't memorable. It had significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.0 —I was disappointed. It wasn't memorable or it was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had major flaws. I probably wouldn't recommend.
1.5 —I did not like this at all. It was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had so many flaws. I wouldn't recommend to anyone.
1.0 —I hated this. I wish I never wasted my time on it. I would actively dissuade people from reading this.
October 9, 2025
This is the sixth book in the Time Police series but, as it often does, it has crossovers with the author's other main series, The Chronicles of St Mary's so... for full enjoyment, especially wrt Max and her penchant for dinosaurs, you might want to read all previous 14 or so books. And then there are the inbetweenies... Oh and her amazing Elizabeth Cage series is also worth a visit, not connected, but just a good. And don't forget Smallhope and Pennyroyal... I was lucky that even though I discovered these books late, it was during covid and I was on furlough from work, the weather was nice, I had a hammock, so playing catch-up was a doddle...
Anyway... I digress. Much like Jodi and her characters on occasion... But I better get on. If you are already up to date then you probably know what you are about to get thrown into so you don't need to read any more than, yup, it's another winner. But, that said, I better do a proper review...
So... this time, we catch up with two of team weird after the train shenanigans. They are still recovering and are back again on some kind of supervised probation due to, well, shenanigans! But for various TP staffing issues, they are needed to pop to Wales where there has been a suspected outbreak of dinosaurs. Long story, you'll find out. Matthew however is left behind to "play" with the Time Map.
Meanwhile, we go back in time (kinda) and witness the grossest of accidental pod landings. 100% fatalities, but, as we learn, not all of them wholly due to the accident. Swiftly followed by an even grosser secret cover-up. But, as we know, things don't stay secret forever.
And then there's Henry Plimpton... and I am going to leave you to find out how evil he is this time for yourself...
I love this series. I love St Mary's, and Elizabeth Cage. Heck, I guess I'd probably love her shopping list if she ever published that. It have everything I ever needed from a book and a series. Including some really brilliant humour, situational, black, bonkers, you name it.
And Max is just totally awesome. I know, a St Mary's character shining in a TP book. Whodathunk! But she is. And her "interaction" and banter with Varma is sublime. Tucker also stands out for me.
I don't know how much more I can wax lyrical about how much I adore the world that the author has built and the characters that inhabit it. Honestly, just go get the book, or the audiobook, which is what I will do so I can savour it again courtesy of the equally wonderful Zara Ramm.
Oh and as a totally personal aside... It's the second book I have read which features a Carnegie Library which is significant to me as we have one where I live and I never knew its history. I looked it up after the first occasion, earlier this year, so I just smiled at its inclusion here...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Anyway... I digress. Much like Jodi and her characters on occasion... But I better get on. If you are already up to date then you probably know what you are about to get thrown into so you don't need to read any more than, yup, it's another winner. But, that said, I better do a proper review...
So... this time, we catch up with two of team weird after the train shenanigans. They are still recovering and are back again on some kind of supervised probation due to, well, shenanigans! But for various TP staffing issues, they are needed to pop to Wales where there has been a suspected outbreak of dinosaurs. Long story, you'll find out. Matthew however is left behind to "play" with the Time Map.
Meanwhile, we go back in time (kinda) and witness the grossest of accidental pod landings. 100% fatalities, but, as we learn, not all of them wholly due to the accident. Swiftly followed by an even grosser secret cover-up. But, as we know, things don't stay secret forever.
And then there's Henry Plimpton... and I am going to leave you to find out how evil he is this time for yourself...
I love this series. I love St Mary's, and Elizabeth Cage. Heck, I guess I'd probably love her shopping list if she ever published that. It have everything I ever needed from a book and a series. Including some really brilliant humour, situational, black, bonkers, you name it.
And Max is just totally awesome. I know, a St Mary's character shining in a TP book. Whodathunk! But she is. And her "interaction" and banter with Varma is sublime. Tucker also stands out for me.
I don't know how much more I can wax lyrical about how much I adore the world that the author has built and the characters that inhabit it. Honestly, just go get the book, or the audiobook, which is what I will do so I can savour it again courtesy of the equally wonderful Zara Ramm.
Oh and as a totally personal aside... It's the second book I have read which features a Carnegie Library which is significant to me as we have one where I live and I never knew its history. I looked it up after the first occasion, earlier this year, so I just smiled at its inclusion here...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
December 8, 2025
I'm "one of those" who hates spoilers when it comes to books. For some reason, I don't mind television or movie spoilers - I will even seek them out - but I like to go into a book, particularly a well-loved series or favorite author's book, completely in the dark. That way when something shocking happens, I'm properly shocked. I was properly shocked not far into this story, and unlike the characters dealing with the immediate aftermath of the shocking occurence, it took more than ten minutes and a cup of coffee before I was ready to carry on.
Like many of the St Mary's/Time Police novels there are two major plotlines occuring simultaneously. The first is the previously mentioned shocking occurence, the second is a shocking occurence from the past that has been alluded to several times in previous books, and now takes center stage for several chapters. It's good to get some background about the upheaval in the Time Police after the Time Wars. We learn quite a bit about Commander Albay, and more about Commander Hay's background. There's an eerie twist as well, that sort of plays into yet another minor plotline involving the Time Map, exploring the AI capabilities and possible sentience of the Time Police's technology. This minor plotline plants the seeds of what I suspect will be explored in subsequent novels.
All that said, the majority of the book entails dealing with the aftermath of the previously mentioned shock, with our usual cast of Time Police characters, and bad-guy Mr Plimpton. A welcome addition to the investigators, brought on as a technical advisor, is Max from St Mary's. Oh so clever Max, who somehow manages to simultaneously wreak havoc and solve problems. Ex-Plimpton employee TP Trainee Tucker seems to be following form in that regard. And, *that* said, if you're not a big fan of St Mary's previous visits to the Cretaceous period, you will probably not be thrilled with the main focus of this book. There are dinosaurs. Many, many dinosaurs. I'm not a big fan of dinosaurs, but I am a big fan of this series, and found myself reading well past the time I'd usually turn off the light at night, and then was so hyped up from the action that I had trouble getting to sleep. (Lesson learned; when things are winding up to an all-hands-on-deck showdown, save it for the next day.)
Like many of the St Mary's/Time Police novels there are two major plotlines occuring simultaneously. The first is the previously mentioned shocking occurence, the second is a shocking occurence from the past that has been alluded to several times in previous books, and now takes center stage for several chapters. It's good to get some background about the upheaval in the Time Police after the Time Wars. We learn quite a bit about Commander Albay, and more about Commander Hay's background. There's an eerie twist as well, that sort of plays into yet another minor plotline involving the Time Map, exploring the AI capabilities and possible sentience of the Time Police's technology. This minor plotline plants the seeds of what I suspect will be explored in subsequent novels.
All that said, the majority of the book entails dealing with the aftermath of the previously mentioned shock, with our usual cast of Time Police characters, and bad-guy Mr Plimpton. A welcome addition to the investigators, brought on as a technical advisor, is Max from St Mary's. Oh so clever Max, who somehow manages to simultaneously wreak havoc and solve problems. Ex-Plimpton employee TP Trainee Tucker seems to be following form in that regard. And, *that* said, if you're not a big fan of St Mary's previous visits to the Cretaceous period, you will probably not be thrilled with the main focus of this book. There are dinosaurs. Many, many dinosaurs. I'm not a big fan of dinosaurs, but I am a big fan of this series, and found myself reading well past the time I'd usually turn off the light at night, and then was so hyped up from the action that I had trouble getting to sleep. (Lesson learned; when things are winding up to an all-hands-on-deck showdown, save it for the next day.)
October 13, 2025
Yay Team 236 aka Team Weird are back! This is a glorious romp through time where the author weaves the story around a dead dinosaur washed up on a river bank in modern Wales, a run of the mill St. Mary's expedition to find out how Romulus (of the twins and founder of Rome) vanished, secrets in the walls of Time Police HQ, a castle in Wales, Librarians (with mobile libraries) and a time slip.
The Time Police series is my favourite, I love the dynamics of the team, formed of Luke, Jane and Matthew, all with their strange quirks. This time around they are still healing after their adventures with the ghost train, and reconnecting as a team. As always the humour in the story is finally balanced with a quiet darkness and jeopardy, some of the things that the characters do are truly horrible, but all fits and moves the storyline forward.
Our favourite historian, Max is the person to call when dinosaurs are involved (so many have tried to eat her!), and so she joins the Time Police (Lt. Varna & Lt. Grint) as a consultant with this case. Once in Wales any plans soon go down the toilet of time and our protagonists have to lie, connive, and use cunning to survive. I absolutely loved the sequence with the Welsh librarians and especially the mobile libraries, who knew they could match a dinosaur! All in all another excellent story for fans of the series, which of course you will have already read ;) .
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.
In addition my thanks to Jodi Taylor for her dedication which absolutely nails public librarians (I could add pregnant cats and possible dead sheep to her list!) = its so spot on I am quoting it below:
"This story is dedicated to those who work in our fast-disappearing public libraries. All of whom are, in my experience, equal to everything and anything the can hurl at them. Dead dogs, exploding holes, temperamental urinals, first-aid emergencies, floods, stupid facilities managers getting themselves wedged in the wheel arch of a mobile library (yes, that has happened), readers demanding the book they had last year with the red cover - it's all in a day's work for library staff"
The Time Police series is my favourite, I love the dynamics of the team, formed of Luke, Jane and Matthew, all with their strange quirks. This time around they are still healing after their adventures with the ghost train, and reconnecting as a team. As always the humour in the story is finally balanced with a quiet darkness and jeopardy, some of the things that the characters do are truly horrible, but all fits and moves the storyline forward.
Our favourite historian, Max is the person to call when dinosaurs are involved (so many have tried to eat her!), and so she joins the Time Police (Lt. Varna & Lt. Grint) as a consultant with this case. Once in Wales any plans soon go down the toilet of time and our protagonists have to lie, connive, and use cunning to survive. I absolutely loved the sequence with the Welsh librarians and especially the mobile libraries, who knew they could match a dinosaur! All in all another excellent story for fans of the series, which of course you will have already read ;) .
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.
In addition my thanks to Jodi Taylor for her dedication which absolutely nails public librarians (I could add pregnant cats and possible dead sheep to her list!) = its so spot on I am quoting it below:
"This story is dedicated to those who work in our fast-disappearing public libraries. All of whom are, in my experience, equal to everything and anything the can hurl at them. Dead dogs, exploding holes, temperamental urinals, first-aid emergencies, floods, stupid facilities managers getting themselves wedged in the wheel arch of a mobile library (yes, that has happened), readers demanding the book they had last year with the red cover - it's all in a day's work for library staff"
October 26, 2025
4.5 stars because I did enjoy this storyline a lot more than the train one that I found tricky to follow.
Now, I love Max, but I've never been a fan of her adventures outside of the St Mary's setting (insight/bounty hunting). There was a distinct lack of Team 236 for over half the book and considering it's a Time Police title I was a bit disappointed. I found myself wanting to rush through to get to their next chapter - and I think it was 20 chapters later.
The whole Plimpton's great plan felt rushed. Max agreed to help him plan it but on the same day he's prepared to drop the dinosaurs and start with the princes. And then Major Callen turned up and I had to go back and listen twice that he was Sir James because Varma was talking like she didn't know him when both her and Max would recognise him. Also wild how he's just suddenly been on this deep cover mission the whole time - which I guess made sense at the end but weird that you wouldn't tell your boss any of your work.
The Princes storyline was odd because Markham wasn't mentioned once and I was sure that Max and Varma would be the ones to take the boys and deliver them wherever they need to go. This must have been already solved in CoSM but I genuinely can't remember.
From that ending, it sounds like we'll have and even bigger Time Police/St Mary's crossover rather than the old cast as side characters and I don't know how to feel about it.
Things I did enjoy: Grint, Jane, trapped in a small room, one bed, elephant pheromones. YES. This is what I was waiting for after that horrible cliffhanger. Then Luke realising that, yes, he is too late and that's what he gets. I wanted more of THIS.
Loved that we got the pod mystery revealed right at the beginning, that prologue was epic and really well told. I enjoyed Tucker and Beckett's relationship too, I found it oddly sweet.
Plimpton's sticky end, I thought his big ending was very fitting as I didn't want to be chasing him for another 6 books. Now we get our big bad in Raymond Parish?
And the adventures of the Ankylosaurus, I love dinosaurs so honestly I was always going to enjoy this storyline.
Nothing can make me hate Jodi or the CoSM universe, I'll keep reading them until she stops.
Now, I love Max, but I've never been a fan of her adventures outside of the St Mary's setting (insight/bounty hunting). There was a distinct lack of Team 236 for over half the book and considering it's a Time Police title I was a bit disappointed. I found myself wanting to rush through to get to their next chapter - and I think it was 20 chapters later.
The whole Plimpton's great plan felt rushed. Max agreed to help him plan it but on the same day he's prepared to drop the dinosaurs and start with the princes. And then Major Callen turned up and I had to go back and listen twice that he was Sir James because Varma was talking like she didn't know him when both her and Max would recognise him. Also wild how he's just suddenly been on this deep cover mission the whole time - which I guess made sense at the end but weird that you wouldn't tell your boss any of your work.
The Princes storyline was odd because Markham wasn't mentioned once and I was sure that Max and Varma would be the ones to take the boys and deliver them wherever they need to go. This must have been already solved in CoSM but I genuinely can't remember.
From that ending, it sounds like we'll have and even bigger Time Police/St Mary's crossover rather than the old cast as side characters and I don't know how to feel about it.
Things I did enjoy: Grint, Jane, trapped in a small room, one bed, elephant pheromones. YES. This is what I was waiting for after that horrible cliffhanger. Then Luke realising that, yes, he is too late and that's what he gets. I wanted more of THIS.
Loved that we got the pod mystery revealed right at the beginning, that prologue was epic and really well told. I enjoyed Tucker and Beckett's relationship too, I found it oddly sweet.
Plimpton's sticky end, I thought his big ending was very fitting as I didn't want to be chasing him for another 6 books. Now we get our big bad in Raymond Parish?
And the adventures of the Ankylosaurus, I love dinosaurs so honestly I was always going to enjoy this storyline.
Nothing can make me hate Jodi or the CoSM universe, I'll keep reading them until she stops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
The Time Police are back and as usual disaster isn't that far behind. Rampaging dinosaurs in Wales, Missing Roman King, Princes in the Tower - and that's just the external hijinks. There's also political shenanigans afoot and Commander Hays is in the middle of some internal struggles.
Commander Hayes is just one of the tough, stubborn and sometimes downright crazy females in this story. These aren't the kind of girls who sit around and wait for a rescue. They'll save themselves or die trying. And if they cause a little havoc on the way - even better! They're the first to point out their flaws and could not give a crap about what anyone thinks of them.
Although chockful of humour, the story has a really well crafted and mid boggling storyline as our intrepid law enforcement officers traipse through time trying to prevent (or sometimes reinstate) major pieces of history. There are some big themes hiding amongst the comedy: found family, belonging, redemption, vengeance. There are some very cutting remarks on the state of the worlds politics (we're looking at you USA!)
Some of our favourite cops are back such as Jane, Luke, Grint and Varma. There's also some of My favourite St Mary's characters popping up! However, can we have a round of applause for the co-opted but oh so very eager, urban guerrilla fighters of the Library! They had me in hysterics with their keep calm and carry on attitude. I always knew they'd be the ones to survive an apocalypse with all that knowledge at their fingertips!
There is even the time for some romance under fire and I'm here for more happy couples. Even though most are having to keep their relationships on the downlow , I was so happy to see the males were happy to play second fiddle to the females career and just happy to be together, however that may be!
One of my favourite and out of context teasers for you was the immortal line that a word in Welsh needed that ‘splashy sound behind your teeth". As someone who has family in Wales and normally thinks themself quite good at languages, I folded in laughter cos I have the same problem getting my tongue around all those sounds!
I'm biding my time now until our next adventure.
Commander Hayes is just one of the tough, stubborn and sometimes downright crazy females in this story. These aren't the kind of girls who sit around and wait for a rescue. They'll save themselves or die trying. And if they cause a little havoc on the way - even better! They're the first to point out their flaws and could not give a crap about what anyone thinks of them.
Although chockful of humour, the story has a really well crafted and mid boggling storyline as our intrepid law enforcement officers traipse through time trying to prevent (or sometimes reinstate) major pieces of history. There are some big themes hiding amongst the comedy: found family, belonging, redemption, vengeance. There are some very cutting remarks on the state of the worlds politics (we're looking at you USA!)
Some of our favourite cops are back such as Jane, Luke, Grint and Varma. There's also some of My favourite St Mary's characters popping up! However, can we have a round of applause for the co-opted but oh so very eager, urban guerrilla fighters of the Library! They had me in hysterics with their keep calm and carry on attitude. I always knew they'd be the ones to survive an apocalypse with all that knowledge at their fingertips!
There is even the time for some romance under fire and I'm here for more happy couples. Even though most are having to keep their relationships on the downlow , I was so happy to see the males were happy to play second fiddle to the females career and just happy to be together, however that may be!
One of my favourite and out of context teasers for you was the immortal line that a word in Welsh needed that ‘splashy sound behind your teeth". As someone who has family in Wales and normally thinks themself quite good at languages, I folded in laughter cos I have the same problem getting my tongue around all those sounds!
I'm biding my time now until our next adventure.
September 5, 2025
In this sixth Time Police book, a chilling and horrible secret from the past comes to light, and it will shock almost everyone, except the two who already knew. At the same time, a dead dinosaur has been found in Wales, and it's no fossil. A team is assembled to find out why, and Commander Hay reluctantly turns to an expert who has actually seen dinosaurs in person, Madeline Maxwell, better known as Max from St. Mary's, As for Team Weird, Matthew gets trapped in the time map, and Luke is still sorting out his feelings for Jane as they head to St. Mary's to pick up Max. Wait until they discover who is behind the dinosaur appearances and what their plans are next!
Jodi Taylor is a genius at combining history, time travel, and hilarity with a big dose of sadness and tears. She will literally leave you laughing and crying in many different times and places. Max, the main character from The Chronicles of St. Mary's series, usually pops up in the supporting cast of the Time Police books, but this time she has a starring role, and you don't want to miss it. As always, there are big revelations, and I was shocked more than once. The Princes in the Tower are mentioned in The Chronicles of St. Mary's, and they come up in this book as well, in a very disturbing way. There are bloody battles and a heart-touching moment, but the end will surprise everyone. As always with Jodi Taylor's books, I'm sorry the story came to an end, and I can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Headline. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Jodi Taylor is a genius at combining history, time travel, and hilarity with a big dose of sadness and tears. She will literally leave you laughing and crying in many different times and places. Max, the main character from The Chronicles of St. Mary's series, usually pops up in the supporting cast of the Time Police books, but this time she has a starring role, and you don't want to miss it. As always, there are big revelations, and I was shocked more than once. The Princes in the Tower are mentioned in The Chronicles of St. Mary's, and they come up in this book as well, in a very disturbing way. There are bloody battles and a heart-touching moment, but the end will surprise everyone. As always with Jodi Taylor's books, I'm sorry the story came to an end, and I can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Headline. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 11, 2025
Out of Time begins with a lot of bangs.
No, actually that is a lie. We have the Time Police Role Call, followed by a ‘previously on’ which brings us onto…a prologue and the start of the big bangs.
Out of time begins where Killing Time finishes. Then in Wales a body is found, that of a dinosaur. The TP need help and who better than someone who has been up close and personal with such creatures than Dr. Maxwell (Lucy in this universe), historian at St Mary’s, the very name of which is enough to bring even the toughest Time Police Officer down to his or her knees!
The TP want Max to go with them immediately but she refuses. She has a job to do with some St Mary trainees. When the TP protest she reminds them…She can do what she has to and still be back in time to look at and identify a dead dino.
Max, Evans and her trainees are going to see if they can find out what happened to Romulus, King of Rome, who disappears one night on The Field of Mars. It was a dark and stormy night and the events there have repercussions later on. Meanwhile, Team Weird (236), have been informed that they are to be under supervision with Matthew Farrell seconded to the Time Map. What can go wrong?
Prior to Max’s arrival in Wales there is a further big bang and evidence is destroyed.
Dinos, castles, time slips and an old enemy. And Easter eggs. (Connie Willis for one.)
We have not had a St. Mary’s book this tear but St Mary’s appear in this one and I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment of the TP series and can see how it could develop, along with St Mary’s in future.
For me a thoroughly deserved 5*
I received an ARC of this novel from the publishers in return for an honest review.
No, actually that is a lie. We have the Time Police Role Call, followed by a ‘previously on’ which brings us onto…a prologue and the start of the big bangs.
Out of time begins where Killing Time finishes. Then in Wales a body is found, that of a dinosaur. The TP need help and who better than someone who has been up close and personal with such creatures than Dr. Maxwell (Lucy in this universe), historian at St Mary’s, the very name of which is enough to bring even the toughest Time Police Officer down to his or her knees!
The TP want Max to go with them immediately but she refuses. She has a job to do with some St Mary trainees. When the TP protest she reminds them…She can do what she has to and still be back in time to look at and identify a dead dino.
Max, Evans and her trainees are going to see if they can find out what happened to Romulus, King of Rome, who disappears one night on The Field of Mars. It was a dark and stormy night and the events there have repercussions later on. Meanwhile, Team Weird (236), have been informed that they are to be under supervision with Matthew Farrell seconded to the Time Map. What can go wrong?
Prior to Max’s arrival in Wales there is a further big bang and evidence is destroyed.
Dinos, castles, time slips and an old enemy. And Easter eggs. (Connie Willis for one.)
We have not had a St. Mary’s book this tear but St Mary’s appear in this one and I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment of the TP series and can see how it could develop, along with St Mary’s in future.
For me a thoroughly deserved 5*
I received an ARC of this novel from the publishers in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
Barely recovered from their last adventure (on the train) Team 236 (Team Weird - Luke, Jane and Matthew) are tentatively back in business (though still under supervision), but things aren't going well for the Time Police in general. Construction work reveals (or rather re-reveals) a huge cover-up from that last days of the time war, before Commander Hay became the TP boss, but it's something she'll have to deal with one way or another. A dinosaur shows up in Wales, which causes Hay to request the assistance of Maxwell from St Mary's. No one is quite sure which is going to be the biggest problem, Max or the dinosaur. In Ancient Rome, a St Mary's mission is trying to find out what happened to the city's founder, Romulus, when TP officer Varma turns up and kidnaps him. There's a gnarly knot in the time map which Matthew spots, but can he unravel it? And then everything goes tits-up when a time pod AI starts screaming murder. When long-time antagonist Henry Plympton reappears with a scheme to kidnap and murder the Princes in the Tower, things can't get much worse for the beleaguered Time Police. This book does feature Luke, Jane and Matthew, but also hefty chunks of Commander Hay and her long-suffering adjutant, Charlie Farrenden, Lt. Grint and his usual team, plus the aforementioned Varma and assorted characters we've met before. This book was published on 9th and by 10th October I'd galloped through it. A new Jodi Taylor is always a drop-everything-and-grab-it moment. Glad I did. The only thing missing was Markham... or was he?
November 10, 2025
Too short! (No spoilers)
That is always my complaint with Jodi Taylors' works. She could write a book the length of War and Peace and, (aside from it being far more interesting), it STILL wouldn't be long enough!
As you can guess, I love this ladys' work. Her storytelling is extraordinary. The book rattles along at a good clip but not at a pace that misses out on good, strong, characters. She sets the scene beautifully, then proceeds to create havoc!
In this book, we have the usual Time Police suspects, team weird are, as always in the middle of it. In this case, we have dinosaurs in Wales, an old adversary raises his head and a welcome guest appearance of an old friend from St Marys' (anyone who knows ANYTHING about that institution knows how well that will work!) There are also, ghosts from the past, adventures with cling-film, (seran wrap to our American cousins) and courage and leadership from a surprising source. All recounted in Jodis' inimitable style with wit, pathos and humour.
Overall, I heartily recommend you read this! It will stand on it's own I think, but if you read the other Time Police books first it will be a richer experience. (Plus they're all excellent too!) If you haven't partaken of Ms Taylors' work before I can also heartily recommend the series this spun off, the St. Marys' chronicles. They dovetail beautifully and really are worth enjoying!
If you've managed to reach this end of my review, I commend your perseverance! Go grab yourself a nice cup of tea, buy this book and have a blast! Thanks.
That is always my complaint with Jodi Taylors' works. She could write a book the length of War and Peace and, (aside from it being far more interesting), it STILL wouldn't be long enough!
As you can guess, I love this ladys' work. Her storytelling is extraordinary. The book rattles along at a good clip but not at a pace that misses out on good, strong, characters. She sets the scene beautifully, then proceeds to create havoc!
In this book, we have the usual Time Police suspects, team weird are, as always in the middle of it. In this case, we have dinosaurs in Wales, an old adversary raises his head and a welcome guest appearance of an old friend from St Marys' (anyone who knows ANYTHING about that institution knows how well that will work!) There are also, ghosts from the past, adventures with cling-film, (seran wrap to our American cousins) and courage and leadership from a surprising source. All recounted in Jodis' inimitable style with wit, pathos and humour.
Overall, I heartily recommend you read this! It will stand on it's own I think, but if you read the other Time Police books first it will be a richer experience. (Plus they're all excellent too!) If you haven't partaken of Ms Taylors' work before I can also heartily recommend the series this spun off, the St. Marys' chronicles. They dovetail beautifully and really are worth enjoying!
If you've managed to reach this end of my review, I commend your perseverance! Go grab yourself a nice cup of tea, buy this book and have a blast! Thanks.
December 5, 2025
Fire-trucking delightful. Maybe I enjoyed this more because it has been so long since I’ve read a Time Police book, but this was superb, and easily slots near the top of the series so far.
In the past I have complained that the series veers a bit too far away from the main characters, but honestly I think that paid off and worked really well here. This was structured almost in acts, where certain characters were given the spotlight for a stretch before stepping back, and allowing others to take over. Writing it this way kept the plot churning forward, and really underlined that the organization is just as much the main character as Luke, Jane and Matthew.
The humor here landed powerfully at times, though I did find a couple moments where it got a little too cutesy. But Taylor manages to write banter and wordplay the way lesser writers think they do, completely avoiding the cringeworthy and being laugh out loud funny more often than not.
She also has a way with ridiculous action sequences that manage to be silly, but also tense and awesome. There is a set piece here at a library that is firing on all cylinders, without a doubt the highlight of the book.
I do have some nitpicks, mainly with the ends for a couple of characters, but this was the best Jurassic Park story in at least a decade. This book made me question why I haven’t read all of Taylor’s work yet (probably because there’s about 50 others to go). (Grade:8.5/10)
In the past I have complained that the series veers a bit too far away from the main characters, but honestly I think that paid off and worked really well here. This was structured almost in acts, where certain characters were given the spotlight for a stretch before stepping back, and allowing others to take over. Writing it this way kept the plot churning forward, and really underlined that the organization is just as much the main character as Luke, Jane and Matthew.
The humor here landed powerfully at times, though I did find a couple moments where it got a little too cutesy. But Taylor manages to write banter and wordplay the way lesser writers think they do, completely avoiding the cringeworthy and being laugh out loud funny more often than not.
She also has a way with ridiculous action sequences that manage to be silly, but also tense and awesome. There is a set piece here at a library that is firing on all cylinders, without a doubt the highlight of the book.
I do have some nitpicks, mainly with the ends for a couple of characters, but this was the best Jurassic Park story in at least a decade. This book made me question why I haven’t read all of Taylor’s work yet (probably because there’s about 50 others to go). (Grade:8.5/10)
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