What do you think?
Rate this book
The Chronicles of St Mary's #14.8
Murder at Martingale Manor
God rest ye merry gentlefolk, it's time for the traditional St Mary's Christmas jump - this year to Martingale Manor, where a murder mystery is unfolding...
It's nearly Christmas and Leon has had a Brilliant Idea. A holiday - to enable a very reluctant Max to recover from her recently acquired injuries.
Devon, 1924 - Martingale Manor. Lovely surroundings, good food and very pleasant guests. Or, as they soon become known - the usual suspects.
They mysterious older woman.
The absent-minded clergyman.
The doctor.
The military man.
The charming young couple.
Because this is the world of Agatha Christie and before long one of them is dead. And when the police arrive, the only person without a cast-iron alibi is. . . Leon.
It was supposed to be a holiday, for heaven's sake.
Readers love Jodi
'The Chronicles of St Mary's is one of the most enjoyable series of books I have ever read'
'Jodi Taylor is a master storyteller'
'I don't think I've ever laughed out loud so much reading a book'
'I am always gutted when I finish a Jodi Taylor book as I know I will have to wait for the next one'
It's nearly Christmas and Leon has had a Brilliant Idea. A holiday - to enable a very reluctant Max to recover from her recently acquired injuries.
Devon, 1924 - Martingale Manor. Lovely surroundings, good food and very pleasant guests. Or, as they soon become known - the usual suspects.
They mysterious older woman.
The absent-minded clergyman.
The doctor.
The military man.
The charming young couple.
Because this is the world of Agatha Christie and before long one of them is dead. And when the police arrive, the only person without a cast-iron alibi is. . . Leon.
It was supposed to be a holiday, for heaven's sake.
Readers love Jodi
'The Chronicles of St Mary's is one of the most enjoyable series of books I have ever read'
'Jodi Taylor is a master storyteller'
'I don't think I've ever laughed out loud so much reading a book'
'I am always gutted when I finish a Jodi Taylor book as I know I will have to wait for the next one'
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2025
478 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
84 books5,388 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 26, 2025
My favourite Christmas tradition is to sit down after my Christmas dinner and read a new Jodi Taylor Christmas short story. This year it's an Agatha Christie style 20s murder mystery for Max and Leon in a stately manor in Devon, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending felt a bit rushed, and it wasn't as Christmassy as I would normally lean into, but in all honesty this was still exactly what I needed.
October 31, 2025
I'm copying Jessie. Whoever gave that 1 star review before the official publication date, accidental or not, should have an encounter with Pennyroyal in the dark.
December 25, 2025
Oh, what a Christmas treat! Released on the Kindle today, for 99p (as it traditional) this was a lovely read that at 100 pages took less than a couple of hours. Following recent time-travel-related injuries, Max is taken by her husband for a quiet week away to 1924 and a quiet country house in Devon. Of course, this doesn't account for the dead body...
You can read this as a standalone, as an homage to Christie (but with a knowing wink.) Jodi gets that country house in the 1920s feel spot on. Lots of mention of food and drink, and all the Agatha cliches you can think of - the mysterious older woman, the absent-minded clergyman, the doctor, the military man, the charming young couple - perfectly formed. A lovely little self- contained story, just right for a Christmas morning. Perfect whilst it lasted.
You can read this as a standalone, as an homage to Christie (but with a knowing wink.) Jodi gets that country house in the 1920s feel spot on. Lots of mention of food and drink, and all the Agatha cliches you can think of - the mysterious older woman, the absent-minded clergyman, the doctor, the military man, the charming young couple - perfectly formed. A lovely little self- contained story, just right for a Christmas morning. Perfect whilst it lasted.
December 29, 2025
Seasonally super!
October 9, 2025
To counteract the 1 star review for a book that’s not even out yet, but will, of course, be brilliant.
December 26, 2025
Brief and fun. 🤩
December 25, 2025
The St Mary’s festive story is a little different from past ones. The jump is actually planned and Peterson and Markham aren’t part ot the team. This is a nice leisurely trip just for Leon and Max to help Max recover from her injuries. A quiet, remote hotel with characters who could have stepped straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. What could possibly go wrong?
Although I’m confused about Jodie’s about there being 5 pennies to the pound instead of 12…I think it’s a typo and it should read shilling not pound. There were 12 pennies to the old shilling which changed to a 5 pence piece when the U.K. went decimal.
Although I’m confused about Jodie’s about there being 5 pennies to the pound instead of 12…I think it’s a typo and it should read shilling not pound. There were 12 pennies to the old shilling which changed to a 5 pence piece when the U.K. went decimal.
December 26, 2025
I look forward every year to the 99¢ St Mary’s story!
This one again did not disappoint.
This one again did not disappoint.
December 27, 2025
It was fun seeing Max and Leon having an adventure.
Edit Review
Edit Review
December 29, 2025
Leon takes Max to recuperate after her injuries, and what could be nicer than a trip back to the 1920s and a country house hotel, all very Agatha Christie - who just happens to be the author of the paperback book Max is reading in hospital.
Indeed, the guests and staff at Martingale Manor in Devon could easily have come from one of Ms Christie's books: the mysterious older woman, the absent-minded clergyman, the doctor, the military man, the charming young couple, the chatty maid, the hotel manageress with a secret.
One night at dinner, one of the guests makes a quite innocuous comment, directed more at themselves than any other person in the room ... and yet the effect on the room was remarkable. The next day, the guest is dead, and it doesn't look like an accident or natural causes. Even worse, all the other guests and staff seemed to have congregated together in the lobby or gardens with other people ... except Leon. Can Max uncover the real culprit and save Leon?
This was a lovely mystery, I do love reading Jodi's annual Christmas novella, it's as much a part of my Christmas as turkey with all the trimmings or a tin of Quality Street. My only gripe is that I didn't understand what Max meant about Olly and Molly - I'll have to read a review/analysis from someone cleverer than me to find out I guess. Okay, on second thoughts I had two gripes, wasn't the murder method the same one (pretty much) as in the recent BBC adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel? Not naming it specifically but it was aired in March 2025.
Anyway, if you love an Agatha Christie, or Jodi Taylor, or time travel give this a go.
Indeed, the guests and staff at Martingale Manor in Devon could easily have come from one of Ms Christie's books: the mysterious older woman, the absent-minded clergyman, the doctor, the military man, the charming young couple, the chatty maid, the hotel manageress with a secret.
One night at dinner, one of the guests makes a quite innocuous comment, directed more at themselves than any other person in the room ... and yet the effect on the room was remarkable. The next day, the guest is dead, and it doesn't look like an accident or natural causes. Even worse, all the other guests and staff seemed to have congregated together in the lobby or gardens with other people ... except Leon. Can Max uncover the real culprit and save Leon?
This was a lovely mystery, I do love reading Jodi's annual Christmas novella, it's as much a part of my Christmas as turkey with all the trimmings or a tin of Quality Street. My only gripe is that I didn't understand what Max meant about Olly and Molly - I'll have to read a review/analysis from someone cleverer than me to find out I guess. Okay, on second thoughts I had two gripes, wasn't the murder method the same one (pretty much) as in the recent BBC adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel? Not naming it specifically but it was aired in March 2025.
Anyway, if you love an Agatha Christie, or Jodi Taylor, or time travel give this a go.
December 28, 2025
Murder at Martin Gale Manor is a charming, cozy mystery that delivers exactly what it promises: a light, entertaining whodunit with plenty of personality. Jody Taylor brings her signature wit and warmth to the story, making the manor setting feel inviting even as bodies start turning up.
The mystery itself is engaging without being overly complicated, and the cast of characters is quirky and fun to spend time with. While the stakes never feel especially dark or intense, that’s part of the appeal—this is a comfort read, perfect for curling up with when you want something clever, gentle, and amusing rather than grim.
It may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to. This is a cute little book that knows exactly what it is and executes it well. A thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery and a solid four-star read for fans of lighthearted murder mysteries.
The mystery itself is engaging without being overly complicated, and the cast of characters is quirky and fun to spend time with. While the stakes never feel especially dark or intense, that’s part of the appeal—this is a comfort read, perfect for curling up with when you want something clever, gentle, and amusing rather than grim.
It may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to. This is a cute little book that knows exactly what it is and executes it well. A thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery and a solid four-star read for fans of lighthearted murder mysteries.
December 26, 2025
A St. Mary's murder mystery at Christmas is quite the festive treat. Max and Leon have a relaxing holiday planned in Agatha Christie country in 1924. But nothing is ever simple for anyone from St. Mary's and when Leon is suspected of murder, Max must find a way to prove his innocence. Enormous fun and Jodi really captures the atmosphere of the big country house murder mystery. It's nice to see more of Leon again and especially nice to see Max and Leon together. I can't help feeling some newer characters may well reappear in future tales too.
December 28, 2025
The only criticism that I might consider of this book is; I wish it had been longer!
I have loved Jodi Taylor's books from the beginning. Being a history buff and someone who enjoys tongue in cheek humour, her books are an absolute must. I have read and reread all of these novels multiple times they are that good. I fear the reason why my good reads book challenge is sadly lacking this year as I chose very very long 'grown up' books this year! So my total of 37 books is a far cry from my usual 70 plus! :)
I have loved Jodi Taylor's books from the beginning. Being a history buff and someone who enjoys tongue in cheek humour, her books are an absolute must. I have read and reread all of these novels multiple times they are that good. I fear the reason why my good reads book challenge is sadly lacking this year as I chose very very long 'grown up' books this year! So my total of 37 books is a far cry from my usual 70 plus! :)
December 26, 2025
if u like this sort of genera this is an Excellent Series
I am captivated by Max and St Marys. I have read every story put out by Jodi Taylor about the Chronicles of St Mary’s. I was thrilled when I was informed a new story was out. Got it immediately and read it thru the same day. It kept me glued to the pages until the end. If you havent read anything in this series start with the first book you will be glad you did
I am captivated by Max and St Marys. I have read every story put out by Jodi Taylor about the Chronicles of St Mary’s. I was thrilled when I was informed a new story was out. Got it immediately and read it thru the same day. It kept me glued to the pages until the end. If you havent read anything in this series start with the first book you will be glad you did
December 26, 2025
Taylor's annual Christmas tale (whether it actually takes place at Christmas is irrelevant--they not being Time Travellers, after all) is practically the highlight of my reading year. I think this may be my very favourite so far. It was just brilliant, with more hilarious than some of the tales. I especially loved that they were looking to enjoy an Agatha Christie-esque holiday; I think Taylor did credit to that specific genre.
December 26, 2025
The usual Christmas Gift from Jodi Taylor to her rather devoted readership. A delightful respite from Christmas activities. very restful reading and lovely that it referenced Agatha Christie so well.
Especially good that Max (Lucy! goodness that doesn't happen often) and Leon got to feature rather than the usual Christmas suspects of Max, Markham and Peterson.
Great little story. Most enjoyable.
Especially good that Max (Lucy! goodness that doesn't happen often) and Leon got to feature rather than the usual Christmas suspects of Max, Markham and Peterson.
Great little story. Most enjoyable.
December 25, 2025
Taylor as Christie
Brilliant. I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie so a time traveling(sorry) Agatha Christie tale under the deft hand of author. Thanks for the Christmas gift! BTW Mrs. Brandon may well be a distant relative of mine. My folks came from that part of England....much earlier of course. Smart lady...but greedy. To bad.
James Brandon
Brilliant. I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie so a time traveling(sorry) Agatha Christie tale under the deft hand of author. Thanks for the Christmas gift! BTW Mrs. Brandon may well be a distant relative of mine. My folks came from that part of England....much earlier of course. Smart lady...but greedy. To bad.
James Brandon
December 25, 2025
Another fun St. Mary's time tangle as Max and Leon take a well-deserved R andbR in a luxury resort, circa 1920s. Soon the find themselves surrounded by thebusual suspects in an Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery. Fun and funny as usual.bThe only thing missing wasban appearance by the other beloved St. Marys characters, most noticeably Markham.
December 26, 2025
fun little short story, homage to Agatha Christy, but with time travel. I feel like I now need to read the book mentioned in here to see if there is any similarity.
While this is a standalone you would benefit from being familiar with the St. Mary's universe of books, but I don't think you need to be up to date if you haven't read them all.
While this is a standalone you would benefit from being familiar with the St. Mary's universe of books, but I don't think you need to be up to date if you haven't read them all.
December 27, 2025
Jody Taylor does it again! A delightful short story that is set while our favorite couple, Max and Leon, go on vacation. There’s a quintessential “Agatha Christie” style murder and it looks like Leon is the only suspect. Nothing ever goes as planned with Max around. I giggled and thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. This world is my favorite!
December 27, 2025
A very enjoyable holiday romp for Max and Leon straight into an Agatha Christie country manor in complete with the requisite set of suspects for the inevitable murder that happens and naturally almost gets pinned on Leon. Always look forward toy Christmas day book from Jodi Taylor and they never disappoint.
December 28, 2025
Clever Holiday Jaunt/Murder Mystery
This was a funny and clever short story from Jodi Taylor featuring Max and Leon on vacation in Devon, Agatha Christie’s Devon (1924-2925). A hotel setting, a cast of characters plucked from an AC mystery and Max all dressed up. It is a murder mystery where Leon is the only hotel guest without an alibi. Over to you Max.
This was a funny and clever short story from Jodi Taylor featuring Max and Leon on vacation in Devon, Agatha Christie’s Devon (1924-2925). A hotel setting, a cast of characters plucked from an AC mystery and Max all dressed up. It is a murder mystery where Leon is the only hotel guest without an alibi. Over to you Max.
December 25, 2025
another enjoyable read
I’ve been starved of Max and Leon since we’re in the Smallhope period right now. This was exactly what I needed. Roll on to some more time police with Matthew, Luke and Jane please!
I’ve been starved of Max and Leon since we’re in the Smallhope period right now. This was exactly what I needed. Roll on to some more time police with Matthew, Luke and Jane please!
December 25, 2025
A fun murder mystery! I preordered it so long ago that when it showed up on my Kindle Christmas morning I figured Santa must have dropped it there! 🤶
I've read every one of The Chronicles of St Marys, including the short stories. I'm hopelessly hooked!
I've read every one of The Chronicles of St Marys, including the short stories. I'm hopelessly hooked!
December 26, 2025
Wonderful! An Agatha Christie murder done Jodi Taylor style.
It would only be better if Markham had made an appearance but it was nude to have a Max-Leon adventure for a change.
I think this is my second favourite short story after Ships, Strings and Wedding Rings.
It would only be better if Markham had made an appearance but it was nude to have a Max-Leon adventure for a change.
I think this is my second favourite short story after Ships, Strings and Wedding Rings.
December 26, 2025
I absolutely love Jodi Taylor’s Christmas story for St, Mary’s ! It was a terrific mystery. Max had to save Leon from another murder charge. I would not make a good investigator. lol. Thank you Jodi Taylor, and Zara Ramm.
December 27, 2025
Always Amazing and Satisfying!
Never try to outthink Ms. Taylor, she will do you in every time, and you'll love her for it! St. Mary's stories are always well researched and delectable, and this one is no exception.
Never try to outthink Ms. Taylor, she will do you in every time, and you'll love her for it! St. Mary's stories are always well researched and delectable, and this one is no exception.
December 27, 2025
Enjoyable tale
Great escape in true Chronicles of St Mary's fashion...although a little more mention of Christmas would have been nice ( perhaps a plum pudding?) I thoroughly enjoyed this short story as part of what has become an annual holiday tradition. Merry Christmas to all!
Great escape in true Chronicles of St Mary's fashion...although a little more mention of Christmas would have been nice ( perhaps a plum pudding?) I thoroughly enjoyed this short story as part of what has become an annual holiday tradition. Merry Christmas to all!
December 27, 2025
Another Christmas and another short story from St Mary’s - this was a wonderful take on an Agatha Christie style murder staring Max and Leon. Highly entertaining and enjoyable - one that didn’t really need a knowledge of the other books to be able to access. Thank you Jodi.
December 27, 2025
A great Christmas read….that I think had a tree in it. Yes, it had a tree in it.
A great who-dun-it that was slightly less about The Who-dun-it now that I think of it and a bit more about how some people just shouldn’t vacation.
A great who-dun-it that was slightly less about The Who-dun-it now that I think of it and a bit more about how some people just shouldn’t vacation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews