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The Chronicles of St Mary's #14.8
Murder at Martingale Manor: A Chronicles of St Mary's Short Story
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.
The 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.
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.
The 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.
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First published December 25, 2025
499 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jodi Taylor
85 books5,438 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 117 reviews
January 15, 2026
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 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.
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.
January 1, 2026
St Mary’s style time travel meets Agatha Christie, so a blend of my two favourite fiction genres. Lots of fun.
December 31, 2025
What a gem of a story! Max meets a Christie mystery? Yes please
December 29, 2025
Seasonally super!
December 31, 2025
Another great St. Mary's Christmas Novella from Jodi Taylor. This one is modeled after an Agatha Christie murder mystery, and Leon is the suspect!
The St. Mary's humor is still there, but intertwined with a twisty mystery set in 1924. The second-class status of women is plainly shown, as is Max's reaction to it. The murder is not easy to solve or predictable.
Every Christmas for several years now, I've read a Jodi Taylor story that she releases on Christmas Day, and she still charges just 99 cents. I appreciate it. I'm sure all her readers do.
Merry Christmas, Disaster Magnets.
The St. Mary's humor is still there, but intertwined with a twisty mystery set in 1924. The second-class status of women is plainly shown, as is Max's reaction to it. The murder is not easy to solve or predictable.
Every Christmas for several years now, I've read a Jodi Taylor story that she releases on Christmas Day, and she still charges just 99 cents. I appreciate it. I'm sure all her readers do.
Merry Christmas, Disaster Magnets.
October 9, 2025
To counteract the 1 star review for a book that’s not even out yet, but will, of course, be brilliant.
January 1, 2026
“We’re time travelers.”
One of my favorite Christmastime traditions. This one had very little to do with the holidays, but, as always, it was a pleasant little jaunt to 1924 Devon. This time, with an Agatha Christie-esque mystery afoot!
One of my favorite Christmastime traditions. This one had very little to do with the holidays, but, as always, it was a pleasant little jaunt to 1924 Devon. This time, with an Agatha Christie-esque mystery afoot!
December 26, 2025
Brief and fun. 🤩
December 31, 2025
Jodi Taylor does Christmas like nobody else, and Murder at Martingale Manor is an absolute festive delight. From the very first pages, the Agatha Christie homage shines warmly, knowingly, and with such affection that it feels less like a nod and more like a thank-you letter sent through time. The classic country house in Devon, the delightfully familiar cast of archetypal suspects, the snowy seasonal timing, it all lands perfectly. It feels like settling into a favourite armchair with a hot drink and a vintage whodunit, except this one occasionally sets the curtains on fire just for fun.
What makes it feel so right for the season is the balance. It’s not too dark, not too frantic, not too long. The mystery is satisfyingly twisty without overshadowing the warmth. The humour is ever-present without tipping into parody, and the pacing feels built for winter evenings when you want something clever, cosy, and mischievous in equal measure. Leon as the prime suspect with absolutely no alibi is peak St. Mary’s chaos, and Max recovering at a manor that promptly produces a corpse instead of peace is exactly the kind of historical misfortune I’ve come to adore from this series.
There’s a sparkle to this story. It feels seasonal, sharp, and self-aware. It understands both the genre it’s celebrating and the readers who will grin at every reference. It made me nostalgic for a mystery I’d never read before, which is a kind of magic in itself. A perfect stocking filler for fans, mystery lovers, and anyone who believes murder can absolutely come with mince pies if the situation demands it.
What makes it feel so right for the season is the balance. It’s not too dark, not too frantic, not too long. The mystery is satisfyingly twisty without overshadowing the warmth. The humour is ever-present without tipping into parody, and the pacing feels built for winter evenings when you want something clever, cosy, and mischievous in equal measure. Leon as the prime suspect with absolutely no alibi is peak St. Mary’s chaos, and Max recovering at a manor that promptly produces a corpse instead of peace is exactly the kind of historical misfortune I’ve come to adore from this series.
There’s a sparkle to this story. It feels seasonal, sharp, and self-aware. It understands both the genre it’s celebrating and the readers who will grin at every reference. It made me nostalgic for a mystery I’d never read before, which is a kind of magic in itself. A perfect stocking filler for fans, mystery lovers, and anyone who believes murder can absolutely come with mince pies if the situation demands it.
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.
January 4, 2026
Great short story with Max and Leon in an Agatha Christie/Clue style.
January 5, 2026
Meh. Was fine.
January 15, 2026
love Leon and Max
Leon and Max are the reason, I keep coming back to St Mary’s. Novella are great, love a quick read. Of course their holiday went wrong and someone was murdered.
Leon and Max are the reason, I keep coming back to St Mary’s. Novella are great, love a quick read. Of course their holiday went wrong and someone was murdered.
February 1, 2026
Can’t get enough of St Mary’s !!!
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.
January 16, 2026
I will always devour anything published in this series
December 27, 2025
It was fun seeing Max and Leon having an adventure.
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December 25, 2025
Ms Taylor, could we please get rid of Leon in one of the next books and give Max a chance to pursue a nice and fulfilling relationship with someone else (and we all know who I mean). Leon and Max have no chemistry. Their relationship only exists because of some past drama and no longer makes sense. The book was a good read but seriously, we need a change.
January 10, 2026
Wonderful! An Agatha Christie murder done Jodi Taylor style.
It would only be better if Markham had made an appearance but it was nice 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 nice to have a Max-Leon adventure for a change.
I think this is my second favourite short story after Ships, Strings and Wedding Rings.
January 4, 2026
Another wonderful installment of St Mary's, this is one os Mr favourite Christmas stories to date!
December 30, 2025
4 stars
Jodi Taylor’s annual Christmas short drops Max and Leon into the 1920s because Max wants to bask in peak Agatha Christie vibes. Naturally, she gets an actual dead body for her troubles. The mystery isn’t exactly intricate, but the story isn’t trying to be; it’s more about the charm, the chaos, and the warm familiarity of spending another holiday moment with characters who can’t seem to take a vacation without tripping over a corpse.
The whole thing is quick, cozy, and honestly pretty delightful, especially now that I’m caught up enough to read these as they release instead of lurking years behind. The ending, complete with Max circling back for some surprisingly sensible financial advice, wraps it up with the usual wink. Not earth-shattering, but exactly the kind of St. Mary’s seasonal treat you want in your stocking. See you next year, indeed.
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.
Jodi Taylor’s annual Christmas short drops Max and Leon into the 1920s because Max wants to bask in peak Agatha Christie vibes. Naturally, she gets an actual dead body for her troubles. The mystery isn’t exactly intricate, but the story isn’t trying to be; it’s more about the charm, the chaos, and the warm familiarity of spending another holiday moment with characters who can’t seem to take a vacation without tripping over a corpse.
The whole thing is quick, cozy, and honestly pretty delightful, especially now that I’m caught up enough to read these as they release instead of lurking years behind. The ending, complete with Max circling back for some surprisingly sensible financial advice, wraps it up with the usual wink. Not earth-shattering, but exactly the kind of St. Mary’s seasonal treat you want in your stocking. See you next year, indeed.
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.
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.
February 1, 2026
A Charming Smash up of Agatha Christy and The Chronicles of St Mary
Full disclosure: I am a big fan of Jodi Taylor’s “Chronicles of St. Mary’s” Time Travel series, so I am predisposed to loving this story.
However, I suspect that anyone who enjoys cozy murder mysteries would probably enjoy this short novella.
Loaded with Agatha-Christy-like sumptuous settings and posh characters and viewed through the lens of Jodi Taylor’s own quirky humor via her irrepressible narrator “Max” Maxwell, this is a perfect book to enjoy while sipping a cup of tea by a warm fire . . .
Or this story can help you to feel as though you are snuggling next to a warm fire as you read or listen to this story while you are actually sitting in your dentist’s waiting room, or waiting for a bus in the rain, or enduring your evening commute (hopefully not reading and driving at the same time!)
I highly recommend this book!
Full disclosure: I am a big fan of Jodi Taylor’s “Chronicles of St. Mary’s” Time Travel series, so I am predisposed to loving this story.
However, I suspect that anyone who enjoys cozy murder mysteries would probably enjoy this short novella.
Loaded with Agatha-Christy-like sumptuous settings and posh characters and viewed through the lens of Jodi Taylor’s own quirky humor via her irrepressible narrator “Max” Maxwell, this is a perfect book to enjoy while sipping a cup of tea by a warm fire . . .
Or this story can help you to feel as though you are snuggling next to a warm fire as you read or listen to this story while you are actually sitting in your dentist’s waiting room, or waiting for a bus in the rain, or enduring your evening commute (hopefully not reading and driving at the same time!)
I highly recommend this book!
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 31, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this St. Mary's version of an Agatha Christie murder mystery short story!
Every year Jodi Taylor releases a Chronicles of St. Mary's short story on Christmas Day (except the year it was a Time Police short story)!
Max needs some R&R to help recover from her last perilous mission and her husband Leon knows just the place! A quick jump back to 1924 England for a week at a country manor.
Max and Leon are just starting to relax and enjoy themselves when THUD! A body lands at Max's feet (after having fallen from the balcony above).
And Leon soon finds himself the ONLY PERSON without an alibi for the time of the murder.
Highly recommended for ALL Agatha Christie lovers (and who isn't!) as well as Chronicles of St. Mary's series fans, and madcap time travel fans!
Every year Jodi Taylor releases a Chronicles of St. Mary's short story on Christmas Day (except the year it was a Time Police short story)!
Max needs some R&R to help recover from her last perilous mission and her husband Leon knows just the place! A quick jump back to 1924 England for a week at a country manor.
Max and Leon are just starting to relax and enjoy themselves when THUD! A body lands at Max's feet (after having fallen from the balcony above).
And Leon soon finds himself the ONLY PERSON without an alibi for the time of the murder.
Highly recommended for ALL Agatha Christie lovers (and who isn't!) as well as Chronicles of St. Mary's series fans, and madcap time travel fans!
January 1, 2026
Jodi Taylor always drops a new short story on Christmas Day and I usually manage to read it same day, but we got a dinner invitation so I just managed to squeeze this in before New Year. It’s charming and funny, based on the Agatha Christie style of murder mystery. Leon takes Max back to the 1920s for a week of R&R in a country house hotel. Food, rest, tea, and more food. It’s all going terribly well until a body falls at Max’s feet – literally – and despite the fact that the house is full of (deliberately) cliché Christie-esque characters with dark secrets, Leon is the only one without an alibi. A short read, but a fun one.
January 9, 2026
Jodi Taylor always writes a story for Christmas and this time it features Max and Leon's visit to a country house in 1920's Devon. It's supposed to be a relaxing holiday for Max, planned by Leon, but when Max is around, then those of you who have read the Chronicles of St. Mary's novels before, know that anything is possible.
All is going well until one morning, when Max leaves Leon in their hotel room doing a particularly challenging crossword, whilst she goes off to do some sketches of the local scenery. Then whilst she is sketching a misty scene a body lands besides her, apparently having fallen from one of the hotel rooms. It turns out to be a case of murder and the only person at the hotel without an alibi is Leon.
I won't spoil the novel for readers by revealing anymore of the plot, but will say there are a lot of twists and turns, especially as it appears that all of the guests at the hotel have something to hide. An excellent read I can highly recommend.
All is going well until one morning, when Max leaves Leon in their hotel room doing a particularly challenging crossword, whilst she goes off to do some sketches of the local scenery. Then whilst she is sketching a misty scene a body lands besides her, apparently having fallen from one of the hotel rooms. It turns out to be a case of murder and the only person at the hotel without an alibi is Leon.
I won't spoil the novel for readers by revealing anymore of the plot, but will say there are a lot of twists and turns, especially as it appears that all of the guests at the hotel have something to hide. An excellent read I can highly recommend.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews