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Smallhope & Pennyroyal #2
A Family Affair
From the internationally bestselling author of THE CHRONICLES OF ST MARY'S. Everyone's favourite time-travelling bounty hunters return for a whole new adventure...
With the dust finally settling after her near-fatal shooting, Lady Amelia Smallhope is looking forward to a period of rest and recuperation. A chance for her and Pennyroyal to plan their next exciting job and drink margaritas in the sun.
Yeah - like that's ever going to happen.
Because they've been targeted. By someone familiar with Pennyroyal's murky past. And suddenly they're vulnerable. Very vulnerable.
Who has done this? Who would dare?
There's only one way to find out - and the road ahead is dangerous. But as Smallhope likes to say...
WHEN THINGS ARE BAD, MAKE THEM WORSE.
With the dust finally settling after her near-fatal shooting, Lady Amelia Smallhope is looking forward to a period of rest and recuperation. A chance for her and Pennyroyal to plan their next exciting job and drink margaritas in the sun.
Yeah - like that's ever going to happen.
Because they've been targeted. By someone familiar with Pennyroyal's murky past. And suddenly they're vulnerable. Very vulnerable.
Who has done this? Who would dare?
There's only one way to find out - and the road ahead is dangerous. But as Smallhope likes to say...
WHEN THINGS ARE BAD, MAKE THEM WORSE.
Audible Audio
First published August 6, 2026
About the author
Jodi Taylor
101 books5,611 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 165 reviews
June 24, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for the pre-release copy of A Family Affair by Jodi Taylor. Below is my honest review.
Warning: Please note that this novel is the second in the Smallhope & Pennyroyal series, which is a spinoff of the Chronicles of St. Mary's and The Time Police series. It does have spoilers for some of the events of St. Mary's and the events of Time Police 6, in addition to the obvious references to the events of The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal.
I loved this one, which is par for the course for everything in the St. Mary's-verse. This one sees both of our main characters dealing with issues with their respective families, and jumps around a bit. It's nearly impossible to say much without giving massive spoilers, but I will say - Pennyroyal's story is a bit of a tearjerker, and Amelia's family dealings are quite a hoot to read, mostly because Smallhope is the queen of petty pre-emptive strikes and I'm here for it.
Highly recommended, but do take note of my warning above. This one does discuss the events of the rest of the St. Mary's universe books, especially the recent events of Time Police 6.
Five stars. GIMME MORE JODI! I NEED MOOOOOOOORE!
Warning: Please note that this novel is the second in the Smallhope & Pennyroyal series, which is a spinoff of the Chronicles of St. Mary's and The Time Police series. It does have spoilers for some of the events of St. Mary's and the events of Time Police 6, in addition to the obvious references to the events of The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal.
I loved this one, which is par for the course for everything in the St. Mary's-verse. This one sees both of our main characters dealing with issues with their respective families, and jumps around a bit. It's nearly impossible to say much without giving massive spoilers, but I will say - Pennyroyal's story is a bit of a tearjerker, and Amelia's family dealings are quite a hoot to read, mostly because Smallhope is the queen of petty pre-emptive strikes and I'm here for it.
Highly recommended, but do take note of my warning above. This one does discuss the events of the rest of the St. Mary's universe books, especially the recent events of Time Police 6.
Five stars. GIMME MORE JODI! I NEED MOOOOOOOORE!
August 11, 2026
An excellent and entertaining novel. Except Jodi, we can STOP with the cliffhanger endings. No need for that last chapter. I will still read the next book even without it...
August 12, 2026
Another excellent episode in the Smallhope and Pennyroyal story.
I didn't love it quite as much as the first of the series but I figure this will link nicely between the origin of the bounty hunting duo and whatever adventure they undertake next.
In Family Affair we discover what became of Pennyroyal's sister, Amelia and meet several old adversaries. Along with Caroline, brother George's dreadful mother, several more dreadful Smallhope relatives rear their heads in a thrilling finale. Neither Smallhope nor Pennyroyal have lost their edge, that's for sure. Plus there is a interesting end to the book which points (albeit not very clearly) as to the pairs next adventure. I can hardly wait.
I really love this interesting pair. Theres no sloppy nonsense and plenty of action throughout. They are both quite cutthroat in their dealings and the addition of being involved with both the Time Police and St Mary's adds a great deal to the story.
I would definitely recommend this next chapter but do read the first in the series before you begin. I don't think you necessarily have to read all the St Mary's Chronicles or the Time Police books but they are (on the whole) very entertaining series so why wouldn't you? It also adds a little more to the enjoyment wjeb you understand the history behind all the different characters (even though short explanations are given).
Thankyou to Netgalley and Headline Publishing for the digital review copy. Most appreciated.
I didn't love it quite as much as the first of the series but I figure this will link nicely between the origin of the bounty hunting duo and whatever adventure they undertake next.
In Family Affair we discover what became of Pennyroyal's sister, Amelia and meet several old adversaries. Along with Caroline, brother George's dreadful mother, several more dreadful Smallhope relatives rear their heads in a thrilling finale. Neither Smallhope nor Pennyroyal have lost their edge, that's for sure. Plus there is a interesting end to the book which points (albeit not very clearly) as to the pairs next adventure. I can hardly wait.
I really love this interesting pair. Theres no sloppy nonsense and plenty of action throughout. They are both quite cutthroat in their dealings and the addition of being involved with both the Time Police and St Mary's adds a great deal to the story.
I would definitely recommend this next chapter but do read the first in the series before you begin. I don't think you necessarily have to read all the St Mary's Chronicles or the Time Police books but they are (on the whole) very entertaining series so why wouldn't you? It also adds a little more to the enjoyment wjeb you understand the history behind all the different characters (even though short explanations are given).
Thankyou to Netgalley and Headline Publishing for the digital review copy. Most appreciated.
September 2, 2026
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Smallhope and Pennyroyal are back with more bounty hunting, time travelling and generally causing havoc through time. Although maybe not quite as chaotic as St Mary's, these bounty hunters certainly still know how to make a scene when needed - but professionally, and with minimal mess. Pennyroyal doesn't do mess.
Amelia and Pennyroyal are faced with a life altering reappearance which sees Amelia venturing out on her own (while still pining Pennyroyal) this time. Their relationship, the lack of naming it for what it is, feels very honest and shy and brings a lot of intentional character to their dynamic with each other. There's a lot of push and pull, trust and unspoken promises. They're one of the best pairings I've read in a while.
The plot itself is a little slow compared to other books I've read in this world. I always miss the explosions and jumping between time periods I get from St Mary's and the Time Police, and this spends a lot of time with just Amelia and Pennyroyal dealing with their day to day and the small mystery that gets themselves involved in. There's also not much for a conclusion to the wider arching storyline of who employed Femke, which sets this up nicely for another installment but made this book feel very much like a bridge between stories for me.
I like this world, I love these characters so I'll always come back to them for a comfort read. I just hope we get more answers than questions in the next book.
Smallhope and Pennyroyal are back with more bounty hunting, time travelling and generally causing havoc through time. Although maybe not quite as chaotic as St Mary's, these bounty hunters certainly still know how to make a scene when needed - but professionally, and with minimal mess. Pennyroyal doesn't do mess.
Amelia and Pennyroyal are faced with a life altering reappearance which sees Amelia venturing out on her own (while still pining Pennyroyal) this time. Their relationship, the lack of naming it for what it is, feels very honest and shy and brings a lot of intentional character to their dynamic with each other. There's a lot of push and pull, trust and unspoken promises. They're one of the best pairings I've read in a while.
The plot itself is a little slow compared to other books I've read in this world. I always miss the explosions and jumping between time periods I get from St Mary's and the Time Police, and this spends a lot of time with just Amelia and Pennyroyal dealing with their day to day and the small mystery that gets themselves involved in. There's also not much for a conclusion to the wider arching storyline of who employed Femke, which sets this up nicely for another installment but made this book feel very much like a bridge between stories for me.
I like this world, I love these characters so I'll always come back to them for a comfort read. I just hope we get more answers than questions in the next book.
August 19, 2026
I’ve read many books by Jodi Taylor and they are completely bonkers — but I absolutely love them. Her Time Police novels fling you around the world in both place and time, creating chaos wherever they land and somehow emerging unscathed every single time. They’re fast, funny and gloriously ridiculous, and this one is no exception. Hilarious.
Lady Smallhope and Pennyroyal are business partners with a secret romantic relationship, and between them they own two time machines they use as bounty hunters in the lucrative service of the Time Police. Life is already chaotic enough, but when Pennyroyal’s sister Amelia suddenly appears, he starts spending more time with her than with Lady Smallhope — until events take a dangerous turn. As ever with Jodi Taylor, the mix of time travel mayhem, sharp humour and emotional undercurrents makes for a wildly entertaining ride.
It’s another wildly entertaining instalment, full of the trademark chaos, sharp humour and sheer audacity that make the Time Police books such a delight. The mix of danger, romantic tension and time travel mayhem is as bonkers as ever, and Jodi Taylor delivers it with her usual wit and warmth. Completely mad, completely fun — and exactly what I hoped it would be.
Lady Smallhope and Pennyroyal are business partners with a secret romantic relationship, and between them they own two time machines they use as bounty hunters in the lucrative service of the Time Police. Life is already chaotic enough, but when Pennyroyal’s sister Amelia suddenly appears, he starts spending more time with her than with Lady Smallhope — until events take a dangerous turn. As ever with Jodi Taylor, the mix of time travel mayhem, sharp humour and emotional undercurrents makes for a wildly entertaining ride.
It’s another wildly entertaining instalment, full of the trademark chaos, sharp humour and sheer audacity that make the Time Police books such a delight. The mix of danger, romantic tension and time travel mayhem is as bonkers as ever, and Jodi Taylor delivers it with her usual wit and warmth. Completely mad, completely fun — and exactly what I hoped it would be.
July 11, 2026
Jodi Taylor is an extremely talented writer. She has managed to not only create one of my all time favourite book series (St Mary’s) but now multiple spin off series too. What makes them so wonderful is each one is different, yet they’re all believable. She has created an entire world that is full of wit, humour, action and heartbreak while feeling completely real and alive. The characters are all individually uniquely themselves but thought through with depth.
‘A Family Affair’ is the second in the Smallhope and Pennyroyal series, two characters who are very quickly becoming my favourites (along with Max and Markham of course!). This is a tale of twists and turns, drama and plot and quite a few laugh out loud funny moments along with plenty of other emotions along the way.
I really loved this book, definitely a stand out novel in her many series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
‘A Family Affair’ is the second in the Smallhope and Pennyroyal series, two characters who are very quickly becoming my favourites (along with Max and Markham of course!). This is a tale of twists and turns, drama and plot and quite a few laugh out loud funny moments along with plenty of other emotions along the way.
I really loved this book, definitely a stand out novel in her many series!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2026
I love visiting the absolute madness that is the St Mary's-verse!
Scifi/time travel adventure with a huge heaping dollop of very dry British humour. But we also get to see a more tender side of Pennyroyal and the outright petty princess that is Amelia Smallhope, lol.
Impossible situations and madcap plans are front and centre and as ever St Mary's gets a little visit too.
I can't review too fully cos then there will be spoilers all over the place.
GO. READ. IT.
Scifi/time travel adventure with a huge heaping dollop of very dry British humour. But we also get to see a more tender side of Pennyroyal and the outright petty princess that is Amelia Smallhope, lol.
Impossible situations and madcap plans are front and centre and as ever St Mary's gets a little visit too.
I can't review too fully cos then there will be spoilers all over the place.
GO. READ. IT.
August 23, 2026
Jodi, why you doing me like this?
July 17, 2026
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
Jodi Taylor is such a wonderful writer! I think this might be the seventh book I’ve read of hers. She’s got such a lovely way of being very pragmatic and matter of fact, whilst also being quite tongue in cheek.
This is the second book about the bounty hunters Smallhope and Pennyroyal. It’s just as good as the first book. I think it does benefit the reader to read these in order. There’s less time travel in this book, with the pods being used less often. This book sees Smallhope and Pennyroyal dealing with some pretty gnarly threats close to home. We see them trapped in impossible situations and the innovative ways they solve problems. We do get a little dabble in St Mary’s which is very nice for fans of that series (me!)
This is a fun sci-fi romp. It’s entertaining. But it’s really the writing you’re reading these books for. It’s the banter between old friends. It’s the irony littered through the book. It’s the keep calm and carry on attitude in the face of danger. You get a tone in these books which is so unique to the author and makes these books fun and memorable.
Jodi Taylor is such a wonderful writer! I think this might be the seventh book I’ve read of hers. She’s got such a lovely way of being very pragmatic and matter of fact, whilst also being quite tongue in cheek.
This is the second book about the bounty hunters Smallhope and Pennyroyal. It’s just as good as the first book. I think it does benefit the reader to read these in order. There’s less time travel in this book, with the pods being used less often. This book sees Smallhope and Pennyroyal dealing with some pretty gnarly threats close to home. We see them trapped in impossible situations and the innovative ways they solve problems. We do get a little dabble in St Mary’s which is very nice for fans of that series (me!)
This is a fun sci-fi romp. It’s entertaining. But it’s really the writing you’re reading these books for. It’s the banter between old friends. It’s the irony littered through the book. It’s the keep calm and carry on attitude in the face of danger. You get a tone in these books which is so unique to the author and makes these books fun and memorable.
August 12, 2026
The story shines in scenes where Smallhope and Pennyroyal are together. Less so when they are apart. It was enjoyable but not memorable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Smallhope and Pennyroyal are back in a second instalment of the St Mary's universe spin off series. Pennyroyal's sister died a number of years ago, or did she...? Surprisingly, a quiet life doesn't exist in Jodi Taylor's alternate universe and the pair are soon swept into a series of events necessitating working with both the Time Police and St Mary's as well as solving some of their own little problems.
As a long term fan of St Mary's, the Time Police, and Jodi Taylor in general I really appreciate this exploration of two of the most entertaining and likeable occasional characters in the series. I actually enjoyed this book more than The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal and I think it's because now the background has been established in the first book, Taylor was able to create an overarching plotline for this title which works really well and is carefully plotted and paced. Just when we think things are sorted out, something else occurs to muddy the waters, and Taylor has left things well and truly set up for a third book in the series.
Although we get a small amount of Pennyroyal's perspective, it was nice to see Smallhope's competence displayed in some solo missions (despite a number of "here is where I made a mistake" moments). It's always fun to see other recurring characters pop up (including Ellis and Herodotus) as well as references to events in other books (this particular book links in at times with the latest Time Police novel too). For this reason, someone unfamiliar with Jodi Taylor's series would struggle to read this book as a standalone. You would certainly need to read The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal to get enough background but reading at least the Time Police books would help get the most out of it.
Having said that, I found the vibe of this book more similar to Taylor's Elizabeth Cage series, which is totally separate to the world of St Mary's. I think it's the male/female protagonists who are partners in crime, as well as the structure of the story. Readers who prefer the Cage series to St Mary's might find Smallhope and Pennyroyal an enjoyable alternative.
A satisfying, fun read that I utterly enjoyed. Thank you so much to the publisher for reaching out with this ARC, and to Netgalley for facilitating it.
As a long term fan of St Mary's, the Time Police, and Jodi Taylor in general I really appreciate this exploration of two of the most entertaining and likeable occasional characters in the series. I actually enjoyed this book more than The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal and I think it's because now the background has been established in the first book, Taylor was able to create an overarching plotline for this title which works really well and is carefully plotted and paced. Just when we think things are sorted out, something else occurs to muddy the waters, and Taylor has left things well and truly set up for a third book in the series.
Although we get a small amount of Pennyroyal's perspective, it was nice to see Smallhope's competence displayed in some solo missions (despite a number of "here is where I made a mistake" moments). It's always fun to see other recurring characters pop up (including Ellis and Herodotus) as well as references to events in other books (this particular book links in at times with the latest Time Police novel too). For this reason, someone unfamiliar with Jodi Taylor's series would struggle to read this book as a standalone. You would certainly need to read The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal to get enough background but reading at least the Time Police books would help get the most out of it.
Having said that, I found the vibe of this book more similar to Taylor's Elizabeth Cage series, which is totally separate to the world of St Mary's. I think it's the male/female protagonists who are partners in crime, as well as the structure of the story. Readers who prefer the Cage series to St Mary's might find Smallhope and Pennyroyal an enjoyable alternative.
A satisfying, fun read that I utterly enjoyed. Thank you so much to the publisher for reaching out with this ARC, and to Netgalley for facilitating it.
September 20, 2026
4.5 stars
I pity the people who don’t know the joy of The Chronicles of St. Mary’s, The Time Police, and the Smallhope & Pennyroyal books. Have we coined the term for this universe yet? I don’t know. All I know is that I always need more of these, they bring a joy that no other author has managed for me.
This is the second book to focus on our dynamic duo, the time traveling bounty hunter. I’m was no less interested than their first spinoff. I love that Jodi Taylor gets to keep flexing in this world through different perspectives and organizations. It feels fresh and yet familiar.
The half star deduction? I just wish Smallhope and Pennyroyal had a bit more page time together. They were separated more than I wished. But it all works out for the best.
Can I demand another one immediately?
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.
I pity the people who don’t know the joy of The Chronicles of St. Mary’s, The Time Police, and the Smallhope & Pennyroyal books. Have we coined the term for this universe yet? I don’t know. All I know is that I always need more of these, they bring a joy that no other author has managed for me.
This is the second book to focus on our dynamic duo, the time traveling bounty hunter. I’m was no less interested than their first spinoff. I love that Jodi Taylor gets to keep flexing in this world through different perspectives and organizations. It feels fresh and yet familiar.
The half star deduction? I just wish Smallhope and Pennyroyal had a bit more page time together. They were separated more than I wished. But it all works out for the best.
Can I demand another one immediately?
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.
September 23, 2026
Wonderful as always! Smallhope and Pennyroyal are two of my all time favourite St Marysverse characters and this book did not disappoint. That ending though... Curse Jodi Taylor for leaving us in suspense, I want another 300 pages and I would like them now, pretty please.
August 21, 2026
A Family Affair - Taylor
Audio performance by Zara Ramm
4 stars
I love these characters. I enjoy this spin-off from the original St.Mary’s series. I’m addicted to the audiobooks. I will listen to every one of them. For sheer, dependable entertainment this is a five star book. That doesn’t mean it’s great literature.
This book had the usual time jumping plot twists. There’s a bit more of Pennyroyal’s back story, but not nearly enough to satisfy me. And, is this some alternative universe where the timeline of the original St. Mary’s characters (date redacted) overlaps differently from the original Pennyroyal/Smallhope timelines (date redacted)? Not to mention some Time Police details which seem out of sync. I’m guessing that there are two things that can be done with gaping plot holes; explain in a later book with major time manipulation, or ignore them completely.
One way or another, it doesn’t really spoil my enjoyment. Lady Amelia’s visit to the false Herodotus in Thurii was worth the price of admission.
Audio performance by Zara Ramm
4 stars
I love these characters. I enjoy this spin-off from the original St.Mary’s series. I’m addicted to the audiobooks. I will listen to every one of them. For sheer, dependable entertainment this is a five star book. That doesn’t mean it’s great literature.
This book had the usual time jumping plot twists. There’s a bit more of Pennyroyal’s back story, but not nearly enough to satisfy me. And, is this some alternative universe where the timeline of the original St. Mary’s characters (date redacted) overlaps differently from the original Pennyroyal/Smallhope timelines (date redacted)? Not to mention some Time Police details which seem out of sync. I’m guessing that there are two things that can be done with gaping plot holes; explain in a later book with major time manipulation, or ignore them completely.
One way or another, it doesn’t really spoil my enjoyment. Lady Amelia’s visit to the false Herodotus in Thurii was worth the price of admission.
September 10, 2026
I always enjoy Jodie Taylor's St Mary's universe and this spin off is good. I enjoy both Smallhope and Pennyroyal and their adventures. Good writing, good humour and good adventures (although there were fewer in this one). Looking forward to the next one based on the tiny cliffhanger. If you enjoy funny, adventerous books, read it.
Zara Ramm as always is a great narrator and makes the book even better.
Zara Ramm as always is a great narrator and makes the book even better.
September 8, 2026
Another terrific book by Jodi Taylor. I still miss her other characters, especially Jenny Dove and Jane Lockwell, but Max (Madeline Maxwell) was at least mentioned here. This book really strengthens Smallhope as a MC, Pennyroyal not as much. There are dozens of plot story lines, normal for a Taylor novel, and Lady Amelia navigates them all with her trademark ruthlessness and dry humor. The book leaves no doubt about a sequel, there are loose ends galore. I hope it comes out soon.
August 11, 2026
4.5 stars i love these two so much
August 7, 2026
4.5 stars
A whole lot of fun. I wouldn’t start reading Jodi Taylor's time travel books with this series, but if you are already familiar with her universe, this is a great addition.
A whole lot of fun. I wouldn’t start reading Jodi Taylor's time travel books with this series, but if you are already familiar with her universe, this is a great addition.
August 9, 2026
This book was clearly a bridge for the next book. It was set up into three parts:
Part 1 - a recap of 'The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal" (which I thought was a timewaster) and a little interaction between the main characters.
Part 2 - background on Pennyroyal and his sister. Big things happening here, but Smallhope and Pennyroyal were working separately most of the time.
Part 3 - More issues with Caroline and Hugo, Pennyroyal doing his own thing, and then the two of them together the last 3% of the book.
I'm interested in the flirty banter, the working cooperation between Smallhope and Pennyroyal, the dialogue, and honestly to see the next step in their relationship. Hardly any of this happened. I am NOT interested in seeing them work separately trying to get their lives together. This is a book that I won't be rereading like I did 'The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal."
Part 1 - a recap of 'The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal" (which I thought was a timewaster) and a little interaction between the main characters.
Part 2 - background on Pennyroyal and his sister. Big things happening here, but Smallhope and Pennyroyal were working separately most of the time.
Part 3 - More issues with Caroline and Hugo, Pennyroyal doing his own thing, and then the two of them together the last 3% of the book.
I'm interested in the flirty banter, the working cooperation between Smallhope and Pennyroyal, the dialogue, and honestly to see the next step in their relationship. Hardly any of this happened. I am NOT interested in seeing them work separately trying to get their lives together. This is a book that I won't be rereading like I did 'The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2026
Grateful for how fast Jodi Taylor churns out books because I'm already desperate for the next one.
August 6, 2026
Finished reading: August 5th 2026
"I picked myself up - for the umpteenth time - and staggered off towards the pod. Which I found, Max-style, by smacking my face into the side of it. I daresay that hurt as well, but by now I really was past caring."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
September 5, 2026
Jodi has built up a large and very loyal fan base with her action-packed and very funny (in a very British way) series about the time-traveling historians of St. Mary’s Institute. Then she spun off a series about the Time Police, who are contemporary with St. Mry’s and about whom we had heard things before, though they had always remained in the background. That series included a pair of bounty hunters on a recurring basis -- Lady Amelia Smallhope and Pennyroyal, her butler (sort of). Well, the two of them got a lot of fan mail, so she wrote another spinoff that delved into their background and personal histories. That was The Ballad of Smallhope & Pennyroyal, and it was a hit with her readers (no surprise there), and this is sequel definitely will be, too. And it picks up right where the first one left off.
The two of them have been together for a number of years now, and have been very successful. They’re regarded as the top of their trade now. Consequently, they have a lot of money in the bank and are beginning to consider whether it’s time to retire before they start slowing down and become vulnerable. (Nah. They enjoy what the do too much to ever quit.) But then Fate steps in. A few years before Lady Amelia and Pennyroyal met at the beginning of the first book, the latter’s kid sister, also named Amelia, an up and coming young military officer, was savagely killed due to the cowardice and duplicity of the men under her command. Her body was never found and the Army finally gave up the search. Pennyroyal was devastated and took very personal and very bloody revenge on every last one of those responsible.
But his sister’s death is still a deep wound in his psyche. And now that wound is ripped open again when the Army contacts him to say they’ve unexpectedly located Amelia, alive, but not so well, having spent more than a decade in enemy hands in the Middle East as a virtual slave. Her trauma was deep and her rehabilitation will be a long process -- and Pennyroyal, the only family she has, will be a key part of that.
Lady Amelia immediately backs off to give her partner the mental and psychological space he will need following this shocking news. She knows his complete focus now will be on his sister -- as it should be, she knows -- and that almost certainly means the end of their partnership. She supports him in every way she can think of, but she also begins making alternate plans for ways to continue her career. But after she meets the sister, her instincts tell her something’s not quite right there. And she trusts her instincts, which were honed over the years by Pennyroyal himself. Her many readers know Jodi delights in multi-layered, highly convoluted storylines that go off in all directions and it’s nearly impossible to guess what’s coming. You’ll find some of her slightly oddball but very Brish style of humor here, too, though (like the first volume) the emphasis is much more on the action and the twists and turns of the plot. The Time Police have a large part in the story this time, too, and certain questions are left open int hat regard. And the very last page makes it clear there will be a third volume. I sure Jodi keeps writing for many years to come.
The two of them have been together for a number of years now, and have been very successful. They’re regarded as the top of their trade now. Consequently, they have a lot of money in the bank and are beginning to consider whether it’s time to retire before they start slowing down and become vulnerable. (Nah. They enjoy what the do too much to ever quit.) But then Fate steps in. A few years before Lady Amelia and Pennyroyal met at the beginning of the first book, the latter’s kid sister, also named Amelia, an up and coming young military officer, was savagely killed due to the cowardice and duplicity of the men under her command. Her body was never found and the Army finally gave up the search. Pennyroyal was devastated and took very personal and very bloody revenge on every last one of those responsible.
But his sister’s death is still a deep wound in his psyche. And now that wound is ripped open again when the Army contacts him to say they’ve unexpectedly located Amelia, alive, but not so well, having spent more than a decade in enemy hands in the Middle East as a virtual slave. Her trauma was deep and her rehabilitation will be a long process -- and Pennyroyal, the only family she has, will be a key part of that.
Lady Amelia immediately backs off to give her partner the mental and psychological space he will need following this shocking news. She knows his complete focus now will be on his sister -- as it should be, she knows -- and that almost certainly means the end of their partnership. She supports him in every way she can think of, but she also begins making alternate plans for ways to continue her career. But after she meets the sister, her instincts tell her something’s not quite right there. And she trusts her instincts, which were honed over the years by Pennyroyal himself. Her many readers know Jodi delights in multi-layered, highly convoluted storylines that go off in all directions and it’s nearly impossible to guess what’s coming. You’ll find some of her slightly oddball but very Brish style of humor here, too, though (like the first volume) the emphasis is much more on the action and the twists and turns of the plot. The Time Police have a large part in the story this time, too, and certain questions are left open int hat regard. And the very last page makes it clear there will be a third volume. I sure Jodi keeps writing for many years to come.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second book in the spin of from The Chronicles of St Mary's and The Time Police series and features bounty hunters Smallhope and Pennyroyal. I do understand that, if you haven't already read TCoSM or TTP, there are probably too many books, novellas, and shorts for you to catch up with, especially if your tbr is anything like mine, but I think, you would do well if you read the first in this series - The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal - before diving into this book.
We catch up with our duo as Lady Amelia Smallhope is recuperating from being shot. She is hoping for an easy time so she can heal, but it'd be a boring book if that was to be the case!
No... the fates have it in store for both her and Pennyroyal. With him off on "family business" and spoilers prevent me from detailing quite what and who, she is left to go it alone on some missions, with mixed results! Then her own family rear their ugly heads once again, with almost tragic and also funny results.
I loved this book. I love TCoSM, TTP, and the author's completely unconnected Elizabeth Cage series. Having spent a lot of time during my furlough from work during covid catching up, I now pounce on and devour every single new release or mailing list short I can get my grubby mitts on. But if you haven't read them all, this series will make sense on its own. All you will miss out on is the reconnection with crossover characters and the odd "in joke". You should be OK following the rest of the story.
Smallhope and Pennyroyal are cracking characters. When I first met them I really hoped that their inclusion wasn't just a one and done and that I would see more of them. Little did I ever expect they'd get their own series - all the yays for that!
And the author knows just how to get the best from them with the situations she puts them in and the peril she puts them through. With clever plots, tightly executed, I'm usually at a loss to see how on earth they will get themselves out of their current messy shenanigan and I am always pleasantly surprised when I find out, especially when things have a propensity to go from bad to worse...
Honesty, I could bang on forever about this author and the world she has created with TCoSM and TTP, and now S&P but I have books to read. If you are already a fan, you'll love this latest offering. If you're not, read book one first.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We catch up with our duo as Lady Amelia Smallhope is recuperating from being shot. She is hoping for an easy time so she can heal, but it'd be a boring book if that was to be the case!
No... the fates have it in store for both her and Pennyroyal. With him off on "family business" and spoilers prevent me from detailing quite what and who, she is left to go it alone on some missions, with mixed results! Then her own family rear their ugly heads once again, with almost tragic and also funny results.
I loved this book. I love TCoSM, TTP, and the author's completely unconnected Elizabeth Cage series. Having spent a lot of time during my furlough from work during covid catching up, I now pounce on and devour every single new release or mailing list short I can get my grubby mitts on. But if you haven't read them all, this series will make sense on its own. All you will miss out on is the reconnection with crossover characters and the odd "in joke". You should be OK following the rest of the story.
Smallhope and Pennyroyal are cracking characters. When I first met them I really hoped that their inclusion wasn't just a one and done and that I would see more of them. Little did I ever expect they'd get their own series - all the yays for that!
And the author knows just how to get the best from them with the situations she puts them in and the peril she puts them through. With clever plots, tightly executed, I'm usually at a loss to see how on earth they will get themselves out of their current messy shenanigan and I am always pleasantly surprised when I find out, especially when things have a propensity to go from bad to worse...
Honesty, I could bang on forever about this author and the world she has created with TCoSM and TTP, and now S&P but I have books to read. If you are already a fan, you'll love this latest offering. If you're not, read book one first.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
August 7, 2026
The book is aptly named as both Amelia Smallhope and Pennyroyal find issues relating to their troubled family lives crawling out of the woodwork to create all sorts of problems for them both.
Amelia has a sister-in-law from Hell, who has made her life unbearable. Amelia had hoped that she’d seen that last of her at the end of the first book. To make complete sense of this offering, ideally you should first read Ballard as many of the events that occur were triggered during the first book. And while Taylor does drop a few explanations in as she goes – you’ll likely flounder if you don’t know who did what to whom. Just as Amelia’s family troubles kick off – Pennyworth’s own family dynamic also unexpectedly creates a major difficulty.
Someone he’d thought dead and gone appears not to be. And Pennyroyal absolutely has to go and sort it out – without Smallhope. They make a formidable team when united and they aren’t to be underestimated when operating individually. But their huge success as bounty hunters over a long period of time means they have clocked up an impressive list of dangerous enemies. Are any of these people taking advantage of this split between them to strike? Amelia is still recovering from a life-threatening injury and she is also responsible for her young nephew.
You won’t be surprised to learn that someone is working hard to end Smallhope and Pennyroyal’s career. And if you’ve had the pleasure of reading Taylor’s books before – neither will you be surprised to discover there are all sorts of carnage and shenanigans going on. With some time travel thrown into the mix for good measure. I love the action, I love the fact that I am thoroughly rooting for both protagonists – people in real life that I’d cross the road to avoid. Because what I particularly love about this series, is the deep emotional bond between these two damaged people. No one does unspoken and deeply felt longing like Taylor. All in all, the mix of foot-to-the-floor action, plenty of plot twists with lots of and emotional heft behind it made this a memorable, page-turning experience that came to an end far too soon.
Highly recommended for fans of action-packed adventure featuring very sympathetic protagonists with a slice of time travel thrown in. An outstanding read. While I obtained an arc of A Family Affair from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
Amelia has a sister-in-law from Hell, who has made her life unbearable. Amelia had hoped that she’d seen that last of her at the end of the first book. To make complete sense of this offering, ideally you should first read Ballard as many of the events that occur were triggered during the first book. And while Taylor does drop a few explanations in as she goes – you’ll likely flounder if you don’t know who did what to whom. Just as Amelia’s family troubles kick off – Pennyworth’s own family dynamic also unexpectedly creates a major difficulty.
Someone he’d thought dead and gone appears not to be. And Pennyroyal absolutely has to go and sort it out – without Smallhope. They make a formidable team when united and they aren’t to be underestimated when operating individually. But their huge success as bounty hunters over a long period of time means they have clocked up an impressive list of dangerous enemies. Are any of these people taking advantage of this split between them to strike? Amelia is still recovering from a life-threatening injury and she is also responsible for her young nephew.
You won’t be surprised to learn that someone is working hard to end Smallhope and Pennyroyal’s career. And if you’ve had the pleasure of reading Taylor’s books before – neither will you be surprised to discover there are all sorts of carnage and shenanigans going on. With some time travel thrown into the mix for good measure. I love the action, I love the fact that I am thoroughly rooting for both protagonists – people in real life that I’d cross the road to avoid. Because what I particularly love about this series, is the deep emotional bond between these two damaged people. No one does unspoken and deeply felt longing like Taylor. All in all, the mix of foot-to-the-floor action, plenty of plot twists with lots of and emotional heft behind it made this a memorable, page-turning experience that came to an end far too soon.
Highly recommended for fans of action-packed adventure featuring very sympathetic protagonists with a slice of time travel thrown in. An outstanding read. While I obtained an arc of A Family Affair from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
September 23, 2026
I am now somewhere around 40–41 books deep into the St Mary’s / Time Police / Smallhope & Pennyroyal universe and, quite frankly, I don’t want to leave.
And I LOVE Smallhope and Pennyroyal. They might actually be my favourite characters in this universe. Although there’s Team Weird. And Max and Markham. And… OK, choosing favourites is impossible.
A Family Affair has everything I want from Jodi Taylor: chaos, unpredictability, a slight bending of the rules and two “recovery agents” getting themselves into increasingly ridiculous amounts of trouble.
With the dust settling after Smallhope’s near-fatal shooting, she and Pennyroyal are naturally planning some well-earned rest, recuperation and margaritas in the sun.
Yeah. Like that’s ever going to happen.
Instead, someone from Pennyroyal’s murky past comes calling, and Taylor uses the resulting mayhem to reveal more about our wonderfully elusive bounty hunters - sorry, recovery agents. I loved getting deeper into their chequered histories and learning more about the partnership between them.
This felt even stronger than The Ballad of Smallhope & Pennyroyal. The pace is cracking and addictive, the banter is superb, and the laugh-out-loud moments sit alongside much higher emotional stakes. And Taylor really puts these two through it.
But honestly, the plot is only part of why I keep returning to these books. It’s the writing. The banter between old friends. The irony scattered everywhere. The completely bonkers situations met with an extremely British “keep calm and carry on” attitude. Jodi Taylor has created a tone that is so distinctly her own, and after 40+ books I’m somehow still not tired of it.
And then there’s THAT ENDING.
Jodi Taylor woke up and chose violence.
Again.
I cannot overstate how much I loved this book. Funny, chaotic, clever, emotional and enormously entertaining.
One small note if you’re new to this universe: I definitely wouldn’t start here. I’d recommend reading at least a few of The Chronicles of St Mary’s before moving into Time Police and then Smallhope & Pennyroyal to avoid spoilers. Publication order is probably the safest way to experience all the interconnected chaos.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And I LOVE Smallhope and Pennyroyal. They might actually be my favourite characters in this universe. Although there’s Team Weird. And Max and Markham. And… OK, choosing favourites is impossible.
A Family Affair has everything I want from Jodi Taylor: chaos, unpredictability, a slight bending of the rules and two “recovery agents” getting themselves into increasingly ridiculous amounts of trouble.
With the dust settling after Smallhope’s near-fatal shooting, she and Pennyroyal are naturally planning some well-earned rest, recuperation and margaritas in the sun.
Yeah. Like that’s ever going to happen.
Instead, someone from Pennyroyal’s murky past comes calling, and Taylor uses the resulting mayhem to reveal more about our wonderfully elusive bounty hunters - sorry, recovery agents. I loved getting deeper into their chequered histories and learning more about the partnership between them.
This felt even stronger than The Ballad of Smallhope & Pennyroyal. The pace is cracking and addictive, the banter is superb, and the laugh-out-loud moments sit alongside much higher emotional stakes. And Taylor really puts these two through it.
But honestly, the plot is only part of why I keep returning to these books. It’s the writing. The banter between old friends. The irony scattered everywhere. The completely bonkers situations met with an extremely British “keep calm and carry on” attitude. Jodi Taylor has created a tone that is so distinctly her own, and after 40+ books I’m somehow still not tired of it.
And then there’s THAT ENDING.
Jodi Taylor woke up and chose violence.
Again.
I cannot overstate how much I loved this book. Funny, chaotic, clever, emotional and enormously entertaining.
One small note if you’re new to this universe: I definitely wouldn’t start here. I’d recommend reading at least a few of The Chronicles of St Mary’s before moving into Time Police and then Smallhope & Pennyroyal to avoid spoilers. Publication order is probably the safest way to experience all the interconnected chaos.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 16, 2026
Lady Amelia Smallhope is recovering from a near-fatal shooting and looking forward to some much-needed rest and recuperation. Her plans involve little more than relaxing in the sunshine and drinking margaritas with Pennyroyal. Unfortunately, their peaceful break is cut short when Pennyroyal receives a phone call that blows their plans to smithereens. It seems his past is finally catching up with him, and Lady Smallhope may end up caught in the crossfire. Add to that the renewed efforts of the wider Smallhope family to get their grubby hands on Starlings Manor, and their quiet time quickly becomes anything but. Fortunately, Smallhope and Pennyroyal have never been the type to back down from a fight, and true to form, they hit back with all guns blazing.
One of the things I love most about Jodi Taylor is her boundless imagination. We're now well over 20 books into the St Mary's universe, yet the series continues to feel fresh and shows no sign of slowing down.
This is the second novel to focus on Smallhope and Pennyroyal, characters we've previously encountered in both the St Mary's and Time Police series. I'm really enjoying getting to know them better and seeing their relationship and personalities develop. Both have raather chequered pasts, making it easy to understand why the life of bounty hunters suits them so well. Their family backgrounds are as different as chalk and cheese, and I have to say that the comic relief provided by the Smallhope family provides the perfect counterbalance to the more emotionally charged story of Pennyroyal.
It's difficult to say much about the plot without venturing into spoiler territory. What I can say is that this is a fast-paced, action-packed novel filled with clever twists and plenty of entertainment. Smallhope and Pennyroyal always seem to stay one step ahead of their enemies, and their ingenuity is as impressive as it is enjoyable to read.
Taylor rounds off the story with a tantalising hook that strongly suggests there is more to come from this duo, which is something to look forward to.
I'll keep reading these books for as long as Jodi Taylor keeps writing them. Bring on the next one!
One of the things I love most about Jodi Taylor is her boundless imagination. We're now well over 20 books into the St Mary's universe, yet the series continues to feel fresh and shows no sign of slowing down.
This is the second novel to focus on Smallhope and Pennyroyal, characters we've previously encountered in both the St Mary's and Time Police series. I'm really enjoying getting to know them better and seeing their relationship and personalities develop. Both have raather chequered pasts, making it easy to understand why the life of bounty hunters suits them so well. Their family backgrounds are as different as chalk and cheese, and I have to say that the comic relief provided by the Smallhope family provides the perfect counterbalance to the more emotionally charged story of Pennyroyal.
It's difficult to say much about the plot without venturing into spoiler territory. What I can say is that this is a fast-paced, action-packed novel filled with clever twists and plenty of entertainment. Smallhope and Pennyroyal always seem to stay one step ahead of their enemies, and their ingenuity is as impressive as it is enjoyable to read.
Taylor rounds off the story with a tantalising hook that strongly suggests there is more to come from this duo, which is something to look forward to.
I'll keep reading these books for as long as Jodi Taylor keeps writing them. Bring on the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jodi Taylor’s new Smallhope & Pennyroyal novel, A Family Affair, sets off at a cracking pace and doesn’t let up – even the ending is a cliff-hanger.
This book is the second in Taylor’s Smallhope & Pennyroyal series, featuring a pair of characters that first appeared in her Chronicles of St Mary’s series. I’m always keen to read spin-off books – they’re an indication that the author has found characters that deserve more than walk-on parts in the main series. Balzac’s Comedie Humaine and Zola’s Les Rougon-Macquart cycles show how minor characters in one novel are major characters in their own life-story (as are we all). Taylor has done this with her Time Police series as well as her Smallhope and Pennyroyal series and it works very well indeed.
Lady Amelia Elizabeth Alexandra Fiona Smallhope is the daughter of the twelfth Earl of Goodrich; sister of the thirteenth; and aunt of the fourteenth. She is also a bounty hunter and time-traveller, working with her partner and butler, Smallhope. One plot strand in this novel follows Smallhope’s quest for revenge against her sister-in-law, Caroline, the widow of the thirteenth Earl. For those who enjoy revenge stories, this is deeply satisfying. Another strand of the novel follows Pennyroyal and is full of plot twists.
Taylor’s humour and skill for a deliciously wicked sentence make the book a joy to read: “He was slick, slimy and incompetent – he’d make a fabulous MP.”
Although it would be possible to read this book without any prior knowledge of Taylor’s world, the book will be infinitely more enjoyable if you’ve read the first book in the series, The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal; and, ideally, some of her St Mary’s Chronicles.
#AFamilyAffair #NetGalley
This book is the second in Taylor’s Smallhope & Pennyroyal series, featuring a pair of characters that first appeared in her Chronicles of St Mary’s series. I’m always keen to read spin-off books – they’re an indication that the author has found characters that deserve more than walk-on parts in the main series. Balzac’s Comedie Humaine and Zola’s Les Rougon-Macquart cycles show how minor characters in one novel are major characters in their own life-story (as are we all). Taylor has done this with her Time Police series as well as her Smallhope and Pennyroyal series and it works very well indeed.
Lady Amelia Elizabeth Alexandra Fiona Smallhope is the daughter of the twelfth Earl of Goodrich; sister of the thirteenth; and aunt of the fourteenth. She is also a bounty hunter and time-traveller, working with her partner and butler, Smallhope. One plot strand in this novel follows Smallhope’s quest for revenge against her sister-in-law, Caroline, the widow of the thirteenth Earl. For those who enjoy revenge stories, this is deeply satisfying. Another strand of the novel follows Pennyroyal and is full of plot twists.
Taylor’s humour and skill for a deliciously wicked sentence make the book a joy to read: “He was slick, slimy and incompetent – he’d make a fabulous MP.”
Although it would be possible to read this book without any prior knowledge of Taylor’s world, the book will be infinitely more enjoyable if you’ve read the first book in the series, The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal; and, ideally, some of her St Mary’s Chronicles.
#AFamilyAffair #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4.3/5
Prior to the first book in this Smallhope & Pennyroyal series, I had only read a couple of Jodi Taylor's traditional Christmas novellas, but never a full length novel by her. I enjoyed the shorter versions and was impressed with the author's writing style, but I was reticent about reading anything else from the "Chronicles of St Mary's" or "Time Police" without going back to the very beginning of the series. The Smallhope and Pennyroyal origin story offered me an ideal opportunity to read a full-length Jodi Taylor novel without feeling that I was missing out on essential background information by dropping in mid-series. I loved that first book, so there was never any doubt that I was going to return for book two.
Should any other prospective readers find themselves faced with a similar dilemma, they can take heart in the fact that Jodi Taylor has written a short précis at the beginning of "A Family Affair", so that new readers have the essential background information. Although this does mean that you can happily go into this book without having read "The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal", that series opener is so good that I would seriously suggest that you read it first anyway.
"A Family Affair" is also a great read. It is a rollicking adventure with action, mystery, thrills, suspense and ample amounts of rib-tickling witticisms along the way. I strongly suspect that there will be at least one more book in this spin-off series and I, for one, will most certainly be coming back for it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Prior to the first book in this Smallhope & Pennyroyal series, I had only read a couple of Jodi Taylor's traditional Christmas novellas, but never a full length novel by her. I enjoyed the shorter versions and was impressed with the author's writing style, but I was reticent about reading anything else from the "Chronicles of St Mary's" or "Time Police" without going back to the very beginning of the series. The Smallhope and Pennyroyal origin story offered me an ideal opportunity to read a full-length Jodi Taylor novel without feeling that I was missing out on essential background information by dropping in mid-series. I loved that first book, so there was never any doubt that I was going to return for book two.
Should any other prospective readers find themselves faced with a similar dilemma, they can take heart in the fact that Jodi Taylor has written a short précis at the beginning of "A Family Affair", so that new readers have the essential background information. Although this does mean that you can happily go into this book without having read "The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal", that series opener is so good that I would seriously suggest that you read it first anyway.
"A Family Affair" is also a great read. It is a rollicking adventure with action, mystery, thrills, suspense and ample amounts of rib-tickling witticisms along the way. I strongly suspect that there will be at least one more book in this spin-off series and I, for one, will most certainly be coming back for it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Family Affair is exactly the kind of wild, witty escapade you hope for when diving back into Jodi Taylor’s universe. Lady Amelia Smallhope and the ever‑enigmatic Pennyroyal return in a story that blends danger, humour, and sheer narrative joy in that signature Taylor style.
Fresh off a near‑fatal shooting, Smallhope is hoping for rest, sunshine, and margaritas — which, of course, means chaos is about to descend. One unexpected phone call later, she and Pennyroyal are thrown into a mess that’s personal, perilous, and tied to the murkier corners of his past. The setup is deliciously tense, and the payoff is even better.
Smallhope remains a standout narrator: sharp, self‑aware, and wonderfully chaotic in the most endearing way. Her voice carries the story with warmth and wit, even as the stakes climb higher and the danger becomes very real. Pennyroyal, as always, is a perfect foil — charming, infuriating, and hiding more layers than he’ll ever admit.
The plot moves at a cracking pace, full of twists, snappy dialogue, and that delightful sense of “things are bad, so let’s make them worse” that defines this series. Taylor balances humour and heart with impressive ease, delivering moments that are laugh‑out‑loud funny alongside scenes that genuinely hit hard.
Whether you’re a long‑time fan of The Chronicles of St Mary’s or newly obsessed with Smallhope’s adventures, this instalment is a treat — energetic, clever, and packed with character.
With thanks to Jodi Taylor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Fresh off a near‑fatal shooting, Smallhope is hoping for rest, sunshine, and margaritas — which, of course, means chaos is about to descend. One unexpected phone call later, she and Pennyroyal are thrown into a mess that’s personal, perilous, and tied to the murkier corners of his past. The setup is deliciously tense, and the payoff is even better.
Smallhope remains a standout narrator: sharp, self‑aware, and wonderfully chaotic in the most endearing way. Her voice carries the story with warmth and wit, even as the stakes climb higher and the danger becomes very real. Pennyroyal, as always, is a perfect foil — charming, infuriating, and hiding more layers than he’ll ever admit.
The plot moves at a cracking pace, full of twists, snappy dialogue, and that delightful sense of “things are bad, so let’s make them worse” that defines this series. Taylor balances humour and heart with impressive ease, delivering moments that are laugh‑out‑loud funny alongside scenes that genuinely hit hard.
Whether you’re a long‑time fan of The Chronicles of St Mary’s or newly obsessed with Smallhope’s adventures, this instalment is a treat — energetic, clever, and packed with character.
With thanks to Jodi Taylor, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
August 10, 2026
Both me and my wife are massive Jodi Taylor fans, we go to the cons and events and are in all the right facebook and Whatsapp groups. So I don't think this is an entirely unbiased review. I also can't comment on whether this is the right "first book" to read in the ever expanding St Mary's multiverse, but I do think it's a goodun!
If St Mary's, The Time police and Smallhope and Pennyroyal are really similar to the MCU, then Smallhope and Pennyroyal are the Spider-mans (spider-men?) of this world. The timeline is not in peril. Smallhope and Pennyroyal certainly spend most of the book in peril, as do all their nearest and dearest, but there's genuinely a more "friendly neighbourhood" feel to it. Having said that, you can feel those tiny little ripples that are going to turn into narrative tidal waves by the time they get to the St Mary's/Time Police books. I can't wait!
This book is such a good story. It's funny, sarcastic, action packed, heartfelt, and full of chapter cliffhangers that keep you reading late into the night. Also there's a sneaky reason at the end of the book to make you want to restart the book again and re-read a bit before you put it down.
For the Jodi geeks there are a lot of little crossovers and cameos from the other books, and without spoiling anything we finally get an answer to the "Is the smartdust real" question from the first S&P book. Sadly I guessed wrong!
Five stars. No surprises there. Loved reading it and loved discussing it with my wife as we went!
If St Mary's, The Time police and Smallhope and Pennyroyal are really similar to the MCU, then Smallhope and Pennyroyal are the Spider-mans (spider-men?) of this world. The timeline is not in peril. Smallhope and Pennyroyal certainly spend most of the book in peril, as do all their nearest and dearest, but there's genuinely a more "friendly neighbourhood" feel to it. Having said that, you can feel those tiny little ripples that are going to turn into narrative tidal waves by the time they get to the St Mary's/Time Police books. I can't wait!
This book is such a good story. It's funny, sarcastic, action packed, heartfelt, and full of chapter cliffhangers that keep you reading late into the night. Also there's a sneaky reason at the end of the book to make you want to restart the book again and re-read a bit before you put it down.
For the Jodi geeks there are a lot of little crossovers and cameos from the other books, and without spoiling anything we finally get an answer to the "Is the smartdust real" question from the first S&P book. Sadly I guessed wrong!
Five stars. No surprises there. Loved reading it and loved discussing it with my wife as we went!
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