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The Chronicles of St Mary's #4.5
Christmas Present
Also available in The Long and Short of It.
It's Christmas Eve at St Mary's, And all through the house, Nothing is stirring ... Except for Max, Peterson, and Markham, sneaking out at midnight for an assignment that is very definitely off the books. It's ten years ago tonight that Senior Historians Bashford and Grey went missing in twelfth-century Jerusalem. So how did they end up in AD60 Roman Colchester? Max has a theory. Peterson has a plan. Markham has bacon sandwiches. Colchester has Boudicca and her bloodthirsty Iceni hordes. And then there's the giant pig ... the enraged giant pig ...
It's Christmas Eve at St Mary's, And all through the house, Nothing is stirring ... Except for Max, Peterson, and Markham, sneaking out at midnight for an assignment that is very definitely off the books. It's ten years ago tonight that Senior Historians Bashford and Grey went missing in twelfth-century Jerusalem. So how did they end up in AD60 Roman Colchester? Max has a theory. Peterson has a plan. Markham has bacon sandwiches. Colchester has Boudicca and her bloodthirsty Iceni hordes. And then there's the giant pig ... the enraged giant pig ...
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2014
127 people are currently reading
2377 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
84 books5,392 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 285 reviews
February 16, 2018
*** 4 ***
I loved this very short, but full of action and substance story! Max and Peterson team up for trouble - another unauthorised mission in 60 AD, on Christmas Eve. Sweet and touching!
I loved this very short, but full of action and substance story! Max and Peterson team up for trouble - another unauthorised mission in 60 AD, on Christmas Eve. Sweet and touching!
February 9, 2017
Nice and cute short story with our intrepid fools, but at least this time they're going off-books on a time-jaunt for a *good* reason.
Here piggy, piggy, piggy! :)
Definitely grin-worthy.
Here piggy, piggy, piggy! :)
Definitely grin-worthy.
April 13, 2018
Don't skip this, and read it in series order.
Plus, oh my goodness.
Plus, oh my goodness.
February 19, 2018
If I had to use one quote to describe the usual going ons in St Mary's Institute for Historical Research I would have to use this one:
As you can guess this was fun and filled with disaster after disaster even though it was supposed to be a simple retrieval mission, unauthorised of course. I wonder how Max placated Dr. Bairstow?
"We braved Boudicca's battalions to rescue the love of his life and he was instructing us to shoot her! This is typical of St Mary's. You plan a romantic reunion for a pair of lovers who've been apart for 10 years and one for them can't even be bothered to show up!
As you can guess this was fun and filled with disaster after disaster even though it was supposed to be a simple retrieval mission, unauthorised of course. I wonder how Max placated Dr. Bairstow?
January 5, 2021
Does anyone else find it deeply ironic (not the right word, don't care right now) when the deep voice comes in at the end of the story and says "Audible hopes you have enjoyed this program" and you're awash in tears and your brain and heart have been put through the wringer and "enjoyed" doesn't quite cover it?
Just me?
Oh, hush and pass the Kleenex.
Just me?
Oh, hush and pass the Kleenex.
April 3, 2025
The teams at St Mary's never leave anyone behind.
Except for that one time they did.
But that was long ago, long before Max joined as an historian. She has only heard the stories of the ill-fated mission back to observe Queen Boudicca and her troops sack the Romans at what is now Colchester. Two people were lost, and despite several recue missions not a trace of them, living or dead was ever found.
It has been ten years. Lives have moved on. Not all lives, though. one man still blames himself.
This is another great Christmas short from Jodi Taylor, read by Zara Ramm.
Except for that one time they did.
But that was long ago, long before Max joined as an historian. She has only heard the stories of the ill-fated mission back to observe Queen Boudicca and her troops sack the Romans at what is now Colchester. Two people were lost, and despite several recue missions not a trace of them, living or dead was ever found.
It has been ten years. Lives have moved on. Not all lives, though. one man still blames himself.
This is another great Christmas short from Jodi Taylor, read by Zara Ramm.
February 15, 2017
This story is a short but pretty important one as it tells the tale of a Christmas eve adventure back through time to rescue two Historians who have been missing for 10 years and are believed to have been killed by a sworn St Mary's enemy. Max and her trusty team set off to Boudica's time to see if they can find the pair, and along the way they encounter a rather angry pig and lady B herself :) 3*s
September 30, 2017
A Christmas Special, courtesy of St. Mary's.
I was wondering how Max managed to find Elsbeth Grey (Guthrie’s girlfriend) after 10 years and bring her back (after finding out about her in book #3) – now I know! This was the first time the reader (sort of) needed the novella between the novels and I wasn't even aware of it until I read this one. *lol*
Thanks to Clio, there is a recon mission during Christmas (reminding me a little bit of Dickens‘ Christmas ghosts at first) which gives Max the motivation and means to find Miss Grey - to say nothing of her travelling companions, Peterson and Markham.
It's a cozy feel-good story with slightly dark moments when it comes to Guthrie’s state of mind/heart and a cute moment where we see Max and Leon living in the same room and being naturally familiar with one another (not to be taken for granted considering where in the novels we are) and the usual timey-wimey stuff and quirkiness.
The historical moment we jump to is Boudicca's attack on Camulodunum and it was just wonderful. Naturally, it wasn't only full of historical details and thrilling events but also of a lot of humorous situations (a run-in with a pig amongst others).
All in all, I very much like how personal these stories are and how they give the reader a better / more thorough glimpse at the single characters. I will stop for now since the next is 6.5 and I haven’t read book #6 yet, but I'm looking forward to the remaining two novellas.
I was wondering how Max managed to find Elsbeth Grey (Guthrie’s girlfriend) after 10 years and bring her back (after finding out about her in book #3) – now I know! This was the first time the reader (sort of) needed the novella between the novels and I wasn't even aware of it until I read this one. *lol*
Thanks to Clio, there is a recon mission during Christmas (reminding me a little bit of Dickens‘ Christmas ghosts at first) which gives Max the motivation and means to find Miss Grey - to say nothing of her travelling companions, Peterson and Markham.
It's a cozy feel-good story with slightly dark moments when it comes to Guthrie’s state of mind/heart and a cute moment where we see Max and Leon living in the same room and being naturally familiar with one another (not to be taken for granted considering where in the novels we are) and the usual timey-wimey stuff and quirkiness.
The historical moment we jump to is Boudicca's attack on Camulodunum and it was just wonderful. Naturally, it wasn't only full of historical details and thrilling events but also of a lot of humorous situations (a run-in with a pig amongst others).
All in all, I very much like how personal these stories are and how they give the reader a better / more thorough glimpse at the single characters. I will stop for now since the next is 6.5 and I haven’t read book #6 yet, but I'm looking forward to the remaining two novellas.
September 10, 2024
This is a very short but very sweet Christmas edition of the St Mary's story.
In it, the usual crew are sent to rescue two historians who have been missing for several years. I can't really say more than that or it'd give the game away. Suffice to say it's a lovely story for Christmas - plenty of the feel good factor.
In it, the usual crew are sent to rescue two historians who have been missing for several years. I can't really say more than that or it'd give the game away. Suffice to say it's a lovely story for Christmas - plenty of the feel good factor.
August 26, 2024
A heartwarming Christmas tale for St. Mary fans
December 27, 2019
This really should be read before No Time Like the Past and What Could Possible Go Wrong?, which now make more sense.
The flaw in my plan to save up the Christmas themed shorts for Christmas!
My poor planning aside, this was a charming short story and I very much enjoyed it.
The flaw in my plan to save up the Christmas themed shorts for Christmas!
My poor planning aside, this was a charming short story and I very much enjoyed it.
December 23, 2020
Another short story, set in the world of St. Mary‘s and its crazy, time-travelling professors. This time around we end up in Roman Britain, more precisely in Colchester and get a chance to meet Boudica. That was mildly interesting, but yet again didn‘t excite me very much. Too many arbitrary one-liners and pointless fluff for the sake of making it all funnier. Yes, well, I should give up already, after reading the first book and having listened to the third short story and not liking any of them particularly much. Ultimately I am not a fan of time-travel and this is not my brand of humour. Ok for fans of the series.
April 10, 2015
Max, Peterson and Markham travel back in time on a dangerous rescue mission to rescue two historians that have been thought dead for 10 years.
37 pages!
It's not even a novella!
There are a few of these little shorts floating around. You can buy them for less than $1 at Amazon, or if that's too much for 37 pages, head over to Audible.com where you can pick the audiobook version for free.
They're pretty cool little excursions into the world of St Mary's and worth the effort.
37 pages!
It's not even a novella!
There are a few of these little shorts floating around. You can buy them for less than $1 at Amazon, or if that's too much for 37 pages, head over to Audible.com where you can pick the audiobook version for free.
They're pretty cool little excursions into the world of St Mary's and worth the effort.
November 12, 2016
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While I've enjoyed all short stories up to this one, they were nice additions but in order to follow the story of the main series, they weren't necessary. Now however, with Christmas Present (another Christmas short story) I would say this is the case, as the events from this short story have certain important consequences in the next books.
I did wonder when I was reading why they didn't do this earlier, but this in no way spoiled the fun. Everything is nicely St Mary's as always.
While I've enjoyed all short stories up to this one, they were nice additions but in order to follow the story of the main series, they weren't necessary. Now however, with Christmas Present (another Christmas short story) I would say this is the case, as the events from this short story have certain important consequences in the next books.
I did wonder when I was reading why they didn't do this earlier, but this in no way spoiled the fun. Everything is nicely St Mary's as always.
July 10, 2023
*2021 Re-read*
Still one of my favourites. A heartwarming frolic 60AD through Colchester, during Bodeca’s massacre.
Of all the short story this is top of the list of ones you can not skip, the plot will not flow if this isn’t read between A Trail Through Time and No Time Like the Past.
Still one of my favourites. A heartwarming frolic 60AD through Colchester, during Bodeca’s massacre.
Of all the short story this is top of the list of ones you can not skip, the plot will not flow if this isn’t read between A Trail Through Time and No Time Like the Past.
January 2, 2022
4.5 stars
Near Perfection. Just what I want out of a St. Mary’s story.
Max, Peterson, and Markham (aka the dream team) go on an “off the books” jump to rectify a loss from the past. The motivation for the jump yanks at the heartstrings, but the tender moments are quickly lost in the typical St. Mary’s chaos as they jump to an outright massacre. Oh, and as the cover art hints at, there’s a giant angry pig involved.
I think I’ve said this before and I will likely say it again: Jodi Taylor excels at her short stories. I personally think they are the perfect format to deliver an exceptional package of adventure and wit. Even her full novels feel like a collection of sequential short stories, just with a little more personal drama interweaving the arcs. It’s her style and it works beautifully to keep me wrapped up in the largest and smallest of moments.
TL;DR
5.0 —One of the best I've ever read. Will be burned into my brain. Couldn't care less about weaknesses (if any). Would recommend to everyone and their mother.
▌4.5 —Loved this read. Will remember it fondly. Few weaknesses. Would recommend to anyone.
4.0 —Enjoyed this read. Will remember it fondly. Minor weaknesses. Would recommend to fans of the genre.
3.5 —Somewhat enjoyed this read. Might be memorable. Notable weaknesses. Would recommend to fans of the genre.
3.0 —Somewhat enjoyed this read. Not very memorable. Notable weaknesses. Would recommend to people who like similar books.
2.5 —Neutral or Underwhelming read. Not very memorable. Significant weaknesses. Would recommend to people who like similar books.
2.0 —Underwhelming or unenjoyable read. Not very memorable or memorable for the wrong reasons. Significant weaknesses. Might recommend to people who like similar books.
1.5 —Unenjoyable read. Not very memorable or memorable for bad reasons. Major weaknesses. Probably wouldn't recommend.
1.0 —I wish I never wasted minutes of my life on this trash. I would go out of my way to convince others not to read it.
Near Perfection. Just what I want out of a St. Mary’s story.
Max, Peterson, and Markham (aka the dream team) go on an “off the books” jump to rectify a loss from the past. The motivation for the jump yanks at the heartstrings, but the tender moments are quickly lost in the typical St. Mary’s chaos as they jump to an outright massacre. Oh, and as the cover art hints at, there’s a giant angry pig involved.
I think I’ve said this before and I will likely say it again: Jodi Taylor excels at her short stories. I personally think they are the perfect format to deliver an exceptional package of adventure and wit. Even her full novels feel like a collection of sequential short stories, just with a little more personal drama interweaving the arcs. It’s her style and it works beautifully to keep me wrapped up in the largest and smallest of moments.
TL;DR
5.0 —One of the best I've ever read. Will be burned into my brain. Couldn't care less about weaknesses (if any). Would recommend to everyone and their mother.
▌4.5 —Loved this read. Will remember it fondly. Few weaknesses. Would recommend to anyone.
4.0 —Enjoyed this read. Will remember it fondly. Minor weaknesses. Would recommend to fans of the genre.
3.5 —Somewhat enjoyed this read. Might be memorable. Notable weaknesses. Would recommend to fans of the genre.
3.0 —Somewhat enjoyed this read. Not very memorable. Notable weaknesses. Would recommend to people who like similar books.
2.5 —Neutral or Underwhelming read. Not very memorable. Significant weaknesses. Would recommend to people who like similar books.
2.0 —Underwhelming or unenjoyable read. Not very memorable or memorable for the wrong reasons. Significant weaknesses. Might recommend to people who like similar books.
1.5 —Unenjoyable read. Not very memorable or memorable for bad reasons. Major weaknesses. Probably wouldn't recommend.
1.0 —I wish I never wasted minutes of my life on this trash. I would go out of my way to convince others not to read it.
December 14, 2022
Found this on audible included catalogue and now I want to read the whole series ! Who doesn't want to read books about time travelling historians? Fans of Ben Aaronovitch & Jasper Fforde will love this series I'm sure.
December 14, 2022
Little Christmas in "Christmas Present" compared to the other two Christmas short stories in the series I've read so far.
It's a fun though story, and I still seem to prefer the short installments more than I did the first full novel I read!
An entertaining quick bite for a December afternoon, or after a long day at work.
It's a fun though story, and I still seem to prefer the short installments more than I did the first full novel I read!
An entertaining quick bite for a December afternoon, or after a long day at work.
June 30, 2022
The first few shorts I could take or leave, but I positively love Roman Holiday and Christmas Present. I'm hoping the current streak holds.
This short is nicely concise, revisiting an old wound of St. Mary's and setting things right. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and great turns of phrase (my favorite being "he was built like a brick shit-house"), a wonderful squeeze of history and some lovely touching moments.
I just started book 5, No Time Like the Past, and the events of this short story cover a change at St. Mary's that is mentioned in the first chapter, so I do recommend not skipping this.
This short is nicely concise, revisiting an old wound of St. Mary's and setting things right. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and great turns of phrase (my favorite being "he was built like a brick shit-house"), a wonderful squeeze of history and some lovely touching moments.
I just started book 5, No Time Like the Past, and the events of this short story cover a change at St. Mary's that is mentioned in the first chapter, so I do recommend not skipping this.
May 15, 2017
I love when a shorty really has a great story that grabs you and doesn't let go. :)
I was so graciously informed that reading this one would make a wise precursor to reading book six of the main series. I'm thankful that I did so, as a few pages into book six, the events of this shorty come into play and I would have been dreadfully confused.
I was so graciously informed that reading this one would make a wise precursor to reading book six of the main series. I'm thankful that I did so, as a few pages into book six, the events of this shorty come into play and I would have been dreadfully confused.
December 29, 2019
12th century historical battle scene reached via time travelling scientific researchers of St Mary's, London. Speculation as to possible survival of the only researchers to have disappeared on mission leads to a daring attempted rescue on Christmas eve ... Great narration of Zara Ramm adds to enjoyment of humour, accented conversations and quality production.
August 1, 2022
Weihnachten mit der Chaostruppe
Mitten in der Nacht an Heiligabend wird Max mal wieder unsanft von der leibhaftigen Kleio geweckt. Sie erkennt ihren Auftrag und setzt sich umgehend daran, nicht nur Major Guthrie zu retten. Dass der Chief ihm dafür gehörig auf die Nerven fällt und die beiden sich fast erschießen, hat sie dabei allerdings nicht bedacht.
Eine wundervolle Geschichte für zwischendurch, wenn man die lange Warterei mal wieder satthat und die Ungeduld auf einen neuen Band einen umtreibt. Nicht umsonst ist es eine meiner liebsten Reihen und ich freue mich schon wahnsinnig auf die Fortsetzungen. Möge Max uns lange erhalten bleiben und uns immer wieder erheitern.
Mitten in der Nacht an Heiligabend wird Max mal wieder unsanft von der leibhaftigen Kleio geweckt. Sie erkennt ihren Auftrag und setzt sich umgehend daran, nicht nur Major Guthrie zu retten. Dass der Chief ihm dafür gehörig auf die Nerven fällt und die beiden sich fast erschießen, hat sie dabei allerdings nicht bedacht.
Eine wundervolle Geschichte für zwischendurch, wenn man die lange Warterei mal wieder satthat und die Ungeduld auf einen neuen Band einen umtreibt. Nicht umsonst ist es eine meiner liebsten Reihen und ich freue mich schon wahnsinnig auf die Fortsetzungen. Möge Max uns lange erhalten bleiben und uns immer wieder erheitern.
August 4, 2017
I really enjoy the novellas in the Chronicles of St Mary's series. They're short but they are excellent at characterisation. Having used them as a way to get into the main series and to see if the main series was worth purchasing, I really want to read more, because they're just brilliant.
This one felt like you needed to know the main story to fully grasp though, which is why it wasn't a five star.
This one felt like you needed to know the main story to fully grasp though, which is why it wasn't a five star.
September 9, 2021
I listened to this audio book whilst I was cooking dinner, and it was just perfect. It is quite short, but pact full of action and adventure. These stories are narrated brilliantly, and are told firmly tongue in cheek.
I think they are pure fun, and great to listen to, and can't wait to start the next one.
I think they are pure fun, and great to listen to, and can't wait to start the next one.
January 24, 2023
Helpful for continuity
I was partway through "No Time Like the Past" when references to the events that occurred in "Christmas Present" made me decide that taking a break and quickly reading this short story would help with the continuity of events in the muddled misadventures of the St Mary's crew. It was worth taking the time, but not essential.
I was partway through "No Time Like the Past" when references to the events that occurred in "Christmas Present" made me decide that taking a break and quickly reading this short story would help with the continuity of events in the muddled misadventures of the St Mary's crew. It was worth taking the time, but not essential.
August 28, 2017
Another short and free (audible) story.
again a short, humorous lark.
It does require you to overlook at least one glaring inconsistency to make the story work.
But if you don't think too hard a fun time can be had.
again a short, humorous lark.
It does require you to overlook at least one glaring inconsistency to make the story work.
But if you don't think too hard a fun time can be had.
April 21, 2018
On Christmas Eve three friends go back in time to try to rescue two friends who had disappeared 10 years earlier. If they can find their friends and bring them back they could well prevent the suicide of another friend.
December 4, 2024
listened to this one out of order since it was just free on audible. This is the story of how Max and Co rescue Bashford and Grey. It was another fun holiday story though I know how things end up and had to remember 4 books back!
March 26, 2017
A short but moving trip with the St. Mary's gang.
August 27, 2017
A very lovely little Christmas tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews