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The Chronicles of St Mary's #1.5/2.5/3.5/4.5/6.5/7.5/7.6/8.5
The Long and Short of It: Stories from the Chronicles of St. Mary's
Behind the seemingly innocuous facade of St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research, a different kind of academic work is taking place. Just don't call it -time travel---these historians -investigate major historical events in contemporary time.- And they aren't your harmless eccentrics either; a more accurate description, as they ricochet around history, might be unintentional disaster-magnets.
The Chronicles of St. Mary's tells the chaotic adventures of Madeleine Maxwell and her compatriots--Director Bairstow, Leon -Chief- Farrell, Mr. Markham, and many more--as they travel through time, saving St. Mary's Institute (too often by the very seat of their pants) and thwarting time-traveling terrorists, all the while leaving plenty of time for tea. The Long & Short of It collects all of Jodi Taylor's St. Mary's short stories in one single volume.
From Julius Caesar in Ancient Rome to a 1601 performance of Hamlet with Shakespeare himself playing the ghost, Max and the gang never seem to have trouble finding ways to insert themselves into prickly situations. And don't worry, there's plenty of Christmas cheer (and just a little of mischief) thrown in for good measure.
Dramatis thingummy --
When a child is born --
Roman holiday --
Christmas present --
Ships and stings and wedding rings --
The very first damned thing --
The Great St. Mary's day out --
My name is Markham --
A perfect storm
The Chronicles of St. Mary's tells the chaotic adventures of Madeleine Maxwell and her compatriots--Director Bairstow, Leon -Chief- Farrell, Mr. Markham, and many more--as they travel through time, saving St. Mary's Institute (too often by the very seat of their pants) and thwarting time-traveling terrorists, all the while leaving plenty of time for tea. The Long & Short of It collects all of Jodi Taylor's St. Mary's short stories in one single volume.
From Julius Caesar in Ancient Rome to a 1601 performance of Hamlet with Shakespeare himself playing the ghost, Max and the gang never seem to have trouble finding ways to insert themselves into prickly situations. And don't worry, there's plenty of Christmas cheer (and just a little of mischief) thrown in for good measure.
Dramatis thingummy --
When a child is born --
Roman holiday --
Christmas present --
Ships and stings and wedding rings --
The very first damned thing --
The Great St. Mary's day out --
My name is Markham --
A perfect storm
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2017
374 people are currently reading
1630 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
84 books5,380 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 240 reviews
April 1, 2018
When I started reading this anthology of short stories, I knew I’d read most of them. But actually, I’ve read them all. My favourite story is My Name Is Markham. I loved having a perspective other than Max’s, and getting to know more from the largely enigmatic whirlwind that’s Markham. He’s by far my favourite character in the series. It was also a more sedate story compared to the normal adventures of St Mary’s. I won’t go into greater detail, because I’ve already reviewed ‘This Is Markham’, and I’d just be repeating myself. Just know that it’s a good story.
This is great collection for casual readers, or those who haven’t read the short stories that accompany the main St Mary’s series. Perhaps not so much the hardcore group of readers who’ve already read these on publication date, like myself, although it was nice to reminisce. I love these characters, the settings, and the deep love for history itself that transcends all the novels and I’m rather loyal to the series. There’s something about them that just calls to me unlike any other books. It’s almost like a soul mate in book form (which probably sounds deeply sad), and it probably makes me terribly biased, but I just genuinely really enjoy them.
Reading this also helped build up excitement for the next instalment of the series, An Argumentation of Historians, which is released later this month and served as a little refresher to the series without reading all eight previous novels (which I’m guilty of doing).
This is great collection for casual readers, or those who haven’t read the short stories that accompany the main St Mary’s series. Perhaps not so much the hardcore group of readers who’ve already read these on publication date, like myself, although it was nice to reminisce. I love these characters, the settings, and the deep love for history itself that transcends all the novels and I’m rather loyal to the series. There’s something about them that just calls to me unlike any other books. It’s almost like a soul mate in book form (which probably sounds deeply sad), and it probably makes me terribly biased, but I just genuinely really enjoy them.
Reading this also helped build up excitement for the next instalment of the series, An Argumentation of Historians, which is released later this month and served as a little refresher to the series without reading all eight previous novels (which I’m guilty of doing).
September 4, 2023
Overview
Overall rating: 4
This volume is a collection of short stories in the fantasy/science fiction time travel series The Chronicles of St. Mary’s.
You could read the individual stories between the main volumes of the series.
They’ve been published as ebooks.
I’ve listed the numbers associated with each story, which show which of the main volumes they are between.
For example, The Very First Damned Thing was 0.5, so it’s a prequel.
I especially enjoyed the first four stories, but though all the stories are well written and funny, my interest began to flag a bit after the first four tales. Though Jodi Taylor is an excellent short story writer, I think she shines much more at the longer form novel.
These short stories are largely of interest to people who love this series because they provide background and backstory for the main books. The tales in this volume also fill in some information gaps in the main series.
I chose to read this collection after reading all the main volumes because there was an audiobook accompanying the anthology.
One could also choose to read these short tales in order between their respective main volumes, but without audio. They might have been more interesting read that way.
These stories aren’t stand alone tales. I think if you read them without having at least read the preceding novel, you’ll be confused.
A Child is Born (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #2.5)
5
A lovely story about England in 1066, and how sometimes things go wrong with a St. Mary’s “don’t call it time travel” mission because History has other plans.
Roman Holiday (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #3.5)
5
Hilarious story showcasing Cleopatra’s arrival at the home of her lover, the married Julius Caesar.
What could possibly go wrong?
In typical St. Mary’s fashion, of course, everything goes wrong.
Christmas Present (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #4.5)
5
A lovely story. And yes, the title is a pun.
Max hatches a plan (on Christmas Eve) to rescue Tom Bashford and Elspeth Grey, two senior historians kidnapped by Clive Ronan, who’ve been missing for ten years, despite exhaustive searches for them by St. Mary’s. She does this when she has a dream showing her that Ian Guthrie is still grieving for his lost love, Grey, ten years later.
To retrieve them, Max, Markham, and Peterson go back to the destruction of Colchester by Boudica’s rebellion in 61 A.D. (60 A.D. according to this story). So once again, they find themselves in the middle of a battle (or in this case, in the lead up to the fight).
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6.5)
5
Another wonderful Christmas Eve tale.
Elspeth Grey accidentally leaves a gun behind on a jump to ancient Egypt. This could get both her and St. Mary’s in a lot of trouble.
Our merry Christmas Eve team of Max, Markham, and Peterson jump back to retrieve the firearm.
As usual, they have plenty of misadventures. But all’s well that ends well.
The Very First Damned Thing (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #0.5)
4
The backstory on the founding and initial staffing of St. Mary’s by Dr. Bairstow.
The main character is Edward Bairstow himself.
Of great interest if you’ve read the main volumes of the series.
As a short story, this was much less captivating than the others preceding it. However, its value is in providing the backstory of St. Mary’s.
The Great St. Mary’s Day Out (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7.5)
4
As a treat for the entire St. Mary’s staff, those who wish can elect to jump to the first ever performance of Hamlet at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
This supposed to be a light hearted, stress free outing.
What could possibly go wrong? This being St. Mary’s, of course, any snafu you can conceive of and many that you can’t conceive of, happen. Chaos ensues.
Max is in charge of the entire outing, which means that, though for once she’s entirely innocent, Dr. Bairstow tries to put the blame on her.
My Name is Markham (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7.6)
4
In this one, Markham is the narrator and main character (surprise, surprise).
Max, Peterson, and Markham (providing security) do another of their traditional Christmas Eve jumps, this time to observe the famous legend of Alfred the Great burning the cakes in 9th century Britain.
Afterwards, Markham does a hilarious turn in costume as the rear end of one of Santa’s reindeer for the St. Mary’s Christmas party.
Quite funny. Not one of Markham’s best days.
A Perfect Storm (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8.5)
4
This story was written especially for this volume.
Utter and hilarious chaos St. Mary’s style.
It starts off with a pub crawl with most of the staff dressed as superheroes. They straggle in the next day in various states of dishevelment and injury. Bashford has acquired a chicken who adores him.
Dr. Bairstow wants to sign a contract with Clive Cutter, an obnoxious film producer with the attention span of a flea and a contempt for historians. The contract stipulates that St. Mary’s will provide historical research and costumes for several of Cutter’s films.
Max is tasked with the unwelcome task of showing Mr. Cutter, who is continually talking on his phone, around St. Mary’s. Cutter instantly alienates the entire St. Mary’s staff.
The story ends on a bang—literally—as Professor Rapson of R&D sets off one of his fabled explosions.
Audio Narration
As always, Zara Ramm is a good audio reader. But she makes so many mistakes. Examples: She pronounced Scylla as “Sky-la”. She read diadem as “didiem”.
She read ninth as “nineteenth”. She read innovative as “in-NIH-va-tiv”. She read do as “did”. She pronounced routed as “rooted”. And so forth.
Overall rating: 4
This volume is a collection of short stories in the fantasy/science fiction time travel series The Chronicles of St. Mary’s.
You could read the individual stories between the main volumes of the series.
They’ve been published as ebooks.
I’ve listed the numbers associated with each story, which show which of the main volumes they are between.
For example, The Very First Damned Thing was 0.5, so it’s a prequel.
I especially enjoyed the first four stories, but though all the stories are well written and funny, my interest began to flag a bit after the first four tales. Though Jodi Taylor is an excellent short story writer, I think she shines much more at the longer form novel.
These short stories are largely of interest to people who love this series because they provide background and backstory for the main books. The tales in this volume also fill in some information gaps in the main series.
I chose to read this collection after reading all the main volumes because there was an audiobook accompanying the anthology.
One could also choose to read these short tales in order between their respective main volumes, but without audio. They might have been more interesting read that way.
These stories aren’t stand alone tales. I think if you read them without having at least read the preceding novel, you’ll be confused.
A Child is Born (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #2.5)
5
A lovely story about England in 1066, and how sometimes things go wrong with a St. Mary’s “don’t call it time travel” mission because History has other plans.
Roman Holiday (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #3.5)
5
Hilarious story showcasing Cleopatra’s arrival at the home of her lover, the married Julius Caesar.
What could possibly go wrong?
In typical St. Mary’s fashion, of course, everything goes wrong.
Christmas Present (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #4.5)
5
A lovely story. And yes, the title is a pun.
Max hatches a plan (on Christmas Eve) to rescue Tom Bashford and Elspeth Grey, two senior historians kidnapped by Clive Ronan, who’ve been missing for ten years, despite exhaustive searches for them by St. Mary’s. She does this when she has a dream showing her that Ian Guthrie is still grieving for his lost love, Grey, ten years later.
To retrieve them, Max, Markham, and Peterson go back to the destruction of Colchester by Boudica’s rebellion in 61 A.D. (60 A.D. according to this story). So once again, they find themselves in the middle of a battle (or in this case, in the lead up to the fight).
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #6.5)
5
Another wonderful Christmas Eve tale.
Elspeth Grey accidentally leaves a gun behind on a jump to ancient Egypt. This could get both her and St. Mary’s in a lot of trouble.
Our merry Christmas Eve team of Max, Markham, and Peterson jump back to retrieve the firearm.
As usual, they have plenty of misadventures. But all’s well that ends well.
The Very First Damned Thing (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #0.5)
4
The backstory on the founding and initial staffing of St. Mary’s by Dr. Bairstow.
The main character is Edward Bairstow himself.
Of great interest if you’ve read the main volumes of the series.
As a short story, this was much less captivating than the others preceding it. However, its value is in providing the backstory of St. Mary’s.
The Great St. Mary’s Day Out (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7.5)
4
As a treat for the entire St. Mary’s staff, those who wish can elect to jump to the first ever performance of Hamlet at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
This supposed to be a light hearted, stress free outing.
What could possibly go wrong? This being St. Mary’s, of course, any snafu you can conceive of and many that you can’t conceive of, happen. Chaos ensues.
Max is in charge of the entire outing, which means that, though for once she’s entirely innocent, Dr. Bairstow tries to put the blame on her.
My Name is Markham (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #7.6)
4
In this one, Markham is the narrator and main character (surprise, surprise).
Max, Peterson, and Markham (providing security) do another of their traditional Christmas Eve jumps, this time to observe the famous legend of Alfred the Great burning the cakes in 9th century Britain.
Afterwards, Markham does a hilarious turn in costume as the rear end of one of Santa’s reindeer for the St. Mary’s Christmas party.
Quite funny. Not one of Markham’s best days.
A Perfect Storm (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8.5)
4
This story was written especially for this volume.
Utter and hilarious chaos St. Mary’s style.
It starts off with a pub crawl with most of the staff dressed as superheroes. They straggle in the next day in various states of dishevelment and injury. Bashford has acquired a chicken who adores him.
Dr. Bairstow wants to sign a contract with Clive Cutter, an obnoxious film producer with the attention span of a flea and a contempt for historians. The contract stipulates that St. Mary’s will provide historical research and costumes for several of Cutter’s films.
Max is tasked with the unwelcome task of showing Mr. Cutter, who is continually talking on his phone, around St. Mary’s. Cutter instantly alienates the entire St. Mary’s staff.
The story ends on a bang—literally—as Professor Rapson of R&D sets off one of his fabled explosions.
Audio Narration
As always, Zara Ramm is a good audio reader. But she makes so many mistakes. Examples: She pronounced Scylla as “Sky-la”. She read diadem as “didiem”.
She read ninth as “nineteenth”. She read innovative as “in-NIH-va-tiv”. She read do as “did”. She pronounced routed as “rooted”. And so forth.
June 11, 2017
This is Jodi Taylor's newest release and it's a paperback/bind up edition of all the St Mary's Chronicles short stories so far + one new one called 'The Perfect Storm'. I'd already read all of these except for the newest one and I've reviewed each as an individual stories, but there were two stand out wins for me from the previous ones: 'My Name Is Markham' and 'The Very First Damned Thing'. Both of these stories were a bit longer than some of the other shorts, and felt really exciting and well developed. The new one I also really enjoyed so, of the collection, those were my top three.
'The Perfect Storm' follows Max and the gang of St. Mary's as they are trying to raise some funding for the operation by inviting a film director to sample the authenticity of their work and hopefully sponsor them to make the sets/costumes in a new show/film. Being St. Mary's, of course everything kind of backfires leaving Max to try to pick up the pieces (whilst not laughing hysterically) and still try to get the deal with the baffled film director at the end.
I'm really happy there's now a paperback version of all the stories as I certainly think they're well worth reading and some are excellent in their own right. With that said, some of the really short ones felt a little bit too short to be a full story for me, and I wished there was a bit more to them (hence my 3.5*s overall rating as it's such a mixed bag).
What I do like about this is we also get a little added commentary around each story from the author telling us where she ca,e up with the idea for it and some other bits and bobs like that. It feels very 'behind-the-scenes' and I always like that!
Overall a solid collection with one or two that felt a little too sort, and some excellent ones to make up for it. I'd certainly recommend this if you're a St. Mary's Chronicle's fan and I think it's a great way to sample the author, just beware some stories are set after events in the main series so try to read them in the right place to avoid minor spoilers.
'The Perfect Storm' follows Max and the gang of St. Mary's as they are trying to raise some funding for the operation by inviting a film director to sample the authenticity of their work and hopefully sponsor them to make the sets/costumes in a new show/film. Being St. Mary's, of course everything kind of backfires leaving Max to try to pick up the pieces (whilst not laughing hysterically) and still try to get the deal with the baffled film director at the end.
I'm really happy there's now a paperback version of all the stories as I certainly think they're well worth reading and some are excellent in their own right. With that said, some of the really short ones felt a little bit too short to be a full story for me, and I wished there was a bit more to them (hence my 3.5*s overall rating as it's such a mixed bag).
What I do like about this is we also get a little added commentary around each story from the author telling us where she ca,e up with the idea for it and some other bits and bobs like that. It feels very 'behind-the-scenes' and I always like that!
Overall a solid collection with one or two that felt a little too sort, and some excellent ones to make up for it. I'd certainly recommend this if you're a St. Mary's Chronicle's fan and I think it's a great way to sample the author, just beware some stories are set after events in the main series so try to read them in the right place to avoid minor spoilers.
December 13, 2019
This was a compliation of a number of the shorter (.5) bookettes Jodi Taylor has written to fill Those Who Want To Know on the St. Mary's crew details that pop into her authorial grey cells and bridge her larger offerings.
This series is funny and nutty and some folks love it (me) and some folks pass it over. My stars are for those who love it. The rest of you will need to find your own fun out there in the world!
This series is funny and nutty and some folks love it (me) and some folks pass it over. My stars are for those who love it. The rest of you will need to find your own fun out there in the world!
April 22, 2020
The short of it: one can never go wrong with Jodi Taylor!
I leave the long of it to other reviewers. 😁
I leave the long of it to other reviewers. 😁
November 28, 2020
My favorites:
Christmas Present
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
My Name is Markham
Christmas Present
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
My Name is Markham
June 23, 2018
Actual rating: 4.25
I had read all the storied before when Audible suggested I buy this. And I did and it was worth it even if only for the short introductions to each story by Ms. Taylor.
The Very First Damned Thing: 5 stars
When a Child is Born: 3 stars
Roman Holiday: 4 stars
Christmas Present: 4 stars
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings: 5 stars
The Great St Mary's Day Out: 4 stars
My Name is Markham: 5 stars
A Perfect Storm: 4 stars
I had read all the storied before when Audible suggested I buy this. And I did and it was worth it even if only for the short introductions to each story by Ms. Taylor.
The Very First Damned Thing: 5 stars
When a Child is Born: 3 stars
Roman Holiday: 4 stars
Christmas Present: 4 stars
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings: 5 stars
The Great St Mary's Day Out: 4 stars
My Name is Markham: 5 stars
A Perfect Storm: 4 stars
March 13, 2018
i probably should have waited until i'd read everything in the series before tackling the short story collection, because i got some spoilers for later books, but OH WELL. super fun. high-quality sinus infection entertainment.
January 6, 2018
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
The Long and Short of It collects all short stories from St. Mary's up until A Perfect Storm. Having read all of the previous stories (they are reviewed under their titles), I was curious for A Perfect Storm, which has since been released on it's own as well.
I've always liked these short stories and would recommend them to fans of the series that haven't started on them yet but sticked to the normal books. While not necessary to follow the main story, it really adds something to the series!
The Long and Short of It collects all short stories from St. Mary's up until A Perfect Storm. Having read all of the previous stories (they are reviewed under their titles), I was curious for A Perfect Storm, which has since been released on it's own as well.
I've always liked these short stories and would recommend them to fans of the series that haven't started on them yet but sticked to the normal books. While not necessary to follow the main story, it really adds something to the series!
June 16, 2017
Mostly for the final story
My 5 stars are primarily for the last short, which takes place after the end of the 8th novel, "And the Rest Is History". It neatly capstones that superb novel--but stands all by itself, believe me--and is the file-sharing fun we've come to expect from author Taylor and her creations. And the wonderful tiny bit at the end...I believe some of those fetid vapours have got in my eyes. I am not crying and smiling with delight!
All the shirts are good reading (and I have rated their ebook versions), but the final is a real treat for we who have devoured and loved the entire series.
We do want more though, dear Ms Taylor, please!
My 5 stars are primarily for the last short, which takes place after the end of the 8th novel, "And the Rest Is History". It neatly capstones that superb novel--but stands all by itself, believe me--and is the file-sharing fun we've come to expect from author Taylor and her creations. And the wonderful tiny bit at the end...I believe some of those fetid vapours have got in my eyes. I am not crying and smiling with delight!
All the shirts are good reading (and I have rated their ebook versions), but the final is a real treat for we who have devoured and loved the entire series.
We do want more though, dear Ms Taylor, please!
October 11, 2024
The Long and Short of It 3 Stars
A collection of short stories about the gang at St. Mary's. Some not so short, that was just OK for me. Not a big short story fan so there is that-others may enjoy this collection a bit more than I did.
Before each story Taylor writes a explanation of how the story came to be, those I enjoyed.
A collection of short stories about the gang at St. Mary's. Some not so short, that was just OK for me. Not a big short story fan so there is that-others may enjoy this collection a bit more than I did.
Before each story Taylor writes a explanation of how the story came to be, those I enjoyed.
November 16, 2017
The stories in this are reviewed under their individual entries rather than here. I'd already read a couple of them, and picked this up from the library to fill in some gaps. I'm still a little conflicted in the wisdom of publishing all the short stories together when the books are best read in order and people may do (as I did) pick this up and read it before they're fully up to date with the series.
July 13, 2017
Finally, the short stories of the crew at Saint Mary's collected together at last. This is fantastic news for those of us who like to read actual books, because these have not been available in print before. Loved all these short stories. And am glad to have this is my collection next to the books of the series.
November 19, 2019
I loved this book, it was so great hearing from the author how these stories came about and where her ideas come from, or don't..
Although it's slightly disjointed because the stories are little novella's between the books in the main series, it's a nice taster to go back through the series and dip in every now and then.
Rolicking good series.
Although it's slightly disjointed because the stories are little novella's between the books in the main series, it's a nice taster to go back through the series and dip in every now and then.
Rolicking good series.
October 18, 2017
This is gonna be a fast review.
The stories found in this collection I've read in ebook form and it's good to have them all in one go. I really like the new author sections that share where and how these stories were writing, they do give wonderful insight into it.
The one additional story 'A Perfect Storm' was just more great St. Mary's.
Read this collection if you love the series.
Onward to the next book!
The stories found in this collection I've read in ebook form and it's good to have them all in one go. I really like the new author sections that share where and how these stories were writing, they do give wonderful insight into it.
The one additional story 'A Perfect Storm' was just more great St. Mary's.
Read this collection if you love the series.
Onward to the next book!
June 13, 2017
All the St. Mary's short stories in one book! What's not to like.
March 15, 2020
3.5 stars! This is a collection of short stories about St. Mary's! I enjoyed some more than others! Mr. Markham is always a hit!
July 16, 2022
Generally I avoid short stories and novellas, but I take Jodi Taylor's writing where I can find it. "Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings" is the best of the bunch.
October 22, 2017
I adore Jodi Taylor and all things Saint Mary's. True brain candy. Great escape.
December 25, 2018
Unplanned serendipity to be reading these Christmas themed time travel shorts right now in Christmas Eve.
And Merry Christmas to me--I giggled my way through this book!
And Merry Christmas to me--I giggled my way through this book!
September 22, 2025
5 years later, I finally read all these short stories between the novels. A great companion to Chronicles of St. Mary's series!
February 2, 2023
Since the books read like short stories this book of short stories kept to the characters and books. I actually liked the Markham story. Some of the back story is nice after reading so many of the books. Besides it’s time travel what difference dues the order you read them!!!
June 17, 2017
A bit of a mislead here. This is a compendium of all the prior vignettes, with an introduction as to Jodi's writing process for each, plus the bonus short story A Perfect Storm. I can't review that one separately yet but found it fantastic, as usual with anything Jodi writes.
February 2, 2023
02 Feb 2023
A set of short (and not so short, but still not novel length) stories set in the St. Mary's Chronicles universe, featuring a number of familiar characters. The premise is "quirky and sometimes unhinged historians use time travel technology to go back to past eras and to research history." The premise is wonderful and has been for all the books in the series that I have read, the characters are so insane that they are consistently entertaining, the writing has made me laugh many times, and sometimes we even have a bit of emotional depth thrown in for good measure.
The short stories are more of exactly that. Mostly comedic farce, but with the occasional anchor of heartfelt emotions. It actually works really good in the short story format, possibly better than it does with the actual novel, where plot gets in the way of the farce.
Mini-reviews for the short stories:
When a Child is Born: Our primary chaos trio (Max, Peterson, and Markham; canonically known as the usual suspects) goes back in time to old Britain to observe some king or another, but end up getting caught in the snow and helping out an injured woodcutter and his very pregnant wife. Pretty cute, and I liked the questioning of assumptions done at the end.
Roman Holiday: The usual suspects +2 travel to ancient Rome to meet Cleopatra in Ceasar's house, and accidentally foil an assassination before escaping in fear of being framed for assassination. Again, pretty fun- I thought the romantic tragedy aspects were compelling- I'm rarely invested in the inner drama of the historical figures like I was in this one. Also, props for making Cleopatra both ugly and insanely attractive in spite of it.
Christmas Present: The title is a pun on multiple levels, which I appreciate. Probably the least farcial and most serious, because of the subject matter of two stranded historians having to be rescued after a decade of their disappearance and the tragedies of being moved out of time. The usual suspects do their usual thing and provide some levity to the story, which I appreciate.
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings: A gun gets lost on a mission to Ancient Egypt, and the usual suspects have to tail their colleagues who lost the gun while staying out of sight in order to prevent paradoxes. Pretty fun, because it's the usual suspects, but the emotional core of the story revolved around the Max/Leon Farrell ship being wonderful and great etc when honestly it is meh at best and story-destroying at worst. I'm sorry, Leon 2.0, you may be better than your predecessor (the bar is buried six feet underground, just like your predecessor) but you're still a sad sack lacking in any kind of charisma.
The Very First Damned Thing: Not the usual suspects for once, but a story set pre-series when the historical time travel research institute was formed. A lot grimmer than usual, because the narrator (focal character?) is different. Still pretty interesting when you see all the lore and how all the regulars came together, though. And I fall a little more in love with Dr. Foster every time I see her.
The Great St. Mary's Day Out: The Usual Suspects + 9 go on a recreational tour of 1600s London, specifically to see a Hamlet production at the Globe theater of the time. A farce again, and a pretty good one, with the party being split into three and each of them encountering their own issues (two offscreen). The quirks of the cast and the humor and absurdity shine in this one.
My Name is Markham: Another non-Max PoV, featuring Markham of the usual suspects going to old England to spy on a different king with the other usual suspects. Standard St. Mary's fare, with a lot of hints about how Markham's past was pretty rough. This could have been a bad thing but is not, mostly because Markham is a ridiculous and cheerful and that ends up making the character grounded. Pretty fun, even if the emotional thread may have been weaker because we know too little of Markham's past.
A Perfect Storm: The only story in the set without time travel. The cast have to welcome a tv exec on set and court him for funding, but is hampered by the general insanity of the employees and the need to keep the interesting bits (time travel) a secret. Nevertheless, they do provoke what one character describes as a miniature extinction event. Was pretty entertaining till the last few lines, where it got briefly (and wonderfully) hurt/comfort for a moment.
A set of short (and not so short, but still not novel length) stories set in the St. Mary's Chronicles universe, featuring a number of familiar characters. The premise is "quirky and sometimes unhinged historians use time travel technology to go back to past eras and to research history." The premise is wonderful and has been for all the books in the series that I have read, the characters are so insane that they are consistently entertaining, the writing has made me laugh many times, and sometimes we even have a bit of emotional depth thrown in for good measure.
The short stories are more of exactly that. Mostly comedic farce, but with the occasional anchor of heartfelt emotions. It actually works really good in the short story format, possibly better than it does with the actual novel, where plot gets in the way of the farce.
Mini-reviews for the short stories:
When a Child is Born: Our primary chaos trio (Max, Peterson, and Markham; canonically known as the usual suspects) goes back in time to old Britain to observe some king or another, but end up getting caught in the snow and helping out an injured woodcutter and his very pregnant wife. Pretty cute, and I liked the questioning of assumptions done at the end.
Roman Holiday: The usual suspects +2 travel to ancient Rome to meet Cleopatra in Ceasar's house, and accidentally foil an assassination before escaping in fear of being framed for assassination. Again, pretty fun- I thought the romantic tragedy aspects were compelling- I'm rarely invested in the inner drama of the historical figures like I was in this one. Also, props for making Cleopatra both ugly and insanely attractive in spite of it.
Christmas Present: The title is a pun on multiple levels, which I appreciate. Probably the least farcial and most serious, because of the subject matter of two stranded historians having to be rescued after a decade of their disappearance and the tragedies of being moved out of time. The usual suspects do their usual thing and provide some levity to the story, which I appreciate.
Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings: A gun gets lost on a mission to Ancient Egypt, and the usual suspects have to tail their colleagues who lost the gun while staying out of sight in order to prevent paradoxes. Pretty fun, because it's the usual suspects, but the emotional core of the story revolved around the Max/Leon Farrell ship being wonderful and great etc when honestly it is meh at best and story-destroying at worst. I'm sorry, Leon 2.0, you may be better than your predecessor (the bar is buried six feet underground, just like your predecessor) but you're still a sad sack lacking in any kind of charisma.
The Very First Damned Thing: Not the usual suspects for once, but a story set pre-series when the historical time travel research institute was formed. A lot grimmer than usual, because the narrator (focal character?) is different. Still pretty interesting when you see all the lore and how all the regulars came together, though. And I fall a little more in love with Dr. Foster every time I see her.
The Great St. Mary's Day Out: The Usual Suspects + 9 go on a recreational tour of 1600s London, specifically to see a Hamlet production at the Globe theater of the time. A farce again, and a pretty good one, with the party being split into three and each of them encountering their own issues (two offscreen). The quirks of the cast and the humor and absurdity shine in this one.
My Name is Markham: Another non-Max PoV, featuring Markham of the usual suspects going to old England to spy on a different king with the other usual suspects. Standard St. Mary's fare, with a lot of hints about how Markham's past was pretty rough. This could have been a bad thing but is not, mostly because Markham is a ridiculous and cheerful and that ends up making the character grounded. Pretty fun, even if the emotional thread may have been weaker because we know too little of Markham's past.
A Perfect Storm: The only story in the set without time travel. The cast have to welcome a tv exec on set and court him for funding, but is hampered by the general insanity of the employees and the need to keep the interesting bits (time travel) a secret. Nevertheless, they do provoke what one character describes as a miniature extinction event. Was pretty entertaining till the last few lines, where it got briefly (and wonderfully) hurt/comfort for a moment.
May 8, 2019
3.5 Stars
Another enjoyable outing with the St. Mary’s time traveling crew. These novellas are fillers between books. The author notes were fun to read as well. I hope there is another collection to come.
Another enjoyable outing with the St. Mary’s time traveling crew. These novellas are fillers between books. The author notes were fun to read as well. I hope there is another collection to come.
August 14, 2023
Och, this was pretty good. It would've been nice to read these short stories synchronistically with the novels. This listen would've been better if Book Fourteen hadn't left such a very bad taste in my mouth.
October 8, 2025
This collects together all the short stories (thus far) from the Chronicles of St Mary’s, which if you haven’t read them, go back and start from the beginning. I’ll wait. Done it? Good. Now you know about the time travelling disaster-magnets who comprise St Mary’s historians and their support teams, especially Max our (usually) main viewpoint character. (I particularly love reading about Markham in security.) I’d read (and reviewed) all but one of these before because I buy anything from Jodi Taylor on sight, but I was happy to buy it for the new story, which has since been published as an individual short, but it’s good to have all the short stories together in one place and if you haven’t read any of them yet, it’s a bargain.
Audiobook - 22/08/2020
A collection of short stories that were originally published individually. This doesn't include the most recent stories, but it has my favourite 'My Name is Markham'. Once more they are all read by the excellent Zara Ramm.
• 'When a Child Is Born': Max and company miss the coronation of William the Conqueror in favour of helping a young couple in trouble.
• 'Roman Holiday': Caesar, Cleopatra and some asps.
• 'Christmas Present': Max rescues lost historians from Boudicca's attack on Colchester
• 'The Very First Damned Thing': Dr Bairstow arrives in London ready to found St Mary's
• 'Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings': Max heads for Egypt in a damage limitation exercise.
• 'The Great St Mary's Day Out': A trip to Shakespeare's globe and Markham's acting debut.
• 'My Name Is Markham': Alfred, the cakes and Mr Markham.
• 'A Perfect Storm': St Mary's meets the film industry
Audiobook - 22/08/2020
A collection of short stories that were originally published individually. This doesn't include the most recent stories, but it has my favourite 'My Name is Markham'. Once more they are all read by the excellent Zara Ramm.
• 'When a Child Is Born': Max and company miss the coronation of William the Conqueror in favour of helping a young couple in trouble.
• 'Roman Holiday': Caesar, Cleopatra and some asps.
• 'Christmas Present': Max rescues lost historians from Boudicca's attack on Colchester
• 'The Very First Damned Thing': Dr Bairstow arrives in London ready to found St Mary's
• 'Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings': Max heads for Egypt in a damage limitation exercise.
• 'The Great St Mary's Day Out': A trip to Shakespeare's globe and Markham's acting debut.
• 'My Name Is Markham': Alfred, the cakes and Mr Markham.
• 'A Perfect Storm': St Mary's meets the film industry
September 14, 2017
I bought this, not realizing it was a collection of short stories which I had already read. Ah well, it was fun to read them again.
The stories are fun because they lack the grimness and sucker punches that Taylor gives her characters in the novel. Here it's all Peterson peeing on Max and Markham looking like an idiot but no one dying or having something horrible happen.
Another thing which tends to swoop right past me when I read the novels is that while the past which the historians are investigating is our past, their present is not our present. This is a world which has had a recent Civil War in Britain. Most of the non-historians on the St. Mary's payroll are former combatants of that war. (The cook, Mrs. Mack, is a decorated vet.) The stories are pretty Anglo-centric, although they do go all over the world for history, but there's precious little mentioned about other countries in their present time. There is an off-hand, somewhat chilling, comment in one of the stories. It's set in Shakespeare's time, and someone muses how it was easier to travel to America in Shakespeare's time than in their own. Hmm....
These stories are a great introduction to the novels, if you were thinking of trying them out. They're mostly in chronological order so characters change because of important events in the novels. I adore these books except for when something horrible is happening to the characters. Taylor makes me care so much about her creation that I feel as awful as they do.
The stories are fun because they lack the grimness and sucker punches that Taylor gives her characters in the novel. Here it's all Peterson peeing on Max and Markham looking like an idiot but no one dying or having something horrible happen.
Another thing which tends to swoop right past me when I read the novels is that while the past which the historians are investigating is our past, their present is not our present. This is a world which has had a recent Civil War in Britain. Most of the non-historians on the St. Mary's payroll are former combatants of that war. (The cook, Mrs. Mack, is a decorated vet.) The stories are pretty Anglo-centric, although they do go all over the world for history, but there's precious little mentioned about other countries in their present time. There is an off-hand, somewhat chilling, comment in one of the stories. It's set in Shakespeare's time, and someone muses how it was easier to travel to America in Shakespeare's time than in their own. Hmm....
These stories are a great introduction to the novels, if you were thinking of trying them out. They're mostly in chronological order so characters change because of important events in the novels. I adore these books except for when something horrible is happening to the characters. Taylor makes me care so much about her creation that I feel as awful as they do.
July 11, 2017
The Madness of St Mary's
Buyer beware if you think this is a whole new book.
This is a collection of short stories and all but one has been released before.
As much as I love the novels I think that the short story format is wonderful for this series. It allows the inherent silliness that you have come to expect to shine through with out having to worry about dealing with the consequences of events for a whole novel.
If the novels are the meal then these little tidbits are the desert. Without the supporting universe they would be of little substance but in the context of the whole they deliver a satisfying experience that gives us a little slice more of the world that was crafted. I also like the insights to events that were previously off stage. and how they affect the crew at St Mary's
I highly recommend this anthology as a temporary fix while you wait for the next installment. Brew a cup of tea, put your feet up, and enjoy your visit with favorite gang of historians and supporting cast.
Also posted on my blog Bourbon and Black Coffee
Buyer beware if you think this is a whole new book.
This is a collection of short stories and all but one has been released before.
As much as I love the novels I think that the short story format is wonderful for this series. It allows the inherent silliness that you have come to expect to shine through with out having to worry about dealing with the consequences of events for a whole novel.
If the novels are the meal then these little tidbits are the desert. Without the supporting universe they would be of little substance but in the context of the whole they deliver a satisfying experience that gives us a little slice more of the world that was crafted. I also like the insights to events that were previously off stage. and how they affect the crew at St Mary's
I highly recommend this anthology as a temporary fix while you wait for the next installment. Brew a cup of tea, put your feet up, and enjoy your visit with favorite gang of historians and supporting cast.
Also posted on my blog Bourbon and Black Coffee
January 7, 2018
Great short stories that fill in some gaps between the books. I wish that I didn't read 'The Perfect Storm' until I had read ' And The Rest is History' as there were a few spoilers.
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