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The Chronicles of St Mary's #10.6
Why is Nothing Ever Simple?
A special Chronicles of St Mary's Christmas short story that is sure to entertain. If you love Jasper Fforde or Ben Aaronovitch, you won't be able to resist Jodi Taylor.
Bannockburn. Major Guthrie. The traditional St Mary's illegal Christmas jump.
All terribly straightforward, surely...
Bannockburn. Major Guthrie. The traditional St Mary's illegal Christmas jump.
All terribly straightforward, surely...
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2019
619 people are currently reading
1517 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 189 reviews
July 28, 2020
Rtf 😊
So, I have on my Kindle book 1 in this series Just One Damned Thing After Another and having read the "write up" I was looking forward to it, but I only had a "reading gap" for a quick short story, so a quick scan of Kindle showed me this short story, and I thought , why not.
And what a good choice it turned out to be. Yes, I think I would have benefitted by reading books 1-10 and various other short stories before reading this, but you know what, it was still a fun short story. And it has made me "up" the first book in the series on my to be read list.
I am now very intrigued to get back to the beginnings of St Mary's Institute of Historical Research after reading their short intervention into the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, having celebrated their Christmas meal in real time.
A fun short story which probably means more to keen followers of St Marys than it did to me, but I hope that it will resonate more with me in the future.
So, I have on my Kindle book 1 in this series Just One Damned Thing After Another and having read the "write up" I was looking forward to it, but I only had a "reading gap" for a quick short story, so a quick scan of Kindle showed me this short story, and I thought , why not.
And what a good choice it turned out to be. Yes, I think I would have benefitted by reading books 1-10 and various other short stories before reading this, but you know what, it was still a fun short story. And it has made me "up" the first book in the series on my to be read list.
I am now very intrigued to get back to the beginnings of St Mary's Institute of Historical Research after reading their short intervention into the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, having celebrated their Christmas meal in real time.
A fun short story which probably means more to keen followers of St Marys than it did to me, but I hope that it will resonate more with me in the future.
December 25, 2019
Another yearly Christmas tradition, this year we follow Max and co. into the battle of Bannockburn on Guthrie’s final jump. We encounter Scots, Englishmen, a rather good axe, as well as the rather excellent Pennyroyal and Lady Amelia Smallhope.
I enjoyed looking a little closer at the ever enigmatic Markham too. With life changing events about to happen to him, it was good to see a tiny hint of the man before and also what’s to come. He’s by far the best member of St Mary’s - which is high praise indeed as I love them all.
As always, this has got me excited for the next installment in April. As much as I loved the Time Police novel, there really is no replacing the St Mary’s family.
I enjoyed looking a little closer at the ever enigmatic Markham too. With life changing events about to happen to him, it was good to see a tiny hint of the man before and also what’s to come. He’s by far the best member of St Mary’s - which is high praise indeed as I love them all.
As always, this has got me excited for the next installment in April. As much as I loved the Time Police novel, there really is no replacing the St Mary’s family.
December 28, 2019
Charming, trenchant, tendentious, and only two w-bombs. The annual Christmas Jump at St Mary's Institute for Historical Research is, this time, going to the Battle of Bannockburn. YOU know, the one where Robert the Bruce whupped the tar outta that faggy (as we're reminded rather more often than I feel is actually warranted) King Edward II and ended his designs on Scotland's Royal Seat. Haw.
Edward II was, in fact, a numpty. Bad politician, worse general. But you couldn't leave it at that, could you, Author Taylor, bringing up Gaveston and the presumptive manner of Edward's purported murder. Oh well, pobody's nerfect, and the stakes in this outing were really high: Guthrie's last jump faGawdSake, and Elspeth (his light'o'love) facing up to her debilitating anxiety about making time jumps. Oh, and some fascinating new bounty hunters, people I had no idea would exist, arrive; the Time Police take another bollocking; and in spite of White Nationalist idiots, History prevails and the continuity of the timeline is assured. (I myownself don't believe there is only one timeline, but her house, her rules.) In short, another hit from the bong of the Chronicles of St Mary's.
All joy and delight of the Yule log's light and heat, St Mary's Disaster Magnets. Author Taylor's given us a lovely gift as usual!
Edward II was, in fact, a numpty. Bad politician, worse general. But you couldn't leave it at that, could you, Author Taylor, bringing up Gaveston and the presumptive manner of Edward's purported murder. Oh well, pobody's nerfect, and the stakes in this outing were really high: Guthrie's last jump faGawdSake, and Elspeth (his light'o'love) facing up to her debilitating anxiety about making time jumps. Oh, and some fascinating new bounty hunters, people I had no idea would exist, arrive; the Time Police take another bollocking; and in spite of White Nationalist idiots, History prevails and the continuity of the timeline is assured. (I myownself don't believe there is only one timeline, but her house, her rules.) In short, another hit from the bong of the Chronicles of St Mary's.
All joy and delight of the Yule log's light and heat, St Mary's Disaster Magnets. Author Taylor's given us a lovely gift as usual!
December 25, 2019
What does Christmas Cheese and Scottish Independence have in common?
A Jodi Taylor Xmas time-jump tradition.
Only a little alcohol was consumed.
Merry Christmas!
A Jodi Taylor Xmas time-jump tradition.
Only a little alcohol was consumed.
Merry Christmas!
December 29, 2019
Another Christmas tradition. Another short story from our disaster magnets giving us a better idea of certain characters and showing their backstory in greater detail.
There is always a difference between what we think happened in history
and what actually happened.
Luckily, St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research is investigating major historical events in contemporary time. Yep, they time-travel. Thus, they get to see the real deal.
In this case, while giving us more story about Markham (finally) and making us chuckle about two teenagers and their kettle-shaped pod, we get to see the battle for Scottish independence. And Major Guthrie's final jump (yes, there is at least ONE St. Mary's employee who gets to retire instead of having to be buried). What all this has to do with a bevy of swans in battle formation? Well, read the story and find out. ;)
I really have come to like these light reprieves between the books about the historians / technicians / R&D people as it offers the chance to better say goodbye or heal between the major events, further fleshing out the characters. It's very gratifying for people who have stuck with the series for so long and it always makes me chuckle if not laugh out loud.
There is always a difference between what we think happened in history
and what actually happened.
Luckily, St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research is investigating major historical events in contemporary time. Yep, they time-travel. Thus, they get to see the real deal.
In this case, while giving us more story about Markham (finally) and making us chuckle about two teenagers and their kettle-shaped pod, we get to see the battle for Scottish independence. And Major Guthrie's final jump (yes, there is at least ONE St. Mary's employee who gets to retire instead of having to be buried). What all this has to do with a bevy of swans in battle formation? Well, read the story and find out. ;)
I really have come to like these light reprieves between the books about the historians / technicians / R&D people as it offers the chance to better say goodbye or heal between the major events, further fleshing out the characters. It's very gratifying for people who have stuck with the series for so long and it always makes me chuckle if not laugh out loud.
January 3, 2020
Introduced some new characters and a new subplot that I expect will make future appearances rather soon. :)
August 23, 2021
Best read BEFORE Plan for the Worst. My bad.
July 1, 2023
My first-ever audio book!! It's no surprise that this is another 5* rating from me. If you look at my reading this year you'll see that I've only just discovered Jodi Taylor earlier this year and have devoured almost everything she's written. I'm obsessed with St. Mary's and all of the antics of these wonderful characters. I wish so many more people could experience the joy of these merry adventurers. But it's not all fun and games. Jodi Taylor's writing is incredible. She can do anything, I swear. One minute I'm laughing, the next I'm on the edge of my seat with suspense, and then there are tears on my eyes, devastated by a character's pain. If you are thinking about reading The Chronicles of St. Mary's, I strongly recommend reading the first TWO books to give them a true chance. It's hard to be objective at this point in my reading of the Chronicles but if I'm honest, while I did like the first book, it was while reading the 2nd book that my obsession began to form. So please, if you love a bit of time travel mixed with strong and intelligent characters plus an abundance of dry wit, this series gets better with every book so don't stop at book 1. Read book 2 before you make up your mind.
December 26, 2019
Another great Christmas present from my favorite author, Jodi Taylor. Why is Nothing Ever Simple is another story in the St. Mary's universe. The raucous, tea-loving, disaster prone group of time-traveling (don't call it that) historians are back, and I'm so happy to see them.
This time Max, Elspeth, and Evans go on an emergency mission. They encounter some new and interesting characters and the mystery continues to deepen around Markham.
If you love time travel and history, comedy, mystery, and a little romance, you must check out the St. Mary's series. The first book is Just One Damn Thing after another. There are 10 books and 14 short stories so far, including this one.
The story also includes an excerpt from the next book in the series, Plan for the Worst.
This time Max, Elspeth, and Evans go on an emergency mission. They encounter some new and interesting characters and the mystery continues to deepen around Markham.
If you love time travel and history, comedy, mystery, and a little romance, you must check out the St. Mary's series. The first book is Just One Damn Thing after another. There are 10 books and 14 short stories so far, including this one.
The story also includes an excerpt from the next book in the series, Plan for the Worst.
July 11, 2020
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Another Christmas read, this time featuring -among others- swans, Scottish independence and the everlasting mystery that is Markham. It was too short really, but a very nice read. Enjoyed it a lot.
I hope Jodi Taylor will continue to find time to write these now that she has the Time Police series as well - I still have to read those.
Another Christmas read, this time featuring -among others- swans, Scottish independence and the everlasting mystery that is Markham. It was too short really, but a very nice read. Enjoyed it a lot.
I hope Jodi Taylor will continue to find time to write these now that she has the Time Police series as well - I still have to read those.
December 14, 2024
I read Why Is Nothing Ever Simple by Jodi Taylor before, but somehow didn't mark it read. I guess it was in an omnibus, and i rated the while thing.
Anyway, it was long enough I just had a quick relisten, as I had bought the audio now, and it's still quite a fun and quick holiday extravaganza.
Anyway, it was long enough I just had a quick relisten, as I had bought the audio now, and it's still quite a fun and quick holiday extravaganza.
April 23, 2021
Another brilliant St Mary’s Christmas story with a trip to a pub, human Pooh sticks, a visit to Scotland and some cheese. What more could you possibly want?!
October 7, 2025
Jodi Taylor's annual Christmas St Mary's short story, this time set around the battle of Bannockburn, a pair of bounty hunters and two pairs of snipers trying to alter history. (Remember snipers always come in pairs.) It's Major Guthrie's final time jump as he retires from St Mary's and he has a bit of information, maybe a warning, about Markham, which leaves us with some tantalising unresolved questions for a future book. Markham is one of my favourite characters. This is all told from Max's point of view as usual and there are a few laugh out loud moments. Watch out for the swans. Hugely enjoyable.
Audiobook 11/10/2020
As usual Zara Ramm's narration is impeccable.
The traditional St Mary's Christmas jump takes Major Ian Guthrie, together with Peterson and Markham to the Battle of Bannockburn for his final retirement jump. When they fail to return on time, Max and Evans (security) go after them. They discover snipers (always come in pairs) and bounty hunters, Lady Amelia Smallhope, and her butler, Pennyroyal. And Elspeth Grey, former historian, gets her mojo back. There's another tantalising glimpse of Markham's backstory. Having now read the book which reveals Markham's 'dirty little secret' as mentioned by Major Guthrie to Max at the beginning of this story I can say that Jodi Taylor's hints offered here and in The Steam Pump Jump do eventually come to fruition. One fascinating observation (by Guthrie) is that though Markham has a Bristol accent now, he went through the army as a Geordie.
Audiobook 11/10/2020
As usual Zara Ramm's narration is impeccable.
The traditional St Mary's Christmas jump takes Major Ian Guthrie, together with Peterson and Markham to the Battle of Bannockburn for his final retirement jump. When they fail to return on time, Max and Evans (security) go after them. They discover snipers (always come in pairs) and bounty hunters, Lady Amelia Smallhope, and her butler, Pennyroyal. And Elspeth Grey, former historian, gets her mojo back. There's another tantalising glimpse of Markham's backstory. Having now read the book which reveals Markham's 'dirty little secret' as mentioned by Major Guthrie to Max at the beginning of this story I can say that Jodi Taylor's hints offered here and in The Steam Pump Jump do eventually come to fruition. One fascinating observation (by Guthrie) is that though Markham has a Bristol accent now, he went through the army as a Geordie.
May 12, 2025
For some reason, I always read the Christmas special in this series when it's really warm outside. Nevertheless, I really liked the short story and am looking forward to the next "real" book in the series.
December 19, 2024
Because that would be very, very wrong and we at St Mary’s are always very careful never to . . . no, I’m sorry – I can’t finish that sentence.
Christmas at St. Mary’s. Connie Willis clone. A time travel novella. British humor.
‘We investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Don’t call it time travel.’
A Christmas story in the same sense that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
If you turned down the sound the whole place looked like something out of Dickens. Shutting your eyes helped, as well.
Christmas at St. Mary’s. Connie Willis clone. A time travel novella. British humor.
‘We investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Don’t call it time travel.’
A Christmas story in the same sense that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
If you turned down the sound the whole place looked like something out of Dickens. Shutting your eyes helped, as well.
January 4, 2020
What a gem. Love Jodi Taylor! Sad we still don’t have audio access to The Time Police in the US. Not sure I’ll make it.
How do you get historical fiction, often about bloody battles and high stakes politics, with a cool, mouthy heroine, handsome techno geek of a husband, brainiac other of a son, and fully fleshed motley crew that’s a bit like the postmodern Adventurers (historical Adventurers, that is)? By reading the Chronicles of St. Mary’s. Trust me on this.
How do you get historical fiction, often about bloody battles and high stakes politics, with a cool, mouthy heroine, handsome techno geek of a husband, brainiac other of a son, and fully fleshed motley crew that’s a bit like the postmodern Adventurers (historical Adventurers, that is)? By reading the Chronicles of St. Mary’s. Trust me on this.
March 27, 2025
Another brilliant Christmas short story
Christmas was a struggle this year, everyone is sick but St Mary's and a long hot bath to the rescue. Although even Bannockburn sounds less dangerous than Christmas Day Monopoly with the family :)
Christmas was a struggle this year, everyone is sick but St Mary's and a long hot bath to the rescue. Although even Bannockburn sounds less dangerous than Christmas Day Monopoly with the family :)
January 1, 2020
Another excellent and very enjoyable installment of The Chronicles of St Mary's. Although these short stories are well, just too short, it makes me look forward to the next novel even more.
My last read of the decade! Happy New Year everyone!
My last read of the decade! Happy New Year everyone!
December 28, 2019
Amazing
Amazing as always, one of the the best parts of Christmas is the St Mary’s Christmas story. Jodi Taylor never disappoints
Amazing as always, one of the the best parts of Christmas is the St Mary’s Christmas story. Jodi Taylor never disappoints
February 7, 2022
Short story but very fun as usual.
December 26, 2019
A wonderful Christmas gift!
Jodi Taylor has outdone herself this time! She has packed this short story with an amazing amount of fabulous new content.
We see many of our favourite characters again, including lots of Elspeth and Guthrie, learn some intriguing bits about Markham, watch as Evans’ character is fleshed out more.
We also meet several new and very interesting characters like Pennyroyal, the incredibly competent butler and Lady Amelia who has a healthy sex drive.
Plus there are tantalizing glimpses of new entities (ENTL) and a mysterious new plot line about Markham is revealed.
I’ve already pre-ordered her new St. Mary’s novel coming out in April 2020.
Jodi Taylor has outdone herself this time! She has packed this short story with an amazing amount of fabulous new content.
We see many of our favourite characters again, including lots of Elspeth and Guthrie, learn some intriguing bits about Markham, watch as Evans’ character is fleshed out more.
We also meet several new and very interesting characters like Pennyroyal, the incredibly competent butler and Lady Amelia who has a healthy sex drive.
Plus there are tantalizing glimpses of new entities (ENTL) and a mysterious new plot line about Markham is revealed.
I’ve already pre-ordered her new St. Mary’s novel coming out in April 2020.
August 29, 2025
This was a novella set at Christmas time. St Mary’s are off at a site and trouble ensues. Things do work out in typical St Mary’s fashion and we meet Smallhope & Pennyroyal (recovery agents) at this time.
March 5, 2020
This one was a little less chaotic than some of the other Christmas stories. My favorite is still last year's story featuring Matthew. If you haven't read it, you should. This one is good, and gives a good send-off to our friends Ian Guthrie and Elspeth Grey. It also sets up more interest in the Markham mystery. I'm looking forward to the next full length novel to see how that story might progress. This was a great filler until then.
January 2, 2020
I know it’s not fair (or very smart) to want something defined as a short story to be longer, but I always do. This one is no exception. I suspect that we’ll be encountering a certain well-bred lady and her butler in some future tale of St. Mary’s, and that would not be amiss in the slightest. (Also, I am most curious to discover the latest mystery dangled in front of us regarding Mr. Markham...)
Until next time.
Until next time.
December 9, 2024
This is one of my favorite series. Every year at Christmas, I try to listen to as many of the St. Mary's Christmas stories as I can. It does get a little crazy with all the time-jumping, but it's a fun holiday treat for me. This one is new to me this Christmas, and I enjoyed the misadvertures, which, of course, disrupt Ian's last jump. There's a hint of a mystery to this one, which makes me anticipate my next St. Mary's non-Christmas read; but that will have to wait until the new year.
December 25, 2019
Christmas Tradition
Some Christmas traditions should not be broken. As children we would stay up to see Santa, as adults we stay up to get the Christmas short story. Jodi has done it again with this one. Don't take my word for it, just buy it and read it. Preferably with lucky cheese and whiskey.....well it is set in Scotland
Some Christmas traditions should not be broken. As children we would stay up to see Santa, as adults we stay up to get the Christmas short story. Jodi has done it again with this one. Don't take my word for it, just buy it and read it. Preferably with lucky cheese and whiskey.....well it is set in Scotland
December 27, 2019
Absolutely Bloody Brilliant. Stephen Hawking. 🤣
More importantly - What's going on with Markham? 🤔
And: "St Mary’s thanks you for your service.’ We echoed the toast, our voices ringing around the Hall. He stood for a moment and then smiled and raised his glass. ‘St Mary’s – it’s been an honour and a privilege.’" 😭
Yesterday I read. Today I listened. Just that good.
More importantly - What's going on with Markham? 🤔
And: "St Mary’s thanks you for your service.’ We echoed the toast, our voices ringing around the Hall. He stood for a moment and then smiled and raised his glass. ‘St Mary’s – it’s been an honour and a privilege.’" 😭
Yesterday I read. Today I listened. Just that good.
January 1, 2020
It’s St Marys. At Christmas. It has Stephen Hawking, a bunch of tied up bodies, and lots and lots of Ian.
How many stars were you expecting?
Details are irrelevant. I add them to reviews to orient myself years later, but she’s written about 25 books in this series so it’s not like I’ll be able to remember what happened where, anyway.
How many stars were you expecting?
Details are irrelevant. I add them to reviews to orient myself years later, but she’s written about 25 books in this series so it’s not like I’ll be able to remember what happened where, anyway.
October 24, 2021
At least it was only a buck. I found this short story to be inane and boring. It was just recycled info that was thrown together. I expected more from Ms. Taylor. I couldn't bring myself to give it one star, based on all the enjoyment I have had in her other books, but 2 is as far as I could go.
December 25, 2019
Got it Christmas day
Read it Christmas day you can manage it if you do it it inbetween opening presents talking to family & trying & failing to watch the Christmas programme you've been waiting for. Oh well I'm sure it'll be on again. Thanks Jodi
Read it Christmas day you can manage it if you do it it inbetween opening presents talking to family & trying & failing to watch the Christmas programme you've been waiting for. Oh well I'm sure it'll be on again. Thanks Jodi
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews