What do you think?
The Chronicles of St Mary's #10.5
When Did You Last See Your Father?
'Max, your father is here. He's come to take Matthew away'
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Max's husband met Max's father? What would Leon do?
They're normally a fairly amiable bunch, but this is the story of what to expect if St Mary's doesn't like someone. As in, really doesn't like someone. Warning: contains a unit-wide criminal enterprise, a great deal of illegal activity and a sad misuse of public resources. All the things a father will do to protect his family.
It is also a story of revenge. Because this is payback - St Mary's style.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Max's husband met Max's father? What would Leon do?
They're normally a fairly amiable bunch, but this is the story of what to expect if St Mary's doesn't like someone. As in, really doesn't like someone. Warning: contains a unit-wide criminal enterprise, a great deal of illegal activity and a sad misuse of public resources. All the things a father will do to protect his family.
It is also a story of revenge. Because this is payback - St Mary's style.
57 pages, ebook
First published September 5, 2019
About the author
Jodi Taylor
101 books5,616 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 215 reviews
September 5, 2019
I loved this short story, told from Leon’s perspective, chronicling his past life, meeting Max and joining St. Mary’s. Not having heard Leon’s side before, it was good to see his experiences for a change. And man, did he have a past. Obviously we know what he’s told Max about his ex wife and children, but to hear it from him personally elevates my opinion of Leon so much more.
I also loved the various highs and lows of Leon and Max retold through his eyes. To go back down that road well travelled was a risky move, and had the potential to be repetitive, but it paid off - allowing the reader to recall fond memories of the pair. And they’re a complicated pairing, with a complex and chequered history that’s far from perfect, and makes them all the more realistic. The latter half of the story involves Leon and the rest of St. Mary’s putting together a rather ambitious plot to bring down Max’s horrid father after he unexpectedly turns up demanding she hand over Matthew. As always, the plan is a little ‘out there’ (especially as Markham is involved) but nothing less than what I would expect - and it shows the familial love they all have for Max and her family, with all of St Mary’s working together to thwart him.
I’ve grown so very fond of these characters, and we’re spoilt with these regular short stories and novels to continually bolster this affection. With the new series by Jodi coming soon, Doing Time, I just hope the St Mary’s gang aren’t left behind.
I also loved the various highs and lows of Leon and Max retold through his eyes. To go back down that road well travelled was a risky move, and had the potential to be repetitive, but it paid off - allowing the reader to recall fond memories of the pair. And they’re a complicated pairing, with a complex and chequered history that’s far from perfect, and makes them all the more realistic. The latter half of the story involves Leon and the rest of St. Mary’s putting together a rather ambitious plot to bring down Max’s horrid father after he unexpectedly turns up demanding she hand over Matthew. As always, the plan is a little ‘out there’ (especially as Markham is involved) but nothing less than what I would expect - and it shows the familial love they all have for Max and her family, with all of St Mary’s working together to thwart him.
I’ve grown so very fond of these characters, and we’re spoilt with these regular short stories and novels to continually bolster this affection. With the new series by Jodi coming soon, Doing Time, I just hope the St Mary’s gang aren’t left behind.
September 5, 2019
A really enjoyable and enlightening light shone on the character, somewhat underdeveloped in the series, of "Leon Farrell" as we know him.
I am sure that means nothing to newbs. Please believe me that you're not going to learn anything you need to know by reading this book out of order. All that will happen is you'll spoil some lovely moments in the earlier books. But for the series regular, this entry will expand the emotional landscape against which Max and Leon have formed, re-formed, and reformed their partnership.
My quibble is with the oblique angle the story takes on its events. We're always watching someone watching the action. It takes place in offices and on the internet and we see, as in with the immediacy of a story, the results of the actions. Yes, the stakes are clearly delineated from the beginning. They're discussed in detail. But the action? Off stage, so to speak. It's not a reason to skip the tale, not at all, but it does distance me from the full emotional impact of the actions St Mary's takes on behalf of Max and Matthew.
In the end I hope those who're addicted to the series will get here, read this tale, and feel themselves warmed an charmed by the depth of the bond the Dramatis Thingummy share.
I am sure that means nothing to newbs. Please believe me that you're not going to learn anything you need to know by reading this book out of order. All that will happen is you'll spoil some lovely moments in the earlier books. But for the series regular, this entry will expand the emotional landscape against which Max and Leon have formed, re-formed, and reformed their partnership.
My quibble is with the oblique angle the story takes on its events. We're always watching someone watching the action. It takes place in offices and on the internet and we see, as in with the immediacy of a story, the results of the actions. Yes, the stakes are clearly delineated from the beginning. They're discussed in detail. But the action? Off stage, so to speak. It's not a reason to skip the tale, not at all, but it does distance me from the full emotional impact of the actions St Mary's takes on behalf of Max and Matthew.
In the end I hope those who're addicted to the series will get here, read this tale, and feel themselves warmed an charmed by the depth of the bond the Dramatis Thingummy share.
September 12, 2019
A completely charming tale. Or was it a diabolical revenge fantasy?
I always get those two mixed up.
Either way, I really enjoyed getting a full run-up on just who and what Leon is and what conspires with his completely twisted relationship with Max, eventually leading up to said completely charming diabolical revenge fantasy tale.
Hello, father in law!
I will never look at milk in quite the same way again.
I really enjoy these short stories. :)
I always get those two mixed up.
Either way, I really enjoyed getting a full run-up on just who and what Leon is and what conspires with his completely twisted relationship with Max, eventually leading up to said completely charming diabolical revenge fantasy tale.
Hello, father in law!
I will never look at milk in quite the same way again.
I really enjoy these short stories. :)
September 11, 2019
First instinct of Leon: protecting his family. Especially after what happened to his first family before he travelled back in time and worked with Dr. Bairstowe. And now Max's father comes strutting in ... whether he comes for Max or Matthew doesn't really matter, does it?
Well, it certainly doesn't for Leon and this story is from his POV.
A few books ago I decided I could no longer care for Max and the interpersonal relationships this author has decided to create. I'm not gonna go into the why again, but suffice it to say that the topic of this short story meant I wasn't sure I would like it too much.
However, one of the things Jodi Taylor does brilliantly is portraying the ragtag band of St. Mary's as the chaos troupe and disaster magnets that they are that nevertheless stand firmly together; the second one is that the woman knows how to write in. a way that I'm simultaneously bursting out laughing and sprawling in Schadenfreude. This story had both of those elements cranked up high which made it so good.
One thing though: I love Zara Ramm, but like the short story from Markham, this one would have benefitted from a male narrator - just to change things up and make it more distinct. Also, to make the reader notice immediately that it wasn't Max telling this story. Still great narration, of course.
P.S.: Always be careful whom you're taking tea with - especially after you tell the Muse of History to hold your coat.
P.P.S.: This file also includes two other short stories in the St. Mary's universe (7.7 Dessicated Water and 8.1 Markham and the Anal Probing).
Well, it certainly doesn't for Leon and this story is from his POV.
A few books ago I decided I could no longer care for Max and the interpersonal relationships this author has decided to create. I'm not gonna go into the why again, but suffice it to say that the topic of this short story meant I wasn't sure I would like it too much.
However, one of the things Jodi Taylor does brilliantly is portraying the ragtag band of St. Mary's as the chaos troupe and disaster magnets that they are that nevertheless stand firmly together; the second one is that the woman knows how to write in. a way that I'm simultaneously bursting out laughing and sprawling in Schadenfreude. This story had both of those elements cranked up high which made it so good.
One thing though: I love Zara Ramm, but like the short story from Markham, this one would have benefitted from a male narrator - just to change things up and make it more distinct. Also, to make the reader notice immediately that it wasn't Max telling this story. Still great narration, of course.
P.S.: Always be careful whom you're taking tea with - especially after you tell the Muse of History to hold your coat.
P.P.S.: This file also includes two other short stories in the St. Mary's universe (7.7 Dessicated Water and 8.1 Markham and the Anal Probing).
November 15, 2019
What would you do if you met the very wealthy, influential man who molested your wife when she was a child and he has come to claim it would be better if your son came to live with him?
The easy answer would be murder or a big fight for most. But this is Leon and St Mary’s and there is never going to be any solution that simple when that group is involved. This is a very funny tale of how Leon and a few of the cast of St Mary’s banded together to dish out our favorite dish served cold. Revenge.
This is short but sweet and I loved that Max finally got some kind of payback against her father from the family she chose.
There are a few other random scenes that were a little funny but didn’t really belong in the books and just showed this reader that Jodi Taylor lives in this world with these crazy characters that are always doing funny things and causing mischief.
The easy answer would be murder or a big fight for most. But this is Leon and St Mary’s and there is never going to be any solution that simple when that group is involved. This is a very funny tale of how Leon and a few of the cast of St Mary’s banded together to dish out our favorite dish served cold. Revenge.
This is short but sweet and I loved that Max finally got some kind of payback against her father from the family she chose.
There are a few other random scenes that were a little funny but didn’t really belong in the books and just showed this reader that Jodi Taylor lives in this world with these crazy characters that are always doing funny things and causing mischief.
September 9, 2019
Fun little adventure in framing an asshole... in Leon's POV. Love.
March 1, 2025
The series can't help but dabble in super-short inbetweens. I'm not usually a big fan of short stories, but St. Mary's still manages to pull it off. At least I learned some new information about Max and found the story entertaining. At some point, I'll have to reread the series from the beginning to get all the plot points together.
July 20, 2019
This is quite a nice little short story, mainly focused around Leon's background, including some stuff that I had forgotten from the earlier Chronicles of St Mary's books.
In recent short stories, I feel that Jodi has been stepping away from the action packed craziness, and going slightly more in the background of the characters, or rehashing the events after they have happened (much like "And Now For Something Completely Different", which centers around landing on Mars). This is definitely one of those, as Leon thinks about his earlier life, his first marriage and children, his mum and his first meeting with Max.
Max doesn't really play a big part in this story, she appears towards the end, but as you may have guessed from the title, it deals with Max's father, and him coming back into her life unexpectedly. Thankfully, all of St Mary's rallies around Max, with some quite inventive ways to get him back out of her life again, and the briefest mentions of Clive Ronan.
With the release of "Doing Time", a new series based around the Time Police frequently mentioned in the St Mary's books, I wonder if Jodi will still have enough time to dedicate to the St Mary's series. We are quite spoilt, with regular releases and regular short stories to keep us engaged. It is a really good series, and I just hope it doesn't start going downhill, if she spreads herself too thin.
In recent short stories, I feel that Jodi has been stepping away from the action packed craziness, and going slightly more in the background of the characters, or rehashing the events after they have happened (much like "And Now For Something Completely Different", which centers around landing on Mars). This is definitely one of those, as Leon thinks about his earlier life, his first marriage and children, his mum and his first meeting with Max.
Max doesn't really play a big part in this story, she appears towards the end, but as you may have guessed from the title, it deals with Max's father, and him coming back into her life unexpectedly. Thankfully, all of St Mary's rallies around Max, with some quite inventive ways to get him back out of her life again, and the briefest mentions of Clive Ronan.
With the release of "Doing Time", a new series based around the Time Police frequently mentioned in the St Mary's books, I wonder if Jodi will still have enough time to dedicate to the St Mary's series. We are quite spoilt, with regular releases and regular short stories to keep us engaged. It is a really good series, and I just hope it doesn't start going downhill, if she spreads herself too thin.
November 17, 2019
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I like these short stories that are being published in between the main books, but I think I preferred the earlier ones when they were just the kind of crazy action packed little travel pieces that were so much fun to read.
This one is from the POV of Leon, and felt like it rehashed a lot of what was already mentioned before. I would have rather stuck with Max. It also features the troublesome relationship of Max with her father, which was mentioned in the title.
I like these short stories that are being published in between the main books, but I think I preferred the earlier ones when they were just the kind of crazy action packed little travel pieces that were so much fun to read.
This one is from the POV of Leon, and felt like it rehashed a lot of what was already mentioned before. I would have rather stuck with Max. It also features the troublesome relationship of Max with her father, which was mentioned in the title.
September 5, 2019
Saw this was available on kindle so downloaded it and read it immediately, pausing only long enough to locate a cup of tea and my hidden chocolate stash. Taylor reliably did not disappoint with this short story. Also so brilliant to hear something from Leon’s point of view. If your a fan of St. Mary’s you’ll be a fan of this!
November 17, 2021
This was one of the best St Mary's novellas so far, I loved every bit of it!
September 6, 2019
Bit of recap albeit from a different POV at first. But that's okay because so much has happened in the Chronicles of St Mary's. It helped me to remember and wrap my mind around the timeline. Even though I knew what happened it broke my heart again. Then in true St Mary's Style it has me laughing like crazy. How I love this series!
December 25, 2021
I always enjoy these small doses of St. Mary's insanity... I did find myself a little lost in this one, as to who was narrating, for some reason... Max or her father or Leon (I finally realized)... seems stupid, in hindsight...
April 15, 2023
3.5 stars
I’ve read enough of these to notice a pattern — the St. Mary’s short stories tend to be one of two types: stories that tell of a new side adventure or stories that focus on additional character development. This one is the latter. We get a refresher of Leon’s backstory, which was helpful since I’ve all but forgotten it at this point. We also have some drama surrounding Max’s terrible father. I’m not sure I recall their family history up until this point, but it was entertaining to see St. Mary’s come together to take down the threat to Max’s new life. Would I have preferred a fun jump to a new place? Sure. But I won’t complain about spending more time with my favorite characters.
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.
I’ve read enough of these to notice a pattern — the St. Mary’s short stories tend to be one of two types: stories that tell of a new side adventure or stories that focus on additional character development. This one is the latter. We get a refresher of Leon’s backstory, which was helpful since I’ve all but forgotten it at this point. We also have some drama surrounding Max’s terrible father. I’m not sure I recall their family history up until this point, but it was entertaining to see St. Mary’s come together to take down the threat to Max’s new life. Would I have preferred a fun jump to a new place? Sure. But I won’t complain about spending more time with my favorite characters.
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.
September 20, 2026
Zara Ramm is the narrator for the audiobook version of this short story.
5 stars, and recommended. IN ORDER.
5 stars, and recommended. IN ORDER.
September 7, 2019
7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
It is the duty of every husband to rock his wife’s world.
This little gem of an extra in the Chronicles of St Mary's series was told from Leon's POV. For that alone, it deserves top marks.
But despite its short length, it also managed to make me feel.
Everyone had known but me.
We already knew a little of Leon's past, but this fills in the gaps and then whacks you over the head with them. Or maybe a better analogy would be it stabs you in the heart and leaves you bleeding.
Poor Leon.
We were there for the stuff that not only insulated us against the world but if taken injudiciously and in suitable quantities would very soon ease our passage out of it.
But God, I love how much Leon loves Max.
That was when I met my Max.
The history in the main books in the series is all good and fun and interesting, but I actually read these books for glimpses of Leon and Max together.
As I tell my wife when I’m tired of living, the History side isn’t really that appealing, is it?
There's never enough. But in this little extra we get to feed that hunger, and it was lovely.
‘Finally . . . finally you appear to be grasping the first principles of the wifely obedience so essential to a successful marriage.’
I would have easily given 5-stars to this novella, but it was too short to feed the beast, so it gets 4 in the hope the author will consider a full-length novel from Leon in the future that will satiate me.
It is the duty of every husband to rock his wife’s world.
This little gem of an extra in the Chronicles of St Mary's series was told from Leon's POV. For that alone, it deserves top marks.
But despite its short length, it also managed to make me feel.
Everyone had known but me.
We already knew a little of Leon's past, but this fills in the gaps and then whacks you over the head with them. Or maybe a better analogy would be it stabs you in the heart and leaves you bleeding.
Poor Leon.
We were there for the stuff that not only insulated us against the world but if taken injudiciously and in suitable quantities would very soon ease our passage out of it.
But God, I love how much Leon loves Max.
That was when I met my Max.
The history in the main books in the series is all good and fun and interesting, but I actually read these books for glimpses of Leon and Max together.
As I tell my wife when I’m tired of living, the History side isn’t really that appealing, is it?
There's never enough. But in this little extra we get to feed that hunger, and it was lovely.
‘Finally . . . finally you appear to be grasping the first principles of the wifely obedience so essential to a successful marriage.’
I would have easily given 5-stars to this novella, but it was too short to feed the beast, so it gets 4 in the hope the author will consider a full-length novel from Leon in the future that will satiate me.
September 7, 2019
Brilliant and very satisfying, a real gem!
Max’s Daddy was and is a bad man. Max’s husband is quiet, bent on revenge and oh-so-clever. Max’s friends and colleagues are loyal, smart and quite devious. All of which makes for a fascinating tale with twists and turns and a very satisfactory ending.
Max’s author, Jodi Taylor, is a bloody brilliant writer with startling insight into the human condition, all wrapped within amusing shenanigans and written in a ‘I can’t put it down!’ story.
Truly a wonderfully brilliant story. I think it’s become my new favorite (followed very closely by Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings).
Max’s Daddy was and is a bad man. Max’s husband is quiet, bent on revenge and oh-so-clever. Max’s friends and colleagues are loyal, smart and quite devious. All of which makes for a fascinating tale with twists and turns and a very satisfactory ending.
Max’s author, Jodi Taylor, is a bloody brilliant writer with startling insight into the human condition, all wrapped within amusing shenanigans and written in a ‘I can’t put it down!’ story.
Truly a wonderfully brilliant story. I think it’s become my new favorite (followed very closely by Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings).
March 24, 2021
At last! A story from Leon's point of view. He's always seemed to be haunted, tragic figure in the background and here we learn more about that past. Jodi Taylor is great at laughs but she also knows how to write gut-wrenching tragedy and there are glimpses of that here. But not too much. We also learn more about Max. It's great when someone really bad gets their comeuppance and that's what this story is all about. Not as many laughs (Leon just isn't that sort of person) but a great deal of heart and warmth, with Miss Partridge at her best.
A couple of other very short stories are also included in the audiobook. There are also introductions read by the author.
A couple of other very short stories are also included in the audiobook. There are also introductions read by the author.
September 16, 2019
I am a diehard St Mary’s fan but, even for a short story this was flimsy at best. It liked getting to know Leon better but the while Max’s father issue was very unsatisfying. It lacked the small details that usually make Jodi Taylor such an excellent story teller.
I usually can’t put these stories down and lose a lot of sleep as a result of reading ‘just one more chapter’. This one is not even 60 pages but I fell asleep!
It has 2 stars instead of 1 because on Leon’s backstory at the start.
I usually can’t put these stories down and lose a lot of sleep as a result of reading ‘just one more chapter’. This one is not even 60 pages but I fell asleep!
It has 2 stars instead of 1 because on Leon’s backstory at the start.
September 25, 2019
A quick story told from Leon's point of view. It was fun to see different people's ways of narration and dialogue. Leon's prose was more serious, while Max is way too funny and witty. I liked how we got to learn the way the two met, and some of his own struggles as well.
October 5, 2026
I really like the St. Mary’s Chronicles, actually anything by this author. But perhaps I just love irreverent British humor and find the idea of “investigating major historical events in contemporary time” so appealing. Sigh. This one is short, even with the addition of two random flash stories at the end, but I found the story fascinating. It adds new depth to Max, as she is confronted by her (in another universe) father, a man who mistreated her horribly as a child and has been out of her life for decades. John Maxwell, a successful surgeon, threatens Max’s son, and really all of St. Mary’s. I loved how it showed the vulnerability of the brash, courageous Max we’ve come to love, she was that scared little girl again, hiding with her stuffed bear.
May 7, 2023
Leon meets Max's father.
July 8, 2025
I would read dozens of short stories of St Mary's taking revenge on people who have wronged them, either individually or as an institution.
Also oof reading the bit about a flu pandemic and then seeing this came out in 2019... it was so accurate too 😩
Also oof reading the bit about a flu pandemic and then seeing this came out in 2019... it was so accurate too 😩
February 27, 2026
Also includes two other shorts (even shorter😆)
Read
June 7, 2025Interesting audio book stories. Leon meets Max's father, and also Markham gets anally probed. I got a bunch of these on sale so it was fun to listen to.
November 28, 2020
Short and Fun. Learning about Leon's past was great and the whole story oozes that at Mary's vibe that I crave.
March 27, 2022
Everything in this series makes me happy. Even the silly in between stories.
January 17, 2026
Finally something from Leon’s perspective! And a satisfying read. John Maxwell is not a good guy from both what has been said and left unsaid in the books, so with a group like St Mary’s, he finally met his comeuppance.
And I would not want to get on the bad side of St Mary’s
And I would not want to get on the bad side of St Mary’s
September 10, 2019
It is the duty of every husband to rock his wife's world.
Max's father comes unexpectedly back into her life. Leon Farrell, Max's husband and the man who can fix things, has a plan. The plan involves Security Chief Markham, Mrs Partridge's tea-making skills and a gallon of horse urine. What could possibly go wrong?
I really enjoyed this little short story told from Leon's pov. It's quite reflective - we get a fair bit about Leon's backstory from his pov including his first and other first meetings with Max, and then it moves on to the main conflict. Honestly, I could have quite happily read a novel lengthed reflection from Leon's pov about all his and Max's major interactions from the series but I'm well aware that that isn't practical or sellable on a wider scale! It was nice to hear Leon's inner monologue this time. He's a classic quiet, taciturn man with a lot going on beneath the surface and it was a treat to get his thoughts on Max's father. Also, Markham, one of my long term favourite character's, in a team up with Leon was just St Mary's nerd heaven.
This is definitely one for fans and not a short story that would bear up much if you haven't read the series, but as an addition it was brilliant.
Max's father comes unexpectedly back into her life. Leon Farrell, Max's husband and the man who can fix things, has a plan. The plan involves Security Chief Markham, Mrs Partridge's tea-making skills and a gallon of horse urine. What could possibly go wrong?
I really enjoyed this little short story told from Leon's pov. It's quite reflective - we get a fair bit about Leon's backstory from his pov including his first and other first meetings with Max, and then it moves on to the main conflict. Honestly, I could have quite happily read a novel lengthed reflection from Leon's pov about all his and Max's major interactions from the series but I'm well aware that that isn't practical or sellable on a wider scale! It was nice to hear Leon's inner monologue this time. He's a classic quiet, taciturn man with a lot going on beneath the surface and it was a treat to get his thoughts on Max's father. Also, Markham, one of my long term favourite character's, in a team up with Leon was just St Mary's nerd heaven.
This is definitely one for fans and not a short story that would bear up much if you haven't read the series, but as an addition it was brilliant.
October 29, 2022
A Leon story!! I wasn't paying attention to the blurbs before I started, so I was very pleasantly surprised. This is up there with my favorite of the shorts now. I love getting a *short* recap of his life and Max-centric events from his point of view, and YES Max's evil father needed to be smacked down.
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