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The Chronicles of St Mary's #0.5
The Very First Damned Thing
A Chronicles of St Mary's short story that is sure to entertain. If you love Jasper Fforde or Ben Aaronovitch, you won't be able to resist Jodi Taylor.Ever wondered how it all began?It's two years since the final victory at the Battersea Barricades. The fighting might be finished, but for Dr Bairstow, just now setting up St Mary's, the struggle is only beginning.How will he assemble his team?From where will his funding come?How can he overcome the massed ranks of the Society for the Protection of Historical Buildings?How do stolen furniture, a practical demonstration at the Stirrup Charge at Waterloo, students' alcohol-ridden urine, a widowed urban guerrilla, a young man wearing exciting knitwear, and four naked security guards all combine to become the St Mary's of the future?Readers love Jodi 'Once in a while, I discover an author who changes everything ... Jodi Taylor and her protagonista Madeleine "Max" Maxwell have seduced me''A great mix of British proper-ness and humour with a large dollop of historical fun '' Addictive. I wish St Mary's was real and I was a part of it''Jodi Taylor has an imagination that gets me completely hooked ''A tour de force'
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2015
289 people are currently reading
4443 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
85 books5,446 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 612 reviews
February 23, 2017
*** 3.44 ***
Well, this will teach me to read my friends reviews before starting to read something! Although the story is immediately intriguing, the writing style very pleasant and with a very witty overtone, I believe that Trish has a point in her advice not to read this prequel until a person has read at least book 5 in the series. Apparently, there are many things in this story which could only be fully appreciated if we are familiar with the characters already.
This is the story of Dr. B gathering a team and establishing the St. Mary's institute where historical research is being performed by means of time travel. This is only the beginning and just a glimpse at some of the quirks of personalities which fit within the format of this crazy environment.
I am looking forward to jumping into this series head on! For those interested in Time Traveller's fiction:-)
I wish you all Happy Reading and many wonderful books!!!
Well, this will teach me to read my friends reviews before starting to read something! Although the story is immediately intriguing, the writing style very pleasant and with a very witty overtone, I believe that Trish has a point in her advice not to read this prequel until a person has read at least book 5 in the series. Apparently, there are many things in this story which could only be fully appreciated if we are familiar with the characters already.
This is the story of Dr. B gathering a team and establishing the St. Mary's institute where historical research is being performed by means of time travel. This is only the beginning and just a glimpse at some of the quirks of personalities which fit within the format of this crazy environment.
I am looking forward to jumping into this series head on! For those interested in Time Traveller's fiction:-)
I wish you all Happy Reading and many wonderful books!!!
February 9, 2017
Having just come back from the future and having just discovered, belatedly, that I have, indeed, become a huge damned fanboy, I decided to jump on the short stories with another fangirl (Trish) in order to decidedly *NOT* eat Markham's culinary delights, but rather, to devour Dr. Bairstow's gathering of the troops.
Was this smattering glaze of interesting and horrible characters worth eating? Oh, you better believe it. Was the plot anything more than a roll-call and a delightful introduction to a large cast? Um... perhaps not... but that didn't stop me from enjoying every word and and nodding in satisfaction with the sure knowledge that everyone will get their day in the sun... even more than what we see here!
And while our MC Max only has a walk-on roll in two distinct time periods and situations, it was more than enough.
We know the story, after all. Or, if you're one of those weirdos who are reading this in the order implied by the number system, you will at least get the feel of the grounds and understand, right off the cricket bat, that something really fishy *is* going on.
Totally recommend. It was a blast.
Was this smattering glaze of interesting and horrible characters worth eating? Oh, you better believe it. Was the plot anything more than a roll-call and a delightful introduction to a large cast? Um... perhaps not... but that didn't stop me from enjoying every word and and nodding in satisfaction with the sure knowledge that everyone will get their day in the sun... even more than what we see here!
And while our MC Max only has a walk-on roll in two distinct time periods and situations, it was more than enough.
We know the story, after all. Or, if you're one of those weirdos who are reading this in the order implied by the number system, you will at least get the feel of the grounds and understand, right off the cricket bat, that something really fishy *is* going on.
Totally recommend. It was a blast.
November 18, 2022
Lunchtime Listen for late September 2022
Ha ha, it says September but I finished it in November. Suffice to say my wife is not a fan of SF or time travel, even when its this well written and this much fun.
I have read a couple of these books, and they are enjoyable, this short story read by the author was no different. I think this short story would have been better if I was more au fait with the books, but this will come I hope.
So ultimately I think it is 3.5 stars rounded down unfortunately.
Ha ha, it says September but I finished it in November. Suffice to say my wife is not a fan of SF or time travel, even when its this well written and this much fun.
I have read a couple of these books, and they are enjoyable, this short story read by the author was no different. I think this short story would have been better if I was more au fait with the books, but this will come I hope.
So ultimately I think it is 3.5 stars rounded down unfortunately.
September 21, 2018
Meh. I think I erred by reading this prequel before I'd read some of the others in the series. I've only listened to one other short story in this series and I suspect I would have appreciated this one more if I were more familiar with the characters.
That said I still enjoyed some of the cheeky humour, and I'm looking forward to diving into this series in a more proper order.
That said I still enjoyed some of the cheeky humour, and I'm looking forward to diving into this series in a more proper order.
October 14, 2017
Rating: WTF, you'll read it if you're a Disaster Magnet and won't if you aren't.
Dr Bairstow at his most Bairstowish. I love him. Oh, and what I long suspected about Leon is shown to be true.
Dr Bairstow at his most Bairstowish. I love him. Oh, and what I long suspected about Leon is shown to be true.
July 7, 2023
The first book caught my interest and then I saw this was a prequel and so I started reading this short story. I was totally lost. The battle of Waterloo section was fantastic. Then there were some wonderfully quirky characters that made no sense. The reason for time travel (I am assuming it is for more than historical accuracy) and the previous war are alluded to but again just left me lost. I will probably continue on to the first book....but this one did not encourage me to jump right on it.
February 13, 2017
Having read ALL the other St Mary's books (not yet all the short stories) this was BRILLIANT. We go back and see the leader of St Mary as he recruits all the amazing people I've come to love over the course of the stories. I have to say, I was so pleasantly surprised by just how excited this made me and I really got into the magic that time travel stories offer, being able to keep going and expanding the world time and time again.
Dr. Bairstow is the best :D I'm soooo excited for more shorts in this world, and very, very eager for the next full length books to be released too!! 4*s
Dr. Bairstow is the best :D I'm soooo excited for more shorts in this world, and very, very eager for the next full length books to be released too!! 4*s
May 19, 2023
Those who can - do. Those who can't - teach. And those who never had any idea what it was in the first place are members of ...
Guess where, I have a full list!!!!
"You must know that it's far easier to deal with the enemy shooting at you from the front than shadowy bastards trying to knife you in the back!"
Guess what, I have another list too!
Guess where, I have a full list!!!!
"You must know that it's far easier to deal with the enemy shooting at you from the front than shadowy bastards trying to knife you in the back!"
Guess what, I have another list too!
March 16, 2016
4.5
Ever wondered how it all began?
The Very First Damned Thing, establishes the background of the series and how Dr Bairstow set up St Mary's, secured funding for time travel and hired all the batty and often hilarious characters I came to love in The Chronicles of St Mary's series. It was fun knowing how it all came together and I can't wait to reread it soon.
Ever wondered how it all began?
The Very First Damned Thing, establishes the background of the series and how Dr Bairstow set up St Mary's, secured funding for time travel and hired all the batty and often hilarious characters I came to love in The Chronicles of St Mary's series. It was fun knowing how it all came together and I can't wait to reread it soon.
December 10, 2017
My third go at The Chronicles of St. Mary's. I read the first book and listened to another short story. So far solid three-star experiences. Ok, but ultimately not for me. I am not a huge fan of time-travelling stories or the particular brand of humour that I have found in these books.
Recommended for fans of the series, for new readers I think it would maybe make more sense to go straight for the first book. This did not feel like a prequel, it is more of an addition to give some backstory.
Recommended for fans of the series, for new readers I think it would maybe make more sense to go straight for the first book. This did not feel like a prequel, it is more of an addition to give some backstory.
April 28, 2019
Author of the popular Chronicles of St. Mary’s series provides a novella about how it all started.
Beginning in 2013 with the publication of Just One Damned Thing After Another (the title comes from a quote by Arnold Toynbee) Taylor established this unique and highly entertaining time travel series.
Time travel as a sub-genre of SF has long been a fascination for me because I like history and Taylor has crafted this series to take advantage of that fascination for readers as the protagonists here are historians chronicling and affirming historical knowledge.
Good backstory and now I’m off the begin the series.
Beginning in 2013 with the publication of Just One Damned Thing After Another (the title comes from a quote by Arnold Toynbee) Taylor established this unique and highly entertaining time travel series.
Time travel as a sub-genre of SF has long been a fascination for me because I like history and Taylor has crafted this series to take advantage of that fascination for readers as the protagonists here are historians chronicling and affirming historical knowledge.
Good backstory and now I’m off the begin the series.
September 30, 2017
After having fallen in love with The Chronicles of St. Mary's it was only a matter of time until I discovered the short stories and novellas. Originally I had wanted to wait, to read them after finishing the 7 books so as to make the long wait for book 8 a bit shorter. Unsurprisingly, while a good plan, that didn't work out.
Usually, novellas aren't all that good (often they even give the impression of just squeezing one more Euro out of the reader for the authors' sake or to at least keep the author in everybody's memory), but Jodi Taylor pulls it off.
This short story tells us about the beginning of St. Mary's, how Dr. Bairstow , the recruiting of the 7 founding members (although, if we are very accurate, there were 8 plus Dr. Bairstow) and shows us part of their various backgrounds.
The story was very funny (thanks to Mr. Markham mostly) but also had some surprisingly serious moments. The relationship between Dr. Bairstow and Mrs. Green was very tragic and how it turned out even more so. I felt very sorry for him and was glad when at least . The battle of Waterloo was the historical event travelled to in this and it was magnificent with the description of the Scottish soldiers (both infantry and cavalry) - breathtaking in its details and thrilling (which is really noteworthy considering how brief the story is).
One other historical event plays a centre part here: I’m intrigued about the time our St. Mary’s exists and what happened to Great Britain before St. Mary’s was founded! It is hinted at and must have been a severely bloody struggle (civil war, something about fascists), but we never got the full story, sadly.
However, I think potential readers should be made aware that this should only be read AFTER having read at least book #5 of the full-length novels because there are many Easter Eggs one would otherwise not be able to enjoy.
All in all, although I can't rate it as highly as the books, this was a great addition with a cameo of our favourite redhead. But the narration ... well. Let's just say I'm glad the other novellas will be read by Zara Ramm as are the full-length novels!
Usually, novellas aren't all that good (often they even give the impression of just squeezing one more Euro out of the reader for the authors' sake or to at least keep the author in everybody's memory), but Jodi Taylor pulls it off.
This short story tells us about the beginning of St. Mary's, how Dr. Bairstow , the recruiting of the 7 founding members (although, if we are very accurate, there were 8 plus Dr. Bairstow) and shows us part of their various backgrounds.
The story was very funny (thanks to Mr. Markham mostly) but also had some surprisingly serious moments. The relationship between Dr. Bairstow and Mrs. Green was very tragic and how it turned out even more so. I felt very sorry for him and was glad when at least . The battle of Waterloo was the historical event travelled to in this and it was magnificent with the description of the Scottish soldiers (both infantry and cavalry) - breathtaking in its details and thrilling (which is really noteworthy considering how brief the story is).
One other historical event plays a centre part here: I’m intrigued about the time our St. Mary’s exists and what happened to Great Britain before St. Mary’s was founded! It is hinted at and must have been a severely bloody struggle (civil war, something about fascists), but we never got the full story, sadly.
However, I think potential readers should be made aware that this should only be read AFTER having read at least book #5 of the full-length novels because there are many Easter Eggs one would otherwise not be able to enjoy.
All in all, although I can't rate it as highly as the books, this was a great addition with a cameo of our favourite redhead. But the narration ... well. Let's just say I'm glad the other novellas will be read by Zara Ramm as are the full-length novels!
November 7, 2018
Have you ever read a book from a series and so instantly enjoyed it you stop and think "why didn't I read more of these" - or is it just me.
Well this was a kindle short story which acts as a precursor to the true start to the series. its full of the same humour wit and observations all woven together with that style that is uniquely Jodi Taylor.
can you tell I enjoyed it.
Well I wont be giving away any spoilers to say that the story revolves around the creation of St Marys to the first signed contract to the day a certainly person arrives at the gates. What I think is most impressive is that you certainly get to see events that though obviously expected where never referred to - any yet after finishing the story I realise that there are even more questions I want to ask.
And yet I do not feel like my time reading this story were wasted - rather an impressive achievement if you ask me a self contained story which results in me feeling I know less than when I started
Well I guess I cannot put it off any longer time to find those books!
Well this was a kindle short story which acts as a precursor to the true start to the series. its full of the same humour wit and observations all woven together with that style that is uniquely Jodi Taylor.
can you tell I enjoyed it.
Well I wont be giving away any spoilers to say that the story revolves around the creation of St Marys to the first signed contract to the day a certainly person arrives at the gates. What I think is most impressive is that you certainly get to see events that though obviously expected where never referred to - any yet after finishing the story I realise that there are even more questions I want to ask.
And yet I do not feel like my time reading this story were wasted - rather an impressive achievement if you ask me a self contained story which results in me feeling I know less than when I started
Well I guess I cannot put it off any longer time to find those books!
April 26, 2022
This is prequel novella for the St Mary's books and describes Dr. Bairstow obtaining funding, setting up and recruiting. Of course, given the way time travel works(?) and Taylor's wacky take on the subject it's an amusing read.
Although this is chronologically first, it's probably best to read this after the first book so you're already familiar with the main characters.
Although this is chronologically first, it's probably best to read this after the first book so you're already familiar with the main characters.
July 31, 2023
I have had repeated recommendations for the Chronicles of St Mary’s humorous time-travelling fantasy series in the last few years, including most recently from my new bookish friend, but was faced with my usual dilemma - how can I justify buying a new book - especially the start of a 14-instalment series - when I already have so many books to read? The answer, as ever - Audible credits - but first I needed to check whether this was something The Cats’ Father would enjoy, so finding this short prequel novella in the Audible free catalogue was perfect. I needn’t have worried - it turns out the humour is very Whovian and we’re both now keen to jump in to Just One Damned Thing After Another.
In an alternate reality version of near-future London, the mysterious Mr Bairstow must convince a panel of government bureaucrats to invest in a top secret time travel project before he can assemble his team of misfits who are destined to research - and thereby save - history.
This audiobook is narrated by the author, who has a pleasant English accent and perfect delivery for her quirky observations and ironic jokes. I gather from other reviews that while this introduces many of the key characters, and fills in how they were recruited, it works better if read after the first five books, so we’ll make a point of replaying it once we get there.
In an alternate reality version of near-future London, the mysterious Mr Bairstow must convince a panel of government bureaucrats to invest in a top secret time travel project before he can assemble his team of misfits who are destined to research - and thereby save - history.
This audiobook is narrated by the author, who has a pleasant English accent and perfect delivery for her quirky observations and ironic jokes. I gather from other reviews that while this introduces many of the key characters, and fills in how they were recruited, it works better if read after the first five books, so we’ll make a point of replaying it once we get there.
August 28, 2017
3 1/2 stars rounded up to four. I found the story of Edward Bairstow and the creation of St. Mary's interesting. Not as good as the novel which takes place after this but entertaining.
May 7, 2024
So this is the short story that actually kicks off (or at least explains the history) of the tea-soaked, disaster-magnets of St Mary's.
This has got everything a short story should have - a bit of pathos, lots of silliness and a tiny amount of romance.
I'd say even though this is 0.5 you'd be better off reading One Damned Thing After Another first. This short story ends at the point of Max arriving at the gates of St Mary's but before that it explains how each of the main characters ended up there too.
An absolute joy. Writing a good short story is an art form in itself so thankyou Jodi Taylor. I'll happily read other short stories in the series.
This has got everything a short story should have - a bit of pathos, lots of silliness and a tiny amount of romance.
I'd say even though this is 0.5 you'd be better off reading One Damned Thing After Another first. This short story ends at the point of Max arriving at the gates of St Mary's but before that it explains how each of the main characters ended up there too.
An absolute joy. Writing a good short story is an art form in itself so thankyou Jodi Taylor. I'll happily read other short stories in the series.
didnt-finish
July 17, 2019A bit of a treat for fans of the series, but wouldn't be good as an introduction to the series. I recommend readers new to this series to start with book 1.
Truth is, although I LOVE this series, I'm finding this kinda boring.
Truth is, although I LOVE this series, I'm finding this kinda boring.
January 29, 2022
Short but enjoyable prequel into how St. Mary's began the large cast of characters. Looking forward to book 2 and the rest of the series.
December 21, 2025
This was my introduction to “The Chronicles of St. Mary’s” and what a great surprise this novella was. Funny, clever, full of great and crazy characters and extremely well researched. I already have the first book of the series and will begin reading it soon.
When I read that the story takes place in 2040 after a Civil War were one of the evil forces that was obliterated were fascists leaving the country in tatters but some of those people are still around making life impossible for the citizens. My only question was, why is this book catalogued under fiction?
When historians got together in order to time travel not to change anything but to learn from mistakes, I was a convert. A very enigmatic story. Clever, cunning and funny. I still have my questions but nothing the first book of the series can answer so next I will be reading the first installment of this series that appears to be well written and interesting. Best quote by Bairstow; “Oh, I’m not talking about the physical rebuilding of a nation; I’m talking about the people. Lost, bewildered, without hope. Can there be anything worse than winning one of the greatest struggles in their nation’s history and then not having the strength of purpose or the money to build on that.” If this is a sample please I need to read more…brilliant!
When I read that the story takes place in 2040 after a Civil War were one of the evil forces that was obliterated were fascists leaving the country in tatters but some of those people are still around making life impossible for the citizens. My only question was, why is this book catalogued under fiction?
When historians got together in order to time travel not to change anything but to learn from mistakes, I was a convert. A very enigmatic story. Clever, cunning and funny. I still have my questions but nothing the first book of the series can answer so next I will be reading the first installment of this series that appears to be well written and interesting. Best quote by Bairstow; “Oh, I’m not talking about the physical rebuilding of a nation; I’m talking about the people. Lost, bewildered, without hope. Can there be anything worse than winning one of the greatest struggles in their nation’s history and then not having the strength of purpose or the money to build on that.” If this is a sample please I need to read more…brilliant!
August 9, 2016
Having read book 1 (and that should be read first - it makes more sense that way...!) I really did enjoy this prequel. It deals with the setting up of St Mary's and in the main features Dr Bairstow. In book one he appears more a background character despite being the boss of the unit. This one brings him to the fore and illuminates his character. As with the first book it is at the very least "grin widely" fairly frequently if not actually laugh out loud.
Following a comment on another review on here I found that you can pay .99 for the Kindle book or have it free on Audible... Anyway - I don't often listen to things but I found this effective. It is read by the author and while maybe not the best reader she gets very involved in her story and that added a dimension to me. I see the other .5 books are available in the same way so I've got them too and will listen to them in between the actual books for now. Personally I love the quirky nature of these stories and the dead pan humour of the writing so I'm probably hooked and will work through the series. Don't start with this one but if you like book 1 you should enjoy this.
Following a comment on another review on here I found that you can pay .99 for the Kindle book or have it free on Audible... Anyway - I don't often listen to things but I found this effective. It is read by the author and while maybe not the best reader she gets very involved in her story and that added a dimension to me. I see the other .5 books are available in the same way so I've got them too and will listen to them in between the actual books for now. Personally I love the quirky nature of these stories and the dead pan humour of the writing so I'm probably hooked and will work through the series. Don't start with this one but if you like book 1 you should enjoy this.
October 29, 2016
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
This short story in the St Mary's series focuses on the very beginning of the institute when Dr. Bairstow is trying to secure funding for the project and try to convince them of the usefulness of it all. While this all takes place, some series favourites also happen to show up at the same time, as tends to be the case with important historical events. However, I didn't like it as much as I did the rest of the series, possibly because said characters only play a small role. Don't get me wrong, Dr. Bairstow is a very interesting character, but shines best in small doses, or quite possibly, when his silence says it all.
While very short indeed, I would certainly recommend it to fans of the series who which to remain with St Mary's just a little bit longer.
This short story in the St Mary's series focuses on the very beginning of the institute when Dr. Bairstow is trying to secure funding for the project and try to convince them of the usefulness of it all. While this all takes place, some series favourites also happen to show up at the same time, as tends to be the case with important historical events. However, I didn't like it as much as I did the rest of the series, possibly because said characters only play a small role. Don't get me wrong, Dr. Bairstow is a very interesting character, but shines best in small doses, or quite possibly, when his silence says it all.
While very short indeed, I would certainly recommend it to fans of the series who which to remain with St Mary's just a little bit longer.
September 11, 2023
This is a promising start to a series I've been meaning to start for years now! I have a feeling it works better after you've already read at least one book in the series. I found it a bit hard to get into and understand at first, but after a while, I did get more interested in the characters and their mission to establish the St. Mary's Institute. Plus, I'm always up for anything with time travel, so call me intrigued, but I may re-read this after going through more of the other books.
March 31, 2025
A good start to how it all began while still leaving a lot of questions. I am looking forward to book 2 after going backwards a bit.
December 30, 2017
The birth of St. Mary's. Read by the author herself. No Maxwell. Still very good. I predict that I will like everything Jodi Taylor ever writes.
November 21, 2021
I read this after reading book 1 in the series because it is marked 1.5 here on Goodreads, but after finishing I’m a bit confused, and looking through some reviews this should apparently be read later. I haven’t been able to find a proper reading order for where these shorter stories fit in, so I’ll probably just read the full length books first and then go back down the line for the short ones.
That being said I did like seeing the Boss recruit all the characters, and enjoyed the writing. The battle of Waterloo didn’t grab my attention that much, I think it’s not a part of history I’ve ever been very interested in.
I will reread this once I’ve read all the novels and see if I understand everything better.
That being said I did like seeing the Boss recruit all the characters, and enjoyed the writing. The battle of Waterloo didn’t grab my attention that much, I think it’s not a part of history I’ve ever been very interested in.
I will reread this once I’ve read all the novels and see if I understand everything better.
April 12, 2021
Lots of loose ends are nicely tied up in this short story. Probably worth reading only after getting quite far through the series. I really liked having Dr. Bairstows perspective for this. Oh and I want Dr. Fosters tshirt!
July 8, 2022
I read the prequel after book one as recommended by the author. I would not have gotten as much out of it if I had read it first.
Explains the very beginnings of the St. Mary's Historical Institute for time traveling historians . Fun and humorous series.
Explains the very beginnings of the St. Mary's Historical Institute for time traveling historians . Fun and humorous series.
August 15, 2017
An interesting introduction to the world of St. Mary's and very well read by the author, Jodi Taylor. Looking forward to starting the series
June 8, 2022
I didn't realize that the audiobook was read by the author instead of the series narrator until near the end of the book. She did a pretty decent job--for one, her comedic timing was spot on--but her voices all sound the same, so following dialogues full of quick witty repartee was a bit tough at times.
I'm glad I listened to the first book before going back to this prequel. It was a cute insight into how Dr. Bairstow got St. Mary's up and rolling. The story was nicely contained and well framed, with a fun bit of meander in the middle as he gathered up his Scooby Gang. Great bit of history in the beginning as well, with the Battle of Waterloo. More feels than I would have expected from a short story.
I'm glad I listened to the first book before going back to this prequel. It was a cute insight into how Dr. Bairstow got St. Mary's up and rolling. The story was nicely contained and well framed, with a fun bit of meander in the middle as he gathered up his Scooby Gang. Great bit of history in the beginning as well, with the Battle of Waterloo. More feels than I would have expected from a short story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 612 reviews