Long Story Short
Now in print for the very first time, this unmissable collection brings together seven short stories from the internationally bestselling Chronicles of St Mary's series, and one special guest tale from somewhere completely different.
**Includes brand-new St Mary's short story, When Did You Last See Your Father?, and original introductions from the author**
From riotous misbehaviour in Victorian London to ingenious feats of scientific invention (powdered water - just add water!), and from a chaotic Nativity play starring a vengeful Angel Gabriel to an illegal expedition to Mars, Jodi Taylor knows how to spin a good yarn.
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Christmas Past The Farrells are together at last for their first St Mary's Christmas, a time of riotous misbehaviour and the traditional illegal Christmas jump - this time to Victorian London.
Battersea Barricades A glimpse into the past of some of your St Mary's favourites characters in the throes of Civil Uprisings.
The Steam-Pump Jump St Mary's Max is injured and tied to Sick Bay but obviously a good historian would never let that get in her way. Step forward, Mr Markham...
And Now For Something Completely Different Who would the St Mary's team be to turn down a little Christmas expedition to Mars? An illegal Christmas jump is traditional, after all.
When Did You Last See Your Father? Have you ever wondered how things would go if Max's husband met Max's father? This is the story of what can happen if St Mary's doesn't like someone...
Desiccated Water Professor Rapson breaks astonishing new ground with his latest feat of scientific invention.
Markham and the Anal Probing When Markham disappears in the middle of nowhere, Max jumps to the logical conclusion - alien abduction.
Little Donkey A chaotic Nativity play like no other, starring a donkey intent on eating the baby Jesus and a vengeful Angel Gabriel.
The series
The Chronicles of St. Mary's by Jody Taylor is a thrilling and imaginative series that seamlessly blends time travel, historical fiction, and humor into a captivating adventure. What sets this series apart is its unique setting—St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, where historians don’t just study history, they experience it firsthand. This delightful combination of science fiction, historical intrigue, and witty banter has earned the series a devoted following, with fans praising its clever plot twists, unforgettable characters, and fast-paced storytelling.
Read full series description
At the center of the story is Maximilian (Max), an intelligent, resourceful, and somewhat reckless historian at St. Mary's. As part of an eccentric team of time travelers, Max is tasked with traveling to various historical events to gather firsthand accounts and data, all while avoiding the chaos and dangers that come with meddling in time. The central conflict of the series revolves around the tension between following the rules of time travel and the unpredictable consequences of their actions in the past. With every mission, Max and her colleagues face thrilling challenges, unexpected enemies, and history-altering risks that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The charm of The Chronicles of St. Mary's lies in Taylor’s ability to mix historical accuracy with comedic moments and impossible scenarios. Each book delves into a different historical period, from ancient civilizations to World War II, while keeping readers invested in the team’s personal dynamics and growing relationships. The characters are vibrant and multidimensional, particularly Max, whose quick wit and daring attitude make her both endearing and relatable. Whether she’s facing off with historical figures or trying to navigate office politics in a time-traveling institution, Max’s adventures never fail to entertain.
What makes this series truly stand out is its blend of genres. Readers who enjoy time-travel adventures, historical fiction, and character-driven stories will find a rich and fulfilling experience in The Chronicles of St. Mary's. Taylor’s sharp writing and world-building create a world that feels both magical and grounded in historical reality. The humor and heart of the series shine through, making it an engaging read for those looking for a lighthearted yet thought-provoking escape.
Acclaimed for its bestselling status and strong fan reception, The Chronicles of St. Mary's offers a perfect balance of wit, adventure, and suspense. With each new installment, the stakes grow higher, and the relationships between the quirky, lovable characters deepen, ensuring that readers are continually hooked. This series is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy, time-travel fiction, and epic adventures.
#1 · 2013Just One Damned Thing After Another 
#2 · 2013A Symphony of Echoes 
#3 · 2014A Second Chance 
#4 · 2014A Trail Through Time 
#5 · 2015No Time Like the Past 
#6 · 2015What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 
#7 · 2016Lies, Damned Lies, and History 
#8 · 2017And the Rest Is History 
#9 · 2018An Argumentation of Historians 
#10 · 2019Hope for the Best 
#11 · 2020Plan for the Worst 
#12 · 2021Another Time, Another Place 
#13 · 2022A Catalogue of Catastrophe 
#14 · 2023The Good, The Bad and The History 
#15 · 2027Well, That Could Have Gone Better 
#16 · 2027The Chronicles of St. Mary's Book 16 
2017 The Long and Short of It 
2019Long Story Short Be the first reviewer
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