St Mary's is under investigation. Their director has been shot and Max is Number One Suspect. Can things get any worse? We all know the answer to that one.
Max needs to get away - fast - and a Brilliant Idea soon leads her to a full-scale uprising in twentieth-century China. If she can come by a historical treasure or two in the process, even better. That is, if she makes it out alive.
Then there's the small matter of Insight - the sinister organization from the future hell bent on changing History for their own dark ends. Having successfully infiltrated their ranks, Max is perfectly placed to stop them. But she knows her cover will soon be blown - because it's already happened.
Can Max take down Insight before they come after her? The circle is closing, and only one can survive...
For fans of Terry Pratchett, Jasper Fforde, Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series and Doctor Who.
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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