Step into the chaotic, tea-soaked world of the Chronicles of St Mary’s, where time-traveling historians dodge disaster while unraveling history’s greatest mysteries! Written by Jodi Taylor, this genre-defying series blends historical fiction, science fiction, and laugh-out-loud humor, following the fearless Dr. Madeleine 'Max' Maxwell and her eccentric team at St Mary’s Institute of Historical Research. Ready for a wild ride through time?
From Victorian London to the Cretaceous Period, the series captures the thrill of witnessing history firsthand—think explosions, dodos, and a knack for chaos. With its addictive mix of wit, heart, and adventure, Chronicles of St Mary’s has hooked readers who crave a fresh take on time travel.
How Chronicles of St Mary’s Began
Jodi Taylor, a history enthusiast from Bristol, England, dreamed up the Chronicles of St Mary’s after a career in library management. Initially self-published in 2013, the first book, Just One Damned Thing After Another, sold 60,000 copies on Amazon, catching the eye of Accent Press. Taylor’s love for history and her knack for blending genres—mystery, comedy, romance, and sci-fi—birthed a series that refuses to fit neatly into one category. What started as a single book grew into a sprawling saga, fueled by Taylor’s vivid imagination and her motto: never call it time travel!
The Heart of Chronicles of St Mary’s
The series kicks off with Just One Damned Thing After Another, where Max joins St Mary’s and leaps into chaotic missions, from the Great Library of Alexandria to World War I. A Symphony of Echoes sends the team to Victorian London to track Jack the Ripper, only to stumble into dodo rescues and the murder of Thomas Becket. A Second Chance explores the Trojan War, testing Max’s courage, while No Time Like the Past tackles the Great Fire of London with ghostly twists. Each book is a fast-paced blend of historical detail and madcap adventure.
At its core, the series thrives on themes of resilience, friendship, and the unyielding power of history. Max, a feisty yet flawed narrator, leads a colorful cast who face danger with sarcasm and tea. Taylor’s witty prose and meticulous research bring settings to life, while the team’s knack for disaster adds humor. The series also explores the stakes of meddling with time, as history fights back against those who try to rewrite it.
Unlike traditional time-travel tales, Chronicles of St Mary’s emphasizes observation over alteration, with St Mary’s operating under loose university oversight. This freedom fuels the team’s antics, from battling rogue time travelers to surviving their own mishaps, making every mission a delightful mess.
Why Chronicles of St Mary’s Resonates
The Chronicles of St Mary’s has carved a niche among fans of historical fiction and sci-fi, earning praise for its addictive storytelling and vibrant characters. Readers adore Taylor’s ability to make history accessible, sparking curiosity about eras like Tudor England or Ancient Egypt. The series’ humor and heart have built a loyal fanbase, with audiobook narrator Zara Ramm amplifying its charm. Its influence extends to a spin-off, The Time Police, proving its staying power.
Despite occasional typos noted by fans, the series’ creativity and emotional depth keep readers hooked. Taylor’s blend of chaos and camaraderie resonates, offering an escape into a world where history is both thrilling and unpredictable.
- First Published: 2013
- Total Books: 14 main novels, plus short stories and novellas
- Key Genres: Historical fiction, science fiction, humor
- Notable Recognition: Just One Damned Thing After Another hit the USA Today Best-Selling Books list in 2016
Grab Just One Damned Thing After Another and dive into the Chronicles of St Mary’s—where history, humor, and heart collide in a whirlwind of time-traveling chaos!