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The Chronicles of St Mary's #12.5
The Toast of Time
Once again, the Toast of Time falls butter side down. Dr 'Max' Maxwell prepares for her very first Christmas away from St Mary's...
It's that most wonderful time of the year once more. But Max and Markham are a long way from St Mary's. What sort of Christmas will it be without their loved ones?
Settle down with a mince pie and a small sherry and prepare for an unlikely combination of Flying Auctions, Fabergé eggs, duped Time Police officers, the Parish Council, a TWOCed Bentley (no, not that one), legendary swords and a belligerent ram.
Will it be Peace and Goodwill to all men? Well, we all know the answer to that...
It's that most wonderful time of the year once more. But Max and Markham are a long way from St Mary's. What sort of Christmas will it be without their loved ones?
Settle down with a mince pie and a small sherry and prepare for an unlikely combination of Flying Auctions, Fabergé eggs, duped Time Police officers, the Parish Council, a TWOCed Bentley (no, not that one), legendary swords and a belligerent ram.
Will it be Peace and Goodwill to all men? Well, we all know the answer to that...
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2021
251 people are currently reading
1,223 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Taylor
80Ìýbooks5,177ÌýfollowersJodi 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 171 reviews
December 27, 2021
Don't start here
But if you're ready for some serious fun, Disaster Magnets, here it is. We're all still reeling from the heinous fake-out Eville Incarnate Taylor did to us. But in the spirit of the Season, here is our happy reward.
But if you're ready for some serious fun, Disaster Magnets, here it is. We're all still reeling from the heinous fake-out Eville Incarnate Taylor did to us. But in the spirit of the Season, here is our happy reward.
December 25, 2021
It wouldn't be Christmas day without a St Mary's short story. Even if Max and Markham are currently banned from the premises. Instead this year we are given a team Pros and Cons mission into an illegal flying auction with some highly collectible (and illegal) goods from throughout history. Think lost poems and Fabergé eggs. As usual chaos ensues, with the Time Police and St Mary's somehow getting involved too.
Festive fun.
Festive fun.
December 26, 2021
Nobody knows why this book is called The Toast of Time, but one thing is clear: it wouldn't be Christmas without a short story about St. Mary's!
It's Christmas and since this is taking place shortly after Max was fired by Dr. Bairstowe's replacement, it's gonna be a bit of a dreary affair for her and Markham (who snuck away just in the knick of time to get himself and his family out before the hostile takeover).
But things aren't QUITE as dreary as originally feared, courtesy of Pennyroyal and Lady Emilia. And I'm not just talking about Max and Markham having becomebounty hunters recovery agents and therefore getting two quite nice Fabergé eggs.
Of course, I'm also talking about the brilliance of Dr. Dowson (librarian extraordinaire) and the loyalty of Mrs. Mack (cook, revolutionary and general badass).
Whatever the world throws at us, we shall prevail!
I couldn't have said it better and I cannot put into words how comforting these stories and the cast of disaster magnets have become.
Not as laugh-out-loud-hilarious as some other stories, but VERY nice nevertheless.
It's Christmas and since this is taking place shortly after Max was fired by Dr. Bairstowe's replacement, it's gonna be a bit of a dreary affair for her and Markham (who snuck away just in the knick of time to get himself and his family out before the hostile takeover).
But things aren't QUITE as dreary as originally feared, courtesy of Pennyroyal and Lady Emilia. And I'm not just talking about Max and Markham having become
Of course, I'm also talking about the brilliance of Dr. Dowson (librarian extraordinaire) and the loyalty of Mrs. Mack (cook, revolutionary and general badass).
Whatever the world throws at us, we shall prevail!
I couldn't have said it better and I cannot put into words how comforting these stories and the cast of disaster magnets have become.
Not as laugh-out-loud-hilarious as some other stories, but VERY nice nevertheless.
November 10, 2022
*** 4.63 ***
Max and Markham, Christmas time, getting in trouble and some unexpected gardeners. Hahahah! Perfect, as always!
Max and Markham, Christmas time, getting in trouble and some unexpected gardeners. Hahahah! Perfect, as always!
December 26, 2021
There's something about reading St. Mary's at Xmas-time that makes me turn myself around, get all cheery, order a double something on the rocks, and pick up a frozen chicken.
It is, after all, a St. Mary's story. And we are very happy to know what happens to eggs in ze pocketsies. Yes, and what might not have happened had Frodo gone to THIS neighborhood, instead.
I really loved this story. Adventure, humor, a bright thumb in the eye to the cops, the new establishment, and a whole new appreciation for nude gardening.
It is, after all, a St. Mary's story. And we are very happy to know what happens to eggs in ze pocketsies. Yes, and what might not have happened had Frodo gone to THIS neighborhood, instead.
I really loved this story. Adventure, humor, a bright thumb in the eye to the cops, the new establishment, and a whole new appreciation for nude gardening.
December 25, 2021
Christmas crackers, presents, trees, charades and a St. Mary’s short story are all essential yearly Christmas traditions! As ever this year did not disappoint. A stand alone adventure, much mischief, some of the best written comic timing and Jodi’s brilliant writing. I loved it! I was especially pleased to see a return of Combat Wombat and had a much needed laugh reading the Christmas shopping list (it’s the little details that make these books what they are). Thank you Jodi Taylor for making Christmas Christmas once again.
December 27, 2021
Max and Markham are on their own, working as bounty hunters, and missing their families at Christmas. Add in a mysterious auction and foreign objects in Markham's trousers, and this is a Christmas tale you won't want to miss.
This is set right after Book 12, Another Time, Another Place, in the Chronicles of St. Mary's series.
This is set right after Book 12, Another Time, Another Place, in the Chronicles of St. Mary's series.
January 1, 2022
And so starts the new year with my first posting - although I am not sure this is technically the first book I read - what do you do when the world is recommending you stay in doors and all the major celebrations are cancelled - in my case read.
Anyway so to return to the trials and tribulations of St Marys and the world of the disaster magnets. Well I have to say it was certainly true to form and one roller coaster of action and snappy dialogue - just what you have come to expect. However I will admit that (and I guess it is to be expected from such a long running and established series) there were a lot of references to previous events which have happened along the way.
Now I am not criticising this fact - after all you cannot have a large ensembled cast all with their own stories and not have them take various paths without acknowledging what happened along the way. But I would say that I think there would be more enjoyment for those who have read those stories (unlike myself who is woefully behind it would seem).
So all I can say is that it was a fun romp but boy have I got some catching up to do.
Anyway so to return to the trials and tribulations of St Marys and the world of the disaster magnets. Well I have to say it was certainly true to form and one roller coaster of action and snappy dialogue - just what you have come to expect. However I will admit that (and I guess it is to be expected from such a long running and established series) there were a lot of references to previous events which have happened along the way.
Now I am not criticising this fact - after all you cannot have a large ensembled cast all with their own stories and not have them take various paths without acknowledging what happened along the way. But I would say that I think there would be more enjoyment for those who have read those stories (unlike myself who is woefully behind it would seem).
So all I can say is that it was a fun romp but boy have I got some catching up to do.
December 27, 2021
This series is one of my absolute favorites. Every time I finish a new St. Mary's book, I'm devastated that there isn't a new one waiting for me already.
Max and Markham have a fun little romp at a black market auction... at St. Mary's!
Max and Markham have a fun little romp at a black market auction... at St. Mary's!
June 16, 2023
This time the illegal Christmas jump is different, in so many ways. Toast plays a major role. Eggs, too. Nuts and sausages and biscuits, as well.
October 2, 2024
The book to read if you want to know what Markham has down his trousers...
December 25, 2021
The best St Mary’s Christmas story yet
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the St Mary’s Disaster Magnets getting up to festive mischief. This short story has more historical artefacts than the British Museum and includes the Security Sections version of The Full Monty. A perfect way to start Christmas Day!
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the St Mary’s Disaster Magnets getting up to festive mischief. This short story has more historical artefacts than the British Museum and includes the Security Sections version of The Full Monty. A perfect way to start Christmas Day!
January 1, 2022
I always, always enjoy a St Marys story, even when I want to throw the book across the room or my head hurts but this St Marys story was not a book thrower or head hurting kind of novella. A short Christmas story is as the author's modus operandi, which she offers for free or really cheap on Christmas day.
Picking this story up on its own without having read prior stories would give readers a headache but for those indoctrinated into St Marys, this is a nice quick, perhaps not long enough, visit with Max and the other crazies we've come to know and love. So much wit, craziness, love and great character development.
Cannot recommend this series enough.
Picking this story up on its own without having read prior stories would give readers a headache but for those indoctrinated into St Marys, this is a nice quick, perhaps not long enough, visit with Max and the other crazies we've come to know and love. So much wit, craziness, love and great character development.
Cannot recommend this series enough.
January 4, 2023
What fun to find a Jodi Taylor time travel book I haven’t read yet—last year’s, I think, Christmas novella.
December 21, 2024
I absolutely love this series! The characters are fun!
December 26, 2021
This short completely warmed my heart and made me laugh. I loved the message and the end. Jodi’s Christmas St Marys stories are my favorite!
December 26, 2023
A nice story but as per usual the proof reading for the initial midnight UK time release is crap. The first sentence is complete gobbledegook. I know it will eventually get tidied up but the publishers really need to take more care before release.
Max and Markham continue their careers as recover agents, so this story fits in the current narrative timeline. Christmas this year is hosted by Smallhope and Pennyroyal, and there’s a quick hop to 1920’s St Mary’s as well as contemporary St Mary’s. Jodi has somehow managed to get pretty much everyone into this short story and it’s nice to have everyone back together again. A nice gentle Christmas story.
Max and Markham continue their careers as recover agents, so this story fits in the current narrative timeline. Christmas this year is hosted by Smallhope and Pennyroyal, and there’s a quick hop to 1920’s St Mary’s as well as contemporary St Mary’s. Jodi has somehow managed to get pretty much everyone into this short story and it’s nice to have everyone back together again. A nice gentle Christmas story.
December 26, 2021
This was brilliant!
‘St Mary’s is like having the pox � you’re never really free of it and it affects your life choices forever.'
‘St Mary’s is like having the pox � you’re never really free of it and it affects your life choices forever.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
A fun Christmas short story.
December 25, 2021
Rating: 3.0/5
These short stories from Jodi Taylor have become something of a seasonal tradition. I have plenty of admiration for any writer who can successfully pen a short story as there is a definite skill in being able to create something that is properly rounded in so few pages. Jodi Taylor is perhaps aided by the fact that she is using well-established protagonists from an existing series, so there is not the same pressure to establish new characters within the limited time-frame too.
The downside of basing a short story around an existing series is that it runs the risk of only playing to an existing audience and excluding the more casual reader. Unlike last year's offering, "The Ordeal of the Haunted Room", this one works far less well as a standalone story. "The Toast of Time" is likely to hold more appeal to the devotees, I suspect. It is well written, with humorous asides and examples of the narrator regularly breaking the fourth wall, but much of the comedic appeal depends on a reasonable background knowledge of the characters in order to fully appreciate the in-jokes.
Nonetheless, an enjoyable 1-2 sitting read.
These short stories from Jodi Taylor have become something of a seasonal tradition. I have plenty of admiration for any writer who can successfully pen a short story as there is a definite skill in being able to create something that is properly rounded in so few pages. Jodi Taylor is perhaps aided by the fact that she is using well-established protagonists from an existing series, so there is not the same pressure to establish new characters within the limited time-frame too.
The downside of basing a short story around an existing series is that it runs the risk of only playing to an existing audience and excluding the more casual reader. Unlike last year's offering, "The Ordeal of the Haunted Room", this one works far less well as a standalone story. "The Toast of Time" is likely to hold more appeal to the devotees, I suspect. It is well written, with humorous asides and examples of the narrator regularly breaking the fourth wall, but much of the comedic appeal depends on a reasonable background knowledge of the characters in order to fully appreciate the in-jokes.
Nonetheless, an enjoyable 1-2 sitting read.
December 27, 2021
I know - it says “short story� right on the cover. And I know that all the St Mary’s stories that come out at Christmas time are short ones, meant to bridge the seemingly interminable gaps between longer tales. And I know from the price and the length and everything else that I’ll be reading a Short Story. But damned if I wasn’t caught off guard when it actually ended, and I had to shout, “Too bloody short!� to the empty but a little bit warmer room in which I’d finished it.
What a romp. Rollicking good fun, as always. And chock full of interesting historical tidbits, as always (even the short ones�) And without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that the ending blindsided me in the best possible way, and actually did feel like someone had turned up the fire just a little in this wintry, cozy room.
As always, I can’t wait for the next one, and the next one, and the next one.
What a romp. Rollicking good fun, as always. And chock full of interesting historical tidbits, as always (even the short ones�) And without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that the ending blindsided me in the best possible way, and actually did feel like someone had turned up the fire just a little in this wintry, cozy room.
As always, I can’t wait for the next one, and the next one, and the next one.
January 13, 2022
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Jodi Taylor's annual Christmas story is as charming as ever and this one might be my favorite one so far.
Max and Markham, working for Lady Emilia and Pennyroyal, steal a stolen pair of Fabergé eggs (and a sword because Markham can't keep his greedy hands off of shiny objects). The Time Police show up (late, of course). And a heart-warming Christmas celebration wraps up this short story that, might not be as gut-busting funny as others, but is still full of so much charm and warmth that make the holidays so enjoyable.
I love Christmas and I love The Chronicles of St. Mary's.
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Jodi Taylor's annual Christmas story is as charming as ever and this one might be my favorite one so far.
Max and Markham, working for Lady Emilia and Pennyroyal, steal a stolen pair of Fabergé eggs (and a sword because Markham can't keep his greedy hands off of shiny objects). The Time Police show up (late, of course). And a heart-warming Christmas celebration wraps up this short story that, might not be as gut-busting funny as others, but is still full of so much charm and warmth that make the holidays so enjoyable.
I love Christmas and I love The Chronicles of St. Mary's.
January 9, 2022
How I love these stories! Each Christmas Day we are gifted with a new short story and I love listening to them on the big day. It's not too short - about two to three hours - and, as usual, brilliantly read by Zara Ramm. Max and the usual suspects are back, although still apart from St Mary's but determined to be together in one way or another for Christmas. Very funny, very witty and I got surprisingly emotional with it at the end.
January 9, 2022
Markham and Max are still away from St Mary's but get the chance to visit in 1921 to attend a flying auction. Markham leaves with an interesting load in his trousers and we find out about the joys of Naked Gardening Day.
December 31, 2021
Happy Ho!idays!
I read this story this evening, New Year's Eve, and it was a fitting end to the year. I actually laughed out loud a few times, and I am here alone in my favorite chair! Thank you, Ms. Taylor for the lovely evening and for other smiles as well! Stay well and keep us smiling.... It is the best thing we can do!
I read this story this evening, New Year's Eve, and it was a fitting end to the year. I actually laughed out loud a few times, and I am here alone in my favorite chair! Thank you, Ms. Taylor for the lovely evening and for other smiles as well! Stay well and keep us smiling.... It is the best thing we can do!
April 24, 2022
So wonderful to be back with St Marys. Enjoyable as always.
December 27, 2021
Meh
I've read most all of Jodi Taylors novels and short stories. But this one falls short of the norm. Maybe I'm just getting tired of the premise, but it doesn't have the spark of her previous books.
I've read most all of Jodi Taylors novels and short stories. But this one falls short of the norm. Maybe I'm just getting tired of the premise, but it doesn't have the spark of her previous books.
December 28, 2021
I feel I'm always going to love these books. There is a comfort to the characters that is really kind of great. They are every odd and interesting co-worker you've ever had, with access to time travel. Perfection.
December 14, 2022
This one was OK. I had a hard time paying attention for about the first half. It was fun when I tuned in, but not going on my list of favorite shorts by any means. Also... I'm not sure if it was confusing or clarifying. It took me until about halfway through to realize that this actually was still post book 12, and not one of Max & Markham's cases during book 12... I guess I'd thought with how things ended, that the whole misunderstandings would've been cleaned up and that St. Mary's would've gotten back to normal, to prepare for the new threat. But it seems not.
The best part--learning about World Naked Gardening Day. 1st Saturday in May is now bookmarked on my calendar.
The best part--learning about World Naked Gardening Day. 1st Saturday in May is now bookmarked on my calendar.
December 18, 2024
2024 update: still love this one!
I love this series and this is a charming Christmas short story.
I love this series and this is a charming Christmas short story.
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