Lies, Damned Lies and History

The Chronicles of St. Mary's, Book 7

By: Jodi Taylor

Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

I've done some stupid things in my time. I've been reckless. I've broken a few rules. But never before have I ruined so many lives or left such a trail of destruction behind me.

As Max would be the first to admit, she's never been one for rules. They tend to happen to other people. But this time she's gone too far, and everyone is paying the price. Grounded until the end of time, how can she ever put things right?

©2016 Jodi Taylor (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

Excellent, as always!

Couldn't put it down. I am continually impressed with Taylor's ability to create new situations and develop characters even further.

Too Many Improbable Things

I really enjoy this series. Jodi Taylor has great characters and interesting stories with historical tidits thrown in. Zara Ramm is a great narrator and gives each character a unique voice that you recognize even during uninterrupted dialogue

My quibble with this book is that it sets up two situations with horrible consequences, and then the consequences do not happen. The first situation resolves without any real explanation of why the consequences never occur. The second situation resolves in a reaonable enough manner. But the lack of explanation for the first resolution and the immediate follow-up with another narrow escape seems too improbable and contrived.

I know, I am complaining about lack of realism in a series about time-traveling historians. That is why I classify it as a quibble. But usually Jodi keeps a higher level of internal consistency, and this one felt pasted-over. As if it was written into a corner and then the solution was too much trouble to deal with. If there was less build-up to the first situation, it would not have bothered me. But the huge build-up followed by a squib instead of an explosion felt intellectually dishonest.

Still, an enjoyable book and I already have the next two books in the series.

The latest installment in a wonderful series

loved it. Dr. Barstow is a flat out genius. Leon is the ideal man. And I love both Peterson and Markham. Bot Max TAKES THE CAKE... if it is chocolate.

Another winner

I love listening to Max telling the latest. Zara Ramm does a fabulous job. Looking forward to the next in the series.

Love this series and this narrator

The St. Mary's books are a fun romp, peppered with real historical details, real flawed human characters, and supernatural phenomena. The narrator really makes this series for me!

Mixed

I really enjoy the short bits of history throughout the series and I think the premise is interesting. However, I can’t stand the main character Max or the stereotypical gender stereotypes (men are idiots, women are irrational).The author’s style of narration really ruins the character for me. However, that isn’t anything against the author personally. The style just isn’t to my taste. Most of the other aspects I enjoy.

Love the Jodi Taylor & Zara Ramm combo!

Jodi Taylor is SO funny and Zara Ramm puts the perfect spin on Jodi’s text. Plus the historical descriptions are fascinating. Love her books!

Loved it!

I hadn't intended to "binge listen", but Jodi Taylor's fascinating (and fantastic) story telling combined with Zara Ramm's brilliant narration was such fun! It brings the listener right into the moment
I think this may be my favorite of the series. I look forward to more from this author!

Another Perfect Chronicle

Brava! I cannot count the number of times I rewind a few seconds in one of Jodi Taylor's books, just to hear a passage again, for the pure joy of how she writes. That coupled with Zara Ramm's performances - I'm not just a fan, I'm an addict.

plots and overcoming disaster

We start with total disaster, followed by smaller disasters, then redemption.
Plots abound as Thirsk University outs its Chancellor and installs their own oversight at St Mary’s. The staff at St Mary’s finds its’ way around multiple obstacles, which include, but are not limited to: Returning Arthur’s sword to its resting place; Markham’s ear being shot off and naming his ringworm Oscar; driving with a dead grandmother; conniving academics with leprosy; and aerodynamic fish. Max is in the thick of it with a few more major events like her last jump going to Stonehenge; being kidnapped by Ronin; then rescued by the Time Police, who are battered by a Max having her baby. Just the usual action, suspense and hilarity.
Ramm does a decent job of narration.