Doing Time

Time Police, Book 1

By: Jodi Taylor

Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's Summary

Introducing the Time Police, the brand-new series by international best-selling author Jodi Taylor - an irresistible spinoff from the much-loved Chronicles of St Mary's series. Perfect listening for fans of Doctor Who, Ben Aaronovitch and Jasper Fforde. 

A long time ago in the future, the secret of time travel became known to all. Everyone seized the opportunity - and the world nearly ended. There will always be idiots who want to change history. 

And so, the Time Police were formed. An all-powerful, international organisation tasked with keeping the timeline straight. At all costs.

Their success is legendary, and the Time Wars are over. But now the Time Police must fight to save a very different future - their own.

This is the story of Jane, Luke and Matthew - arguably the worst recruits in Time Police history. Or, very possibly, three young people who might just change everything. 

©2019 Jodi Taylor (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Critic Reviews

"Inventive and entertaining...a fast-paced and fun first book in what promises to be an excellent new series." (Culturefly)

Good Teenager Book

I quit on this book but only because it is a book for teenagers. I'm sure everyone else new but I didn't. I would recommend it to teenagers in my family but at 60 it's not a book for me.

Entertaining, but mediocre

The writer has a good sense of humor and there is potential here for this to be a really solid book, but her plotting and overall tone fall short. It’s written more like an audition for a B grade TV series. One reviewer mentioned that this was a bit like Jasper Fforde, and while I get the reference, Fforde is far superior at moving the plot forward, keeping the reader interested, and adding a little bit more depth to his books.

Can't wait for the next one!

I love the St. Mary's stories, and I wasn't sure that I would like a book centered on the Time Police, since the St. Mary's crew don't have much use for them. But this was wonderful, with Jodi Taylor's unique humor, very likable central characters and an interesting plot. . (It's great to see the grown-up Matthew.) If you enjoy the Chronicles of St. Mary's, don't hesitate. Get this audiobook (Zara Ramm is one of the best narrators ever), and have a great time visiting this world.

Another great series by Jodi Taylor

Full disclosure: I was not sure I would like this series when I heard about it. Fuller disclosure: I was really wrong! This was a LOT of fun. We follow three very different inductees into the ranks of the Time Police. One would expect that this would naturally center on a known character of Matthew Farrell. While Matthew is one of the core trio, he gets the least spotlight. This turns out to be an excellent way of getting to know the other stars of the story, Jane and Luke. Both start out as nearly cringe worthy characters that you would not really want to spend time with. They soon grow into respectable characters that you end up cheering for. There is action, mystery, a large portion of comedy, and a walloping helping of heart here. Zara Ramm does her usual excellent job with the narration. All in all, this was a great start of a wonderful new and addictive series. Now if we can get Jodi to work even longer hours... Highly recommended.

Jodi Taylor is amazing!!!

I didn’t believe Jodi could write anything I loved as much as her St. Mary’s books. I was wrong. She has hit it out of the park and I firetrucking love it!!!!!!

Poor effort

I dearly loved the St. Marys series and was looking forward to this new series. So disappointing. There is no reality in the psychology of the characters. People do not act the way these major characters are portrayed. The series idea had vast potential, unrequited in its execution.

love the reader

This narrator made you forget someone was reading and allowed the story to take on a life of its own.

A wonderful lesson. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I do

I love this book as much as all of the other others by Jodi Taylor I am sad that I finished it and hope she writes more about the time police and the changes going on there. In this time of Quarantine doing time has given me a great deal of pleasure. Thanks

New Series!

Not disappointed by Jodi’s new series! A must listen for all St. Mary’s fans! Looking forward to the next book.

Too confusing for me

I thought it was too difficult to follow while driving. It may be better on a second listening, but I may not get back to it.

Brilliant - Another Jodi Taylor Hit

Like many readers I was nervous about this new series based on the Time Police but it was fantastic. Zara Ramm narrated it with her usual panache and brought all the characters to life. Highly recommended.

Life is hard

Jodie Taylor continues to tell a great story. I love the combination of old and new characters in 'Team Weird' and was delighted that St Mary's still makes an appear or 2 along the way. Now I have to wait, with considerable impatience, for the next book - life is hard!

Dubious fears unfounded

This book should come with a health warning, it will absorb your soul and you will not be able to rest until it has been resolved. Absolutely fabulous, Jodi Taylor has done it again, the makings of another great series - was a little worried when I first heard the news that this was coming out, but, the worry, concern and sleepless nights were all unfounded, absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the next one. Listen to it, it will get you fixed!!!

Pretty average

Started OK but soon descended into very average young adult fiction and ended with too many new characters in a confusing story line

.

Loved it. When I read the blurb I thought it was going to be about Matthew Ellis but this was much more fun than I was expecting, written with the St Mary's humour and chaos and loved the nod to our old friends there. Brilliant, I can't wait for the next one.

Go team weird

I liked it. Not sure if I’ll stick with it, since they’re the natural enemies of St Mary’s. Rome and Carthage - and all that. After the whole Ronan betrayal thing, I’m not sure I can let go of the grudge and may have to say farewell to Matthew, the map and Ellis...

Not of the same narrative standard as previous Jodi Taylor books

I was really disappointed with this. I have listened to all the other previous Chronicles of St Mary’s audiobooks and this just didn’t have a strong plot like the others. There were numerous narratives, it was difficult to get absorbed into it as a result.

loved it - Taylor and Ramm do it again!

Absolutely brilliant - if you love St Mary's Chronicles, you'll love this. The only problem is having to wait for the next one in the series

brilliant offshoot if St Mary's

Having come to St Mary's late and listened back to back to the series I was looking forward to this new chapter of the 'universe'. I was not dissapointed. The story was well conceived and written and once again wonderfully read bringing the story to life. Looking forward to another outing.

They're utter bastards

I hesitated. For quite a while. I love the St. Mary's books. They're interesting, witty, and fantastically narrated. I didn't want to like the time police. But now I do. This book is written in the same vein. Laugh out loud moments. And Markham makes an appearance. What's not to love?