The Ordeal of the Haunted Room

Chronicles of St. Mary's

By: Jodi Taylor

Narrated by: Zara Ramm

Length: 2 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's Summary

A Christmas ghost story - Chronicles of St Mary's style! For fans of Doctor Who and Jasper Fforde...and A Christmas Carol.

Where better for the annual festive jump than the chance to experience a real Victorian Christmas?

On the longest night of 1895, a terrible storm rages above Harewood Hall. Max, Markham and an injured Peterson are welcomed in by the Harewood family but quickly realise that the gathering is far from celebratory. For tonight marks the Ordeal of the Haunted Room.

Every Harewood heir must endure one terrifying night alone in the Haunted Room before he can inherit the family seat. Legend says that ghosts will murder anyone who isn't the true heir. 

Francis Harewood's ordeal will begin at midnight and end at dawn, but it isn't long before everything goes horribly wrong....

©2020 Jodi Taylor (P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

Another winner!

Another annual Christmas time jump. Just to make it interesting, it's authorized this time! Max, Peterson, and Markham are in victorian Britain to document a typical victorian Christmas celebration... what could go wrong? Everything of course. Peterson injures his foot leading the team to seek a night's shelter at the local manor. Of course, they arrive on the eve of an archaic family ritual that has already claimed the life of the current Manor's master's father and now the current lord is next to face the ordeal. Skulduggery is afoot, as well as many, many, MANY, courses of tea and food. A great deal of fun... think St. Mary's by way of Agatha Christie. Previous reading is not overly required, however a basic understanding of the St. Mary's series is helpful... and perhaps the short The Battersea Barricades would enhance your enjoyment.

Very satisfying!

Thank you Jodi Taylor and Zara Ramm. The story was magnificent and I look forward to hearing more about the "arm".

What a great short story!!

I highly recommend this Audible book short story. 5 Stars! Jodi Taylor has done a brilliant job with this short story. She included great details, builds good anticipation and a great conclusion! The Ordeal of the Haunted Room is perfect as a stand-alone adventure, yet has included a nice little gem to tie into the primary Chronicles of St. Mary’s storyline. And it should be noted that Zara Ramm has once again performed exceptionally. (Zara’s narration from the beginning of the St. Mary’s Chronicles series is like the “voice” or “instrument” to Jodi’s enjoyable writing. They go together like hand and glove!) We’re looking forward to the next short stories and books in this series! Thank you Jodi!

back on track

was doubtful of reading because Taylor has become such a downer. BUT truly enjoyed it.

A great Xmas Gift from Ms. Taylor and Ms. Ramm

As always the team of Taylor and Ramm deliver as perfect a story as you could ask for - combining humor with mystery, drama, and a touch of the supernatural. Ms. Taylor's writing almost never misses the mark, and Ms. Zamm is the best narrator I have had the pleasure of listening to. They both maintain a steady character development through all of the St. Mary's books and stories that make the individuals 'real' people as opposed to fictional and two-dimensional players.

really liked the story

I really liked this story, I think the best of the traditional Markham/Max/ Peterson Christmas jumps...especially the ending

another wonderful journey with Max, Tim & Markham.

What can be said? Going off on an adventure with the dream team is a wondrous break , especially when we've been isolated for 10 months. it is always nice to spend time with the folks from St Maria Priory. After 25 books. it feel like you are spending time catching up with old friends. Utterly delightful

St. Mary's Meets Agatha Christie

St. Mary's does it again in its usual quirky fashion. A wonderful story with an exciting whodunit Agatha Christy style. A total delight.

A fun twist and another terrific story!

Well written and performed. I am always pleasantly happy with Jodi Taylor's stories. Well done!

Jodi’s Xmas short story is always my best Gift!

Great narration by Zara Ramm, as usual. The food and drink descriptions left me ravenous, especially during this pandemic pot-roast quarantine year. Why all the posh Victorians didn’t die young of heart attacks and strokes is amazing! And it wouldn’t have been Christmas without Markham. Thanks Jodi!

Another romp through time, causing.....

When I find another St. Mary's I know I am in for a treat. I was not disappointed. My favourite characters doing what they do best. Great fun, and an enjoyable couple of hours escapism. New Year's eve 2020 in T4 lockdown.

As ever, a complete joy

I can’t even begin to imagine a Christmas without a St Mary’s short story! The combined delights of Jodi’s glorious writing and Zara’s masterful reading make everything perfect, even in today’s rather strange world!

A tip to understand the ending.

Listen or read The Battersea barricades to totally understand the ending. I listened to it after I finished this short story.

pretty Awfull.

struggled to finish this, just glad it was only 2hrs long. afraid it was rubbish.

brilliant as always

Loved this story as always, a light hearted, comedic ghost story, what's not to love?

Absolutely excellent as usual

Zara Ramm is as usual brilliant- she is forever Max and indeed all the rest Jodi’s imagination takes us on another short trip to solve a mystery... I wish it was longer ! Can’t wait until the next book

For something different

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book,but was then really pleased at how fast I got into it .the characters were amusing,witty and Engaging I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for something short,entertaining and a break from the norm

Marvelous as ever

What a wonderful Christmas gift. thank you Jodi Taylor. Looking forward to hearing the next St Mary's installment xx

More historical fun

Don't you just love St Mary's so much fun in the Reading listening just love it

Excellent

Brilliant as always and some lovely nods to previous stories. Some lines that had me crying with laughter, especially the lap one... Jodi as good as ever thankfully, a shining light in 2020. And Zara Ramm is always spectacular.