Hope for the Best

The tenth book in the bestselling Chronicles of St Mary's series which follows a group of tea-soaked disaster magnets as they hurtle their way around History. If you love Jasper Fforde or Ben Aaronovitch, you won't be able to resist Jodi Taylor.

You can't change History. History doesn't like it. There are always consequences.

Max is no stranger to taking matters into her own hands. Especially when she's had A Brilliant Idea. Yes, it will mean breaking a few rules, but - as Max always says - they're not her rules.

Seconded to the Time Police to join in the hunt for the renegade Clive Ronan, Max is a long way from St Mary's. But life in the future does have its plus points - although not for long.

A problem with the Time Map reveals chaos in the 16th century and the wrong Tudor queen on the throne. History has gone rogue, there's a St Mary's team right in the firing line and Max must step up.

You know what they say. Hope for the best. But plan for the worst.

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Science Fiction Time Travel

Release date: April 2019

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Jodi Taylor

Jodi Taylor is a master of blending historical fiction with time-traveling adventure, captivating readers with her witty storytelling and vibrant characters. Best known for her St. Mary's Chronicles series, Taylor has earned a dedicated following for her unique ability to mix humor, historical accuracy, and thrilling escapades. Her writing is celebrated for its light-hearted yet intelligent approach to time travel, filled with twists, quirky characters, and a healthy dose of British humor.

Born and raised in the UK, Taylor has carved a niche in the genre of historical time travel and adventure fiction, combining her love for history with a flair for storytelling. The St. Mary's Chronicles, which begins with Just One Damned Thing After Another, is perhaps her most famous work, immersing readers in the world of St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, where historians travel back in time to witness and sometimes meddle with historical events. This series has garnered widespread praise for its imaginative plots, fast-paced action, and memorable characters, with the books becoming fan favorites in the time-travel fiction genre.

Taylor’s writing style is one that effortlessly blends humor with deep emotional undercurrents, creating stories that are both fun and profound. Her characters, led by the sharp-witted and often chaotic Madeleine Maxwell, navigate complex historical events while offering readers plenty of moments of levity amidst the danger. Taylor’s distinctive voice is one of the key elements that set her apart in the world of speculative fiction, offering fans a refreshing blend of intellect, charm, and adventure.

Beyond her success with St. Mary's Chronicles, Taylor has written a variety of works that span science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction, each filled with the same attention to detail and rich storytelling. Her works often explore themes of history, identity, and human resilience, giving readers not only exciting plots but also thought-provoking insights into the human experience.

Throughout her career, Taylor has received praise for her innovative approach to time travel and the relationships between her characters. Her books have achieved bestselling status, attracting a devoted and growing fanbase. For those looking for a series that combines historical adventure, time-travel mystery, and a healthy dose of humor, Jodi Taylor’s work continues to be a standout in the genre, offering readers the perfect escape into the past—one damned thing at a time.

The Chronicles of St. Mary's

The Chronicles of St. Mary's by Jody Taylor is a thrilling and imaginative series that seamlessly blends time travel, historical fiction, and humor into a captivating adventure. What sets this series apart is its unique setting—St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, where historians don’t just study history, they experience it firsthand. This delightful combination of science fiction, historical intrigue, and witty banter has earned the series a devoted following, with fans praising its clever plot twists, unforgettable characters, and fast-paced storytelling.

At the center of the story is Maximilian (Max), an intelligent, resourceful, and somewhat reckless historian at St. Mary's. As part of an eccentric team of time travelers, Max is tasked with traveling to various historical events to gather firsthand accounts and data, all while avoiding the chaos and dangers that come with meddling in time. The central conflict of the series revolves around the tension between following the rules of time travel and the unpredictable consequences of their actions in the past. With every mission, Max and her colleagues face thrilling challenges, unexpected enemies, and history-altering risks that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The charm of The Chronicles of St. Mary's lies in Taylor’s ability to mix historical accuracy with comedic moments and impossible scenarios. Each book delves into a different historical period, from ancient civilizations to World War II, while keeping readers invested in the team’s personal dynamics and growing relationships. The characters are vibrant and multidimensional, particularly Max, whose quick wit and daring attitude make her both endearing and relatable. Whether she’s facing off with historical figures or trying to navigate office politics in a time-traveling institution, Max’s adventures never fail to entertain.

What makes this series truly stand out is its blend of genres. Readers who enjoy time-travel adventures, historical fiction, and character-driven stories will find a rich and fulfilling experience in The Chronicles of St. Mary's. Taylor’s sharp writing and world-building create a world that feels both magical and grounded in historical reality. The humor and heart of the series shine through, making it an engaging read for those looking for a lighthearted yet thought-provoking escape.

Acclaimed for its bestselling status and strong fan reception, The Chronicles of St. Mary's offers a perfect balance of wit, adventure, and suspense. With each new installment, the stakes grow higher, and the relationships between the quirky, lovable characters deepen, ensuring that readers are continually hooked. This series is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy, time-travel fiction, and epic adventures.

The Chronicles of St. Mary's consists of fourteen primary books, and includes two additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Related series The Time Police

Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #1)

★ 7.60 / 5

A Symphony of Echoes (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #2)

★ 6.00 / 1

A Second Chance (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #3)

Unrated

A Trail Through Time (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #4)

Unrated

No Time Like the Past (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #5)

Unrated

What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #6)

Unrated

Lies, Damned Lies, and History (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #7)

Unrated

And the Rest Is History (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #8)

Unrated

An Argumentation of Historians (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #9)

Unrated

Hope for the Best (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #10)

Unrated

Plan for the Worst (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #11)

Unrated

Another Time, Another Place (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #12)

⧗ 7.50 / 2

A Catalogue of Catastrophe (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #13)

★ 9.00 / 1

The Good, The Bad and The History (The Chronicles of St. Mary's #14)

⧗ 8.00 / 1

⧗ 9.70 / 26

The Long and Short of It (The Chronicles of St. Mary's)

Unrated

Long Story Short (The Chronicles of St. Mary's)

Unrated

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