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The Time Police #4.5
Santa Grint
Pre-order a brand new TIME POLICE short story from million-copy bestselling author of THE CHRONICLES OF ST MARY'S.
It all begins when the Time Police hold their first Children's Christmas Party. Their most dangerous mission yet . . .
No good deed ever goes unpunished. Lt Grint succumbs to his softer side and soon lives to regret it. The combination of bubble universes, candy floss, a small boy, a toad named Mr Fluffy, Mount Fanboten, £6.5 million, and a love-struck Officer Lockland are all hard enough to believe, but imagine a situation so dire that only Officer Parrish can save the aforementioned Grint from a lengthy stay in prison. At least, he can - but will he?
And, most unlikely of all, has Commander Hay's long-suffering adjutant finally experienced the first faint stirrings of romance? Is such a thing even possible?
It all begins when the Time Police hold their first Children's Christmas Party. Their most dangerous mission yet . . .
No good deed ever goes unpunished. Lt Grint succumbs to his softer side and soon lives to regret it. The combination of bubble universes, candy floss, a small boy, a toad named Mr Fluffy, Mount Fanboten, £6.5 million, and a love-struck Officer Lockland are all hard enough to believe, but imagine a situation so dire that only Officer Parrish can save the aforementioned Grint from a lengthy stay in prison. At least, he can - but will he?
And, most unlikely of all, has Commander Hay's long-suffering adjutant finally experienced the first faint stirrings of romance? Is such a thing even possible?
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2022
About the author
Jodi Taylor
76 books4,961 followersJodi 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 182 reviews
December 26, 2022
Although this might not be as Christmassy as some of Jodi Taylor's other Christmas novellas, there is a children's Christmas party where Lieutenant Grint meets Simon, and that sets off a series of wild events in this charming novella. As always Jodi Taylor delivers both comedy and action in this fun, heart-touching, and adventurous story.
We get a great look at the real Lieutenant Grint. He might be a giant, intimidating brute, but he's a marshmallow inside. His quest to help Simon at risk of his career is touching. I love his relationship with Jane. My favorite quote: ‘Grint looked across at her and held her gaze for a long moment. Battered, bruised and in some considerable pain, he raised one amused eyebrow. Jane fell in love with him on the spot.’ So did we, Jane. So did we.
Five stars, of course, for another ride inside the St. Mary's/Time Police universe.
We get a great look at the real Lieutenant Grint. He might be a giant, intimidating brute, but he's a marshmallow inside. His quest to help Simon at risk of his career is touching. I love his relationship with Jane. My favorite quote: ‘Grint looked across at her and held her gaze for a long moment. Battered, bruised and in some considerable pain, he raised one amused eyebrow. Jane fell in love with him on the spot.’ So did we, Jane. So did we.
Five stars, of course, for another ride inside the St. Mary's/Time Police universe.
December 25, 2022
*whispers* I didn't really like this one.
It lacked the whimsy of the traditional St Mary's Christmas story, and in fact didn't really feel that Christmassy at all. I like the TP characters usually, but here they just felt a bit insubstantial - as though they're running around aimlessly in a plot that's a bit loose on detail. It lacked conviction, and as a result it lost my interest.
Look,it gets a 3 star just for being set in the St Mary's/TP world but I really missed Max and the more sentimental Christmas short stories I've grown to love reading every year. It's a tradition at this point.
It lacked the whimsy of the traditional St Mary's Christmas story, and in fact didn't really feel that Christmassy at all. I like the TP characters usually, but here they just felt a bit insubstantial - as though they're running around aimlessly in a plot that's a bit loose on detail. It lacked conviction, and as a result it lost my interest.
Look,it gets a 3 star just for being set in the St Mary's/TP world but I really missed Max and the more sentimental Christmas short stories I've grown to love reading every year. It's a tradition at this point.
January 17, 2023
Ah, these short but highly entertaining Christmas stories are always more than welcome!
It's Christmas (yes, I know I'm late, sue me) and the Time Police has decided / possible been roped into giving a Christmas party complete with funny games for the children of an orphanage. It's none other than Lt. Grint who makes a fateful acquaintance that ends with him, Jane and temporal anomaly causing mayhem ... or potentially saving the day. Depending on whose report it is you're reading in the end. ;)
Another great short story with lots of chuckle-worthy shenanigans . Hip-hip-hooray!
It's Christmas (yes, I know I'm late, sue me) and the Time Police has decided / possible been roped into giving a Christmas party complete with funny games for the children of an orphanage. It's none other than Lt. Grint who makes a fateful acquaintance that ends with him, Jane and temporal anomaly causing mayhem ... or potentially saving the day. Depending on whose report it is you're reading in the end. ;)
Another great short story with lots of chuckle-worthy shenanigans . Hip-hip-hooray!
December 27, 2022
Don't let the title fool you. This is not really a Christmas story, however it does have a Christmas party for Orphans where Grint is bombarded by orphans who much like cats found the one person in the room that liked them the least to attach on to.
Wanted to build some good will with the citizens after some bad press after a few explosions and muck ups. How best to do this throw a time police Christmas party with some of the orphans down the street. When Grint meets Simon he bonds with the kid a little bit and looks in on him a little later to find that his mom has not come to get him yet and he still hasn't gotten a trip to the seaside he was promised. Taking matters into his own hands would be wrong...wouldn't it? Well too late once you have bee under your bonnet so to speak it is time to form a plan.
Shenanigan's ensue as a trip to the seaside stirs up a hornets nest, as non-family members are definitely not allowed to take kids out on outings. Jane tags along since she initially wanted to talk Grint out of the trip but ended up going along sorta on a date. The time bubble was unexpected by everyone in the time police but apparently everyone else in the time traveling world figured it out.
All is well that ends well though and in usual time police fashion they will stumble there way to the finish line and possibly get some good publicity out of it in the meantime.
Wanted to build some good will with the citizens after some bad press after a few explosions and muck ups. How best to do this throw a time police Christmas party with some of the orphans down the street. When Grint meets Simon he bonds with the kid a little bit and looks in on him a little later to find that his mom has not come to get him yet and he still hasn't gotten a trip to the seaside he was promised. Taking matters into his own hands would be wrong...wouldn't it? Well too late once you have bee under your bonnet so to speak it is time to form a plan.
Shenanigan's ensue as a trip to the seaside stirs up a hornets nest, as non-family members are definitely not allowed to take kids out on outings. Jane tags along since she initially wanted to talk Grint out of the trip but ended up going along sorta on a date. The time bubble was unexpected by everyone in the time police but apparently everyone else in the time traveling world figured it out.
All is well that ends well though and in usual time police fashion they will stumble there way to the finish line and possibly get some good publicity out of it in the meantime.
January 17, 2023
These xmastime time-travel shorts are a staple of my diet, now, and yet, this one was late! Alas!
Fortunately, we still get a Tiny Tim story and a bubble universe, so all's good. :)
Fortunately, we still get a Tiny Tim story and a bubble universe, so all's good. :)
December 25, 2022
St Mary's still does it better.
I'm not saying this Christmas story wasn't good, I'm just saying that I missed Max, Peterson and Markham.
Anyway, for their first Christmas story/party the Time Police did well.
I'm not saying this Christmas story wasn't good, I'm just saying that I missed Max, Peterson and Markham.
Anyway, for their first Christmas story/party the Time Police did well.
February 9, 2024
This is my favorite of the Jodi Taylor Christmas season novellas. It’s all Time Police with no involvement of St. Mary’s, and is thus different in tone from the usual holiday romps, but is delightful and just whets my appetite for the next novel.
December 28, 2022
I have a BookTube channel where I review books, give reading suggestions, and more! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/dragonarmybooks
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Every Christmas I look forward to reading the new Jodi Taylor short story. This year, I was even more excited because we got our first Time Police Christmas story!
I'm seeing some reviewers complain that it wasn't "Christmassy" enough. I didn't even realize that until I read some reviews because I was sucked into the story. Jodi is just so good with writing fun characters with big personalities and placing them in dramatic occasions. Lt. Grint and Jane are at the center of the drama this Christmas time. And not only at the center of the drama, they are also at the center of a time bubble that is rapidly collapsing. Hopefully they can escape in time...or else!
I love this world. And I love this author. And will blindly read anything she writes in these series.
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Every Christmas I look forward to reading the new Jodi Taylor short story. This year, I was even more excited because we got our first Time Police Christmas story!
I'm seeing some reviewers complain that it wasn't "Christmassy" enough. I didn't even realize that until I read some reviews because I was sucked into the story. Jodi is just so good with writing fun characters with big personalities and placing them in dramatic occasions. Lt. Grint and Jane are at the center of the drama this Christmas time. And not only at the center of the drama, they are also at the center of a time bubble that is rapidly collapsing. Hopefully they can escape in time...or else!
I love this world. And I love this author. And will blindly read anything she writes in these series.
December 25, 2022
It isn’t Christmas without a short story by Jodi Taylor! I have no idea how she keeps writing such brilliant books and stories and for the series and spin offs to continue to be just as amazing so far in as they were at the beginning but somehow she succeeds. This was a fun tale with lots of hilarity (I may have laughed out loud at a certain plastic chair/weapon incident) and some festive cheer thrown in too. Merry Christmas everyone!
April 14, 2023
I loved this! Grint really is a big old softie inside :D.
December 29, 2022
I love all things Jodi Taylor and her annual Christmas short story is a highlight. Instead of the traditional St Mary's illegal Christmas jump, we get the Time Police on their scariest mission yet, organising a Christmas party for a bunch of orphans to show the softer side (yes, that's right) of the bastard law enforcers. A Christmas party, an orphanage boy waiting for his mother. The taciturn Lt Grint finally has a glimmer of sympathy, but it could get him into deep trouble and he might drag others down with him - if they survive.
December 25, 2022
....'a giant called Uncle Lieutenant and his friend Jane.’
Lieutenant Grint has been one of my favorite Time Police characters ever since he gave the best description of Wuthering Heights back in Saving Time Book 3 of The Time Police:
"Grint frowned ‘Is that the one where everyone lives in the kitchen and shouts at each other across the moors?’‘.......Everyone hates everyone else, right? I don’t know why they didn’t just call it a day and come in out of the rain.’
Was so fun to see him featured in a story. He's a Ginormous Cinnamon Roll: "And well done for not being what people expect you to be. Sometimes you just have to say to people, “No, this is how I am. Live with it.”
And yes I did miss Max. But I always miss her when's she not on page.
Lieutenant Grint has been one of my favorite Time Police characters ever since he gave the best description of Wuthering Heights back in Saving Time Book 3 of The Time Police:
"Grint frowned ‘Is that the one where everyone lives in the kitchen and shouts at each other across the moors?’‘.......Everyone hates everyone else, right? I don’t know why they didn’t just call it a day and come in out of the rain.’
Was so fun to see him featured in a story. He's a Ginormous Cinnamon Roll: "And well done for not being what people expect you to be. Sometimes you just have to say to people, “No, this is how I am. Live with it.”
And yes I did miss Max. But I always miss her when's she not on page.
January 2, 2023
Super fun, title says it all. I wasn’t so sure about Grint and Jane. But this little Christmas story may seal the deal. May, because, Luke. Turns out that Grint has a great big heart, despite being big fellow/Time Police.
Truly love the misfits of Jodi Taylor’s worlds always getting the job done despite themselves. And hurrah that this was my first read of 2023.
Truly love the misfits of Jodi Taylor’s worlds always getting the job done despite themselves. And hurrah that this was my first read of 2023.
December 26, 2022
Fun story
Not so much related to Christmas as I would have liked, but a fun read to relax during the holidays
Not so much related to Christmas as I would have liked, but a fun read to relax during the holidays
January 10, 2023
Hysterical
I can barely write this review because I am laughing so hard. Thank you, Jodi Taylor. I read this one in a single day and absolutely loved it!
I can barely write this review because I am laughing so hard. Thank you, Jodi Taylor. I read this one in a single day and absolutely loved it!
December 1, 2023
A cute stand-alone holiday story in the Time Police series!
December 31, 2022
Meh. It was alright. I'm not nearly the fan of the Time Police that I am of St Mary's. I missed the antics of Markham, Peterson, and Max during the holidays. This book was alright. Just meh.
January 29, 2023
Love love.
February 26, 2023
Nice to see a different side to the Time Police.
December 28, 2022
If you haven't allowed yourself the pleasure of reading some—or all—of the books of The Chronicles of St. Mary's and/or The Time Police by Jodi Taylor, you have been depriving yourself. Taylor is a creative and prolific purveyor of slapstick and of humor, both dry and sopping wet.
Characters of both series overlap in a wondrous combination of science fiction, history, and police non-procedural. The St. Mary's group is a bunch of scientists and historians who travel up and down the timeline to visit historical events to test the truth of history. Meanwhile, the Time Police is a gun-happy paramilitary organization from St. Mary's future that travels up and down the timeline to catch and punish unauthorized time travelers. They are perfectly willing to include St. Mary's in this category. The rivalries between the two culminate in one or the other group saving the bacon of the other just about equally during their adventures.
Taylor has been celebrating Christmas for years by writing a long short story or a novella featuring characters from these series and another which showcases her own spectacularly wacky humor in a holiday setting. Santa Grint stars Lieutenant Grint, an over-sized Time Police officer with social anxiety, a lack of social graces, a terror of children, and an undeclared girlfriend—participating in his commander's possibly ill-advised plan to throw a Christmas party for orphans in the least festive place in London—Time Police Headquarters—and celebrated by the least festive people in London—the dreaded Time Police.
Grint finds himself drawn to Simon, a small boy on crutches who is awaiting the return of his lost mother, his promised operation, and a trip to the seaside when all is accomplished. Months later Grint finds the boy's gloves in his dress uniform pocket and decides to see how Simon is doing. It turns out that nothing has happened as Simon has hoped. He is distressed, angry, lonely, and estranged from all his classmates. Immediately, Grint decides he has to solve Simon's problems. Unfortunately, the orphanage director sees Grint's attention as alarming.
As happens in Taylor's adventures, misunderstandings, misdirections, red herrings, and wild hares abound. A kidnapping coverup uncovers a time manipulation, a reunion, a disaster, and another thrilling, yet hilarious conclusion.
You really have to treat yourself to some of Jodi's Christmas tales to see that you simply must dive into the two time travel series—but DON'T call it time travel! If you don't start reading Jodi Taylor, you will be short-changing yourself. Jodi's books are too good to miss. Read them all, starting with Santa Grint.
KL
Characters of both series overlap in a wondrous combination of science fiction, history, and police non-procedural. The St. Mary's group is a bunch of scientists and historians who travel up and down the timeline to visit historical events to test the truth of history. Meanwhile, the Time Police is a gun-happy paramilitary organization from St. Mary's future that travels up and down the timeline to catch and punish unauthorized time travelers. They are perfectly willing to include St. Mary's in this category. The rivalries between the two culminate in one or the other group saving the bacon of the other just about equally during their adventures.
Taylor has been celebrating Christmas for years by writing a long short story or a novella featuring characters from these series and another which showcases her own spectacularly wacky humor in a holiday setting. Santa Grint stars Lieutenant Grint, an over-sized Time Police officer with social anxiety, a lack of social graces, a terror of children, and an undeclared girlfriend—participating in his commander's possibly ill-advised plan to throw a Christmas party for orphans in the least festive place in London—Time Police Headquarters—and celebrated by the least festive people in London—the dreaded Time Police.
Grint finds himself drawn to Simon, a small boy on crutches who is awaiting the return of his lost mother, his promised operation, and a trip to the seaside when all is accomplished. Months later Grint finds the boy's gloves in his dress uniform pocket and decides to see how Simon is doing. It turns out that nothing has happened as Simon has hoped. He is distressed, angry, lonely, and estranged from all his classmates. Immediately, Grint decides he has to solve Simon's problems. Unfortunately, the orphanage director sees Grint's attention as alarming.
As happens in Taylor's adventures, misunderstandings, misdirections, red herrings, and wild hares abound. A kidnapping coverup uncovers a time manipulation, a reunion, a disaster, and another thrilling, yet hilarious conclusion.
You really have to treat yourself to some of Jodi's Christmas tales to see that you simply must dive into the two time travel series—but DON'T call it time travel! If you don't start reading Jodi Taylor, you will be short-changing yourself. Jodi's books are too good to miss. Read them all, starting with Santa Grint.
KL
December 26, 2022
I started off the year with Heartless and I’m ending it with The Time Police! What a good end to the year!
Merry Christmas All!!
It’s that time of the year where we sit down in front of the fireplace with our hot chocolate, bring out our kindles and read the most anticipated read of the season “Santa Grint”!!
I never thought that Grint could stoop to the disastrous level, that is Team 236 and, well he did, and this time taking half of Team 236 with him. Not mentioning the many allegations he’s caused himself, I’m not surprised he isn’t on a list somewhere. This hilariously, dark humour short story made my Christmas!
Okay…well…for starters I don’t know how many times I’ve said this but I’m going to physically throw up if I read another Grint or Jane love story. NOOOO!! Everyone is right!! They are a odd couple and shouldn’t be together!!!
But, and I am reluctantly saying this, they are kinda cute and Grint really does care about her, which is sweet…I guess.
My god the start was hilarious! I never thought I would read about Time Police Officers in Santa hats and reindeer horns 🤣🤣 I could really feel the holiday spirit emanating out of them. What got me, was was that they decorated the Christmas tree in police tape! They really do have the creative flare. I mean ‘unique’ is one way to describe it 🤣 Who’d thought that the fearsome, utter bastard, Time Police’s weakness was trying to teach kids how to eat jelly🤣 and Omg Grint singing “away in a manger” and Luke Parrish absolutely cracking up behind the Christmas tree 🤣 I’M DEAD!!💀The Christmas party was class I loved it! I would definitely say that’s the best scene in the book! The dark humour though, had me dying 🤣🤣
I will say though, it wasn’t really a Christmas book. Only the first 20 pages was based around Christmas and then the rest happened in spring! I really wished it was just solely Christmas based, that would of been amazing!
Overall a lovely read for Christmas Day and one of the best Christmas presents I could of received from Jodi Taylor!! Thank you!! 5 stars out of how many Time Police Officers does it take to entertain 30 kids 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
FYI, this was in fact the fastest book I’ve ever read - a day!! Bathe in this glory now as this will never happen again.
Merry Christmas All!!
It’s that time of the year where we sit down in front of the fireplace with our hot chocolate, bring out our kindles and read the most anticipated read of the season “Santa Grint”!!
I never thought that Grint could stoop to the disastrous level, that is Team 236 and, well he did, and this time taking half of Team 236 with him. Not mentioning the many allegations he’s caused himself, I’m not surprised he isn’t on a list somewhere. This hilariously, dark humour short story made my Christmas!
Okay…well…for starters I don’t know how many times I’ve said this but I’m going to physically throw up if I read another Grint or Jane love story. NOOOO!! Everyone is right!! They are a odd couple and shouldn’t be together!!!
But, and I am reluctantly saying this, they are kinda cute and Grint really does care about her, which is sweet…I guess.
My god the start was hilarious! I never thought I would read about Time Police Officers in Santa hats and reindeer horns 🤣🤣 I could really feel the holiday spirit emanating out of them. What got me, was was that they decorated the Christmas tree in police tape! They really do have the creative flare. I mean ‘unique’ is one way to describe it 🤣 Who’d thought that the fearsome, utter bastard, Time Police’s weakness was trying to teach kids how to eat jelly🤣 and Omg Grint singing “away in a manger” and Luke Parrish absolutely cracking up behind the Christmas tree 🤣 I’M DEAD!!💀The Christmas party was class I loved it! I would definitely say that’s the best scene in the book! The dark humour though, had me dying 🤣🤣
I will say though, it wasn’t really a Christmas book. Only the first 20 pages was based around Christmas and then the rest happened in spring! I really wished it was just solely Christmas based, that would of been amazing!
Overall a lovely read for Christmas Day and one of the best Christmas presents I could of received from Jodi Taylor!! Thank you!! 5 stars out of how many Time Police Officers does it take to entertain 30 kids 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
FYI, this was in fact the fastest book I’ve ever read - a day!! Bathe in this glory now as this will never happen again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
One of my favorite series is “The St. Mary’s Chronicles” and “The Time Police” spinoff. The quirky characters, the inventive plots and the Sci-Fi/Fantasy always provide a welcome break to more serious reading.
In this volume, the administration of St. Mary’s have decided that they need to do something to enhance the Institute’s public image. Since it has been long enough for people to forget some of the details of their last community gathering, it is decided to host a Christmas Party for the children of the “Little Petals Home for Residential Children.” The Institute personnel are assigned on a one to three basis for the event to be escorts and minders. LT. Grint (also known as LT. Mountain) is assigned to a group that includes a young boy with bad legs and crutches named Simon. Simon tells Grint that he is gong to have surgery and then his mother is going to take him to see the sea. A few months later, Grint discovers Simon’s gloves in his pocket. When he tries to return them, he discovers a sullen, hostile Simon who has had the surgery to fix his legs but his mom has never come back. It’s not log before Grint is planning a break out and a trip to the sea. Officer Jane Lockland decides to go along. Then they discover a time fault. The rest of the book involves saving Simon’s mom and in the process saving the world.
Released on Christmas Day, this is a true Christmas present. I always enjoy a book from this series. Although this is not as good as some of the other Christmas books in the series, it was still a fully enjoyable read. I missed some characters from other books don’t appear, this book proved to be a worthy substitute. Recommend to readers who enjoy Science Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel and Christas.
In this volume, the administration of St. Mary’s have decided that they need to do something to enhance the Institute’s public image. Since it has been long enough for people to forget some of the details of their last community gathering, it is decided to host a Christmas Party for the children of the “Little Petals Home for Residential Children.” The Institute personnel are assigned on a one to three basis for the event to be escorts and minders. LT. Grint (also known as LT. Mountain) is assigned to a group that includes a young boy with bad legs and crutches named Simon. Simon tells Grint that he is gong to have surgery and then his mother is going to take him to see the sea. A few months later, Grint discovers Simon’s gloves in his pocket. When he tries to return them, he discovers a sullen, hostile Simon who has had the surgery to fix his legs but his mom has never come back. It’s not log before Grint is planning a break out and a trip to the sea. Officer Jane Lockland decides to go along. Then they discover a time fault. The rest of the book involves saving Simon’s mom and in the process saving the world.
Released on Christmas Day, this is a true Christmas present. I always enjoy a book from this series. Although this is not as good as some of the other Christmas books in the series, it was still a fully enjoyable read. I missed some characters from other books don’t appear, this book proved to be a worthy substitute. Recommend to readers who enjoy Science Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel and Christas.
December 27, 2022
Now I have all caught up with both the Time Police and St Mary's series, I have the added delight of pre-ordering the Christmas day short, and devouring same between lunch and the King's (wow that's odd to type) Speech. This is the second year running and, now, a new Christmas tradition for me :)
So... The Time Police and a Christmas Party for under privileged kids. What could possibly go wrong...?
Actually, apart from Lt Grint meeting Simon and, as much as it confuses me to type this, bonding with him, the party is actually quite (not all) tame...! Even with the toad.
It's what happens next that's the "fun" part... And more than this I am not saying. Suffice to say that madness and mayhem ensue and more than a few friendly (and otherwise) faces pop up to join in the fun! Oh and I laughed out loud more than I should have...
Only thing is, it wasn't as Christmassy (apart from the party) and it didn't involve Max and others sneaking off in Leon's pod to do naughty things. But I guess in itself it was a well worthy short and, although not what I was quite expecting, it did keep me wholly occupied for the duration and left me satisfied at the end. Hence the 5 stars. That said, I do hope normal service is resumed (re Max and St Mary's shenanigans) come Christmas 2023...
So... The Time Police and a Christmas Party for under privileged kids. What could possibly go wrong...?
Actually, apart from Lt Grint meeting Simon and, as much as it confuses me to type this, bonding with him, the party is actually quite (not all) tame...! Even with the toad.
It's what happens next that's the "fun" part... And more than this I am not saying. Suffice to say that madness and mayhem ensue and more than a few friendly (and otherwise) faces pop up to join in the fun! Oh and I laughed out loud more than I should have...
Only thing is, it wasn't as Christmassy (apart from the party) and it didn't involve Max and others sneaking off in Leon's pod to do naughty things. But I guess in itself it was a well worthy short and, although not what I was quite expecting, it did keep me wholly occupied for the duration and left me satisfied at the end. Hence the 5 stars. That said, I do hope normal service is resumed (re Max and St Mary's shenanigans) come Christmas 2023...
December 30, 2022
The last thing that Grint expects is that orphans attending the terrifying Christmas Party will attach themselves to him. But they do. Most particularly, Simon, who, Tiny Tim style is on crutches. All Simon wants for Christmas is his mum and a trip to the seaside once his legs are better, he doesn’t even open his present from Santa (not played by Grint). Before you know it, the party is over, but Grint’s attachment to Simon, surprisingly, isn’t.
Come March, Jane gets a day off and decides to go shopping. That’s when she spots Grint, Simon in tow, much as he shouldn’t be. Against all her best intentions, and instruction from Bolshy Jane, Jane ends up going with Grint and Simon to the seaside where they believe Simon’s mum might be.
The double load of candyfloss is the surprise, and that’s when things get worse and bubble universes with all they imply ensue. Along with madcap and mayhem.
This is a typical Time Police outing, i.e. nothing goes right. A comedy of errors. And I did laugh out loud. There are some wonderful and unexpected barbs, and Ms Steel makes a surprising appearance, not to mention the connection with Farenden.
Read this in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend.
Come March, Jane gets a day off and decides to go shopping. That’s when she spots Grint, Simon in tow, much as he shouldn’t be. Against all her best intentions, and instruction from Bolshy Jane, Jane ends up going with Grint and Simon to the seaside where they believe Simon’s mum might be.
The double load of candyfloss is the surprise, and that’s when things get worse and bubble universes with all they imply ensue. Along with madcap and mayhem.
This is a typical Time Police outing, i.e. nothing goes right. A comedy of errors. And I did laugh out loud. There are some wonderful and unexpected barbs, and Ms Steel makes a surprising appearance, not to mention the connection with Farenden.
Read this in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend.
March 17, 2024
I Love this book...I Love all of them...any of them...every one of them...moremoremore!!!
Flaws, yes. I guess I just don't care much anymore. I Love these books. I Love both series I have read and all the short stories that tend to ,helpfully, fill in some gaps...not all of them, for sure, but some major gaps....even though I already said that.
This authors writing hits me where my past converges with my present and perhaps my future? I feel these books reflect the world today as it relates to its past and prepares for an uncertain, mysterious, frightening and still exciting future. The point of these series on one level anyway.
My husband and I have shared three weekends...up late and starting as soon as we wake, reading these books aloud to one another.
We laugh...tearfully...cry...tearfully...laugh again and cry again....over and over...
The writing is fun, funny, tugs at the heart...is violent, bloody, horrifying at times and still...resonates.
Cannot recommended these books....alk of them...highly enough...ever ...highly enough.
Treat yourself to Jodi Taylor's inventions as a balm to everyday life...it is worth the trip!
Flaws, yes. I guess I just don't care much anymore. I Love these books. I Love both series I have read and all the short stories that tend to ,helpfully, fill in some gaps...not all of them, for sure, but some major gaps....even though I already said that.
This authors writing hits me where my past converges with my present and perhaps my future? I feel these books reflect the world today as it relates to its past and prepares for an uncertain, mysterious, frightening and still exciting future. The point of these series on one level anyway.
My husband and I have shared three weekends...up late and starting as soon as we wake, reading these books aloud to one another.
We laugh...tearfully...cry...tearfully...laugh again and cry again....over and over...
The writing is fun, funny, tugs at the heart...is violent, bloody, horrifying at times and still...resonates.
Cannot recommended these books....alk of them...highly enough...ever ...highly enough.
Treat yourself to Jodi Taylor's inventions as a balm to everyday life...it is worth the trip!
December 29, 2022
I did, for the most part, really liked this short story. I absolutely love Jodi Taylor. This one kind of lost my interest about a third of the way through. Therefore, had no motivation to continue much during that time; only read a few pages. It could have been all the other responsibilities I had for the holidays; it didn't hold my interest so much in the middle. However, give it a chance because it picks up nicely towards the downturn. Still an enjoyable & nice holiday feel read. I sort of wished it had been released earlier than the actual holiday because most of us have so many things going on during the holiday, some of us have only short shots at reading, LOL I realize that this ages me, but maybe not. I don't want to assume anything these days. I will say to literary and visonary people everywhere that hoping to WOW people everywhere with your latest release - please, it's not for the people extensively involved in the holiday celebrations & meals. My goodness, we have enough on our plate without including the latest... Thanks, much appreciated.
May 21, 2023
Oh, this was absolutely wonderful!
I laughed so much throughout this brilliant little story, especially at the way poor Lt. Grint had to cope with everything.
I loved how he was determined to make everything right for young Simon, & how Jane did her best to protect Grint.
This story is bursting with huge dollops of feel-good factor, and is as good as the rather longer books within the Time Police series.
There's more series by the pen (or laptop?) of Jodi Taylor, that I still need to read, but I've got another DUO book, that's just been released - this time, its: Halo of Light - Cin and Gui, by N. A. Grotepas.
The Delta Underground Operatives series is as wonderful in its own way, as Jodi Taylor's oh, so English, time-traveling Historians and Time Police series' are, so I'm very spoilt for choice in my reading matter right now.
So, I'm off to read this new DUO book, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it, then!
I laughed so much throughout this brilliant little story, especially at the way poor Lt. Grint had to cope with everything.
I loved how he was determined to make everything right for young Simon, & how Jane did her best to protect Grint.
This story is bursting with huge dollops of feel-good factor, and is as good as the rather longer books within the Time Police series.
There's more series by the pen (or laptop?) of Jodi Taylor, that I still need to read, but I've got another DUO book, that's just been released - this time, its: Halo of Light - Cin and Gui, by N. A. Grotepas.
The Delta Underground Operatives series is as wonderful in its own way, as Jodi Taylor's oh, so English, time-traveling Historians and Time Police series' are, so I'm very spoilt for choice in my reading matter right now.
So, I'm off to read this new DUO book, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it, then!
December 15, 2023
After learning about a forthcoming book five, I needed an immediate infusion of Time Police humor and mayhem: Captain Farenden’s long-suffering briefings of Commander Hay, grim TP officers attempting to plan a mission [party] against adversaries [children], well-intentioned efforts going horribly awry, last-minute saves and improbable rises to a challenge… This one has it all.
I love this Christmas novella’s version of Tiny Tim and that Lt. Grint gets on-brand blunders and growth. Luke continues to be both appalling (though it’s entertaining to watch him attempt to charm Varma) and capable of growth. Jane and Matthew are, as ever, delightful, easy-to-underestimate weirdos.
Can't go for five stars, though. Does everybody really need to be paired off romantically? If they absolutely must, maybe some could be queer? And don't get me started on a major secretly dating a lieutenant... barf.
I love this Christmas novella’s version of Tiny Tim and that Lt. Grint gets on-brand blunders and growth. Luke continues to be both appalling (though it’s entertaining to watch him attempt to charm Varma) and capable of growth. Jane and Matthew are, as ever, delightful, easy-to-underestimate weirdos.
Can't go for five stars, though. Does everybody really need to be paired off romantically? If they absolutely must, maybe some could be queer? And don't get me started on a major secretly dating a lieutenant... barf.
December 28, 2022
This year we get our first Time Police Christmas short story! Author Jodi Taylor has been serving up a short story on Christmas Day for a number of years now from her long-running Chronicles of St. Mary's series. This year the story is part of the spinoff Time Police series.
The hapless Time Police decide to hold their first-ever Children's Christmas Party. Don't even think about what could go wrong with that! The answer, of course, is PLENTY!
But both series are humorous so be prepared to giggle whilst reading this little gem!
And just when I was sure that the Chronicles of St. Mary's series had ended because the Christmas short story was from the newer series, at the very close of Santa Grint book fourteen in the Chronicles of St. Mary's The Good, The Bad, and The History was announced and is scheduled to be published in June 2023! What an added bonus! :)
The hapless Time Police decide to hold their first-ever Children's Christmas Party. Don't even think about what could go wrong with that! The answer, of course, is PLENTY!
But both series are humorous so be prepared to giggle whilst reading this little gem!
And just when I was sure that the Chronicles of St. Mary's series had ended because the Christmas short story was from the newer series, at the very close of Santa Grint book fourteen in the Chronicles of St. Mary's The Good, The Bad, and The History was announced and is scheduled to be published in June 2023! What an added bonus! :)
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