A madcap new slant on history that seems to be everyone’s cup of tea… Behind the seemingly innocuous façade of St Mary’s, a different kind of historical research is taking place. They don’t do ‘time-travel’ – they ‘investigate major historical events in contemporary time’. Maintaining the appearance of harmless eccentrics is not always within their power – especially given their propensity for … for causing loud explosions when things get too quiet. Meet the disaster-magnets of St Mary’s Institute of Historical Research as they ricochet around History. Their aim is to observe and document – to try and find the answers to many of History’s unanswered questions…and not to die in the process. But one wrong move and History will fight back – to the death. And, as they soon discover – it’s not just History they’re fighting. Follow the catastrophe curve from eleventh-century London to World War I, and from the Cretaceous Period to the destruction of the Great Library at Alexandria. For wherever Historians go, chaos is sure to follow in their wake … “History is just one damned thing after another” – Arnold Toynbee
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Just One Damned Thing After Another is a fabulous novel centered on historians traveling back in time to see what really happened. The heroine is a delight, as are the many secondary characters. The title is accurate: Every time you think a problem has been solved, another often worse one pops up. It’s a terrifically exciting, sometimes heartbreaking, and altogether exhausting story, but in a good way. Highly recommended. There are ten books in the series so far, so lots of enthralling reading ahead!
Can’t get enough of this series. The premise is original, the characters are whimsical in all the best ways. One caveat: the author kills off characters, people you’ve grown to love.
I love history and keep my phone handy so I can look up events in the series. Learned new things, like the Gates of Grief, and remembered historical events I forgot. Watching Victoria on Masterpiece and excited about Crystal Palace. Thank you can’t wait for 10…already preordered!
Love the idea of historians going back in time to view events! Can hardly wait to read book 2
Great talent!
This is the first of a series. It was sufficiently engaging that I’ve bought and finished the second in the series as well. Distinctly and uncompromisingly British this gives, at least for American readers, a familiar sci fi treatment fresh dialog and characters. The plot was surprisingly complex but still easy to follow. It’s a fun read.
Interesting intro to this series. Interesting premise for sure.
Loved the characters! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
This is just a fun book. Fun premise with a likable, flawed main character. Others have given a synopsis, I will just say I enjoyed it enough to immediately order the next in the series.
Love the series. I am bothered that the author thinks eating and sleeping are more important than writing new books. Very selfish.
I LOVED this book. Max and her fellow historians were so fun to “hang out” with. I I could definitely see myself as one of her St. Mary’s team. The authenticity of the each visit was amazing. The characters are believable and each book is truly a page-turner. Ms. Taylor can build a very complex world; yet, does not weigh down the action. Max and her cohort are funny and very witty. I cried and laughed and celebrated right along with they all.
I read the first four of the series in about a week. I just purchased the fifth and can’t wait to start it.
I liked a story about time travel for the sake of history.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit and look forward to reading more in the series. I originally rated it three stars as it did not leave me with a ‘wow’ feeling that I think a five-star book does (for me) but am bumping to four after pondering it as writing this. Definitely liked Madelaine Maxwell, the main character, and thought the title was a hoot. I like this topic and also like Connie Willis’ writing; this book reminded me of her style, only a little better organized (a good thing).
A roller coaster ride with loops! Funny and realistic characters you wish you had in your life. Great comedy, deeply tragic in places, awesome alternate historical events. Hard to put down, so I didn’t. Another lost weekend!
I loved everything about this book, well really the entire series is so much fun to read. I even learned a little history in there too!
Knocked my socks off. It made me laugh, made me tear up, and had me on the edge of my seat more than once.
I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t get off the couch. I devoured this book in a single sitting. It held me captive in the best possible way!
Jodi Taylor is my new favorite author. The characters are real, human, funny and tragic. You may even learn some history.
It isnt often that one can select most of the “what did you like about this book” boxes, but then it isnt often one comes across a story that is at once a futuristic, historical, romantic, mystery, thriller, laugh out loud comedy, tragedy, and possible semi-fantasy. As if watching the author adeptly juggle all these balls to hysterical results isn’t enough, the plotting, character development, dialogue and timing are spot on.
I share Leon’s feelings about not wanting to live in a world without Max. Jodi Taylor, write faster please.
How did I not know about this series sooner? Fast paced and fun, following the characters throughout time, I can’t wait to get the next installment!