A Second Chance
by Jodi Taylor (Accent, 2014)
audiobook read by Zara Ramm (Headline, 2020)
The by-now-familiar mix of frivolous hijinks, serious historical study, unfolding PTSD, and loose-hose timey-wimey plot spray. The first two elements are better-handled than the last, wherein a dual sense of disconnect/extemporisation prevents the characters from truly soaring. Still, it’s a heady concoction.
A Symphony of Echoes
by Jodi Taylor (Accent, 2013); audiobook read by Zara Ramm (Headline, 2021)
St Mary’s babbles along happily, its collective personality submersed once again within Max’s narrative brook. The missions incorporate both genuine suspense and frivolous light relief (indistinguishable in advance). The upshot is quirky chaos and an overriding, flatpacked plot arc resistant of assembly.
Just One Damned Thing After Another
by Jodi Taylor (Accent, 2013); audiobook read by Zara Ramm (Bolinda, 2014)
Taylor’s first-person narrative voice is good-humoured and enjoyably raffish. Max and St Mary’s have real personality. However, the plot reeks faintly of extemporisation and the character foreshadowing is often rather overt. Clumsy word juxtapositions detract from the prose, leaving a pulpy impression.