Title: An Argumentation of Historians (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #9) 

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2018

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 440

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Random TBR Pick; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Reading in PJs

Behind the seemingly innocuous facade of St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research, a different kind of academic work is taking place. Just don’t call it “time travel”, these historians “investigate major historical events in contemporary time.” And they aren’t your harmless eccentrics either; a more accurate description, as they ricochet around history, might be unintentional disaster-magnets. 

From Tudor England to the burning city of Persepolis, from a medieval St. Mary’s under siege to Victorian Rushford and a very nasty case of gaol fever, Max is struggling to keep her private life intact. There’s an ambitious program hindered by giant teapots, plus Mrs. Midgely’s objection to dead hamsters in her airing cupboard, and Mr. Markham’s stubborn refusal to reveal his exact marital status. 

And as if that’s not enough, the unfortunately not leprosy-laden Malcolm Halcombe is back. Admittedly, none of this is the most secure platform from which to launch an initiative to bring down the renegade Clive Ronan, but hey, what’s the worst that could happen?

Oh goodness. I was breathless speeding my way through the last 100 pages of this one. I did not see any of that coming!!! Truly a splendid volume full of historical adventures, quiet moments, major twists, a big reveal, the return of a few characters, and plenty of references to past adventures. I am completely stunned and in agony. This volume focused a lot on Max and we get tons of reflective moments from her. I loved the attempt at bringing together a ton of storylines and issues from the past. I can’t wait to see what happens next! And darn it! One of these days Ronan will see his end.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

• #0.5 The Very First Damned Thing

• #1 Just One Damned Thing After Another

• #2 A Symphony of Echoes

• #2.5 When A Child is Born

• #3 A Second Chance

• #3.5 Roman Holiday

• #4 A Trail Through Time

• #4.5 Christmas Present

• #5 No Time Like the Past

• #6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong

• #6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings

• #7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History

• #7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out

• #7.6 My Name is Markham

• #8 And the Rest is History

• #8.5 A Perfect Storm

• #8.6 Christmas Past

• #9 An Argumentation of Historians

• #9.5 Battersea Barricades

• #9.6 The Steam-Pump Jump

• #9.7 And Now For Something Completely Different

• #10 Hope is for the Best

Next up on the TBR pile: