Another fantastic instalment from Jodi Taylor. This story explores the backstory of two beloved characters and it really rounds out their personalities, history and backgrounds, and gives insight into their relationship. Some twists and turns, with plenty more intriguing details and hints of future storylines to come from Taylor’s world.

Two bounty hunters are better than one

Despite being a fan of time travel stories I have only read (and enjoyed) the first novel of the Chronicles of St. Mary’s so far, but this book is the origin story of a pair of side characters, and I found the blurb enticing so it seemed a safe bet to read out of order.
The science fictional elements are at the margins of the story, which instead focuses on the adventures and relationship of the titular pair of characters; this made it an entertaining read despite what my expectations could have been, and I blazed through the pages in just a few evening sessions.
Pennyroyal is an unlikely master, (Lady!) Amelia Smallhope a conflicted apprentice, but the classic relationship develops in unexpected and interesting ways, all at a thunderous pace that never slows down until the satisfying finale.
My only minor gripe with the novel is the way the connections with the main story are introduced, most of the novel is written from Amelia’s perspective and she breaks the fourth wall a couple of times mentioning that some events mentioned in passing are recounted in more detail elsewhere. I found this unnecessary, as the reader would have figured it out anyway, but other than briefly breaking the immersion it didn’t detract from the experience at all. Luckily the pace of events and the protagonist’s inner voice are such that the reader is soon transported onwards and back into the main story.
I am happy to recommend this book to fans of science fiction and thrillers alike, no matter how familiar they might be with the author’s other work.

Note: I received this book for free as an ARC from #NetGalley but the opinions above are mine and unbiased.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve encountered this pair before in a number of the Time Police and St Mary’s books and wasn’t sure if their odd pairing would end up being too quirky to fully sympathise with. I needn’t have worried – Amelia Smallhope stole my heart by the end of the first chapter. Told in first person through Lady Amelia’s viewpoint, I’d forgotten how much Taylor can tug at my heartstrings – and Amelia’s utterly miserable reverse of fortune through no fault of her own is told with wry humour and painful honesty that held me in that balance between tears and laughter. And she’s now my favourite character, after Jane in the Time Police.

This being Taylor, there was no hanging about to allow the reader to catch her breath. Once Amelia met Pennyroyal, she found herself caroming up and down the timeline tidying up problems. I always enjoy a good time-travelling tale, especially with the occasional time-loop thrown into the mix. Taylor is very good at ramping up the stakes and providing a nicely twisty plot – and this offering is no exception. Any niggles? Nope – not one. I inhaled this one, finding it a welcome escape as I was once more bedbound with a return of my Long Covid symptoms.

If you’re a solid fan of either the Chronicles of St Mary’s or the Time Police series, this is a welcome spinoff that adds a delightful set of escapades with two very sympathetic protagonists. And if you haven’t yet had the pleasure and are wondering whether to commit to yet another series – this book is an ideal way to discover if Taylor’s intense, foot-to-the-floor writing style is for you. Highly recommended for fan of tales set in the near future with lots of humour and action. While I obtained an arc of The Ballad of Smallhope & Pennyroyal from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10

so i haven't read any of jodi taylor's other books. this was probably an ill advised entry point. but it was still very fun!

I adored this book, one of her best.
I had an image of a dowager Duchess for Lady Amelia and a Jeeves type butler for Pennyroyal, but this book put those ideas firmly to bed.
Lots of action, excitement a bit of history and a lot of emotion - I seemed to get something in my eye in the White Garden.
Superb.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. Great writing style, that draws you in and makes you warm to the characters. On a couple of occasions, I was a bit confused and couldn’t join the dots, but hadn’t realised it was part of a series. I think some of the gaps might be filled in other books, but still felt that the explanation was missing as why Pennyroyal targeted Stanhope in the first place. How did he know about her jewels?

Loads going on in this book, but all contributed to the development of the storyline… really funny in places, and very clever too. it was a little long overall but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Deducted 1/2 star for the reason above (motive - yes to get the jewels but why Amelia and how did he find her?) , but otherwise a great read.

4.5* as long as you can cope with the fantasy elements (which I normally avoid)

I’m a massive fan of the Chronicles of St Mary’s series so was really excited to read Taylor’s newest instalment. The series usually focuses on a bunch of historians whose job is to travel back in time to review famous events to see what really happened - but more often than not end up protecting the timeline (in a very chaotic way) from villainous attempts to change history.

This story is a prequel/origin story of two fantastic side characters from the series - Smallhope and Pennyroyal, bounty hunters who recover anyone who’s somewhere (or perhaps more accurately some-when) they shouldn’t be.

The focus is on Lady Smallhope’s origin story and how she went from second-born country gentlewoman to enigmatic and extremely competent ‘recovery agent’, as well as exploring her partnership with butler and assassin Pennyroyal.

Taylor’s writing style is so engaging - she can flip from hilarious to high action to scathing social commentary or a poignant moment so easily. Her characterisation is always superb too - Smallhope and Pennyroyal are flawed and complicated but eminently loveable.

Talking of complicated - how Taylor keeps track of all the series’ characters and their thoughts and feelings over time - when the timeline literally flexes all over the place - is a feat in itself. There are Easter eggs galore in all of her books, references to other characters as well as insight into other scenes or mysteries from the series.

This book in particular is slightly ‘history light’ in terms of content - Smallhope and Pennyroyal aren’t historians themselves so there’s no big trip to specific famous events in time like other books in the series- but my love for the characters and their universe in general kept me going. I’d urge other history nerds like myself to check out the series if you haven’t already, as there are so many books you can get your teeth into and they’re all a joy to read.

Thanks so much to @joditaylorbooks and @headlinebooks for an advanced copy of the book - The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal is out now!

Sorry I know that everyone seems to like this but it just wasn't my type of book.
I didn't like the characters and could not get into the story,
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

Finally the book I have been waiting for - the full backstory on my favourite badass , time travelling recovery agents / security consultants for hire. If you have read the Chronicles of St. Mary's series and the Time Police spin off then you will have encountered Smallhope and Pennyroyal as minor characters who are critical to the storylines and arcs of both series. This book is an ode to them and their complex relationship and I loved it.
We are introduced to Lady Amelia Smallhope at the age of 17 where her life changes drastically with her elder brothers engagement to the despicable Caroline. From there things for Amelia go rapidly downhill, her father dies and she is packed off to an exclusive Swiss finishing school whose only benefits were the networking opportunities it provided her with. Once back at her ancestral home a chance meeting with an enigmatic young man at a family party changes her life forever. From there Pennyroyal scoops Amelia up, introduces her to martinis, time travel and the joys of bounty hunting. There is joy, sorrow, love and betrayal, trust lost and trust regained all wrapped up in a fast paced narrative stretching across time.
There is enough context in the story for this to be read as a standalone, however if you are hooked by this then I can see a new reader drawn into this world. In fact after reading Smallhope and Pennyroyal there are certain books I want to revisit! My one hope is that there is a sequel...

Every time Jodi Taylor begins a new series, I wonder if this will be the one that doesn't land for me. I am always wrong. This was brilliant - full of the humour, action and heart we have come to expect. Loved this origin story for Smallhope and Pennyroyal - easily one of the best friendships of the St Mary's universe. Highly recommend this author's entire bavk catalogue.

I am a huge fan - I have read all of Jodi’s books, and I particularly love the St Mary’s and Time Police series. The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal has been much requested by readers, and hugely anticipated, so it’s a very welcome addition to the team.

It’s great to learn the origins of Smallhope and Pennyroyal’s partnership, and more of the characters’ backgrounds, though there’s more of Smallhope than Pennyroyal’s, so I have my fingers crossed that there will be a part two where it’s told from Pennyroyal’s perspective and, of course, that it turns into another wonderful series.

There are some interesting teasers in there that are just waiting to be unravelled (who is Uncle *****?), wicked villains, and an unexpected hookup. It’s funny and gut wrenching at times, and the ending had me on the edge of my seat - I certainly didn’t see any of that coming!

I love this book! Love, love love it. Jodi is a brilliant and clever writer. I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook - what a fabulous weekend I have ahead of me.

Thank you, Jodi.

To enjoy the complete bonkers-ness of Smallhope & Pennyroyal please make ensure you've read the St Mary's series and or the Time Cop series. Whilst you could read this independently I don't think you'd get the full effectiveness of this "prequel" without knowing about the others series.

Amelia Smallhope is an aristocrat. A maligned, side-lined younger sister, made to be the fally guy for her nefarious sister in law. Pennyroyal just makes me think of Neal Caffrey from White Collar on TV - the eponymous handsome, charming, extremely plausible conman. A con man with serious chutzpah and some muscle when required!

They've made some cameo appearances previously and we know their general background but with this story we get to see how they met, became partners and essentially became the Mr and Mrs Smith of Time Recovery Agents!

The entire backstory of Amelia was just so good. She really should have been the heir, she would have been such a great down-to-earth landed aristo! She knew she had money but didn't think that made her better than anyone else.

Pennyroyal is at times protective big brother and other times crush. He came into her life at the right moment to both save her and open her eyes to own worth. Their scenes with Uncle Albert were so sweet. I don't want to give too much away but you will be hooting and hollering, cheering for our dynamic duo and occasionally wanting to smack them on the back of the head!

The whizzing through time helped move the story at a good pace but I never felt rushed or that I was missing things due to the pacing. Can't wait to get time to do a re-read of St Mary's!

Those of you familiar with The Chronicles of St Mary's will be familiar with Lady Amelia Smallhope and her sidekick Pennyroyal, bounty hunters supreme. But have you ever wondered how they got together? Actually, I hadn't, until I heard of this book, then I was very very interested... This is their origin story... And what a story...!
We start at the beginning... obviously... before they met, when Lady Amelia lived with her family. We watch as that family slowly starts to disintegrate, sped up when her brother marries... and how that disintegration is the catalyst for everything that happens thereafter. How when stealing something already belonging to, but stolen from her, Amelia meets up with a strange butler who, as it happens, is also trying to steal said item... how the two find common ground, and eventually become the duo you have learned to love already...
I loved this book. It's a long old tome but it flashes past at the speed of, um, something quite fast but not mega fast! It's interesting and, most importantly, totally fits with what has come before and what we already know of them. It's exciting, and harrowing, funny, and sad. And all things in between. And lots of trust.
If you are familiar with Jodi Taylor and her often acerbic style of writing, you'll definitely not be disappointed. Her sarcastic, tongue in cheek, attitude shines through once again. Love it!
As it does refer to things that have happened in previous books, it might be better read in sequence with all the other books. If you are new to the author, it would probably be OK as a standalone but you'll be missing out on a lot of the "in humour".
All in all, a cracking addition to a very well loved series. Can't wait for the Christmas Special. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Lady Amelia Smallhope and Pennyroyal -just Pennyroyal- have been popping up in the Jodiverse and saving the day for a while now but where did they come from? What exactly is a recovery agent? How did they become one? Where do they go? This is their story and it’s a corker. I loved all of this, it’s fun, it’s action packed, it’s emotional and it’s full of nerdy Easter eggs that Taylor fans will love. Told mostly from Lady Amelia’s perspective it’s her story in the main, Pennyroyal is allowed to keep some air of his mystery. I hope this isn’t the last we see of this formidable pair.

I love Jodi Taylor and have read the The Chronicles of St. Mary's series many times, so was delighted to spot a new title set in the same world. And I wasn't disappointed. We've met Lady Amelia Smallhope and her partner/butler, Pennyroyal, in several of the St Mary's books, but now we dive into their background and follow them on their time-hopping adventures. Smallhope is rather like a posher, taller version of Max, with the same self-deprecating banter and gung-ho spirit (and even the same red hair!). I devoured this book in one sitting and can't wait to read the next one.

How did Smallhope and Pennyroyal meet? What were their bringing up like?
This is the origin story of these interesting characters from the St. Mary’s and Time Police books.
As someone who is not entirely familiar with the lore, I was able to enjoy this book as a standalone book.
Though, if you would like to start reading all the books in the series, it may be wise not to start with this.
It was overall enjoyable thanks to the action and the atmosphere.
3.5 stars
Plot 3
Characterisation 3
Prose 4
Enjoyability 4

I love all the books by this author and devour any new one. I like the hint of these characters in the St Marys books and so was delighted to read a whole book about them.
Now I want Jodi to write more books about them as well as all the new books she needs to write for the other series.

Rating: 4.5/5

I have previously read a couple of Jodi Taylor's traditional Christmas novellas, but never a full length novel by her. I enjoyed the shorter versions and was impressed with the author's writing style, but I was reticent about reading anything else from the "Chronicles of St Mary's" or "Time Police" without going back to the very beginning of the series. So, when I saw this origin story featuring Smallhope and Pennyroyal, I thought it may offer me the ideal opportunity to read a full-length Jodi Taylor novel without feeling that I was missing out on essential background information by dropping in mid-series - and I am very glad that I did.

At no point while I was reading "The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal" did I ever feel that I was in any way disadvantaged by not being well acquainted with Jodi Taylor's other related works. The story is extremely well-structured and the storytelling abilities of the author are sublime. Were it not for the time travelling elements, this could could quite easily be an example of the type of emotionally engaging dramatic fiction that classic authors such as Hardy, Dickens and Hugo used to produce back in the 19th century. There is drama, witty humour, romance, intrigue, social commentary and ample helpings of adventure and compelling plot developments throughout. Jodi Taylor draws the reader into the world of the two key protagonists wonderfully well. It is fair to say that the audience will likely feel better acquainted with Smallhope rather than the more enigmatic Pennyroyal, but that is, I am sure, a deliberate ploy on the part of the author as well as a consequence of the story being written predominantly from the viewpoint of Smallhope. This is a joy to read and should appeal to anyone who admires quality literary fiction of any genre.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

I have to say I enjoyed this latest Jodi Taylor more than most (but not all) of the others I've read and bear in mind I've not ventured into the Time Police series yet.

Not because it is funnier - it's as much of a giggle-fest as the others; not because the storyline is better - because all Taylor's stories are clever and well-plotted; and not because the characters are better - I love Max and Markham (and even Leon at times) just as much as Smallhope and Pennyroyal.

The sole reason is that there's only sloppy stuff right at the end. I'm afraid, despite it being part of the plot, I get very bored with the sex scenes in the St Mary's books - purely personal taste.

Anyway, in this novel we get an in depth introduction to our two eponymous heroes who, apparently, pop up in various previous books. Both the characters are funny and intelligent and their exploits are excellent. I do love a bit of comedy revenge. It takes us through their initial meeting to their collaboration and beyond.

It's very amusing and has a good, varied plot line that I really looked forward to reading - in fact I rationed myself because I was enjoying it so much. This is the first Taylor I've read rather than listened to but as Zara Ramm is the narrator for the audiobook I'd listen to that too.

This is an excellent addition to the St Mary's/Time Police stable and I'd highly recommend it.

Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Headline for the advance review copy.
Edit Review

I liked this book but it wasn't what I expected. I found it to be simultaneously too similar and too dissimilar to the author's previous works. Too similar in that the main characters felt very like Max and Leon. A beautiful fiery redhead who defends those she loves and a quiet, capable man with a mysterious past. On a couple of occasions Amelia even mentioned what Max would have said if she were there. Too dissimilar in that it was less of a light read than your typical St Mary's book. Violence happens in those books but it is generally a little vague as opposed to the more detailed descriptions in this book. It doesn't happen every time but enough to make it not feel like a light read. There was also more explicit language than usual. I found that without the buffer of any real trips to the past (my usual highlight of a St Mary's book) this was quite a bleak read at times. Especially the ending for the main baddie. There was the humour you would expect from a Jodi Taylor book but it wasn't enough to outweigh the other events.

Characters are divided into the usual clear cut goodies and baddies but they don't feel properly fleshed out. Not even Pennyroyal who is one of the title characters. Maybe there is another book in the works from his point of view but I never felt we got to know him beyond discovering the fridging trope of his motivation. We do learn about Smallhope but other than being informed about the years passing I didn't notice any character development over the circa 16+ years she was away with Pennyroyal.

To get the most out of this book it would be best to be up to date with the St Mary's and Time Police books. It references events from both those series that will make more sense to you if you have read the other books first and will avoid spoilers. I'm not quite sure why the references were included though as we didn't really get to see events from the point of view of Smallhope and Pennyroyal it's mostly just a recounting or a brief mention of events. Maybe it was intended to show how the different timelines fit together but it felt like a wasted opportunity.

If you love the author's writing style full of characters that are witty, sarcastic and sometimes a little odd then this book could definitely be for you. The plot is encumbered a little by all the references to events in other books but still flies along pretty fast.

A book I liked but left me disappointed because I wanted to love it.