The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal cover art

The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal

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The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal

By: Jodi Taylor
Narrated by: Zara Ramm
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About this listen

From the globally bestselling author of the Chronicles of St Mary's series, a not-so-ladylike aristocrat meets the world's most unlikely butler, and together they bring a whole new meaning to partners-in-crime...

'Clever, funny and made my heart hurt in the best way' Stephanie Butland, bestselling author of Found in a Bookshop

Meet Lady Amelia Smallhope, for whom there is no problem that can't be solved by a drink and a think.

And Pennyroyal, for whom there is no problem. Ever.

Everyone's favourite time-travelling bounty hunters. Sorry - 'recovery agents'. No bad guy they can't handle. No expense account too flexible. No rule they cannot break.

As long as they're together, the world is their oyster. And they'll always have each other, right?

Fasten your seatbelts. The timeline doesn't know what's about to hit it.


©2024 Jodi Taylor (P)2024 Headline Publishing Group Limited Science Fiction Time Travel Funny Heartfelt Bounty Hunter
All stars
Most relevant
I have enjoyed the Time Police and St Mary’s stories but this is my favourite

Loved this

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It was great to get the back story of 2 of my favourite characters. As always a jovial fun filled romp looking forward to more Smallhope and Pennyroyal tales.

Closing the circle

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🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 “The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal” by Jodi Taylor - I absolutely LOVED this book! Jodi Taylor has outdone herself (again), and getting the origin and backstory of Smallhope and Pennyroyal was everything I didn’t know I needed.

This St Mary’s and Time Police spinoff is pure joy from start to finish – the origin story of everyone’s favourite time-travelling bounty hunters (or ‘recovery agents’ if we’re being official). It’s packed with sharp wit, outrageous adventures, and the kind of wild chaos only Taylor can deliver.

Lady Amelia Smallhope is brilliant – a not-so-ladylike aristocrat who can drink, think, and outsmart just about anyone. And Pennyroyal? Cool as ever. Together, they redefine partners-in-crime, breaking rules, bending timelines, and handling villains with flair.

The dynamic between these two is chef’s kiss. It’s fast, fun, and I laughed out loud more times than I can count. Their friendship (or whatever this fabulous, unholy alliance is) is the heart of the book – and honestly, I’d follow them anywhere through the space-time continuum.

Fasten your seatbelts. The timeline has no idea what’s coming.

If you’re a fan of St Mary’s or Time Police, this is a must-read. And if you’re new to Jodi Taylor’s universe, buckle up – it’s about to become your new obsession.

#JodiTaylor #TheBalladOfSmallhopeAndPennyroyal #StMarysChronicles #TimePolice #Bookstagram #BookReview #5Stars

Chaos, Time Travel, and Unholy Alliances – Jodi Taylor at Her Best!

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Maybe it’s just being able to work with a fresh set of characters and plot line, but Jodi has put together a fabulous plot, witty dialogue and characters you really feel aligned. Absolutely love this book, left us wanting more with hinting a great plot for the next book!

Surpassed all expectations!

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I loved the entire story and was sad when it ended. Filled in some gaps I didn’t know were there from Max and Markham’s adventures.

Great Characters.

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The story was out of the ordinary if a bit implausible. A pleasant enough listen but would I recommend it over the countless other books out there? Unsure.

Whimsical fiction, nicely narrated.

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Jodi has written yet another amazing book. It was wonderful to read about the beginning of Smallhope and Pennyroyal. I loved this book as I've loved all of Jodi's St Mary's books and the Time Police. Please keep them coming. Zara Ramm's narration is second to none as well.

Jodi you've done it again!

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As a long time Chronicles of Saint Mary’s enthusiast and a big fan of the duo that is Smallhope and Penny Royal, I was elated at the prospect of a tale centred around the pair. Taylor did not disappoint and it was fascinating to see their early history and discover how their ‘dream-team’ status arose. Though this was not quite as fast paced as much of her writing, Jodi nonetheless held me spellbound and kept me thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

I have only two small quasi-negatives to note; both of which may be more a ‘me’ problem than actual issues with the story itself. First off, as much as I love the characters of Smallhope and Penny Royal, Smallhope herself was perhaps a little bit too similar to Max. Sometimes I had to remind myself that the narrator was Amelia Smallhope not Madeline Maxwell. Though I have listened to all the books of St Mary’s to date at least 3 times so perhaps it is the fact that Zara Ramm is the same performer for both books that led to this being such a problem. Though I never had trouble listening to her perform the Time Police series (maybe because the protagonist is male in that one? I don’t know).

Lastly, I really wish that I had done a complete re-read of all the novels to date before enjoying this new release. I usually do, but there are so many Saint Mary’s books and I had only just finished a re-re-read a handful of months ago so I jumped right in. However, there were a few scenes from The Chronicles of Saint Mary’s retold from Smallhope’s POV in this text and I know I missed making some correct assumptions about what was going on. I look forward to one day doing it all again I order. I highly advise you to reread both The Chronicles of Saint Mary’s and The Time Police series before tackling this one.

A Fascinating Look at the Early Days of our Favourite Bounty Hunting Duo

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Narration is first class. The story does not disappoint and is hugely engaging. Well done

This is good

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I liked this book but the ending was a bit meh. the beginning is great

good but

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